Adam Zirbel

Adam Paul Zirbel, age 48, of Plymouth, Wisconsin, passed away unexpectedly on September 22, 2025. Born in Madison, Wisconsin, to Paul and Kathy Zirbel on November 27, 1976.

Adam was a graduate of Sun Prairie High School, where he played hockey, and went on to earn his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point, in Forest Management in 2001.

On August 28, 2004, Adam married Beth (Oren) Zirbel. Together, they built a life centered on love, laughter, and family, raising three children he adored more than anything: Lincoln (15), Lennex (12), and Stormy (9). Adam and Beth shared a love of food, comedy, and the outdoors—whether fishing, cheering on their kids from the sidelines, or simply finding humor in the everyday, they cherished each other’s company.

Adam dedicated 24 years of service as a forester and wildland firefighter, managing and protecting Wisconsin’s natural resources. He worked throughout western Wisconsin, northern Minnesota and most recently served Sheboygan County as Forester-Senior of the Kettle Moraine State Forest-Northern Unit. He was a member of the state’s Incident Management Team, instructor of many DNR courses, and participated in the implementation of the Wisconsin Forest Inventory and Reporting System (WisFIRS) technology service, which enables foresters to track and manage core business functions within the county and state. Adam was deeply committed to giving back and participating in conservation efforts.

Adam was known for his humor, his warmth, and his culinary gifts—especially his famous “Zirblings” (chicken wings). A true outdoorsman, he was happiest with a fishing rod or hunting gear in hand. His favorite places included the Kickapoo trout stream, Willow Creek, and the steelhead waters of Lake Michigan. He loved musky fishing in Manitowish Waters with his brother-in-law and father-in-law during the World Musky Classic, bird hunting with his loyal GSP, Norman, and his annual grouse and turkey hunting trips. Adam also enjoyed time at the Richland County cabin with his dad, hunting and making lifelong memories. Every summer, he looked forward to his vacation with Beth the kids in northern Wisconsin creating treasured family memories of fishing, swimming and canoeing.

He had a zest for foraging morel mushrooms, grilling and smoking meats, and experimenting with Asian-inspired dishes. He was an avid reader of classic fiction novels and an amateur fly tier that enjoyed the artistry of creating a unique fly. Adam’s passion for Wisconsin sports was unmatched—he was a proud fan of the Badgers, Packers, and Brewers.

Adam is survived by his wife, Beth; his children, Lincoln, Lennex, and Stormy; parents, Paul and Kathy; sister, Erin (J.J.) Losic; aunt, Mary; mother-in-law, Kay Oren; sister-in-law, Theresa (Jeff) Christianson, and brother-in-law, Craig (Callie) Oren; 10 nieces and nephews; Arley, Zarana and Zanthia Losic, Isaiah, Iliana, Roman, Ruby, and Peter Christianson; Cylas and Casen Oren.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents Leo and Alice Kunz and Alfred and Ruth Zirbel; father-in-law, Paul Oren; uncle Tommy Kunz; and his beloved GSP, Mr. Wendell.

A funeral service will be held at Ryan Funeral Home in DeForest, Wisconsin, on Saturday, October 4, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. A visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. Followed by a Celebration of Life at Lakeview Park, 6300 Mendota Avenue, Middleton, WI at 4 pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to his family.

The family wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you to Juan G. and Adam’s colleagues at the Plymouth office who led the search and rescue along with Sheboygan, Washington, Fond du Lac County authorities, and Kewaskum Fire department.

Adam’s legacy lives on through his deep love for his family, his passion for Wisconsin’s great outdoors, and the countless memories he created with those who knew and loved him. He will be forever missed and lovingly remembered.