Brett Eric Zabel, born January 25, 1972, passed away on January 4, 2021 after suffering an aneurysm the day before. Preceded in death by his father Fred Zabel, brother Brian Zabel and 2nd father Don Younguist. Survived by his mother, Karen Youngquist; wife Melissa (Missy) and daughters Sydney, Zoe and Brittany; brother Bob Zabel and wife Jen; sister Amanda Cain and husband Andy; sister AbbaGail Landero Ramirez and husband Gerardo, nieces and nephews; and many friends. Brett loved to travel and worked in the travel industry after graduating from St. Cloud State University. In the travel industry he met Missy, and they married on a clifftop in northern California. They shared their love of travel all their lives, and when Sydney and then Zoe joined them, they enjoyed many family adventures on cruises, in tropical destinations and other amazing adventures. When they weren't traveling, Brett enjoyed cheering on his girls whether that be at swimming, skating, basketball, softball or other endeavors. Brett enjoyed teaching his girls how to navigate life, especially all the 'dad stuff' like how to check the oil and to mow the lawn with perfect diagonal lines as well as his specialty – maintaining the world’s cleanest house and garage. Brett formed many lifelong friendships having grown up in the Chaska and Minnetonka school districts. A master organizer, Brett planned many a weekend camping trip and VRBO cabin rental with groups of close friends. We are left with countless memories of fun weekends that were made possible, and easy, due to his meticulous planning (and even spreadsheets assigning the parents their meal and the kids their dishes responsibilities). We only wish he'd cooperated more with pictures instead of insisting on being the photographer so often. Brett was a master prankster and he made us laugh until our bellies hurt. He loved to run and frequently organized his friends into weekend running trips. The number of running bibs and medals hanging at the house is amazing, and he completed Grandma’s Marathon and the Whistlestop Marathon. Brett was kind and generous, frequently making and sharing his smoked pulled pork and other delicacies. In his memory and in his honor, his family, friends and neighbors gather around Missy and the girls now to support them through this time. We are so incredibly sad to lose Brett, but we take some comfort in the thought of the many worried families who got the call this week that their loved ones' lives would be saved through Brett's gift of organ donation. We imagine, months from now, those families reveling in their loved one's newfound health while they also wonder where that new devilish trickster streak came from. We encourage you to visit Kudoboard https://www.kudoboard.com/boards/GymhP68X and share your pictures and memories of Brett. Our gratitude to the Waconia Ridgeview EMTs and hospital staff, Abbott Northwestern, and LifeSource for their kind and compassionate care of Brett, Missy and the girls. Private memorial Service Sunday (1/17) at Huber Funeral Home, 16394 Glory Lane, Eden Prairie, public visitation from 1-4:00 PM.In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to LifeSource, www.life-source.org.
Huber Funeral & Cremation Services
Eden Prairie Chapel 952-949-4970