Virginia L. Zabel, 82, of Sumner and formerly of Cedar Rapids, died Wednesday, February 21, 2018, at Unity Point Health/Allen Memorial Hospital in Waterloo surrounded by her loving family.
Services will be held 10:30 a.m. Monday, February 26, 2018, at St. John Lutheran Church-Spring Fountain of rural Sumner with Rev. George Volkert officiating. Inurnment will be at Lutheran Cemetery of Sumner Township. Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Sunday, February 25th at Becker-Milnes Funeral Home in Sumner and for one hour preceding services at the church on Monday. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family for later designation.
Virginia Lee, daughter of Walter and Martha (Braun) Kuepker was born August 21, 1935, in rural Sumner. She was baptized by Rev. E.L. Runge on September 8, 1935, and confirmed by Rev. Weiss on April 2, 1950, both at St. John Lutheran Church-Spring Fountain. Virginia received her education in the St. John Lutheran Church-Spring Fountain Parochial Schools. On May 3, 1958, she was united in marriage with Paul Zabel by Rev. J.D. Wangerin at St. John Lutheran Church-Spring Fountain. Virginia worked at the Polar Club and Ritz Café, both in Sumner, prior to working for many years as a Nurse’s Aide at Community Memorial Hospital in Sumner. In May of 1980, the couple moved to Cedar Rapids. While living there, she worked at Bishop’s Buffet, cleaned local businesses and residences, and worked at Hy-Vee as a food demonstrator. Paul’s death occurred on July 25, 2015. Virginia continued to live in Cedar Rapids until her recent move to Cobblestone Court Assisted Living in Sumner. Virginia was a long time member of St. John Lutheran Church-Spring Fountain and while living in Cedar Rapids was a member of Zion Lutheran Church. She enjoyed baking, crafts, embroidery, and traveling with her husband, but her greatest joy was her family.
Virginia is survived by her two children, Jerry Kuepker of Marion, Iowa and Sue (Roger) Bahe of Sumner; two grandchildren, Jonathan Bahe of Seattle, Washington and Kimberly (Curt) Mueller of Waverly, Iowa; and two great-grandsons, Isaac and Elijah Mueller.
In addition to her parents and husband, Paul, she was preceded in death by a brother, Phillip Kuepker; and sister, Lorraine Reay.
