Albert J. "Al" Ziebell

Albert J. "Al" Ziebell took his most beautiful flight, with angels as his co-pilots, on October 10, 2011. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, mentor, and friend who enriched the lives of all who were blessed to know him. Al was the essence of gentleness, love, strength, and humility.

Born on December 5, 1915, in Oshkosh, to Harvey and Helen ( Frank) Ziebell, Al married Willetta Mae James in 1940 and together they raised six children. Survivors are his daughter, Mary (Rick) Bowman of Oshkosh; two sons, John (Donna) Ziebell of Winneconne, and Jim Ziebell of Cobb, California; and two daughters-in-law, Connie Ziebell and Peggy Ziebell. He is further survived by 15 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren. Preceding Al in death is his wife; three sons, Mike Ziebell, Pete Ziebell, and Jeff Ziebell; his parents; and two brothers, Hubert and Ralph Ziebell.

Al attended Oshkosh Public Schools, as well as the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh. In his early years, he worked for the Leach Company. In 1946, Al went to work for SNC manufacturing, where he worked for over 50 years. He retired from SNC as Vice-President of Methods and Equipment. An engineer and inventor, Al was well respected in his field for ingenuity and ability to fix anything and everything.

Hunting, Fishing, and all types of boating were among Al's pleasures. He passed on the joys and skills of these hobbies to his children and many others along the way. But, his real passion was for flying. His absolute joy in life was giving a kid (or adult) their very first plane ride. It was even better if it was in his seaplane! Al was a long time member of EAA and co-founded the Vette Seaplane Base in 1949. There, he volunteered endless hours and made life-long friends from all over the United States and Canada.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, October 14, 2011, at 3:00 p.m. in Seefeld Family of Funeral Chapels, 1025 Oregon Street, with Father Luke Ferris officiating. A time of visiting and sharing of memories will be held on Friday from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. at the funeral chapel. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Al's memory may be given to the Alzheimer's Foundation of America, American Heart Association, or a charity of your choice…or simply do something kind for someone in honor and remembrance of Al.

A special note of thanks to the Park View Health Center aides and nurses for their kindness and loving care shown to Al. Please visit www.seefeldfuneral.com to send online condolences to the family.

I love you, Granpda. I'll always remember your ear and nose wiggling as well as flying with you in your sea plane and riding in the back of your van, rolling around on the bed with the curves in the road.