Obituary of Norbert John Zirpel

Norbert John Zirpel, 93, Parkston, died Tuesday, September 19, 2023, at Avera Bormann Manor, Parkston, South Dakota.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, September 23, 2023 at Faith Lutheran Church, Parkston, with the Rev. Ryan Loeslie officiating. Burial will be in Parkston Protestant Cemetery, Parkston, with military honors.

Visitation will be from 5 – 7 p.m. with prayer service at 7 p.m. on Friday, September 22, 2023, at Faith Lutheran Church, Parkston.

Norbert J. Zirpel, the son of Gottfried and Gertrude (Gerlach) Zirpel, was born on November 13, 1929, and raised in Douglas County. He was baptized and confirmed by Rev.Hempel at Immanuel Lutheran Church, west of Dimock, SD.

He grew up on a farm and went to Lincoln #7 Country School after which he helped farm with his parents before and after World War II.

When the Korean War arose in 1950, he enlisted in the United States Air Force and served 4 years from July 10, 1951 - July 9, 1955. After basic training, he attended Aircraft and Engine Mechanics and B-29 Specialist Courses for 7 months in Wichita Falls, TX. After that, he attended Aircraft Electrical Specialist Course at Chanute Air Force Base in Illinois for 3 months. He was stationed at Sioux City Air Base the next 3 years, specializing as an Aircraft Electrical Mechanic and training on the F86-D fighter aircraft in El Segundo, CA, for 7 weeks during temporary duty. Norbert received an honorable discharge on July 9, 1955, with the rank of Staff Sergeant. He was very serious about his work in the Service as lives may depend on his workmanship.

Norbert served God his whole life. He helped build Faith Lutheran Church, held multiple offices, and taught Sunday School for several years. He participated in AAL/Thrivent activities and supported Mission Central and The Lutheran Hour Ministries.

He farmed around Parkston after his military service in 1955 and married Elaine Frey on June 30,1957 at Friedens Reformed Church in Tripp, SD. Together, they raised hogs and cattle and had laying hens and purchasedtheir first 3 pieces of farm machinery with the egg sale proceeds.

Norbert and Elaine purchased their farm 2 west and 2 1/2 miles south of Parkston on a contract for deed in 1964.  They hailed out the first year, dried out the second, and finally raised a crop the third year. It was through God's grace and their persistence that they were able to continue farming.Farming was a passion and way of life for Norbert. He loved farming and taking care of crops. Frequently, he drove around to check the fields and their progress. He also enjoyed taking care of livestock.

Norbert also sold Funk’s G Seed (30 years) and Archer Oil (50 years). He was a South Dakota Master Pork Producer in 1969.He enjoyed socializing with family and friends over a deck of cards (loved playing 66) and regularly played Arizona Aggravation.

Norbert and Elaine were married for over 55 years and raised seven children.  Survivors include his seven children: Charlotte (Gary Adamson),  Centerville, SD; David (Pamala) Zirpel, Sioux City, IA; Mark (Lori) Zirpel, Parkston, SD; Marjo (Roger Soukup), Lake Andes, SD; Bruce (Kara) Zirpel, Omaha, NE; Troy Zirpel, Maricopa, AZ; and Kayla (Rick Orr), St. Paul, MN; 20 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, and 7 great-great-grandchildren; his sisters: Rose Roth & Mary Ellen Mettenbrink; sisters-in-law: Darlene Holec & Luella Zirpel.

Preceding him in death are his parents, Gottfried and Gertrude Zirpel; wife Elaine; brothers: Leonard (Mary, Johnny & Lillian), Wilburt (Audrey), Erwin (Olinda), Elmer, and Harold (Virginia), and in-laws: Clifford Roth, Richard Mehlhaff, Harold Mettenbrink, Ray and Violet Thum, Elmer & Marlene Frey, Ernest & Marlene Frey, and William Wenzel & Marvin Holec; son-in-law Mark Proctor; grandson, Caleb; and 7 nieces & nephews.

Memorials would be preferred in lieu of flowers.