Irene Zabel

Irene Zabel of Lake Lotawana, MO passed away peacefully at the age of 98 in Albuquerque, NM on September 15, 2025. She was surrounded by her family Christa, Shelly and Leanne. 

Irene Zabel was born on April 19, 1927 in Lowry, MN. She moved to Kansas City, MO after high school where she met her husband Hal. Irene and Hal married in 1948 and had their only daughter, Dorothy, in 1951. They moved to Lake Lotawana in the early 1960s where Irene became an active member of the community. She was very involved in the Lake Lotawana Community United Methodist Church, Lake Lotawana Community Club, and the Optimist Club. Irene worked at Lake Lotawana City Hall and for the Lotawana Association for a combined 30 years. She was also an election poll worker for over 30 years.

Irene enjoyed visiting with friends and family. She loved adventures and always had great stories to share. She and Hal traveled to all 50 states. Irene was an avid reader of library books and always had the morning newspaper. She also enjoyed watching birds around her Lake Lotawana home.

Irene was preceded in death by her parents Christ and Emily Christenson; Husband Hal Zabel; Daughter Dorothy Wilson; Brother and Sister-in-law Charles and Theresa Christenson.

She is survived by her granddaughters and their spouses; Christa and David Allan, Shelly Wilson and Leanne Adell.

Irene’s wishes were to plant a tree in lieu of flowers. If you would like to plant a tree in her memory you can visit https://shop.arborday.org/commemorative

Services will be held at 11:00am on October 25, 2025 at Lake Lotawana Community United Methodist Church. 28901 NE Colbern Rd. Lake Lotawana, MO 64086.

Burial will follow the service at Memorial Park & Green Lawn Cemetery. 8251 Hillcrest Rd, Kansas City, MO 64138.