Irene M. Zobel, 89, passed away Tuesday, September 27, 2016 at Box Butte General Hospital in Alliance.
She was born June 20, 1927 in Stuttgart, Germany to Erich and Anna (Lohrman) Janz.
She received her education in Germany. She worked for R. Bosch during WWII. After the end of the WWII she worked for the American Government. Irene was married to Phillip A. Zobel in Stuttgart on Oct 24, 1947. She moved to Alliance in 1950. She was employed at Box Butte Public Employees FCU for 18 years. Irene was a proud member of the United Methodist Church, Eagle’s Auxiliary, RSVP, and a past member of the Firemen’s Auxiliary. She loved the outdoors and was forever thankful to her family for taking her on many beautiful trips in our country and Europe. She also loved to look for fossils, geodes, and arrowheads and was an avid bird watcher.
Phil and Irene were the parents of six children: Linda (Jim) Vance of Gering, NE; Helga (Craig) Nicholson of Rapid City, SD; Renee (Mark) Donner of Park Falls, WI; Wayne (Pat) Zobel of Alliance, NE; Alan Zobel of Greeley, CO; and Tim Zobel (Kathirina Pedesco) of Omaha, NE.
Irene is also survived by fourteen grandchildren: Andrea Nicholson of Omaha, NE; Heidi (Aaron) Brooks of Omaha, NE; Cheryl (Russ) Anderson of Hyannis, NE; Jen (Paul) Beichert of Rhinebeck, NY; Christy (Tabby) Bolen of Corydon, IN; Janet Bolen of Alliance, NE; Nicholas (Lara) Rockwell of Highlands Ranch, CO; Katie Rockwell of Two Harbors, MN; Matthew Donner of Rice Lake, WI; Lisa Donner of North Hollywood, CA; Geoff Zobel of Omaha, NE; Laura Zobel (Mark Brower) of Omaha, NE; Heather Zobel and Bayley Zobel of Greeley, CO. Fourteen great-grandchildren also survive her: Dallas, Logan, and Kylan Brooks; Mackenzie and Rudi Anderson; Thomas and Katie Beichert; Carson Cecil; Devon, Mariah, and Isiah Stewart; Rebecca Rockwell; Cali and Luna Brower. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
Irene dearly loved all of her family and she loved being the best grandma. She will be deeply missed.
Irene was preceded in death by her husband in 1991, her parents and other relatives.
Memorial services will be held Monday, Oct 3, 2016 at the United Methodist Church in Alliance, NE with Pastor Gideon Achi officiating. Inurnment will be at the Alliance Cemetery.
Memorials may be given to the United Methodist Women or the Alliance Fire Department.
Online condolences may be left at www.batesgould.com with Bates-Gould Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.