Labelle V. Zeller

Labelle Zeller, age 93, of Brooklyn Park, went to be with the Lord on Monday, March 30, 2026.

Labelle Veronica Eull was born on October 3,1932 to Bill and Leona Eull of St. Michael Minnesota. Her early years were spent on the family's 80-acre farm, where her primary job was tending to the chickens and large vegetable garden. As the youngest girl of six children, Labelle naturally picked up all the domestic skills she would need to create her own family one day. Her mother was particularly good at canning and sewing; two skills Labelle later enjoyed sharing with her own growing daughters. The Eull siblings looked out for one another, as evidenced by her often-repeated tale of hardship about being sent away to boarding school in Little Falls, MN at age 13. Eldest brother, Selmer, just couldn’t allow his sisters to make the long bus ride to their rural school. It seems other kids did not take kindly to farm children while they studied on the bus so they could get to their chores as soon as they got back home. Young Labelle made the adjustment and came to appreciate the education she received from the Franciscan nuns.

Labelle was good at math and worked at a bank in Minneapolis after high school, followed by work at a publishing house. Once her own children were all in school, she worked for Hennepin County. She started at a county licensing center and then moved into the property tax division at the Government Center in Minneapolis. She was a reliable, hard worker. When a particularly disagreeable customer came in, Labelle’s co-workers would often call her over to calm the waters with her kind, yet firm approach.

Labelle met her sweetheart, Ed Zeller at a dance in Rogers, MN and they married on October 10, 1953. Her girlfriends would comment that she “hit the lottery” when finding such a mate. She quickly replied, “You can’t have him!” Ed & Labelle spent 70 years literally and figuratively dancing through life together. They raised their five daughters in Brooklyn Center, MN, and welcomed eleven grandchildren and twice as many great-grandchildren, before Ed passed away in February of 2024. Every woman deserves to be loved and cherished as Labelle was.

Though busy as a mother, one who ran “a tight ship” with her daughters, Labelle always found time for volunteering. She made goodies and meals for many neighbors or family members, when the need arose. Much of her time was spent serving at St Alphonsus Catholic Church or school, where the girls attended. She and Ed contributed in many ways at Sr. Jean’s Cookie Cart, Sharing & Caring Hands, and St. Therese of Oxbow Lake where they both lived out their final years. During time in the facility’s memory care unit, she made sure staff understood that she “knew the place like the back of (her) hand.” The nurse aides referred to her as the “mama” of the unit, as she always wanted to help out her “neighbors” when she noticed they needed assistance at meals or getting back to their room. Labelle was always making others smile with her humorous one-liners which she delivered on repeat to all who visited her. The family will forever be grateful for the attentive care and kindness offered to our dear mother by St Therese nurses and aides.

Labelle and Ed really enjoyed entertaining others at home, the family cabin in Pierz, MN and their winter spot in Mesa, Arizona. Along with lots of tasty food and some good cocktails, many rounds of cards, music, stories and laughter were always present. No one would dispute that Labelle was “the hostess with the mostest!” The Zeller girls and their families will happily carry on this love of fun gatherings in their parent’s honor.

Last, but definitely not least…A steady and unwavering Catholic faith was woven throughout Labelle’s life. She dedicated herself to active participation in church services and events, helping in any way she could. Prayer was both important for her to give and to receive. In her final days, as her body weakened, the words of familiar prayers, the rosary and traditional hymns remained on her lips. Her family kept loving vigil until she peacefully went to be with Jesus and with her beloved Ed.

Labelle is survived by daughters, Sue Zeller, Joan (Randy) Austin, Joyce (Michael) Finch, Terese (Dan) Foley and Mary (Dan) Obermiller; 10 grandchildren; 20 great grandchildren; brother, Marvin Eull. She was preceded in death by husband, Edward Zeller; parents, William and Leona (Jaeb) Eull; siblings, Selmer, Lee, Loren and Alpha; granddaughter, Alicia; many other relatives and friends.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 AM Thursday, April 9, 2026 at the Church of St. Vincent de Paul, 9100 93rd Ave N, Brooklyn Park, MN , with visitation one hour prior to Mass. Interment at St. Vincent Cemetery.