Arva Jean Zabel, age 77, of Fennimore died on Monday Oct. 15, 2012 at Orchard Manor in Lancaster. Arva was born on Dec. 12, 1934 in Belvidere, IL the daughter of Wesley & Carolyn (Smith) Watkins. She was united in marriage to Clarence Zabel on March 14, 1953.
Arva lived for her family and her Lord. She believed in being the most loving and supportive mother and grandmother and demonstrated that love for her family everyday. Arva enjoyed adventures, traveling and going to museums, playing games, doing arts and crafts, sewing, crocheting, and sitting down to a great book. Arva Jean will be deeply missed by all of her family and friends.
Arva is survived by her six children; John Zabel of Prairie du Chien, Dave Zabel of The Dalles, OR, Carrie (Dev) Popple of Cameron, Rick Zabel of Cameron, Jane (Scott) Murphy of Freedom, Ruthann (Jim) Mergen of Glen Haven, thirteen grandchildren; Natalie, Josh, Justin Z., Jay, Jon, Lacey, Rob, Justin P., Scott, Kayla, Carl, Logan and Benjamin, five great grandchildren; Trenton, Taran, Landon, Jayce, and Ethan. She is also survived by her seven siblings; Bob (LaVonne) Watkins, Rick (Donna) Watkins, Wes (Dale) Watkins, Tom (Ginny) Watkins, Barb Statter, Elaine Watkins, Katie (Duane) Lammers and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Arva was preceded in death by her parents, son; Carl Zabel, a brother; Jim Watkins, and a sister; Karin Watkins.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Friday Oct. 19, 2012 at the Fennimore United Methodist Church in Fennimore with burial in the Fairwater Cemetery in Fairwater, WI. Rev. Duane Andrus will be officiating. A visitation will be held from 4-8:00 P.M. on Thursday Oct. 18, 2012 at the Larson Family Funeral Home in Fennimore and from 9:00 A.M. until time of service at the church on Friday morning.