Obituary for Richard J. Zebell

Born on August 21st, 1937, to Werner and Margaret Zebell, Richard was born and raised in Portland, WI. Richard married the love of his life, Katherine Lord, on December 27th, 1961. He served in the National Guard for 7 years before going on active duty to Fort Lewis, Washington. Proudly serving in the 32nd Infantry Division during the Berlin Crisis. After serving, Richard and Katherine moved back to their home State to start their family.

Together Richard and Katherine had two sons, Daniel and James, raising their boys on the family farm created together in Rockland, WI. Family, faith, and farming were the backbone to their family. An avid hunter, fisherman and Nascar enthusiast. If he wasn't watching a race, you could find him playing cards or shaking dice with friends and family.

Richard is survived by his wife, Katherine of 63 years; his sons, Daniel (Lisa) Zebell and their children, Zach (Tess) Zebell, Leslie (Chris) Miller, Quinton (Miranda) Stello, and Trevor Stello and James Zebell and his children, Nichole (Chad) Jerome, Amber Zebell, Brandon (Stacy) Zebell, and Jeromy (Amy) Elam; 17 great-grandchildren; multiple siblings; sisters-in-law; brothers-in-law; nieces; and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Ray and Florence Lord and Agnes Lord; brothers, David and Jerry Zebell; as well as several aunts, uncles, cousins, and brother-in-law.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Tuesday, September 30th, 2025, at St. Teresa of Kolkata Parish in West Salem. Monsignor Jeffrey Burrill will celebrate the Mass. A visitation will be held at 9:30 a.m. until the time of Mass. To honor Richard’s proud service to our country, military honors will be rendered by the Anderson-Good American Legion Post 40 of Bangor and the United States Army Funeral Honor Guard.

The family would like to thank their neighbors Dave and Wanda for the past 25 years of love and care, always looking out for Richard and Katherine.

Online condolences may be offered at this site.