F. W. "Toney" Zahel

F. W. “Toney” Zahel, 98, of Castalia passed away peacefully on Monday, March 9, 2026, in the Providence Care Center, one month after his 98th birthday.

He was born on February 13, 1928, in Cleveland, Ohio to Frank & Magdalena (Luntzer) Zahel. In his early childhood he lived in Golva, North Dakota.  He continued to stay in touch with his relatives in North Dakota. This experience shaped his love for that part of the country and his storytelling.

Toney and Kathryn “Kitty” (Gulley) met and married in 1948, in Winchester, Indiana, where they proudly raised their eight children in the Catholic faith. They moved to Sandusky in 1966, where he remained in the Castalia/Sandusky area the rest of his life.  His love for jazz music allowed him and Kitty to perform with several jazz bands in Indiana and in this area until the mid-1970’s.  Toney played bass and trombone, and Kitty was remembered for her stage presence and wonderful voice as lead vocalist.  Toney will be remembered for his gift to recall details from his past and weave it into memorable conversations.  Others will remember him as a true gentleman with always having a calm presence.  He cherished his friendship with Tommy Dwight as they traveled to his beloved North Dakota on Tommy’s plane in 1992. 

He is survived by six children, Rita (Larry) Cobb, Suzi (John) Winkel, Mark (Susie) Zahel, Mike (Nampeung) Zahel, Kevin (Michele) Zahel and Kent (Nora) Zahel; 17 grandchildren, Aimee (Sean) Brooks, Darin Cobb, Greg (Taylor) Cobb, Chris (Alexis) Zahel, Shari (Patrick) Yates, Karey Zahel, Michael Zahel, Jr., Mila Zahel, Kathryn Zahel, Julia (Sean) Beneville, Matt (Krista) Zahel, Shawn Zahel, Megan (Steager) and Luk Oyler, Lindsay (Steager) Wellman, Taylor Steager, Tina (Jay) Wheatley and Tara (Gregg) Bauman; several great grandchildren. He is also survived by his stepchildren, Lori Mathews, Debbie Hill, Jeff Sosa, Brian Sosa, and Tricia Weaver; one son-in-law, Joe Steager.

Toney shared a loving and loyal companionship for many years with Sue Cantu. (Thank you for keeping Dad young.) 

He was preceded in death by his wife, Kathryn “Kitty” in 1986; his second wife, Brenda Sosa Zahel in 2020; two daughters, Sherrie Zahel in 1973 and Teresa Steager in 1992; two grandchildren, Cory in 1987 and Tyler in 2010; his parents, one sister, Catherine Lefor and one brother, Mickey Thompson.

The Zahel family wishes to give much gratitude to the Providence Care Center, staff of the Cedarview wing for their warmth and care that was given to Toney.  Mary, thank you for your special gifts of kindness and caring ways. Also, thanks to Hospice of Western Reserve/Reserve Care, (Stein Hospice) for their support, comfort and care.

Friends may call from 5:00 – 7:00 PM Friday, March 13, 2026, in the Pfeil Funeral Home, Sandusky Chapel, 617 Columbus Avenue, Sandusky, Ohio 44870. A funeral mass will be held at 10:00 AM Saturday, March 14, 2026, in the St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 429 Central Avenue, Sandusky, Ohio with Father Christopher Turner officiating.  Burial will be in the Castalia Cemetery. 

Memorial contributions may be made to the Margaretta Fire Department, 113 South Avenue, Castalia, Ohio 44824 or to Hospice of Western Reserve/Reserve Care, 1200 Sycamore Line, Sandusky, Ohio 44870. 

Condolences may be shared with the family at pfeilfuneralhome.com.

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