Ziebol, Paul of Fenton Mo. passed away on Saturday, February 8. He attended Bethany Lutheran Grade School and Lutheran High School, where he excelled in football, basketball and baseball. He worked at Ted Drewes Frozen Custard for seven years. One of his highlights was his induction into Ted Drewes Hall of Fame in 1996. In the summer of 1960 he started dating Kathy Steinbach, who was one of the carhops. During this time he was a student at Southeast Missouri State where he received a football scholarship. He received a Bachelor’s degree in Education in May, 1963. He and Kathy were married on August 3, 1963 prior to his teaching and coaching position at Berkeley High School. After teaching for four years he was drafted into the United States Army and served a tour of duty in VietNam. After he returned from there, he resumed his teaching position and also attended Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and obtained his Master’s degree + 30 hours in Education. In 1980 he took a job teaching and coaching at Hillsboro School District from which he retired in 2005.
When he was teaching at Hillsboro Middle School, he held Bible studies each day before classes began. This culminated in his being asked to help a small country church in Hillsboro named Glade Chapel. They met the first Sunday afternoon of the month and Paul had been their lay minister for over 43 years. His last service there was the Sunday before he became ill. We are so thankful that God called us into this ministry.
In his younger years he loved playing organized slow pitch softball and in his most recent years he enjoyed playing golf and volunteering at Christ Memorial Lutheran Church Fitness Center. But most of all he loved coaching kids, trying to make them the best they could be. He had gotten phone calls from some of these students telling him how much they appreciated the way he lived his Christian life on and off the field.
He loved “going to church” and even talked about that as his goal when he was ill. He loved being in God’s house with God’s people. Some have referred to where he sat as “Coach’s Corner.” He loved St. Mark’s and the music ministry. Toward the end of his life here on earth he found great comfort in Psalm 23:4 “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”
Paul is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Kathy Ziebol; daughter Gretchen Fox; grandchildren Caleb Fox, Hannah Fox, Elijah Fox, and Morgan Ziebol; one great grandchild Greyson Fox; brother Philip (Marty) Ziebol; sisters-in-law Doris Linhorst and Marlene Steinbach; brother-in-law Bill Boeser; and many nieces and nephews and dear friends. He was preceded in death by a son Murphy Ziebol; parents Philip and Evelyn Ziebol; parents-in-law Harry and Tillie Steinbach; sisters Nadine Bacott, Lois Parkinson, Gail Swope, and Judy Boeser; brother Jim Ziebol; and brothers-in-law Ken Linhorst and Harvey Steinbach.
Visitation will be at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church on March 1 from 9:00-11:00 with a memorial service at 11:00. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to St. Mark’s Lutheran Church.
Coach Z left an amazing legacy! I played for him nearly 25 years ago. He was an amazing coach and even more amazing man. He will be missed by many.
He is the reason I gave my heart to Jesus, and I’m started now my 24th year of ministry… Thanks Coach Z for the example you gave me…
Roger Strange
Mr.Ziebol was my 8th grade science teacher at Hillsboro Jr. high and I will always remember one day when he was really frustrated w all of us, he sighed, put his head in his hands & said, “my mom was right, she said I should have been a plumber. All you need to know to be a plumber is shit rolls downhill and you get paid on Tuesdays.” — HILARIOUS! RIP Mr. Z
One of my all time favorite teachers and personalities. I’m saddened to hear of his passing. The world is short one exceptionally bright star. Love to all his family and friends. I hope he lives on in all the best stories.
We became next door neighbors to Paul and Kathy nineteen years ago. We are no longer there, but we’re very blessed to have been neighbors and friends. Paul and Kathy were wonderful neighborss and always upbeat and encouraging. Paul even attended some of our son’s football games to cheer him on. We will keep Kathy, Eli, and the family in our prayers.
Coach Z was awesome! Reese’s pieces man. My deepest condolences to his family
He was one of my favorite High School Football ball coaches. I never heard a foul word out of his mouth even when we were down, only crud if that counts. What a great mentor and strong man of Christ. He will be deeply missed. May God bless your family until you meet again. Gods speed coach Ziebol.
Coach Ziebol was an amazing man! Our joke was he kicked me out of his class when they had to start a new one because we had too many students! He and his wife were friends with my parents, so I was able to see them after graduation. He will truly be missed but remembered so very well and with love 💘
Coach was my teacher and football coach. He was a big part of who I am today, he was instrumental in helping me to play football at Southeast Missouri. I went on to teach and coach for 30 years, because of his tremendous influence. He was great role model and well respected man.
He was a class act. He was my track coach and right before the 400 at conference, he said, “Lizurd, break this record, already”. After doing so, he didn’t seem to mind when I jumped in the middle of him for the biggest hug ever. Later on, as his assistant track coach, I learned so much. Especially all the ways to use the word “crud”. RIP big man.
One of my most favorite teachers. Loved every minute in his class. Prayers and condolences to the family.
I coached Football with Paul at Berkeley High School 1971-1979. He was a class act. One of the finest men I’ve ever known. He will be missed by many.
Kathy, I am so sad to learn of Paul’s death…we had such good times and how I remember the wonderful church activities at Beautiful Savior. I often wondered where you had moved after Hillsboro and how you two were. Aimee and her husband live in Denver area…I am in Estes Park still. Robin lives in Edgar Springs, Mo. My husband, Earl, died 5 years ago…Would love to hear from you.
PAUL AND I BOTH ATTENDED BETHANY LUTHERAN SCHOOL AND LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOL CENTRAL DURING WHICH TIME WE WERE GOOD FRIENDS. KATHY MAY GOD’S PEACE BE WITH YOUR FAMILY AS YOU CELEBRATE PAUL’S LIFE.
Which St Marks Lutheran location will the service be held.
Karen, it’s St. Mark’s Lutheran in Eureka – 500 Meramec Blvd. If you need any other info, please let me know.
Kathy
Paul was teaching football to me up until he was ill. I spent more Super Bowls with him & Kathy than I can count. He was the kindest man and never had a bad thought for anyone. He will be missed.