Zumbach, Albert

Albert Zumbach, 86, died early Thursday morning at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, following a sudden illness. Funeral services will be held 11 Tuesday morning, Dec. 15, 2009, at Peace Lutheran Church, Ryan, with interment in Oakwood Cemetery, Monticello. Friends may call from 4 until 8 p.m. Monday at Goettsch Funeral Home, Monticello.

Thoughts, memories and condolences may be left at www.goettschonline.com

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established.

Surviving are his wife of 63 years, Betty; five children, Alan of Anamosa, Galen of Creston, Gloria (Noel) McCormick of Prairie Du Sac, Wis., Aaron (Deb) of Anamosa and Eldon (Chris) of Belle Plaine; 12 grandchildren and one great-granddaughter.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Daryl in 1985; and three brothers, Karl, Earl and Ervin.

Albert Junior Zumbach was born Oct. 20, 1923. in Hazel Green Township, Delaware County, Iowa. He was the son of Albert and Lena Messerli Zumbach. He received his education in the rural schools near his home. Albert started his life's work of farming on the Zumbach family farm at an early age. Albert Zumbach and Betty Kehrli were married Oct. 27, 1946, at Peace Lutheran Church. The couple farmed on the Zumbach family farm until they retired and moved to Monticello in 2007. He maintained his connection with the farm by continuing his hobby of collecting antique tractors.

Albert was a loving man and a kind father. He truly loved and enjoyed his family.

Albert along with his wife, Betty, kept busy following the many activities of their children and grandchildren. Albert was proud of his Swiss heritage and broadened this international relationship by hosting his relatives from Switzerland many times. Albert and Betty were able to further this relationship by traveling to Switzerland in 1980 and 1998, visiting the very farm where the Zumbach name originated.

Among many other activities enjoyed, Albert loved snowmobiling in the woods of Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula with his wife Betty and their many friends. Albert was a lifelong member of Peace Lutheran Church, serving in many church offices. He was also a Hazel Green Township Trustee for many years.

He touched many lives and will be dearly missed.