Zola Ann Klabunde

Zola Ann Klabunde passed away peacefully on May 16, 2025, at Ridgeview Memorial Hospital in Waconia, Minnesota, surrounded by her family. A public visitation will be held from 10:00 am until 11:00 am on Friday, May 23, 2025, at Sturm Funeral Home, Springfield Chapel. A private family service will be held at 11:00 am at the funeral home. Interment will be at Zion Lutheran Cemetery in Springfield. Arrangements are with Sturm Funeral Home in Springfield. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.sturmfh.com.

Zola was born on April 1, 1943, to Lolo and Evelyn (Riebe) Schneider in Le Sueur, Minnesota, where she also graduated from high school. On July 22, 1963, she married Tom Barron, and together they had two children, Sue and Jeff, who remained the center of her world.

Later, Zola met the love of her life, Dale Klabunde, and together they built a life full of laughter, loyalty, and deep devotion. They married on October 21, 1988, and spent their years side by side creating a home, a garden, and a rhythm of life that reflected their unshakable bond. Their yard was their masterpiece-colorful, meticulous, and full of life-just like the love they shared.

Zola and Dale played cribbage every single day, and let’s be honest-she played to win. Their daily card battles were a cornerstone of their relationship, filled with playful banter and just the right amount of competition. Zola was the kind of person who made everyday routines feel like rituals of connection.

Her love language was action. Whether it was keeping a spotless home, making sure supper was on the table, or quietly ensuring Dale had everything he needed for the day-Zola’s care was constant, thoughtful, and deeply felt. That same kind of unwavering love extended to her children. Through the good, the bad, and the messy parts of life, Zola showed up without judgment and without hesitation. If you were hers, you were loved-period.

She had a laugh that could fill a room and a knack for making fast friends anywhere she went, whether in a grocery line or at the casino. She adored her grandchildren and delighted in teaching them card games, slipping them treats, and sparking a little harmless mischief now and then. Zola also had a soft spot for anything with four legs and fur-if it needed love, she gave it.

Zola brought warmth, humor, and loyalty into every space she touched. She didn’t need a crowd-just her people-and she loved them hard and well. Her legacy is one of steady love, simple joys, and the kind of presence that never fades.

She is survived by her husband, Dale Klabunde of Chanhassen; children, Susan Barron of Willmar, Jeff (Krisie) Barron of New London, and Tim (Jody) Klabunde of Minnetonka; grandchildren, Maddy (Alex) Rulau of Denver, CO, Jack Klabunde of Minneapolis, Andy Charnley of New London, and Joe Charnley of Little Falls; and one great-grandchild, Grayson Charnley.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Lolo and Evelyn Schneider; her sister, Rosie (Jack) Smith; and many beloved pets.