Delmer "Keel" Zinnel

Delmer “Keel” Zinnel, 88, of Dakota City, passed away unexpectedly on Monday evening, February 24, 2025 at his home in Dakota City.

Keel was born December 22, 1936 in Humboldt County, the son of Herbert and Dorothy (Ulrich) Zinnel. He was raised in the Humboldt area and attended Humboldt Schools graduating in 1955. He enlisted in the United States Army and was stationed in Germany. During his enlistment, he was united in marriage to Marlene McFarland on August 30, 1958. Together the couple lived on base in Germany where two of their 4 sons were born before returning to the Humboldt area following Keel’s discharge. Upon returning to Iowa, Keel began working in the meat cutting industry, working at various establishments before beginning his career at Hormel. The couple raised their family in Humboldt where 2 more sons were born. It was during this time that Keel continued his military career by enlisting in the Iowa National Guard. During his tenure at Hormel, Keel worked in Fort Dodge, Texas and Algona before retiring from Hormel after 33 years. Keel also retired from the Iowa National Guard after 20 years of service. Keel served as a Boy Scout Leader, He also enjoyed following his grandchildren’s sporting and music activities, fishing and cutting wood. In his later years you could find him most afternoons “at work” playing cards at the VFW in Dakota City. After 56 years of marriage, Keel’s wife, Marlene passed away. Keel later married Joann (Umstead) Elberg on June 28, 2017. 

Keel is survived by his wife Joann of Dakota City, sons: Keel (Anne) Zinnel of Humboldt, Keith (Beverly) Zinnel of Bode, Kenneth (Julie) Zinnel of Fort Dodge and Kevin (Carole) Zinnel of Humboldt, his daughter Robin (Kevin) Olson of Thor; Stepsons; Marty (Susie) Elberg, Jon Elberg: Grandchildren; Curt, Mike, Randi, Arnie, Andy, Alex, John, Teresa, Stacy, Travis, Ashley, Jordan, Taylor C., Kaden & Taylor E., several great-grandchildren and his sister Zulah Humpal of Humboldt, as well as numerous nieces & nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Marlene, daughter-in-law Bonita Zinnel, brothers Elmer and Herbert Jr. and his sisters; Virginia, Darlene, Cynthia and Velma.

A Memorial Gathering will be held on Monday, March 3rd from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Zion Lutheran Church in Humboldt. A Prayer Service will follow at 7:00 p.m. at the church. Private burial with military rites will be held in Union Cemetery, Humboldt for immediate family. The Mason-Lindhart Funeral & Cremation Service of Humboldt is in charge of the arrangements. www.masonlindhart.com