Lois V. Zabel

1938 - 2026

Watertown, WI - A strong woman of wisdom, grace, and dignity passed peacefully into her best life with Jesus, on January 18, 2026, having her husband by her side.

Lois Virginia Zabel was born on June 8, 1938, in Watertown, Wisconsin, to George and Adeline (Tessman) Erdmann.

Lois married Roland Zabel on September 28, 1957 in Waterloo, Wisconsin. They started their family farm in Watertown and were blessed with four daughters.

Lois found great joy in crocheting, cooking, gardening, canning, cooking delicious "made from scratch" meals and sharing many of her own recipes. Her favorite pastime was playing bingo, sheepshead, euchre and playing the slots. She particularly enjoyed the company of her dear friends and family. Her infectious sense of humor, coupled with her ability to create amusing facial expressions, were enjoyed by everyone she encountered.

Lois cherished her friendly dogs throughout her life, particularly her current fur-baby, Cuddles.

Lois is survived by her devoted husband of 68 years, Roland Zabel and their lovely children, Tami "Sophia" Zabel, Laurie (Jeff) Koellen, and Cheryl (Joe) Beck.

A wonderful blessing comes with 8 grandchildren including, Douglas, Shyleena, Holly, AJ (Tasha), Christa, Micah, Trisha (Sam), Katelyn (Justin) and Cheryl's fur-babies.

Even a bigger blessing comes from 18 great-grandchildren including Dianne, Junior, Jaxyn, Rylie, Jameson, Adessa, Frederick III, RJ, Jett, Lilly, Jackson, Samuel, Oliver, Emersyn, Hudson, KealyAnn, and Hadley.

Lois is also survived by her sister, Beverly Neal, and sister-in-law, Sally Erdmann, numerous nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents; her daughter, Christie; her twin brother, Lloyd; her siblings & brothers-in-law, Georgianne (Carl "Lefty"), Delores "Bobbie" (Phil), George, and Wally.

A memorial service will be held at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Watertown, Wisconsin, on Thursday, January 29, 2026, with Rev. Aaron Reseburg officiating starting at 11 a.m. Family and friends are invited to share stories & memories starting at 10 a.m. until the time of service at 11 a.m., then again during a luncheon that follows the service. Hafemeister Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Watertown is serving the family. Online condolences may be left at www.HafemeisterFH.com.

The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to all individuals who have contributed to Lois's care and livelihood, including but not limited to her primary care physician, oncologist, chiropractor specializing in functional medicine, home health care providers, Agrace Hospice, Senior Helpers, Visiting Angels, ADRC, ZBM, St. Mary's Hospital, all staff members, and especially to her daughters and husband.

Lois cherished each and every one of you, often expressing her appreciation.