Daniel G. Zabel

Daniel G. Zabel, age 75, of St. Croix Falls, WI, passed away surrounded by family on his 75th birthday, January 21, 2026, at Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis, MN.

Daniel was born on January 21, 1951 to parents Glen and Gladys (Billings) Zabel in Wabasha, Minnesota. He graduated from St. Croix Falls High School in 1969. He married Darlene (Kiefat) on July 1, 1978. Daniel worked as a machinist for most of his career, working at places in the area such as Kluge, Count Quality, and Nicholson Plastics.

Daniel loved rooting for the Packers. You could catch him sitting back, watching football games or the rodeo on tv. Daniel also loved being outdoors. Fishing, hunting, camping, snowmobiling, you name it. He enjoyed going to demolition derby's and ran in them for years. Daniel's biggest joy was spending time with his family. He would always do anything he could to help those important to him. He will be missed by all those who had the opportunity to know him.

Daniel leaves to celebrate his memory, his loving wife Darlene; daughter Melinda Kiefat; grandchildren, Jiobahn (Nicole Hoverman) Vanderpaardt, Dawson (Jackie Roper) Simon, Kallie (Joseph Hubbell) Simon and Cassandra (Daniel) Voght; great-grandchildren, Isaac Vanderpaardt, Sylvia and Alice Simon, Kaydence and Brantley Voght, and Lilly Hiland; brother Tarri "TJ" (Shelly); sister Sharon Asp; brother-in-law Gary Tucker; nephews, Jeremy(Rachel), Gary Jr, Mark, and Joey Tucker(Jenna), and also Johnny (Darcy), Kevin, and Brian (Tina) Hiland; and many other nephews, nieces, other loving family and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Lance, Randy and Scott; sisters-in-law, Linda Tucker, and Marilyn (John) Hiland; and brothers-in-law, Larry and Dale Kiefat.