Elizabeth was born in a “1800 Settler’s home” located on her parent’s farm just outside the city of New Ulm, Minnesota on October 5, 1917. The birth certificate recorded that she was the only child delivered by her father Joseph. Her parents were Susan Antoinette Leick born in Madelia, MN (1884) and Joseph Hartung born in Mankato, MN. (1879). At the age of 3 Elizabeth moved with parents and 8 siblings to their new farm in Fairfax, MN. Interesting her last years were spent in another Fairfax…Fairfax, VA.

Elizabeth and Clarence met at the George Schroedl Wedding Anniversary gathering in Fairfax, MN. Clarence took his parents to this gathering and the opportunity presented itself for him to meet Elizabeth. Elizabeth’s parents liked this quiet, handsome, polite, and Catholic young man from the moment they met him. A year later, Clarence asked Elizabeth to marry him, it was the first day of the rest of their life (married 62 years). They settled in New Ulm, MN for 36 years, then retired in Necedah, WI for the next 38 years.

Elizabeth and Clarence Zangel were united in marriage at St. Andrews Catholic Church in Fairfax, MN on June 28, 1939, the Church of Elizabeth’s family since childhood. Elizabeth’s life was one of love for God, Church, her husband, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, her many family members and friends. In retirement, Elizabeth and Clarence where very involved in their church and church ministries at Mediatrix of Peace Shrine in Necedah, WI and St. Mary’s Catholic in New Ulm. Elizabeth participated in many Pro-Life marches in Wisconsin and Washington DC. The last march was 2020 when she joined her Church group going into DC. as a 102 yr. old.

In 2013, Elizabeth moved in with her daughter Judith and husband Leonard. Elizabeth found a new joy in being near her daughters Judith and Jane and their families in Oak Hill, Virginia. Days were filled with attending great-grandchildren’s school functions and family Holidays, attending daily Mass for the 10 years she was in Virginia, although the last two years she was unable to attend Church due to Covid-19. Elizabeth’s last day was at her adult day center was on 3/13/2020, when the center closed due to Covid-19. The center kept her young with friends, music and lots of activities M-F.

In 2017, Elizabeth celebrated her 100th birthday traveling back to New Ulm, MN for a Hartung, Schroedl and Paa family gathering, and was given the honor to ride on the Bohemian float for the German Bohemian Day. Time was spent in her childhood hometown of Fairfax, MN with family who participated in a mass at St. Andrew’s Catholic Church; another trip was to Mankato, MN for the Hartung cousins gathering followed by a celebration in Necedah, WI, her last celebration was at St. John Neumann Catholic Church, in Reston, VA. with a large gathering in the Church Hall.

Elizabeth celebrated her 104th birthday, as she did for 101, 102 & 103, with family, friends, and neighbors having a fire truck drive-by as she sat in her white adirondack chair in the driveway, a perfect beautiful day; great memories were made especially as she played her harmonica the last time.

Elizabeth is survived by her 4 Children: Clarence R. & Kristine Zangel, Albuquerque, NM: Judith A. & Leonard P. (dec) Mandrgoc, Oak Hill, VA: Jane B. Benson, Oak Hill,VA; Joseph J. & Theresa Zangel, Eden Prairie, MN: 13 Grandchildren: Barry J Zangel (dec); Kelly K. & Paul Kunkel; Matthew Mandrgoc and Leslie Mandrgoc; Michelle & Fred Blackburn, Aldie, VA; Michael & Donna O’Hare-Mandrgoc; Mark & Mary Mandrgoc; Elizabeth & Brian Tarallo; Paul & Lisa Benson; Virginia & Zach Hanson; Joseph & Angela Zangel; Christa & Matthew Gawarecki; Grace Zangel; Anna Zangel 23 great-grandchildren: Elysse & Elliott Strom, Glynnis & Zachary Kunkel-Ruiz, Forrest & Grace Kunkel; Elizabeth, Lauren, Caroline Mandrgoc; Trent, Kyle, Gavin Blackburn; Kevin, Megan O’Hare; Austin, Sydney Mandrgoc; Clair, Nora, Graham, Bowen Tarallo; Olivia Benson; Ava, Lilly Hanson; Maverick Zangel; Eloise, Aaron Gawarecki: only surviving sister from 11 siblings, Germaine F. Kuglin, Spring Lake Park, MN

Elizabeth’s Mass and funeral service was held on Tuesday, November 23, 2021 at St. John Neumann Catholic Church, in Reston, VA. Elizabeth will have a celebration of life and Requiem Mass in Necedah, WI in May 2022 and be buried next to her husband of 62 years, Clarence.

Photo taken 2-2020.

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