LeRoy Howard Zobel

Leroy Howard Zobel 85, of Salem Lakes, Wisconsin. Passed on to his eternal life on Friday, November 14, 2025. As his amazing caregivers (also known as his children) Bryan, Kaitlin, Jami, and Kristin. Stood by his bedside, coaching him onwards toward heaven. Sending with him, immeasurable love and grace, and a tiny piece of each of their hearts. Finding solace that Leroy will forever be blanketed in unconditional love and peace.

Born on March 14,1940 to the late Howard and Esther Zobel in Grand Rapids, Minnesota. As he aged, he began to embrace his vagabond spirit. Reaching towards the boundaries of Minnesota. Exploring horizons from Illinois to Arizona. He became known for never planting roots in one place too long, or owning a vehicle for longer than the warranty on it. Working as a sheet metal worker for MK Industries, he met the love of his life Brenda, and they were married on November 4, 1983. Prompting Leroy to hang up his "Casanova Crown' and settling in Wisconsin. Also allowing him to embrace his passion for racing. Along with his brother Gary, they spent endless hours under the hood, and on the track. It was one of the few places that Leroy felt, "alive". After his retirement in 2000, Leroy and Brenda relocated to Tennessee. However, a few short years later, his heart led him back to Wisconsin. It was here he felt the happiest, with his many friends and family, and of course Brenda. After her untimely passing in August of 2023, Leroy never had the desire to relocate again, staying in his home until his final breath. Leroy had a big heart and a kind soul. He was a "trickster" by nature, and no one was spared from his comical antics. His "witty" words either had you laughing extremely hard, or mad as hell. There was no in-between. There wasn't a soul on this earth, that he crossed paths with, that wasn't touched by him in some way. Leroy was loved, and will be missed by many.

Leroy is survived by his children:

Bryan (Kaitlin) Zobel, Jami (Kenneth) Mumford, Kristin Zobel, Wade (Luis Casavantes) Zobel, Vince (Monique) Zobel, Dani Zobel.

Leroy is also survived by his grandchildren:

Bentley Zobel, Jayce Laho, Meadow Zobel, Charlotte Zobel. Rikki (Anthony) Borke, Michael (Rabia) Rios, Blayke Mumford. Wade (Nicole) Bundy, Nicole (Robert) Stanley, Shane and Dylan Zobel. Clinton Thieme, and Tana Groat.

Leroy also is survived by 11 great grandchildren with another great grandbaby arriving in April of 2026.

Leroy was preceded in death by his parents, Howard and Esther Zobel. His brother (and best friend) and sister in law Gary and Patricia Zobel. His Parents in law, Lawrence and Kathryn Foster, His brother and sister in law, Dennis and Lillian Foster. His first wife Mary Jane "Toni" Audino. His Grandson Chayse James-Thomas Mumford. Last but definitely not least, the one, the only, his wife, Brenda Kay.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, November 19, 2025. From 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Joyful Spirit United Methodist Church. 36325 N. Maple Ave. Ingleside, IL.

Funeral services will follow at 12:00 P.m. at the church with Rev. Dr. Irene Taylor officiating.

Burial will follow at Wilmot Cemetery, in Wilmot Wisconsin (town of Randall).

A celebration of life will take place at The Fire Pitt

12417 Antioch Road 

Trevor, WI 53179 

Arrangements have been entrusted to:

Sambrano Funeral & Cremation, Gurnee, IL

Please sign the guestbook at:

LauraSambranoFunerals.com

1-847-571-7719

If you are planning on sending flowers, please make sure they go to the church.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of LeRoy Howard Zobel, please visit our floral store.