Allen James Zerbel
November 16, 1929 - March 30, 2026
Obituary
MADISON - Allen James Zerbel, age 96, of Madison, passed away on Monday, March 30, 2026, at his home in Madison. He was born on November 16, 1929, in Madison, Wis., the son of Lewis and Doretta (Holzwarth) Zerbel. Allen graduated from Madison West High School in 1947. Allen joined the Air Guard in 1950 and served with the United States Air Force on active duty from February 1, 1951, to July 8, 1952, at Truax Field in Madison. He married Mary Bischoff on October 4, 1952, in Mount Vernon. They were married for 48 years. He married Thelma Bender on September 6, 2003. They were married for 15 years. Allen worked as a Mechanical Designer at Madison Kipp Corporation, Carnes Company, and Nicolet Instruments. He was awarded many patents in Mechanical Design.
He enjoyed woodworking, taking unusable junk and turning it into working condition, and operated Quality Sharpening Service for 30 years. He made his own toys as a child. Allen was a member of St. Stephen's Lutheran church for 70 years. He served on the usher team for many years.
Allen is survived by his sons, Jack (Marie) Zerbel and Gordon (Vicki) Zerbel; his daughter, Marjorie (Tom) Lindow; granddaughters, Katie (Jackson) Wynne and Emily (Mike Uthe) Zerbel; grandson, David (Katherine) Lindow; three great-grandchildren, Jackie and Morgan Wynne, and Price Lindow; sister-in-law, Ann Zerbel; step-sons, Gary (Dawn) Bender and Bruce Bender; three step-granddaughters, LeAnna, Allison and Astrid; step-grandsons, Neil and Theo; and many other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Mary; his second wife, Thelma; his sisters, Dorothy Heidner and Maxine Hermanson; and two brothers, Roland Zerbel and Harold Zerbel.
A funeral service will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 12 p.m. on Saturday, April 18, 2026, with the Rev. Elisa Brandt presiding. Luncheon will follow at the funeral home. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Saturday.
Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420