William Zubal

William J. Zubal of Boyd died peacefully Monday, December 2 with his children by his side.

He was born December 6, 1940, to William and Bessie (McElmurry) Zubal. He grew up in Huron and graduated from Stanley High School, where he was a member of the tumbling team and yearbook staff. In those days, he earned the nickname of "Hot Rod" for his driving abilities.

William (Bill) attended college in Eau Claire and was a member of the Army National Guard. On October 1, 1961, the Stanley National Guard, Battery A, was activated to be deployed to Fort Lewis, Washington in response to the Berlin Crisis. When Bill received the notice, he proposed to the love of his life, Evelyn Drace. Bill and Evey married October 7, 1961, days before he was deployed.

When Bill returned from Fort Lewis, he and Evey moved to Milwaukee where he worked for Harley Davidson. After several children, they moved to Boyd, WI to be close to family. Bill also worked at Presto, Uniroyal, and TTM. When Uniroyal closed, Bill went back to school and earned a degree in small engine repair.

He loved to work with his hands and to spend time in his garage. More importantly, he loved to help people and enjoyed getting to know them. He had many loyal customers and friends.

Bill was best known as a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. When he spoke of his sweet Evey, he would smile and say, "When you had the best, you don't need the rest." To his four children, he was a hero who could fix anything from a broken toy or car to a broken heart.

He was a proud yet humble man who led by example. He tried to instill in his children common sense and values, to be responsible and respectful, and to stand up for what is right. He shared life lessons and loving advice. To his grandchildren, he was Papa Bill. He was interested in all their activities and took great joy in celebrating their successes. He always had a Dove chocolate or a Werther's candy on hand.

To his friends & neighbors, he welcomed the opportunity to visit, to reminisce, and to share a joke or two.

Bill recently said, "It is not what you take with you but what you leave behind." He left a legacy of trying to make the world better one small act or person at a time. His awesomeness will be dearly missed.

Bill is survived by his children, Linda (Jim) Klapperich of Stanley, Brian (Jodi Ritsch) Zubal of Eau Claire, and Laurie (Dan) Fitzsimmons of Marathon, WI; his grandchildren, Jacob (Hillary) Fitzsimmons, Charles Zubal, Zachary (Chloe) Zubal, Brittney (Joshua) Langiewicz, Luke (Brianna) Fitzsimmons and Hunter Klapperich; and the precious ones who made him an even "greater" grandpa, Jace, Ben, Brett, Claire, Dax and Dane. Bill is also survived by his sister Beulah "Booty" Castro; niece Jennifer of Decatur, GA; and many other nieces, nephews, and loved ones.

He was preceded in death by his wife Evelyn, his son Jamie, his parents William and Bessie, and his in-laws Carl and Loretta Drace, as well as many other family members.

A service of Christian burial will take place at 6 p.m. on Monday, December 9 at the Plombon Funeral Home-Stanley with Deacon Ned Willkom officiating. Visitation will be from 4 p.m. until time of service. Inurnment will take place in the Huron Presbyterian Cemetery in the spring of '25. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Clark County Humane Society or other animal shelter or to the Stanley Historical Society.