Emma Jean Zabel

Emma Jean Zabel, age 80 passed peacefully at the Collier Hospice Center in Wheat Ridge Colorado on June 19, 2025. 

Emma graduated from Peru High school in Peru, Indiana. She married the love of her life in November of 1962. She and her husband August F Zabel, who preceded her in death, are survived by their four children - Nathaniel Mark of Ft Worth TX, Deborah Jean of Olathe KS, Stephanie Gay of Westminster CO and Stephen Ray of Thornton CO. Emma is also survived by 8 grandchildren- Megan Davies, Jessica Woods, Nicholas Zabel, Christopher Woods, Jason Woods, Alexandra Zabel, Marissa Zabel and Matthew Zabel. She is also survived by two great grandchildren- John August and Parker James. 

Emma worked in the government most of her career, retiring in 2007 as a financial management assistant. Emma enjoyed sewing for her children and grandchildren, cooking and baking. After her retirement she found her passion and purpose in fostering pups in need; saving well over 100 precious lives. 

Funeral services will take place at 10:00am on Monday, July 7, 2025 from the chapel of Horan and McConaty, 7577 W 80th Ave, Arvada CO 80003 with a reception immediately afterwards. Private burial, for immediate family, will be held at Ft Logan later that day.

 Flowers can be sent to Horan & McConaty 7577 W 80th Ave, Arvada, CO 80003. In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made in Emma’s memory to Bounce Animal Rescue of Ft Collins, at bounceanimalrescue.org