Arlene R. Zimpel-Bablick

Arlene R. Zimpel-Bablick, 100, of Fond du Lac, died on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at Harbor Haven in Fond du Lac. She was born on February 19, 1925, in Butternut, WI, the daughter of George D. and Clara A. Nelson Gerke. She was a graduate of Butternut High School. On October 9, 1943, she married Ted Zimpel in Centralia, Washington. Together they raised three daughters, while living mainly in Waukesha, Wisconsin. She worked in the office for many years at Waukesha Fruit Products/Eskimo Pie until retirement. Teddy passed away April 10, 1981. Mom was widowed for 20 years before marrying Charles Bablick of Park Falls, Wisconsin, on September 1, 2001. Together they lived in Park Falls for 16 years before he passed on March 14, 2017. She has resided with family in Fond du Lac since 2017. Arlene had a very strong Christian faith and prayer-filled life. Her greatest love and pleasure came from spending time with her family. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great and great-great grandmother. She enjoyed reading, loved card games (especially Euchre and Kings Corner), was very good with computer games, and in earlier years sewing and crocheting. She is survived by her children: Sharon (Mike) Ferge, Diana Hede, and Debra (Joe) Cali; her step-children: Dave (Ginny) Bablick, Denny (Luann) Bablick, and Mary (Jerry) Sarvor; seven grandchildren, eight step-grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren, 20 step-great grandchildren, one great great grandchild, three step-great great grandchildren; nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband’s Teddy and Charles, her siblings: Jeannie Dale, Clayton Gerke, and Glen Gerke; her grandson Chad Pettersen, son-in-law William Hede, brother and sisters-in-law: Jerry Dale, Shirley Gerke and Joan Gerke; aunts, uncles, and cousins. VISITATION: The family will greet friends and relatives from 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM on Thursday, May 29, 2025, at Prairie Home Cemetery 605 S. Prairie Ave, Waukesha, WI 53186. SERVICE: Funeral Service will be held at 12:30 PM at Prairie Home Cemetery, on Thursday, May 29, 2025, with Rev. Frank Janzow officiating. Burial to follow. A special thank you to the caring residents and the very kind, compassionate, and dedicated care given by the entire staff at Harbor Haven as well as SSM Hospice. In lieu of flowers, memorials/donations can be made to Ascension Lutheran Church in Waukesha, St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Park Falls, or the Fondy Food Pantry in Arlene’s name.

Arlene R. Zimpel-Bablick

February 19, 1925 - May 20, 2025