John Zibell 1952-2018
John Douglas Zibell Sr., 66, of Holton, entered into eternal life on Wednesday, Oct. 17, 2018, as a result of a construction accident.
He was born May 10, 1952, in Holton, the son of Gus Junior and Bessie Emma (Roller) Zibell.
He graduated from Holton High School in 1970 and has been a lifelong member of the community. After school he helped on the family farm and worked for Strader Drilling for a short time. In the early ‘80s he started Zibell Construction, which he owned and operated for many years. By trade, he was a “master carpenter of rough carpentry.”
He was an active member of Evangel United Methodist Church, serving on the Fixing by Faith team, part of the God’s Mix Sunday School Class, member of the choir, and in previous years was the janitor for the church. He was a former board member of Nueva Vida Ministry, Forest Park camp and retreat center and former youth leader.
John enjoyed working on projects for Habitat for Humanity, the Americorps Kids mentoring program and anything that allowed him to work with his hands to serve or assist those in need. Along with this, hobbies included chainsaw carving, traveling, an ongoing quest for knowledge, wine making, riding his motorcycle, jammin’ out to classic rock, baking, camping, spending time with his family and friends and playing the guitar.
He was united in marriage to Stacy McKinney on Aug. 18, 2018. John and Stacy had a very special bond and love for one another, which grew stronger over their long courtship from neighbors to husband and wife.
Survivors include his wife, Stacy Zibell (Sarah & Luis) (Emily) (Val), of the home; Melanie Gibson, the mother of his children - sons, John Zibell Jr. (Sarah) of Holton and Joey Zibell (Tammi) of Baldwin City; a daughter, Jennifer Zibell (Ryan Farringer) of Wichita; a sister, Mary Longren (Paul) of Westmoreland; a brother, Marlin Zibell (Betsy) of Holton; and 5 grandchildren, Gillian, Lauren, Zoey, Milo and Grace.
He was preceded in death by his parents Gus and Bessie, wife Sarah (Bullard) Zibell and grandson Ian Zibell.
John Zibell will be remembered as a faithful servant to the Lord, a kind and generous man, an unconditionally loving and wonderful father, devoted husband, “Papa,” beloved brother, “Uncle John,” trusted neighbor and dear friend.
Celebration of Life memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 25 at Evangel United Methodist Church in Holton. Family will greet friends from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday at Mercer Funeral Home in Holton.
Memorials may be given to the Forest Park Retreat Center, sent in care of Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 270, Holton, KS 66436. To leave a special message for the family, please visit www.mercerfuneralhomes.com
(PAID OBITUARY)
