Terry Joe Zirbel, age 61, of Iron Ridge, passed away at his home on Monday, December 29, 2025. A Funeral Service for Terry will be held on Saturday, January 3, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Stephen’s Ev. Lutheran Church in Horicon with Rev. Daniel Seehafer officiating. A visitation for Terry will be held atContinue Reading
Terry Joe Zirbel, age 61, of Iron Ridge, passed away at his home on Monday, December 29, 2025.
A Funeral Service for Terry will be held on Saturday, January 3, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Stephen’s Ev. Lutheran Church in Horicon with Rev. Daniel Seehafer officiating. A visitation for Terry will be held at church on Saturday, January 3, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow the service at Oak Hill Cemetery in Horicon.
Terry was born the son of Donald Sr. and Marlene (Bunkoske) Zirbel on April 11, 1964, in Beaver Dam. He was a member of St. Stephen’s Ev. Lutheran Church in Horicon.
Terry found peace and solitude in nature when he went camping. Summer was his favorite season, and he could often be found soaking in the beauty of the summer sunsets. Terry’s love of travel was reflected when he opened his home to 13 exchange students over the years. He welcomed each one into his home as family and formed lifelong bonds across different countries.
Terry had a big heart and was a softie especially for his dogs. He would spoil them and looked forward to seeing them. But more than anything, Terry loved his family. He would do anything for them and enjoyed when they visited.
Terry is survived by his siblings: Donald “Hunter” Zirbel Jr. of Juneau, Larry (Lori) Zirbel of Iron Ridge, Lois (Dan) Reinwald of Iron Ridge, Diana (Jeff) Soto of Iron Ridge, and Kim Zirbel of Iron Ridge; two brothers-in-law: Grover Cannon of Kiel and Norbert Hanni Jr. of Mayville; his God-child Makayla Nickel as well as many dear nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.
Terry was preceded in death by his parents; his sisters Linda Hanni and Dale Ann Zirbel; his sister-in-law Dianne Zirbel; great-nephew Thomas Reinwald; and great-niece Nicole Cannon.
Memorials in Terry’s honor may be directed to St. Stephen’s Ev. Lutheran Church in Horicon or the Dodge County Humane Society.
Tobi Schulte to brinke
left a message on January 6, 2026:
I will always remember him as a funny and caring person, and especially for his great sense of humor. He often made me laugh, and those memories will stay with me. I feel very grateful that I had the chance to know him and be part of your family for that time.
Oscar Adams
left a message on January 3, 2026:
It hurts to hear that Terry passed away, he was my host dad last year and made me feel at home from day one. Terry made last year one to remember forever, may he rest in peace.🕊
Joan Case
left a message on January 2, 2026:
I am so sorry to learn of this passing .
He certainly has earned his wings
Rest in Peace
Joan Case
Horicon
Sue Spurgin
left a message on January 1, 2026:
I am so sorry to hear of Terry's passing. He was a kind and friendly neighbor; always made time to talk and joke a bit while walking the dog through the neighborhood.
Noah Denger
left a message on January 1, 2026:
I’m Noah Denger, a host son of Terry during 2019/2020,
and I’m incredibly grateful that I had the chance to meet Terry Zirbel — both as a person and as a host dad.
He was a truly kind and friendly man who always had a joke ready and could make everyone smile.
Terry and Kim cared so deeply about us. To this day, that year remains the best year of my life.
This picture captures a beautiful moment before homecoming, but we shared so many more memories — and they will stay with me forever.
I will never forget what you and Kim did for me.
Rest in peace, Terry.
Your host son,
Noah
Fern Pautz
left a message on December 31, 2025:
So sorry to hear Terri Passed away. He was a fun guy and the trips he organized were always fun.
Esteban, Sophie, Alexandre and Simon
left a message on December 31, 2025:
Gerald and Lorraine Beal
left a message on December 31, 2025:
SO SORRY TO HEAAR OF TERRY'S PASSING. ALWAYS ENJOYED HIM AT THE CAMPGROUNDS OVER THE YEARS. CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY.
Your condolence may need to be approved before it appears on this page. It may not appear immediately once submitted.
Tobi Schulte to brinke
left a message on January 6, 2026:
I will always remember him as a funny and caring person, and especially for his great sense of humor. He often made me laugh, and those memories will stay with me. I feel very grateful that I had the chance to know him and be part of your family for that time.
Oscar Adams
left a message on January 3, 2026:
It hurts to hear that Terry passed away, he was my host dad last year and made me feel at home from day one. Terry made last year one to remember forever, may he rest in peace.🕊
Joan Case
left a message on January 2, 2026:
I am so sorry to learn of this passing .
He certainly has earned his wings
Rest in Peace
Joan Case
Horicon
Sue Spurgin
left a message on January 1, 2026:
I am so sorry to hear of Terry's passing. He was a kind and friendly neighbor; always made time to talk and joke a bit while walking the dog through the neighborhood.
Noah Denger
left a message on January 1, 2026:
I’m Noah Denger, a host son of Terry during 2019/2020,
and I’m incredibly grateful that I had the chance to meet Terry Zirbel — both as a person and as a host dad.
He was a truly kind and friendly man who always had a joke ready and could make everyone smile.
Terry and Kim cared so deeply about us. To this day, that year remains the best year of my life.
This picture captures a beautiful moment before homecoming, but we shared so many more memories — and they will stay with me forever.
I will never forget what you and Kim did for me.
Rest in peace, Terry.
Your host son,
Noah
Fern Pautz
left a message on December 31, 2025:
So sorry to hear Terri Passed away. He was a fun guy and the trips he organized were always fun.
Esteban, Sophie, Alexandre and Simon
left a message on December 31, 2025:
Gerald and Lorraine Beal
left a message on December 31, 2025:
SO SORRY TO HEAAR OF TERRY'S PASSING. ALWAYS ENJOYED HIM AT THE CAMPGROUNDS OVER THE YEARS. CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY.
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