Eldon Carl Zabel

Eldon Carl Zabel, 84, Wheaton, KS passed away Tuesday, September 6, 2016 at Community Healthcare in Onaga, KS. On November 29, 1931 Eldon was born at his family farm near Wheaton to John and Nellie (McClellan) Zabel. Eldon graduated from Westmoreland High School in 1950. He worked on the farm for many years before driving a truck for Moorman Manufacturing and Nelson Poultry. On January 20, 1951 he was united in marriage with Dorothy Rollenhagen in Wamego, KS. She survives of the home. Eldon loved to go fishing. He often incorporated family events with fishing in his farm ponds, and teaching his children and grandchildren to fish. Eldon always put his family first. He was an avid reader and loved visiting with folks, especially those along his truck routes. Eldon was a member of the FFA Alumni Association, Dairy Farmers of America (formerly Mid-American Dairymen), Dairy Heard Improvement Association, Westy Saddle Club, and St. Luke Lutheran Church. He also enjoyed watching his children’s athletic events and was a fan of the Kansas City Royals and Kansas City Chiefs. He is also survived by his three children: Doug (Ruby) Zabel, Allan Zabel, and Mina (Lance) Grutzmacher, all of Westmoreland, KS; seven grandchildren: Marshal Zabel, Jarod Zabel, Audra Pendleton, Nicole Duggan, Lisa Deweese, Mitchel Grutzmacher, and Gina Roberts; fifteen great-grandchildren; a sister: Anna Marie Tanner, Westmoreland, KS; and a sister-in-law: Dorothy Marie Zabel. He is preceded in death by a brother: Wayne Zabel; a sister: Alvina Hause; three brother-in-laws: Sylvester Hause, Lewis Taylor, and Harold Tanner; a grandchild: Tyler Zabel; and a great-grandchild: Emma Grutzmacher. Funeral services will be held Saturday, September 10th, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. at the Stewart Funeral Home of Wamego, with burial following in Westmoreland City Cemetery. A visitation will take place starting one hour before the service. In lieu of flowers, the family has suggested memorials to the St. Luke Lutheran Church or the Alzheimer’s Association, and may be left in care of the Stewart Funeral Home of Wamego, PO Box 48, 66547.