Rev. Michael J. Zuberbier

On December 3, 2022, the Lord Jesus called Rev. Michael Jon Zuberbier to heavenly glory. He was born on August 10, 1965, to Theodore and Marian Zuberbier, and made a child of God through the waters of Christian Baptism on August 21, 1965, at Bethany Lutheran Church in Manitowoc, WI by his grandfather Prof. T.W. Zuberbier. On May 6, 1979, he was confirmed in the Christian faith at Mt. Lebanon Church in Milwaukee, WI. He continued his Christian education at three Bible-based schools, which prepared him for pastoral ministry: Martin Luther Preparatory School in Prairie du Chien, WI, Northwestern College in Watertown, WI, and Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary in Mequon, WI. Reverend Zuberbier was ordained and installed at the dual parishes of St. John’s and Good Shepherd in Gladwin and Beaverton, MI where he served from 1991-1995. The other two congregations he served in his 31-year ministry were Emanuel in Tawas City, MI (1995-2006) and St. Peter’s in Fond du Lac, WI (2006-2022). Pastor Zuberbier was known for his knowledge of the Bible, his passion for the history of the Lutheran Reformation, his rock-solid reliability, his down to earth communication style, and his commanding presence tempered by a love for Jesus and the souls for which he died. On August 8, 1987, Michael married his high-school sweetheart Pamela (nee Schweitzer) at St. Paul’s in Fort Atkinson, WI. Over 35 years of marriage, they enjoyed raising three children, camping, traveling, and visiting grandchildren. In recent years, they especially enjoyed spending time on their farm property outside Manitowoc, WI. Often the family’s mood on Sunday afternoons in the Fall and Winter seasons depended on whether the Packers won. Michael enjoyed hunting, working on cars and boats, and finding a good deal. He made friends wherever he went and was always ready with a joke, no matter the situation. Nieces, nephews, family, and friends looked forward to whatever spontaneity and fun he would bring to an experience. His contagious laugh could lighten a mood. Michael’s large heart was filled with love for family and friends. Michael is survived by his parents Theodore and Marian, wife Pamela, children: Benjamin (Hannah, nee Freiberg) Zuberbier of Columbus, WI, Luther (Allie, nee Krueger) of Norfolk, NE, Mollie (Chris) Cooper of Chicago, IL; siblings: Charlotte (Wayne) Schoch of Zumbrota, MN, Karl (Patricia) Zuberbier of Kiel, WI, Thomas Zuberbier of Beaver Dam, WI, Kris (James) Schlevensky of Greenfield, WI; and grandchildren Theodore, Eloise, Jack, Raymond, Bonnie, May and June, along with two on the way! VISITATION will be at St. Peter’s Ev. Lutheran Church, 1600 South Main Street, Fond du Lac, on Thursday, December 8, 2022 from 4:00-8:00 PM and Friday, December 9, 2022 from 9:00-11:00 AM. SERVICE: Christian Funeral service will be held on Friday, December 9, 2022 at 11:00 AM at St. Peter's Ev. Lutheran Church, with Rev. Luke Boehringer and Prof. Keith Wessel officiating. Private family burial will be held at Zion Lutheran Church Cemetery, Kiel. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to St. Peter’s Lutheran Church (1600 S Main St., Fond du Lac, WI 54937; tinyurl.com/stpetersfdl) or the Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary Scholarship Fund (11831 N Seminary Dr, Mequon, WI 53092; tinyurl.com/wlsfund).

Rev. Michael J. Zuberbier

August 10, 1965 - December 3, 2022