Kenneth Zirbes

Kenneth H. "Ken" Zirbes, age 75 of Albany died Thursday, June 30, 2005 at the St. Cloud Hospital.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday, July 5 at Seven Dolors Catholic Church in Albany with Rev. Corwin Collins, OSB officiating. Entombment will follow in the parish cemetery.

Friends may call Monday from 4 to 8 p.m. and Tuesday from 10 to 11 a.m. in the gathering hall at Seven Dolors Catholic Church. American Legion Post 482 will pray at 6 p.m. followed by parish prayers at 7 p.m.

Kenneth Zirbes was born September 12, 1929 in Melrose, Minnesota to Leo and Amanda (Rose) Zirbes. He entered the Marine Corp in January of 1952 and was united in marriage to Jane Athmann on June 28, 1952 at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Melrose. Kenneth was then stationed at Camp Pendleton, CA and then in August of 1953 in Japan. He taught and coached at Clarissa and Holdingford High School. In September of 1956 the couple moved to Albany where he taught and coached at the high school and later began counseling before retiring in 1984. After retirement, Ken was self employed with woodworking until 2000. He enjoyed golfing, fishing and spending time at the lake. He was a member of Seven Dolors Catholic Church, American Legion Post 428 in Albany, Minnesota Teacher's Association and the AARP.

Survivors include his wife, Jane Zirbes of Albany; children, Glen Zirbes and his wife, Celeste of Silver Lake and Jill Schaefer and her husband, Tim of St. Martin; grandchildren, Beth, Katie and Maggie Zirbes and Mike Feldewerd.

Kenneth was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Ron and one infant brother; and nephews, Terry Zirbes and Kenneth Williams.

Serving as casket bearers will be Cliff Zirbes, Leo Zirbes, Pete Herges, Mike Feldewerd, Dennis Stalberger and Don Brever. Cross bearer will be Beth Zirbes and scripture bearer will be Ralph Sauer. Honorary bearers will be Elmer Kohorst, Richard Wolf, Ervin Stangler, John Rose, Tony Schulzetenberg and Richard Schiffler.