Zeta Hawkins, 94, Kasson
Zeta was born on March 22nd, 1930, in Iowa and was adopted by Bruno and Iva Zubradt in 1932. She grew up in Storm Lake, IA and graduated from Storm Lake High School. She was introduced to Franklin "Eugene" Hawkins by a cousin, shortly after his return home from his World War II Army service. They were married on August 26th, 1949, and soon after, set out on a journey to Rochester, MN.
Her husband, Gene, enrolled in Nursing School. However, he later left Nursing School working at various jobs until he was hired by IBM in 1957. He retired in 1987 after 30 years.
They lived in Rochester for a few years before moving to Kasson and eventually in 1961 building their "forever" home near the Kasson-Mantorville High School. This is where they raised their three sons. Zeta worked for numerous “elderly” families around Kasson for many years cleaning houses and doing other tasks for them.
During this time, she also enjoyed playing fast pitch softball in Rochester and participated in various area tournaments. She was afflicted with polio at the age of 13 and her doctors said she might never walk again, let alone play sports. Her response was "Watch Me" and the rest is history!! During her fast pitch career, she was a part of a State Championship team. Bernie Lusk, the longtime KROC sportscaster, said Zeta was one of the top three fast pitch softball players he had ever watched.
After her fast pitch playing days were over, Gene and Zeta started a slow pitch women’s team in Kasson. They played under the fantastic sponsorship of the Village Inn restaurant. The team consisted of adult women and high school girls. Under their guidance, the team won many tournaments; often competing against teams with more experienced and older players. A few spectators and other coaches told her they knew she coached the team because they played exactly like she did. Zeta was a gritty, tough and tenacious player. She was a warrior on the field and her teams also took on that mentality.
Zeta was also known for her love of bowling. She won many commemorative pins, trophies and plaques due for her prowess on the lanes. She also participated in various National Tournaments. She bowled in Rochester and Kasson for 40 years and was best known for voicing a "toot, toot" when she threw a strike. Zeta was not only a very good bowler, but she made many lifelong friends in the process. In 2018, she was inducted into the Southeast Minnesota Bowling Hall of Fame and was honored with a Pioneer Award. She was nominated by a few of those lifelong friends and teammates. She was so proud of her achievement but was very humble in accepting the award.
Zeta and Gene were very active in the original "basement" Catholic Church and then charter members of the new Holy Family Catholic Church. Both loved their church family and served as volunteers; assisting in many roles. They were also part of a" 500" card club that played once a month on Saturday night, rotating between homes.
After Gene passed away in 2018, Zeta continued to live at home. Between then and 2024, she had wonderful friends and many family members (especially April and Everett Paulson and grandchildren Jamie and Crystal Donahoe) plus her Home Health staff that helped her stay at home. With the help of her walker, she became adept at getting around and doing things on her own.
Even though Zeta was unable to get out much, she always made a point of watching the Catholic masses on TV every Sunday morning. She always told her family “I got 3 blessings today”. We all knew she wasn’t going to have to trade them in to get into heaven. Zeta had already played her way in by the way she lived her life and her strong faith and belief. She was an avid fan of K-M High School sports and activities plus the Minnesota Twins. She also had many favorites on the Game Show Network, which she watched daily.
Her caretakers at St. Mary’s Hospital and Samaritan Bethany always remarked how grateful and thankful she was to all her caretakers. The family sends a HUGE Thank You to those who cared for our mom. She had been a caregiver most of her adult life and understood the value of such care. Zeta was one of a kind and once you met her, you probably would never forget her. Zeta, your family and friends will miss you dearly.
Zeta is survived by her sons Glenn (Sabrina) Hawkins of Longmont, CO and Rick (Laura) Hawkins of Rochester. Also surviving are nine grandchildren, fifteen great-grandchildren, and two great-great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband of 69 years, Gene, and son David in 2022.
A Mass of the Christian Burial will be held on September 30 at 11:00 AM at the Church of the Holy Family, 1904 N. Mantorville Ave., Kasson, with Fr. John Lasuba presiding. The family will also welcome guests one hour prior to the service. Inurnment will be at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Storm Lake, IA.
Flowers can be delivered to the church by 9:00 am on the day of the service. Charitable donations can be made in her name to the Shriner’s Hospital, St. Jude's or a charity of the donor’s choice. Lunch will be provided after the service.
Arrangements and cremation services are being handled by Dibble Funeral Home of Kasson. Online condolences may be shared at www.dibblefuneralhome.com.