Emil E. “Bob” Zibung

Emil E. “Bob” Zibung, husband and father passed peacefully on Dec. 21, at Careage of Whidbey. Born Sept. 11, 1920 in Zurich, Switzerland, Bob came to the US in 1929 and settled in Milwaukee, WI with his mother and half-sister. Unable to speak English, he was befriended by German-speaking neighbors who helped little Emil learn and eventually master his new language. He graduated from West Division HS, then Milwaukee Teacher’s College in 1942. The same year Bob joined the army, serving in the South Pacific, and was discharged as a 1st Lieutenant. While attending college he had met his wife of 65 years, Phyllis Hoppe, a student at neighboring Downer College. They were married in May 1946. Bob’s first job was as a director of Badger Home for the Blind. After several years he left civil service and began his long career in food service, eventually focusing on the wine business. Bob became a recognized expert, called on to set up wine cellars, including the governor’s mansion, and instructed at area technical schools. He was a founding member of the International Wine Educators Assoc., was active in service fraternities and organizations (Alpha Phi Omega, Lion’s), as well as serving in the National Guard, and was a 65-yr. member of the Alonzo Cudworth Legion Post. Shortly after retiring, Bob and Phyllis left WI in 2006 and settled in Coupeville, WA, to be near daughters Mary and Pat. He immediately got busy, volunteering at Whidbey General Hospital for 3 years, until his eyesight became too weak to drive.
Bob is survived by his loving wife, Phyllis, children Dr. Pat Matthews (w/partner Sherry, Denver, CO), Bruce (Deborah, Oregon, OH), Mary (Coupeville), Margaret Alvarez (Dan, Arden, NC) and Greg (Michelle, Franksville, WI), 6 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. He will be greatly missed by his family and colleagues alike. No immediate service is planned. He will be laid to final rest at Holy Cross Cemetery, Milwaukee.

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