MADISON - Mark A. Zerbel, age 76, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 14, 2026.

Mark was born to Harold and Sada (Landsness) Zerbel on January 3, 1950. He graduated from Monona Grove High School in 1968. Mark was united in marriage to Jeanette Schwartz on September 25, 1971, in Rockton, Ill. He was a lifetime employee first with GTE and later Verizon, retiring with over 40 years of service.

Mark had many interests, most notably building and flying remote control airplanes, watching Nascar races, fishing, and traveling to 25 states and Canada.

Mark is survived by his wife of 54 years, Jeanette; brother, Steve Zerbel; brothers-and-sisters-in-law, Gerald (Judy) Schwartz, Jim (Phyllis) Schwartz, Shirley(Rod) Tufford, Richard (Gayle) Schwartz, Kenneth (Carolyn) Schwartz, Carol (Ken) Grittner, Tom Schwartz, Gary Schwartz, Stanley (Lynn) Schwartz and Jennifer (Steve) Jensen; nephew, Brad (Samantha) Zerbel; niece Tara (Jay) Capelle; and many other nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Sada Zerbel, parents-in-law, Jane and Melvin Schwartz; and sister-and- brother-in-law, Virginia and Craig Brisky.

A funeral service will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 12 noon on Saturday, January 31, 2026. Burial will take place at Roselawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 9 a.m. until the time of the service on Saturday.

Many thanks to the doctors and nursing staff at Saint Mary's Hospital for their care and compassion during Mark's stay. Words cannot express our gratitude for helping us through this difficult time. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420

Mark A Zerbel

January 03, 1950 - January 14, 2026

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