William "Bill" Zabel

   William J. Zabel, 76 of Sioux City, IA, passed away Saturday February 17, 2018 at Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital in Omaha, NE

   William fondly known as Bill or BJ was born on April 12, 1941 in Pratt, KS to William and Winifred Zabel. He and his siblings helped run the family businesses from an early age in Omaha, NE where he spent most of his youth. He relocated to Sioux City, IA where he planted his roots for the remainder of his days. He attended classes at University of South Dakota, Briar Cliff College, and Western Iowa Tech where he received certification in Hydraulic Engineering.

   After much prayer and devotion Bill’s prayers for a loving wife were answered when he married Cheryl A. Zabel on July 25, 1981. Both desiring a family they began fostering children and eventually welcomed their daughter Christine in 1987. Always a hard worker, Bill took on multiple projects as well as his full time job in his desire to be a good provider. He retired at the age of 62 from Sara Lee Bakery but he continued to work on multiple projects until his last few months despite many health struggles. He spent his life advocating for the marginalized and vulnerable members of our society. Where there was an injustice, Bill’s voice could be heard speaking truth. In the 1960’s he spent time as a Freedom Rider for the Civil Rights Movement. He also prayed fiercely for the unborn and supported the Pro Life Movement. He was a proud member of the Knights of Columbus. Bill had an innate ability to see the good in others and would willingly sacrifice his own comfort to help them.  

   Bill is survived by his wife Cheryl, daughter Christine Quintanilla (Alex) and their two children, His siblings Judy, Mike, Jack (Peggy), and Sandy (Ed) as well as many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his in-laws Pat, Deb, Lori, Brad and Tim (Sharla) Kiley.

   He is preceded in death by his parents, his sister in law Juanita “Mickey” Zabel, brother in law Dave Cawthon, and his nephew Brian Slobotski, as well as many aunts and uncles.

   Visitation is set for February 22, 2018 from 4 pm to 8 pm with a prayer service at 7 pm. Family will be present from 6 pm to 8 pm at Meyer Brothers Colonial Chapel. Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday, February 23, 2018 at 10:30 am at Holy Cross- St. Michael Catholic Church, Sioux City. Burial to follow at Calvary Cemetery.