Bernard David Zobel

Dave Zobel found his wings and rode off to heaven on his Harley on September 30, 2026, after a courageous battle against cancer. Surrounded by the love of his family, he leaves behind a legacy of strength, kindness, adventure, and unwavering devotion to those he loved.

Born Bernard David Zobel in Joliet, Illinois, to Bernard and Lucille Zobel, Dave was the youngest of three children, following his sisters Beverly and Diana. From an early age, he was fascinated by how things worked and could fix nearly anything. His strong work ethic began while stocking candy racks at the family business, Zobel's Tavern, where he learned the value of hard work, responsibility, and community. He worked hard and played hard, spending countless hours at the Tavern with family and friends, playing pool and euchre.

Over the years, Dave donated more than 22 gallons of blood through the Heartland Blood Center and American Red Cross, helping countless people he would never meet. Giving back wasn't something he did; it was simply who he was.

Dave graduated from Joliet Central High School in [YEAR] before working at Texaco Refinery and later beginning what would become a 30-year career at Joliet Junior College in 1982. It was there that he met the love of his life, Lindy, and together they built a life filled with love, patience, laughter, and adventure.

Livin' on Love

Dave's greatest adventure was the life he built with his beloved wife, Lindy. Together they filled their years with laughter, concerts, Harley rides, NASCAR races, Maui sunsets, and countless road trips where the journey mattered more than the destination. After retiring in 2012, they married at Lake Barkley State Park and spent fourteen wonderful years "livin' on love" at their cherished lake house in Eddyville, Kentucky. Dave's happiest moments were spent by Lindy's side.

Dad, by Love and by Choice

Dave believed family was built through love, commitment, and showing up for one another. He welcomed Brianna, Jenna and Eric into his life and treated them as if they were his own, offering unconditional love, guidance, and support. He taught them to be strong, resilient, and never give up when life became difficult. Through his patience and unwavering belief in them, he helped shape the people they are today.

The Best Papa

If being a father was one of Dave's greatest accomplishments, being Papa was undoubtedly his masterpiece. His grandchildren were the pride and joy of his life, and he cherished every moment with them, whether traveling to Oregon and Illinois, cheering them on from the sidelines, or welcoming them to the lake for their next adventure. Together they fished, fed the birds, explored the woods, watched sunsets over the water, and shared plenty of ice cream along the way.

The lessons Dave taught were often disguised as adventures, but the memories he created and the love he shared will stay with his grandchildren forever. In his memory, his grandchildren have dedicated September 30 as "Papa's Ice Cream Day", a fitting tribute to the man who lived by Don Kardong's famous words: "Without ice cream, there would be darkness and chaos."

A Neighbor, Teacher, and Friend

Dave was the kind of neighbor, friend, and teacher everyone hopes to have. Around the Lake, he was known for always being willing to help, whether fixing a machine, cutting up storm-damaged trees, solving a mechanical problem, or simply showing up when someone needed him. He never just fixed things for people; he taught them how to do it themselves, sharing his knowledge with patience, humility, and generosity. His kindness and willingness to help left a lasting mark on everyone who knew him.

His Fight

In 2024, Dave was diagnosed with Myelodysplastic Syndrome, a rare blood cancer that later advanced to Acute Myeloid Leukemia. With Lindy by his side, he met each day with the same grit and determination that carried him through life, leaving no stone unturned as he pursued every possible path forward. Through it all, cancer may have tested his body, but it never touched the spirit that made him Dave.

Preceded in Death

Dave was preceded in death by his parents, Bernard and Lucille Zobel, and his sister, Beverly. He is survived by his beloved wife, Linda Zobel; his children, Brianna (Gabe) Stalwick, Jenna (Max) Komnenich, and Eric (Ann-Marie) Goebig; his seven grandchildren, Austin, Emily, Bennett, Warren, Russell, Charlotte, and Erica; his sister, Diana; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and extended family members.

His Legacy Rides On

Dave measured his life not by accomplishments, but by the people he loved and the memories he created with them. His legacy lives on in the family he cherished, the friends and neighbors he helped, and the countless lives he touched through his generosity, wisdom, and love. Though he will be deeply missed, the lessons he taught and the memories he created will continue to guide those who were fortunate enough to know him.

Celebration of Life

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Dave's life on Saturday, October 10, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at The United Methodist Church of New Lenox, 339 W. Haven Ave, New Lenox, Illinois. A short reception will follow, where Dave's grandchildren would love to share some of Papa's favorite sweet treats with everyone gathered in his memory.

Interment will be private.

Memorial Contributions

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Dave's honor to support clinical trial research targeting TP53-mutated Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Donations may be directed to: https://mdanderson.donordrive.com/campaigns/RideFreeDave

Our sincerest gratitude to the Doctors and Nurses at Paducah Cancer Center, Lourdes Hospital, Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center and UT MD Anderson Cancer Center.