Melvin B. Ziebarth (Mel), 87, passed away at his home in Minneapolis on March 1, 2023. Mel was born on March 28, 1935, in the bedroom of a Winsted farmhouse. He was the second of three boys and as a youngster worked setting pins in a bowling alley. At the tender age of 6, Mel worked on a farm looking after more than 30 cows and caring for four horses named Tom, Jerry, King and Queen.
As a young man, he spent time with his buddies fishing and swimming at Lake Mary near Winsted. In 1954, he graduated from Holy Trinity High School, where he excelled in math and science.
Mel served in the U.S. Army, 145th Combat Aviation Battalion, during the Cold War. In the Army, Mel and his Company built a floating bridge across the Danube River in just two weeks. He later had a successful and enjoyable career as a machinist, retiring from General Mills after working in the Cheerios factory for many years.
Mel was a humble, kind, generous man who was beloved by many, many friends. He had numerous hobbies, including gardening, model trains, designing stained glass creations, and renovating his home.
He cherished his family and is preceded in death by his wife, Joan (Shovelin) Ziebarth of Glencoe, and leaving behind three children: Jane Ziebarth Overby, Darin Ziebarth (Kari), and Eric Ziebarth (Sehri) as well as four grandchildren, Sam, Gus, Riley, and Kiran. His family will be eternally grateful for the care he received by Park Nicollet Methodist Hospice.
There will be a graveside service at Holy Trinity Cemetery in the spring.
Chilson Funeral Home, Winsted assisted the family with funeral arrangements.