Ruben Zapzalka
July 10, 1940 ~ April 22, 2013
Ruben James Zapzalka, age 72 of Forest Lake, died surrounded by his loving family April 22, 2013. Ruben is survived by his beloved wife of 47 years and best friend, Candy; children, Holly (Mike) Rollefson, Todd (Denise) Zapzalka and Heidi (Cory) Busse; grandchildren, Mitchell, Claire, Alexis, Peyton, Makenna, Aidan and Amelia; sister, Joan; brothers, Jimmy and Arnie; and the many members of the Steele family who considered him brother, father and friend. Preceded in death by his mother, Alma and his father, William. He is a proud veteran of the US Navy and beer salesman for 43 years. Friendly Ruben was beloved and will be missed by those he leaves behind. The Zapzalkas thank the doctors, nurses and staff at St. Josephs Hospital in St. Paul for their loving care. Visitation will be held from 5-8 PM Friday, April 26th and continues 9-10 AM Saturday, April 27th at Roberts Family Funeral Home, 555 Centennial Dr. SW, Forest Lake. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 AM Saturday, April 27th at Church of St. Peter, 1250 So. Shore Dr., Forest Lake, MN. Interment Calvary Cemetery, Forest Lake. Memorials preferred.
so so sorry to hear about ruben–will never forget all the good times we had with you,candy, and ruben–such good friens with christy and jim–i believe ruben and my dear sister are up in heaven enjoying a couple drinks and making fun of us! you’re in our thoughts(i would say our prayers but i think god tries to stay as far away from me as he can get!!!) donna & lowell huber
Candy and Family,
So sorry to hear about Ruben, what a great guy.
Our prayers and thoughts are with you.
Dear Todd and Denise — I am very sorry to hear about your dad. I probably only met him during your wedding weekend, but he was really nice and I bet a wonderful grandfather to your kids. My thoughts and prayer are for you. Sincerely,
Candy and family,
I have so many memories of watching and listening to Ruben, Candy, Christy, Jim and my parents sitting around the table and laughing until you cried.
My thoughts and prayers go out to all of you at this difficult time. This picture of Ruben is exactly how I remember him, with smile on his face.
Candy. So sorry to hear about Rubens passing.Christy had chosen a couple of people to become friends with that couldn:t have been better.He will be missed.
Candy & family,
We would like to express our sincere sympathy in the loss of your dear husband/father. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
We will never forget all the great times we shared with your family. We have so many wonderful memories.
Christy was probably one of the “special” angels who guided Ruben on his final journey from his temporary home here on Earth to his permanent home in Heaven. What a comforting thought!
Take care and God bless all of you!
On behalf of the Forest Lake American Legion Post 225, we give thanks for Ruben’s military service to our nation.
Candy Ann, my heart is breaking for all of you. You know you’re in my prayers. May your loving memories give you comfort! Love you, my dear friend!
I loved to laugh with Ruben it cheered my heart. I will miss making him laugh. My sympathy to Candy, Holly, Todd, and Heidi and all the family