Kathryn Marnell Zabel, lovingly known as Katie, was born in Valparaiso, Indiana, on July 11, 2002, to William and Christen Zabel (Patten).
Katie is survived by her loving parents; her brothers, Kyle Cromey (Whitney Goodpasture) of Hanna, Stone Zabel (Gracie Thompson) of Wanatah, and Jack Zabel (Mackenzie Price) of Valparaiso; her grandmothers, Jeri Zabel and Charlotte Pryor; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and countless friends who became family.
Holding a uniquely special place in Katie's heart were three little girls who were the absolute center of her world: Avery, Karma, and Ivy Crawford. She adored them beyond measure, and they adored her right back. Also left to cherish her memory is her beloved pet fox, Artemis Alvin, who perfectly reflected Katie's love for animals and her wonderfully unique spirit.
If there was one thing Katie never lacked, it was love. She loved deeply, fiercely, and without hesitation. She never met a stray animal she didn't want to rescue, often calling her mom with the familiar question, "Can we keep it?". Christen quickly learned that saying "no" to Katie was nearly impossible. Her heart was simply too big.
Katie had a personality that was impossible to forget. She was funny without even trying, quick-witted, delightfully sarcastic, and just sassy enough to keep everyone on their toes. She could make an entire room laugh with a perfectly timed comment, and somehow, even on the hardest days, her giggle could make everything feel a little lighter. She was thoughtful in ways both big and small, selfless beyond measure, and always willing to give whatever she had to someone who needed it. She constantly found creative ways to make people feel loved, celebrated, and included.
Beautiful inside and out, Katie radiated kindness. She wore her heart on her sleeve and never apologized for caring deeply. Whether you knew her for years or only a short time, she had a way of making you feel seen, valued, and loved.
Katie was unapologetically herself. She absolutely loved having her hair dyed purple, a color that seemed to match her vibrant personality and free spirit. She embraced life with a sense of humor, authenticity, and just the right amount of boldness.
She was incredibly proud of her family, especially her brothers. At work, she loved sharing stories about their accomplishments and life updates, always speaking of them with admiration and pride. She also cherished the close relationships she had with her future sisters-in-law, Whitney, Gracie, and Mckenzie, whom she loved as family.
Katie had a passion for life and embraced every opportunity to make memories. She loved animals, country music, Nashville, Law & Order: SVU, Criminal Minds, true crime podcasts, and Disney, especially Animal Kingdom. Her pets often carried names inspired by country music artists, beloved detectives, or Disney characters, each one reflecting another piece of who she was.
Traveling was one of Katie's greatest joys. She especially loved exploring new places with her mom, Christen, who often joked she never quite knew where Katie would decide they were going next. Katie was always dreaming up the next adventure, planning another concert, another destination, or another unforgettable memory. She also treasured girls' trips with her mom and her beloved "Aunt Bossy," (Aunt Val), where laughter was guaranteed and memories were always made.
Katie and her mom shared a bond that most people only dream of. Not only did they spend their free time together traveling, going to concerts, and making unforgettable memories, but they were also blessed to work for La Porte County Government, each in different departments. No matter how busy the day became, they made time for each other, spending every lunch break together. How fortunate they were to not only be mother and daughter, but also best friends who got to share life's everyday moments side by side.
Katie worked as a Deputy Clerk for the La Porte County Courts, where she quickly became much more than a coworker to those around her. She became family. She was adored for her giggles, compassion, her humor, her willingness to help anyone, and the genuine joy she brought into the workplace every single day. Her absence will be deeply felt by everyone fortunate enough to work beside her.
Katie lived with a wisdom well beyond her years. She taught those around her to love harder, laugh louder, rescue more animals, plan the trip, buy the concert tickets, dye your hair your favorite color, and never be afraid to let people know how much they mean to you.
Though her absence leaves an immeasurable void, her beautiful smile, vibrant spirit, infectious laughter, and generous heart will continue to live on in the countless memories she created and the lives she forever changed.
Katie was one of a kind. She was deeply loved, and she will be deeply missed every single day.
Family and friends are invited to celebrate Katie's life during visitation on Sunday, July 12, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at South Central High School.
An additional visitation will be held on Monday, July 13, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center in La Porte, with the funeral service immediately following.
Following the service, all who knew and loved Katie are warmly invited to join the family for a luncheon at Valparaiso Baptist Church, 612 Emmetsburg Street, Valparaiso, Indiana. Everyone is welcome as we gather to honor Katie's life, share memories, and celebrate the love she brought into this world.
Condolences may be shared online at www.cutlercares.co
