Norbert Zarbok

Norbert Fredrick Zarbok, age 87, died December 24, 2010 at Peaceful Bliss Assisted Living in Alexandria, MN. Norbert was born March 26, 1923 in Parkers Prairie, MN to Emil C. and Esther (Zeismer) Zarbok, Jr. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Paul?s Lutheran Church West Miltona, MN. Norbert grew up on a farm near Forada, MN and the family later moved to a farm near Lake Miltona. Norbert was united in marriage to Genevieve Toft on September 17, 1950. The couple was blessed with two children, Judith Ann and Michael Alan. Norbert was a co-owner and operator in a trucking business for nine years out of Parkers Prairie. He and his family moved to St. Cloud, MN where he owned a milk delivery business being a milkman for Dairyland. Nine years later Norbert sold his milk routes and moved his family to Redwood Falls, MN. He and Gen owned and operated the Coast-to-Coast Hardware Store in Redwood Falls for sixteen years. They loved being able to work together, side-by-side. After their retirement Norbert and Gen enjoyed traveling together in their motor home to various destinations throughout the United States, Mexico and Canada. They spent twenty-two winters together in Mesa, AZ. In 2001 they moved to Alexandria, MN. Norbert?s faith was important to him. He served Redeemer Lutheran Church in St. Cloud as a deacon and as Superintendent of Sunday School. Norbert was also a Master Gardener; he took great pride in his yard work and gardening. He loved feeding and watching the birds in their yard; his hobby in later years was painting birdhouses and making each one unique. In his later years Norbert developed Alzheimer?s disease. Norb is fondly remembered for his sense of humor and quick wit. He is also remembered as a hard worker and for always having Gen at his side. Norbert is survived by his loving, devoted wife of sixty years, Genevieve Zarbok of Alexandria; daughter, Judith Ann Anderson and husband, Raymond, of Alexandria; son, Michael Zarbok of Hart Lake, MN; granddaughter, Alycen Sletto, sisters, Lorna Fiebranz, Darlene Rafteseth and husband, Kenneth, Myrdene Meyer and husband, Don; and his nieces and nephews. Norbert is preceded in death by his parents, Emil and Esther Zarbok, Jr.; and brothers-in-law, Arthur Fiebranz and Douglas Ost. A funeral service was held Monday, December 27, 2010 at Zion Lutheran Church in Alexandria. Reverend Terry Finnern, Reverend William Moeller and Reverend David Hinz officiated. Mertice Brueske provided music. Interment followed in St. Paul?s Lutheran Cemetery West Miltona. Casket bearers included Lawrence Gesell, Dale Rafteseth, Chet Saunders, Sam Toft, Warren Vanderwerf, Larry Zarbok and Milton Zarbok and. Honorary casket bearers included Don Hunt, Ernie Salmela, Lawrence Wilke and the Employees of Peaceful Bliss Assisted Living. Arrangements were with the Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria.