Michael Zehel

Michael Zehel, 37, of Lacey, WA, passed away on March 16, 2022, in Lacey, WA.

Michael was born on October 14, 1984, to Anthony and Gale (Kreuser) Zehel in Sheboygan. He was a 2003 graduate of Oostburg High School.

Michael was a man of immense sacrifice and dedication, serving his country in the U.S. Armed Forces since 2004.  He made it to the rank of Sergeant First Class (SFC) with the 82nd Airborne before becoming a Warrant Officer in 2017.  He was promoted to Chief Warrant Officer 2 (CW2) in 2018.  He served two tours in Iraq, one Korean tour, two Humanitarian tours (Hurricane Katrina and Haiti earthquake relief), and instructed at West Point.

In his free time, Michael enjoyed hunting, fishing, playing his guitar, and sharing a good story.

Above all, Michael cherished time with his family and friends. He was generous, caring, driven, and compassionate. He will be forever loved and always cherished.

Michael is survived by his children, Hannah Zehel and Hunter Zehel; mother, Gale Zehel; a brother, Justin (Leah) Zehel; two nieces and nephews, Tanner Zehel and Riley Zehel; aunts and uncles; Harry (Kathy) Kreuser, Lynn (William) Evans, Patricia (Don) Karl, Dawn (Garrat) VanWagenen, Pat Zehel, Debra (Jeff) Heidenreiter, Rob Zehel. He is further survived by many other beloved relatives and friends.

He is preceded in death by his father, Anthony Zehel, sisters, Jaime Zehel, Jessie Zehel, grandparents, Edwin & Jean Kreuser and Mary (DeWayne) Genske & Adolph Zehel; and uncle, Scott (Brenda) Zehel.

A funeral service and military honors to celebrate Michael’s life will be on Saturday, April 2, 2022, at 2pm at the Wenig Funeral Home in Oostburg.   Relatives and friends may call greet the family at the funeral home from 11am until the time of service at 2pm.

A livestream of the funeral service will take place at 2:00 pm on Saturday by visiting his obituary page at www.wenigfh.com .

Memorial contributions can be made in his name for the American Red Cross.

The staff of the Wenig Funeral Home of Oostburg (920-564-2771) is serving Michael’s family with arrangements.