Remembering warmly the many lazy summer days playing "slugger" with Lew at the old Bettendorf High School ball diamond. His home was just across the street.  Lew's mom and dad treated Lew's friends just like family.  There was such humor in that home!  In the many years that have passed since that time, I have enjoyed the  comfort of knowing that Lew was my brother's best friend.. a kind, generous, loyal, fun-loving, caring person... another brother of sorts.
   
To all of Lew's family and friends, please accept our deepest sympathy.
Mick and Ludi Beckenbaugh
  

Cathy and family,

We have a lot of great "Assessment days" memories of Lew. 
 All of you are in our thoughts and prayers.

Our deepest sympathy, 
Linda (former  Muscatine County Deputy Assessor)
and Mike Johnson

Our deepest sympathies to the family of Lew on his passing.  We knew Lew through the East Central District of Assessors and always saw him as a dedicated associate.  He was always polite and courteous and quite distinctive with his military style, flat-top hair cut.  At district and state meetings, PT often greeted Lew as Sergeant Carter.  That always brought a smile to his face and a chuckle throughout the Assessor group. 

I have known Lew for many years. I found him to be very friendly and funny. I considered him to be a friend. I asked him to serve on my program committee when I was ISAA President and he did his best and didn’t disappoint me. He helped make it the success it was. RIP!

I have very fond memories of Lew. He was a wonderful, kind, friendly person. I loved watching him bowl! The assessment profession will dearly miss him. 

My deepest sympathies.  My prayers are with you all.  May God wrap his loving arms around you and give you comfort and peace.

Lew had such an awesome spirit and a great sense of humor. He was the "cool" dad to have. Loved going to their house when Stacey and I were teenagers!  Always laughter around him!  Love him! He will be deeply missed by his family more than anyone can imagine. Much love and prayers to you Cathi, Stacey and family and Sean and family. 

Everyone is encouraged to wear Hawkeye attire to the visitation and funeral, to honor my dad!!! 


I met Lew at the bowling alley.  Andy asked me to come sub one night and you would have thought he knew me forever.  He was kind and very funny.  Will never forget that bowling season and how much fun bowling with him was.  RIP Lew.  Now you get to knock down those heavenly pins.  Till next time we meet, here’s to you.  Cheers

 Visitation

Funeral Service

Lester A. Zabel

Martha (Lightner) Zabel

Cathy (Bingham) Zabel

Stacey Zabel-Hudson

Sean Zabel

Ken Zabel

Rhonda Malito

Ted Zabel

Lew is also survived by his grandchildren: Alex, Cheyenne, Gage, Spencer, Emma and Josslyn; lifelong friends Dr. Wayne “Butch” and Lynn Carney, Ron and Elaine Beckenbaugh ; numerous nieces and nephews.

The Runge Mortuary & Crematory

Bob Malito

Craig Stiles

Andrew Hudson

Butch Carney

Ron Beckenbaugh

Lew Zabel

immediate need

Death has occurred or is near

plan ahead

Pre-plan a funeral or cremation

Plan a Funeral or Cremation Default Desktop

Find Obituaries and Services

Send Flowers

featured article

What to Say When Someone Dies

Show Your Support

sympathy and etiquette

grief library

celebrations of life

Sympathy and Grief

obituary

services

memories

Obit Detail

In the care of

share to facebook

share by email

share link

Share Obituary

ideas and resources

Sympathy and Grief Mobile

OBITUARY

Lew R. Zabel

December 2, 1947 – July 23, 2019

The Runge Mortuary & Crematory

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Updates

Services