Benjamin LeMont Zirbel, 40

Benjamin LeMont Zirbel died on August 21, 2018 from injuries sustained while performing his duty as Deputy for the Clay County Sheriff’s Department. The funeral service will be held at 1:00 PM, Saturday, August 25th at St. Luke Catholic Church in Middleburg with Father Andy Blaszkowski officiating, and his burial will take place at a later date in his hometown of Charles City, Iowa.

Son of Jim and Cindy Zirbel, Ben was born September 16, 1977 in Mason City, Iowa. Ben graduated from Charles City High School and North Iowa Area Community College. He was united in marriage to his high school sweetheart, Anna (McDonald) Zirbel, on July 21, 2001 in Roseville, Iowa. Shortly after, they moved to Tallahassee, Florida before settling in Clay County in 2005. He graduated from the St. Johns River State College Criminal Justice Academy and served the community as a law enforcement officer for twelve years. Ben was a man who truly lived to serve others. He opened his heart to his community, his friends, and most of all to his family. He was a loving father to Ethan, who joined the family in 2012. A dedicated and ingenious problem-solver, Ben loved do-it-yourself projects, traveling, and spending time with his family.

He is survived by his loving wife, Anna, son Ethan, sisters Shelby (Joel) and Katie, brother, Nick (Lacey), father Jim (Suzi), grandfather, Ed Benedict, and numerous extended family. He was preceded in death by his mother, Cindy, grandparents Jean Benedict, Lyle and Ann Zirbel.

Ben’s final act of generosity was to pass on the gift of life through organ donation. A memorial scholarship will be set up in Ben’s name with the St. Johns River State College Criminal Justice Academy. Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Johns River State College Foundation: www.sjrstate.edu/foundation.

Arrangements are under the care of Russell Haven of Rest Cemetery, Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 2335 Sandridge Road, Green Cove Springs, FL  32043.  Family and friends may share their condolences at: www.RHRFH.com 904-284-7720