Kenneth Joseph Zettel

Kenneth Joseph Zettel, age 91, passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 29, 2026, at his home in West Branch, Michigan. He was born to Donatus and Lucinda (Gildner) Zettel on July 17, 1935, in West Branch, a community that remained closely connected to his life and legacy.

Ken devoted much of his life to education and service. He graduated from Orchard Lake St. Mary’s High School and continued his studies, graduating from St. Paul College in Minnesota and Central Michigan University with a bachelor’s degree in teaching. He worked at St. Joseph Catholic School in West Branch, where he taught sixth, seventh, and eighth grade religion, reading, and English. During the summers, he worked in construction, reflecting a lifelong willingness to work hard and serve where needed.

A man of deep faith, Ken was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus #2022. He also served his parish as a lector and Eucharist minister. His dedication to his church extended beyond worship, as he was always helping others and took pride in helping fix the Catholic school and its grounds. Those who knew him will remember him as a caring and loving person whose generosity was shown in both word and deed.

Ken found joy in the simple and meaningful pleasures of life. He enjoyed gardening, reading, woodworking, cabinet making, volunteering with 4-H, and mowing his lawn. Above all, he loved his family and cherished the time he spent with them.

Ken is survived by his children, James (April) Zettel, Susanna (Mark) Mier, Dominic (Terry) Zettel, Daniel (Melinda) Zettel, Theodore (Melissa) Zettel, Eric (Angela) Zettel, Samuel (Laci) Zettel and Andrew (Sarah) Zettel; grandchildren, Steven (Sara) Zettel, Sara (Mike) Deyarmond, Emily (Kyle) Wangler, Seth Mier, Gabrielle (Evan) Alderton, Cameron Zettel, Dillon Zettel, Breanna (Jonathan) Moody, Adam Zettel, Aaron Zettel, Alec Zettel, Adrian Zettel, Alexis (Jon) Nemchak, Jacob (Phoenix) Zettel, Allison Zettel, Rebecca Zettel, Thomas Pruner, Cassandra Marshall, Tessa Marshall, Daniel Marshall, Abigail Marshall, Peyton Zettel, Kenzie Zettel, Sophie Zettel, and Grant Zettel; great grandchildren, Percy, Jerimiha, Annabelle, Faye, Jacob, Landyn, Emmerson, Kameryn, Blake, Lyla, Lillian, Lane, Atlas, Saphira, and Aurora.

He is also survived by his siblings, Yvonne Ostrander, Wayne (Mary) Zettel, and Jerome Zettel; sisters in law, Loretta Zettel and Betty Zettel; and many nieces, nephews, and extended family.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Kathleen “Kathy” Zettel; children, Susan, Steven, Baby Zettel, and Joseph; great grandson, Skyler Nemchak; his parents, Donatus and Lucinda Zettel; and by his siblings, Eugene Zettel, Genevieve Kruch, Alfred Zettel, Cecil Zettel, and Roseann Davis.

Visitation will begin at Steuernol & McLaren Funeral Home in West Branch on Sunday, November 1, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with a rosary at 3:00 p.m. The funeral service will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Church in West Branch on Monday, November 2, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. with visitation starting at 10:00 a.m. Fr. Al Pillarelli will officiate. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery.

Memorial contributions can be made to St. Joseph Catholic Church, St. Joseph Catholic School Endowment Fund, and Knights of Columbus #2022.

Ken’s life was marked by faith, hard work, kindness, and a steadfast commitment to others. He leaves behind the memory of a man who taught, served, built, and cared with a generous heart, and he will be remembered with love and gratitude.

Online condolences can be shared at www.steuernolmclaren.com