Elke Martha Anni Zabel

Elke M. Zabel (née Pauer), age 82, of Menomonee Falls, WI, passed away peacefully on January 29, 2026, after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer, surrounded by her loving family. 

Elke was born on February 22, 1943, in Hamburg, Germany, to the late Hermann and Hertha Pauer. After beginning her career in International Business, Mom, at the age of 23, along with her best friend, Uschi, traveled to the United States, arriving in Milwaukee. It was there that she met Hartmut at church, fell in love, married, started a family, and made the U.S. her lifelong home.  

Elke cherished her family above all else and found great joy in caring for her children and grandchildren. She loved being outdoors (especially in Door County and Northern Wisconsin), fishing (catch & release only), sitting in the sun, reading her books, feeding her birds, and admiring her flowers.

Her youthful spirit carried her through many adventures, including treasured trips to Houston to visit Stephanie and her family. Elke had a deep love for her family and loved nothing more than laughing at and with her family. She was a beloved mother, Oma, sister (and sister-in-law), and a dear friend.

Her kindness, humor and bright smile brought warmth and laughter into many family gatherings.

Elke entered God’s loving arms on January 29, 2026. She is preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, Hartmut Zabel, whom she missed dearly. 

She is the loving Mom of Erik (Monica) Zabel, Stephanie (Tony) Stamos, Andrea Zabel (Craig Foster), and Mark (Kimberly) Zabel; and the proud Oma of Alex, Maria, Lukas, Isaak, Madeline, Elena, Sam, Chloe, and Ethan. 

She is also preceded in death by her brother, Udo (Christina) Pauer.  She is further loved by her brothers– and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, extended family, and other dear friends.

Elke will be deeply missed, and her love and laughter will live on in all who knew her.

A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, February 10th, 2026 at Ridgewood Church, 2720 Lilly Road, Brookfield, Wisconsin. Visitation will take place from 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM, with the Service to follow at 6:00 PM. Burial will be held at Sunnyside Cemetery in Lannon.  

Any memorial donations may be directed to Ridgewood Church, White Cross Ministry.