Zella Mae Blumenberg, 78, entered into heaven peacefully on Saturday, August 29, 2026, following a brief battle with cancer.
Zella was born on May 8, 1948, the oldest daughter of Roland and Norma Dean, who preceded her in death.
On April 29, 1967, Zella married the love of her life, Mickey Blumenberg. Together, they built a life centered around family, love, and more than a few good meals. Mickey preceded her in death, entering the gates of heaven just six short months before her.
Zella and Mickey welcomed eight children into the world, and the love Zella had for her family was unrivaled. She was a kind and loving soul who freely offered love and support to those around her. But when it came to her children and grandchildren, she loved, supported, and protected them as fiercely as a momma bear.
Zel gained many skills throughout her life, but the one everyone knew best was her gift in the kitchen. If you wanted a delicious meal, you went to Mama Zel. She would make sure you left with both a full stomach and a full heart. She loved feeding people, but what she loved even more was having a group gathered around her table, sharing stories, laughter, and time together.
If you were fortunate enough to know Zel, you were rarely just an acquaintance for long. She made sure you knew she was “Mama Zel,” and once she claimed you as one of her own, she treated you that way for the rest of her beautiful life.
Zella is survived by her eight children, Michael Blumenberg; Jeff Blumenberg and his son, Cody; Jerry Blumenberg; Albert Blumenberg and his children, Jacob, Kara, and Chasity; Elizabeth (Will) Rios and their children, Elyjah, Samuel, and McKinley; Lacey (Josh) Cummings and their children, Emily and Alaina; Zak Blumenberg; and Kristi Blumenberg and her daughter, Mackenzie Mae.
She is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews, as well as countless others who were fortunate enough to be welcomed into the family by “Mama Zel.”
In addition to her parents and husband, Zella was preceded in death by her beloved sister and brother-in-law, Mary and Roger Smith; her brothers-in-law, Jerry Blumenberg and Gus Blumenberg; and her sisters-in-law, Sandra Howard and Peggy Ash.
Visitation will be held Thursday, September 3, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Gress, Kallal, and Schaaf Funeral Home in Hardin, with a short prayer service beginning at 6:00 p.m. A meal will follow at the American Legion in Kampsville, because it simply wouldn’t feel right to honor Zel without gathering together and sharing a meal.
Memorial donations may be made to the Bailey Military Support or to the family’s choice.
Zel spent a lifetime making sure the people around her were fed, loved, welcomed, and cared for. Her table may be missing its Mama Zel, but the love she served around it will remain with her family for generations.
Online condolences can be made at www.eliaskallalandschaaf.com.