Edward M. Zubke Jr.

1935 - 2025

Watertown, WI - Edward Martin Zubke, Jr., age 89, of Watertown, passed away on Saturday, February 8, 2025, at Rainbow Hospice Inpatient Center, surrounded by his loving family.

Edward was born at home in Lebanon on October 19, 1935, the son of Edward Sr. and Ida (née Wagner) Zubke. He was reborn in Holy Baptism on November 1, 1935. He attended Immanuel Lutheran School in Lebanon and was confirmed on April 10, 1949, at Immanuel Lutheran Church. His confirmation Bible verse was Psalm 46:1: "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble."

On November 4, 1967, he married the love of his life, Shirley Wineland, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Lebanon. They spent 57 years together.

Edward worked at Watertown Tableslide Company for 35 years, where he was a welder and a foreman. He was also a part-time janitor at Plattdeutscher Hall.

Edward was a member of St. Mark's Lutheran Church, where he served as an usher, greeter, member of the Worship Committee, and member of the Cemetery Board. He was a charter and former member of the Lebanon Lions Club, a 63-year member of the Lebanon Fire Department, a 49-year member of the Lebanon Band, and President, Vice-President, Secretary, and Trustee of Plattdeutscher-Verein. He was an honorary member and former Second-Secretary of Turners, an election worker for the City of Watertown, a member of the Watertown Parade Committee, a member of the Lebanon Park Board, Treasurer of Union Local 3187, and President and Vice-President of the Watertown Safety Council.

Edward was an avid Vikings and Yankees fan. In his younger years, he enjoyed playing softball and served as a pitcher and manager for 15 years. He also enjoyed bowling. He loved polka music and attended many dances throughout his lifetime.

Edward is survived by his wife of 57 years, Shirley; sons, Dale (Dawn) Zubke and Dean (Karrie) Zubke; stepsons, Kenneth (Rosemary) Chwala and Patrick (Holly) Chwala, all of Watertown; six grandchildren, Ashley (Andy) Moll, Joshua, Noah (Erin), Adam, Brianna, and Madison Zubke; numerous step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren; two step-great-great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Sue Zubke and Margaret Dieter; brothers-in-law, Arnold Fischer and Donald (Lynn) Wineland; as well as nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Edward was preceded in death by his parents, Edward Sr. and Ida Zubke; his parents-in-law; his brother, Earl; his stepson, Michael (Karen) Chwala; his brother-in-law, Fred Dieter; his sister-in-law, Ellen Fischer; and special friends, Dick and Mary Savatski.

Funeral services for Edward Zubke will take place on Thursday, February 13, 2025, at St. Mark's Lutheran Church at 11 a.m., with Rev. Peter Wells officiating. Family and friends may pay their respects at the church from 9 a.m. until the time of service at 11 a.m. Burial will be in Pilgrim's Rest Cemetery in Lebanon.

The family would like to give special thanks to the staff of Rainbow Hospice and Aurora Hospice.

Memorials may be directed to St. Mark's Lutheran Church, Rainbow Hospice, Aurora Hospice, or the charity of one's choice.

Hafemeister Funeral Home and Cremation Service is serving the family. Online condolences may be made at www.hafemeisterfh.com.