Zabilka, Ronald George

The Chicago Cubs lost a loyal fan on Friday, September 7, 2018 when Ronald George Zabilka passed away at age 82. Ron was a loving husband x2 and dad to five daughters, a stepson, 13 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his mom, Adele Ryan; his stepfather, Herbert J. Ryan; his wife of 40 years, Harriett J. (Wood) Zabilka and son-in-law, Terry Jackson. Ron is survived by his wife, Barbara J. (Olson) Zabilka of Cambridge, MN; daughters, Patricia C. Fowler (David) of Lynnwood, WA, Linda L. Jackson of Zimmerman, MN, Pamela S. Zabilka (JoAnn Hoffman) of Cambridge, MN, Laura L. Zabilka of Princeton, MN, Paula F. Frisk (David) of Minnetonka, MN, and stepson, Richard E. Olson (Cindy) of Collierville, TN.

Ron spent his career working over 40 years for Prudential Insurance Company in Chicago, Hobart, IN and Plymouth, MN. He started in the Mail Room because his best friend told him it was a great place to meet girls. During his career he managed the Underwriting, Claim and IT Departments. He shared a solid work ethic with his daughters and taught them to be strong, independent women; and he was so proud of all of their achievements. In turn, they called their dad the Rock of Gibraltar. Ron was instrumental in starting a job program for people with developmental disabilities partnering with the Dakota Organization of Minnesota.

Ron lived a full life enjoying bowling, golf, fishing, traveling, dancing and spending time with his family. He was an avid fan of Da Cubs and Da Bears.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 18, 2018 with a time of visitation one hour prior at the Swanson Funeral Chapel, 665 3rd Avenue SW, Pine City, MN. In lieu of flowers, the family supports a donation to St. David’s Center for Child and Family Development, 3395 Plymouth Road, Minnetonka, MN 55305 in Ron’s name.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Funeral and Cremation Service of Pine City, Swanson Chapel, FuneralAndCremationService.com