Leonard Walter Zabel

A Determined Man.

Leonard lived his life to the fullest alongside family and friends, while he farmed, and enjoyed his hobbies, which included raising and judging hogs, playing, and coaching sports, and playing cards.

Leonard peacefully left his legacy here on Earth on July 9th, 2023.

He was born July 14th, 1938, to Walter and Helena Zabel.

He graduated from Prairie du Chien High School in 1956, where he was competitive in basketball and football.  He also was an active member in FFA.

He met Mary Lou Severson in high school, and they married on September 20, 1958.  Together they bought the family farm from James and Louise Fisher, Mary Lou’s grandparents, and continued the purebred Chester White hog genetics and operation, and later added the purebred Hampshire line to their herd.

Jointly, they had 4 girls: Kathy, Sharon, Susie, and Sara. Leonard and Mary Lou continued their enthusiasm with their children by incorporating farming and ball into their daily lives.  Leonard and his family sold purebred Chester White and Hampshire hogs nationally and internationally, and determinedly competed in many fairs and shows.  Many awards lined the walls and shelves of their home from all his hard work.  Among these awards were the 1973 Outstanding Young Farmer, 1989 Wisconsin Top Hampshire Recorder, 2000 Wisconsin Pork Producers Masterseed Stock Award.

Throughout his life, Leonard enjoyed playing and watching sports, where his passion led him to start the first girls’ softball program at Seneca High School in 1975.  He later was awarded the Eastman Softball Hall of Fame and the Southwest Wisconsin Hall of Fame for his many years of playing ball and strong dedication to continuing the fastpitch sport.  Leonard was a member of the Pork Producers, School Board, and National Guard. 

Leonard is survived by his daughters, Kathy Kautza, Sharon (Mike) Trussoni, and Susie (Todd) Myers; Grandchildren, Matt (Sarah)Kautza, Daren Trussoni, Dan (Amanda) Kautza, Kevin (Erika) Trussoni and Karli Myers;  Great Grandchildren, Adalynn, Tenley, Saylor, Rhett and Holland; Brother and Sisters, Art (Lena) Zabel, Harvey Zabel, Helen (Jon Turnquist) Zabel; Brother in Law Larry (Sharee) Severson; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Leonard is preceded in death by Sara Zabel (child), Mary Lou Zabel (wife), Larry Kautza (son in law), Linda Zabel (sister-in-law), Connie Catrona (sister-in-law), Walter and Helena Zabel (parents), Vernon and Mary Esther Severson (father and mother-in-law).  

Services will be held Friday, July 14th, 2023, at the Salem United Methodist Church in Eastman, Wisconsin. Visitation will be 10am-Noon, with funeral services at noon.  Burial immediately following the service at the National Cemetery in Eastman, with lunch at Gatherings on the Ridge for those interested in joining in the celebration of his life. Military honors will be accorded graveside. 

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