Eagan, Minn.: Francis John “Fran” Zirbel, age 59, of Eagan, passed away peacefully on February 16, 2011, surrounded by his loving family.
He was preceded in death by his parents, William Zirbel & Charlotte Englebert Zirbel.
He is survived by Brenda, his loving wife of 39 years, and his children, Justin (Maren) & Jenna Zirbel, grandchildren, Renna, Ella & Maya, sisters, Gloria (Charles) Boulais & Julie Odynski, brothers, William Robert (Suzanne) & James (Kathy) Zirbel, and many other devoted relatives & friends.
Fran was born December 22, 1951, in Green Bay, WI. When he was a young boy, his family moved to Aberdeen, SD. He graduated in 1969 from Aberdeen Central High School, Aberdeen, South Dakota. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy and was stationed in San Diego, CA, from 1971-75, serving as a class E5 radioman.
He married Brenda Jane Rea in Aberdeen, South Dakota, on December 22, 1971. After his honorable discharge from the Navy, he and Brenda returned to Aberdeen where he graduated from Northern State College in 1977. Their son, Justin, was born November 21, 1977, and daughter Jenna followed on September 30, 1985. Fran worked for many years as a manager at Cabinets Universal in Aberdeen, South Dakota.
In 1986, the family moved to Eagan, MN. Fran worked at Cabinetree before starting his own design and remodeling business, Cabinets Etc. of Burnsville in 1989. For 20 years, Fran took great pride in designing and building beautiful kitchens, bathrooms, and other areas of the home, not only creating functional living spaces, but creating areas where families come together. For many people, he started as their kitchen designer and ended up as their friend. Fran loved to hunt and fish, especially alongside his son, brothers, father and friends. He delighted in his three granddaughters and spending time with his family, especially up north by the lake. He loved to tell jokes, help anyone in need, and bring laughter to the world. His quick wit and generous heart will be immensely missed by all who knew and loved him.
Fran lived fully with and courageously fought lung cancer the last 20 months of his life.
Fran's funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, February 19, at Peace Church, 2180 Glory Drive, Eagan, MN.
Visitation will be held from 5-8 p.m. on Friday, February 18, at White Funeral Home, 12804 Nicollet Ave. South in Burnsville, and also one hour prior to the service at the church.
Interment will be at Fort Snelling National Cemetery on Tuesday, February 22, at 11:30 a.m.
