Jeffrey A. Zirbel

Jeffrey Allen Zirbel, 59, passed away July 5, 2023 in Urbandale, Iowa. He was born August 6, 1963 to Larry and Jeanne Zirbel in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Jeff’s childhood in Cedar Rapids was a fun one, filled with visits to Dysart’s Ice Cream, Eby’s Sporting Goods, and First Avenue Hobbies, where model kits were purchased. Miniature rockets were launched into the sky with firecrackers attached, in the hope they would explode in mid-air, but they rarely did. Many movies were attended at local theaters, included a memorable Planet of the Apes marathon downtown. Pickup baseball and basketball games were played. Bowling alleys and bullies were the recipients of prank phone calls. He and his family were members of Westminster Presbyterian Church.

There were frequent visits to his grandparents in Des Moines, where the homemade food of grandmothers Gladys and Evelyn was consumed while grandfather Eugene shared humorous and profane observations about life while drinking Hamm’s beer and smoking Winston cigarettes. Attending the Drake Relays with Eugene, father Larry, and brother Steve was a yearly tradition, as was dinner at Christopher’s afterward.

Jeff graduated from Washington High School and the University of Iowa, where he also discovered a talent for creating pottery. He was a Hawkeye sports fan his entire life. Most of Jeff’s work career was spent as an account executive for IT and insurance companies in Des Moines, where he raised a family and made many friends over the years.

Jeff had a lifelong love of cars and motor sports. He attended racing events and met for drinks regularly with his good friend and former co-worker Jim Grill. The pair thought of themselves as the reincarnation of Statler and Waldorf from the Muppets. Jeff frequently gave others the spotlight, but when called upon, he was capable of telling amusing tales, often centering around eccentric characters from his childhood.

He became a film buff over the years, and was happy to recommend movies to those who asked, especially at the Escape Lounge. His favorite activity as a father was traveling to concerts across the Midwest with his son Griffin, and especially watching Griffin’s band play gigs. They also enjoyed hundreds of movies together. Being a father was the highlight of his life.

Jeff endured many challenges during his last years, including serious health problems, a divorce, and career obstacles, but he never complained or felt sorry for himself.

Survivors include his son, Griffin of Clive, IA; brother, Steve; sister-in-law, Patty; and nephew, William, all of Chicago, IL; former wife, Tracey (Thornton) Zirbel of Johnston, IA; several cousins located around the country; and many friends. He will be greatly missed.

Jeff was preceded in death by his parents, Larry and Jeanne Zirbel.

A memorial is being planned. Donations to the American Cancer Society are encouraged. Online condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com

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