Kenneth Zabel

Kenneth A. Zabel of Sherwood OR passed away peacefully of natural causes March 30th, 2026.

Born in July of 1930 he was four months shy of his 96th birthday. Ken was born in Falls Creek Township, Michigan on July 28th, 1930. He had a normal childhood until he contracted polio when he was 11. Although he recovered by about his 14th birthday, polio affected the rest of his life to some degree.

After moving to La Jolla, CA with his family he met Helen Elaine Chadwell at a church youth group, they were married in 1952. Ken was drafted and served in the US Army at Fort Sill, OK. where his first son was born. After his honorable discharge he and Helen moved back to San Diego where son number 2 was born. He was called by the Lord to enter the ministry where he attended the Lutheran Seminary in St. Paul MN. He had his first congregation in Goodyear, AZ where son #3 was born and went on to serve in parishes in Palm Desert, CA and then San Carlos, CA. He and Helen move to Milwaukie, Oregon in 1991 after their retirements. Ken was active at Milwaukie Lutheran Church for many years and made and enjoyed so many friends there. Ken moved to Sherwood in 2020 where he lived at The Springs at Sherwood until his death. Helen preceded him in death in May of 2014.

He is survived by his three sons Daniel (Susan) of Dundee, OR. Douglas (Debbie) of Redwood City, CA. and Timothy (Sharon) of Valley Springs, CA. He is also survived by his four grandchildren, his four great granddaughters, two step grandchildren and one step great granddaughter, numerous nephews and nieces scattered throughout the country. Ken's celebration of life will be held at Saint Paul Lutheran Church Sherwood, OR 1:00 PM June 6th, 2026, any gifts in his name would be welcome at worldvision.org