Hubert Zirbes

Hubert H. Zirbes, age 85 of Sauk Centre, died peacefully surrounded by his family Wednesday, April 23, 2008 at St. Michael's Hospital in Sauk Centre, Minnesota.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 26 at St. Paul's Catholic Church in Sauk Centre. Rev. Todd Schneider will officiate with interment following in the parish cemetery.

Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday and 8 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the Patton-Schad Funeral Home in Sauk Centre. Parish prayers will be at 5:15 p.m. followed by St. Paul's Catholic Aid and Knights of Columbus at 7:30 p.m. Friday evening at the funeral home.

Hubert Zirbes was born September 29, 1922 in Melrose, Minnesota to Joseph and Clara (Petermeier) Zirbes. On September 26, 1944 he married Mildred "Millie" Nathe in Melrose, Minnesota. The couple farmed east of Sauk Centre and for the past eleven years had resided in Sauk Centre. He was a member of St. Paul's Catholic Church, St. Paul's Catholic Aid, and Bishop Busch Council 4863 Knights of Columbus.Hubert was the last founding member of Cascade Retreat, Inc. of Grand Marais and had served as a director of Community Oil, later Central Minnesota Cooperative (CMC), for over 40 years. He had also served on the Stearns County Planning and Zoning Commission, was a member of the Stearns County National Farmers Organization (NFO), and had served as president for many Democratic caucuses.Hubert enjoyed deer and elk hunting, discussing politics, and took great pride in his family farm.

Survivors include three children, Michael (Vonnie) Zirbes of Sauk Centre, Judy (Robert) Berscheid of Grey Eagle, and Mark Zirbes of St. Cloud; seven grandchildren, Paula (Brad) Chapulis of Worthington, Chad (Bobbi) Zirbes and Eric Zirbes, both of Melrose, Brian (Justine) Zirbes of Crystal, Nicholas Berscheid of St. Cloud, Benjamin Berscheid of Moorhead, and Robert Berscheid, Jr. of Minneapolis; eight great grandchildren, Vincent, Jordan, Rebecca, Carter, and Axel Zirbes, Gabrielle and Violet Chapulis, and Makayla Zirbes; two sisters, Louise (Oscar) Bromen of Sauk Centre and Sr. Mary Zirbes, OSF of St. Cloud; sister-in-law, Sally Zirbes of Sauk Centre.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Millie Zirbes on October 9, 2004; sister, Mary Jane Porwoll; brothers, Fr. Ervin Zirbes and Alcuin Zirbes.

Serving as casket bearers will Chad, Eric, and Brian Zirbes, Paula Chapulis, Nicholas and Benny Berscheid, and Robert Berscheid, Jr. Cross bearer will be Vincent Zirbes and scripture bearer will be Jordan Zirbes. Carrying Grandpa's memories will be Rebecca, Carter and Axel Zirbes, Gabrielle and Violet Chapulis, and Makayla Zirbes.