Barbara Jean Kloppenburg Fabel

Barbara Jean Kloppenburg Fabel, (née Zurawski), 83, passed away on April 18, 2026, in Wausau, WI. She was born October 4, 1942, in Stevens Point, WI, to the late Chester Zurawski and Virginia Clayton Zurawski.

Barb attended Stevens Point area schools, graduating in 1960 from P.J. Jacobs High School-a place where she formed treasured friendships that would last her entire lifetime. After graduation, she enrolled at the University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point where, with a desire to teach math, she earned a degree in education.

She worked briefly as a schoolteacher in Stevens Point before she moved to Wausau and focused on raising her daughters, Sue and Jane Kloppenburg. Once both girls were in school, Barb re-entered the workforce at Wausau Insurance, where she spent over two decades in various roles. Her professional journey then led her to the Twin Cities to work for Parade of Homes magazine before eventually returning to the Wausau area, where she forged a new career path at Wausau Financial.

In 1992, she married Warren Fabel, and for 33 years, the couple built a life that celebrated every season-spring and summer in Wausau, WI on local golf courses, and autumn and winter in either Tucson, AZ, or Destin, FL.

In addition to being an avid golfer, Barb was an expert seamstress and accomplished quilter. Her sewing skills resulted in lovingly crafted prom and wedding gowns for both of her daughters. She was an active and longtime member in Wausau's Pine Tree Quilters Guild, and her quilting skills were nationally recognized at the prestigious annual quilt show in Paducah, KY. Her many quilts have been passed down and will be cherished for generations to come.

And if you knew Barb, you knew this: she loved to laugh. A lot. She had a quick sense of humor, a sparkling wit, and a love for a good turn of phrase. Whether with her family, cherished high school friends, golf partners, quilting pals, or good friends from Wausau Insurance, there was always plenty of laughter when you were with her.

Along with her parents, Barb was predeceased by her husband (Warren Fabel), her sister (Margaret Konkle), and her brother (Chet Zurawski). She is survived by her daughters Sue (Scott) Graf of Mosinee, WI, and Jane (Gerard) Lagos of St. Paul, MN; her grandchildren Josh (Alex) Graf, Christian (Hannah) Graf, Julia (Maria) Lagos, Eric Lagos, and Olivia Lagos; great-grandchildren Rebekah, Rowan, Simeon, and Milo Graf; nieces Anne (Chad) Rogalski, Nicole Youngstrom, and nephew Nick (Andrea) Zurawski, as well as numerous cousins.

Additionally, she is survived by Warren's children: Kim (Jim) Fairman, Kristi Fabel, Kerry (Scott) Ray, Kirk (Ellen Moran) Fabel, and Kyle (Carey Anderson) Fabel.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to North Central Health Care (NCHC) and the staff at the Mount View Care Center for their exceptional care and support over the years.

There will be an open house and celebration of life for Barbara Jean at Brainard Funeral Home, 5712 Memorial Court in Weston, WI 55476 on May 2 from 11:00 to 3:00. The family invites friends to stop by to share memories and view a collection of her quilts. There will be a private family service at a later date.

Memorial donations can be sent to either: North Central Health Care (NCHC), c/o Melissa Stockwell, 2400 Marshall St. Wausau, WI 54403 (memo Legacies - Life Enrichment) or to: Pine Tree Quilters - Education, PO Box 692, Wausau, WI 54402.