Albert Richard Zegiel

Albert Zegiel, age 68, of Gays Mills, passed away after a long battle with cancer on March 8th, 2025, at the William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans’ Hospital in Madison, WI. Albert was born on June 11, 1956, in Geneva, IL to Katherine and Leonard Zegiel. He was the oldest of 10 children. The family moved to Kalispell, MT, where his father owned a bakery. He attended high school in Missoula, MT. He left Missoula and joined the Army where he was a sharpshooter and a cook. Albert lived his life to the complete fullest and was curious and relentlessly learning about everything he possibly could. He saw all the wonders and possibilities that could come with his knowledge. He loved to talk to people and couldn't wait to share all he discovered. He came up with new business ideas and plans daily for himself and others and truly believed they could become a reality. He worked for his father at Magic Oven Bakery in St. Charles, IL, before attending Dunwoody School for baking in Minneapolis, MN. He and his wife Brenda were married in Minneapolis while living there. He owned a bakery in Sitka, Alaska, Missoula, MT and Genoa, IL, but will be most remembered for his baking at Farm Pride Bakery in Gays Mills and the Dane County Farmers Market for over 30 years. His donuts and cookies were as big as your head and will be dearly remembered and missed, especially his hot fresh apple fritters.

He loved his community and contributed to the betterment with his role on the Gays Mills Village Board. Albert had so many interests and hobbies; he had a license for Auctioneering, Production and Sales of fermented and canned foods, small game farming, raising quails and pickling the eggs. Cultivating and growing oyster mushrooms, gardening and growing all his own vegetables, playing chess, fishing, bowling, arts and crafts, building computers, raising miniature pinchers and nutrition and healthy eating was very important to him. Albert was a stranger to no one; after a few minutes meeting him he was instantly your friend and couldn't wait to help you in any way he could. His true joy came from hanging out with people he loved and having long conversations over food.

Albert is joining his wife Brenda Zegiel in heaven and is survived by his children, Zecharia Gilbert (Ana Gilbert), Israel Zegiel, Jessica Zegiel, Adam Zegiel, and Timothy Zegiel; his grandchildren, Marcos Gilbert and John P. Gilbert; his siblings, Barbara Zegiel, Ronald Zegiel, Len Zegiel, Peggy Pennington, Heidi Anderson (Mark Anderson), Mary Zegiel, Joseph Zegiel and Daniel Zegiel, Eric Zegiel (joining in heaven).

A Memorial Service will be held at 2 PM on Monday, April 28, 2025, at Vosseteig Funeral Home in Gays Mills. Visitation will be held from Noon until the time of the service. Albert will be laid to rest with full military honors at the Gays Mills Cemetery following the service. A luncheon will be held at the Gays Mills Community Center. Online Condolences may be expressed at www.vossfh.com.

Vosseteig Funeral Home & Crematory is serving Albert's family.

325 Sunset Ridge Ave.

Gays Mills, WI 54631

608-735-2100