Hertha E. Zirbel (Lau), 97, of West Bend, passed away Monday, Jan. 19, 2009, at the Cedar Lake Health and Rehabilitation Center in West Bend.

She was born to the late Louis and Mary (Martin) Lau on May 23, 1911, in Huilsburg, town of Herman, in Dodge County, and married Alfons R. Zirbel on May 3, 1941, at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Herman.

Hertha was employed at several canning companies and several shoe companies before retiring from Amity Leather Co. in 1973.

She was a member of Emmanuel Lutheran Church and sang in the church choir.

She was an avid Brewer fan, enjoyed playing sheepshead, dancing and gardening.

Her determination and pleasant, spirited personality was enjoyed by all who knew her.

Hertha is survived by two daughters, Emily (Paul) Land of Fond du Lac and Carolyn (James) Pamperin of West Bend; and son-in-law, Robert (Mary) Zuern of Allenton. Also surviving are seven grandchildren, Sharon (Timothy) Zolp, Brenda Pamperin, John Pamperin, Lana (Damian) Buttke, Barbara (Jesse) Pomeroy, Thomas (Denise) Zuern and Brian Zuern; and seven greatgrandchildren, Brandon and Justin Zolp, Clayton, Mason and Stone Pomeroy, Kyle and Tyler Zuern; and a sister-in-law, Gertrude Kuhnke.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Alfons; a daughter, Marilyn Zuern; a brother, Raymond Lau; sisters-in-law, Phyllis Lau, Adeline Gunst, Linda Nehm and Marcella Jens; and brothers-in-law, Walter Gunst, Fred Nehm, Lawrence Jens and Wilmer Kuhnke.

Funeral services for Hertha will be at 7 p.m. today at the Phillip Funeral Home of West Bend with the Rev. Kenneth M. Bittorf officiating.

Visitation will be from 4 p.m. until the time of service, 7 p.m., today.

Interment will be on Friday at 10 a.m. in the Emmanuel Lutheran Cemetery.

Memorials to Emmanuel Lutheran Church or Cedar Community are appreciated.

The Phillip Funeral Home of West Bend is assisting the family, 338-2050. www.phillipfuneralhome.com.