Duane “Butch” Zabel, age 88 of Clintonville passed away Sunday, October 10, 2021 at his home.
Duane Donald Zabel was born on December 10, 1932 in Clintonville to Herman and Hazel (Zimmerman) Zabel. He graduated from Clintonville High School in 1950. Butch entered the U.S. Marine Corps right after high school and he earned two years of technical college credits while in the service. Over Butch’s 30-year career, he served in active duty in both Korea and Vietnam, retiring in 1980. Butch was united in marriage in 1954 to Donna Malueg in Caroline and she preceded him in death in the 1980s. He married again in 1985 to Barbara Shallman in Clintonville and the couple had many good years together until she passed away in 2002.
Butch was so proud to be a Life Member of the VFW Post 664, the American Legion Post 63, and the Vietnam Veterans of America. He was also a Life Member of “The Honor Degree of the VFW – Military Order of the Cootie”. Butch supported the Clintonville Veterans Memorial and helped with countless other veteran’s projects and activities. He was the commander of the local Military Honors Gun Salute Team for many years. Butch was a longtime member of Clintonville United Methodist Church. He served several terms with the Clintonville City Council. He was a Life Fellowship Member at the Clintonville Family Moose Lodge 1502. Butch volunteered for many years with the Goodfellows, the Eagles Club, and the Waupaca County Handicapped Assoc. In his spare time, he often enjoyed the outdoors, whether it was ice fishing or deer hunting. Butch was sometimes strong willed, but he had a heart of gold. He will be remembered most for his sharp sense of humor and helping countless folks in the area with whatever they needed.
Survivors include one sister-in-law, Marcy Zabel; close friends, Harry and Sandy Hamilton and Nancy and Bob Ebelt; and other relatives and good friends. Butch was preceded in death by both wives; a daughter, Sheryl Schreiber; two sisters, Willadeen (Earl) Much and Ramona (Ken) Oltrogge; and two brothers, Archie and Rod Zabel.
Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday, October 13th at 11:00 a.m. at Beil-Didier Funeral Home, Clintonville. Rev. Diana Ziegler will officiate and burial will follow at Graceland Cemetery, Clintonville. Military Honors will be provided at the cemetery by members of the VFW Post 664, American Legion Post 63, DAV Chapter 53, and American Legion Auxiliary Unit 63, all of Clintonville. Visitation will be on Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. until time of service at the funeral home. Please go to www.beil-didier.com to sign the online guestbook or to send a card.