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Clyde H. Zerbel

Clyde H. Zerbel

MARQUETTE, MI – Clyde Henry Zerbel, age 94, of Marquette, entered eternal life Thursday afternoon, September 10, 2020, at Trillium Hospice House, in the loving, comforting care of his family, Trillium and Lake Superior Hospice staff.

Born July 2, 1926, in Marquette, a son of Clarence and Ruth (Fitzgerald) Zerbel, Clyde was raised in Marquette and was a graduate of Graveraet High School. He enlisted in the military, serving in the Army Air Corps during World War II. Following his honorable discharge, Clyde returned to Marquette and began a long career with the Lake Superior and Ishpeming Railroad. He started as a dock agent and retired as a paymaster following over 40 years of service to the company. When Clyde returned from serving in the Army Air Corps, he received his private pilot’s license and enjoyed flying private planes for many years. Clyde married the love of his life, Dorothy Brown, on December 4, 1954. Clyde and Dorothy established their home and raised three wonderful boys. He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed all that nature had to offer. He loved hunting, fishing, trapping, and going to camp with his buddies. In earlier years, Clyde was very active as a scoutmaster, teaching outdoor skills and mentoring in the sports of hunting and fishing. He instilled in many youth the qualities and values that would last a lifetime. He also found time to coach Junior Hockey and coached his team to the 1976 Midget State Championship. Clyde was an active member of the Masonic Lodge and 32nd Degree Mason, and member of Jopling Post 44 of the American Legion. Upon retirement Clyde and Dorothy took up golf and were a proud members of the Marquette Golf Club for over 20 years. They spent many sunny afternoons playing golf with friends and family.

Survivors include his three sons, David (Patty) Zerbel, Scott (Nancy) Zerbel and Roger Zerbel all of Marquette; four grandchildren, Jessica Zerbel, Samantha (Fred) Saigh, Hannah (Derek Kletzka) Zerbel, and Alex Zerbel; a great-grandson, Bennett Michael Kletzka; his sister-in-law, Sally Swanson, his nephew, George (Kathy) Swanson; his niece, Julie (Dan) Liberty; and special friend, Julie Genore of Marquette. Clyde was preceeded in death by his parents, and his wife of 57 years, Dorothy in 2011.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Jacobetti Home for Veterans Activity Fund, 425 Fisher Street, Marquette, MI 49855 or Trillium Hospice House, 1144 Northland Drive, Marquette, MI 49855.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services is serving the family, where condolences may be expressed online at fassbenderswansonhansen.com