Alan E. Zobel
June 9, 1954 - April 11, 2013

"Al was truly one of a kind! Learning of his passing today saddens me greatly, since Al was not just a terrific teacher, but also a wonderful friend. I will always cherish our NTV time together, and trust all of us who worked with Al will keep his memory alive in some small way. My fellow "yahoo" will have a special place in my heart forever. You were a truly special man Al, and I consider myself blessed to have known you! God's speed my friend!!! "

"We are stunned and saddened to have learned just today from our friend and colleague Bob Gordon of Al's untimely passing this spring. I had the pleasure of being Al's news director at NTV in Nebraska in the middle 80's, and had the joy of working alongside him on the air for nearly 3 years as well. His wit, grace, leadership and passion for television news were just some of his exemplary qualities. We also enjoyed some great times off air, like the time Al decided he could teach me to play golf in his back yard. The "lessons" ended early when I skulled an iron, the ball going straight up into a tree before sending a defenseless robin to an early demise. I tried to return the sporting favor that fall, introducing Al to the joys of Nebraska pheasant hunting. Al wanted to bring his beloved Lab Spike along, thinking Spike would be a great hunting dog....but when we fired the first shot at a bird that morning, Spike took off as if HE had been shot...and was found sometime later heading for the Colorado border. Our sincere condolences to Adriana, their children, and all of Al's family. We have lost a great man and friend."

"Al was a wonderful personality and exemplary businessman. He seemed to know everyone and be genuinely excited to see everyone. Madison has lost a shining star of the community. Walking into Barriques and not seeing him there smiling and chatting with everyone will be hard. He will be missed. "

"I grew up watching Al on NTV and always admired his professionalism and genuine personality. Thanks for inspiring other journalists in the profession. "

"When I think of my friend and news brother Al Zobel, I just smile. Al and I met each other first in the 80s when he worked in Nebraska and I worked in Eastern Iowa. We shared a lot of phone calls and laughs in those days. I'm stunned and saddened to hear of his passing. Al was simply the best. My thoughts and prayers are with Al's dear family and his legion of friends."

"I knew Al through many different business functions. He was always friendly and professional. I will miss seeing and talking to him. My thoughts and prayers are with Al's family during this hard time."

"Al was a friend and colleague to my mom who worked in broadcasting in Nebraska. I know she respected him and thought highly of him. Al, your friend Peggy is there for you now. My thoughts go out to friends and family."

"I met Al a couple of years ago. He made any room he entered a brighter place. When he learned I worked at VOM FASS and I learned of his love for fine Scotch we became fast friends. It wasn't long before I entrusted Al with my retirement plans and planning. I will miss him. "

"Al Zobel was a true professional, and he proved it everyday in the work place. I had the privilege of working with Al during his leadership of the WKOW newsroom. His work is a testament to excellence. While his home brew may not be universally missed, his insight and character certainly will. "

"Al made it a point to meet everyone in the room and to stay in touch ~ he always remembered the details you shared with him. I am thankful to have had the opportunity to meet and get to Al through Dane Buy Local and the Middleton Chamber. The community has lost a special soul and we will miss his stories and insight."

"I had the privilege of working under Al at WKOW-TV...he assigned me a news blog, and here is my post in memory of him: http://addins.wkow.com/blogs/scoop/2013/04/memories-of-veteran-newsman-al-zobel"

"I had the pleasure of working with Al when we set up the Interactive Division of Quincy. Al was really fun to work with and had a passion I will not forget. He was a great guy. He will be missed."

"I had the pleasure of meeting and sharing a few 'brews' with Al through the Middleton Chamber. He was an incredible man with a big heart and a wealth of knowledge and stories. I know how lucky I am to have been able to spend time and learn from him."

"You are in my thoughts thru this very sad time."

"To the Family: I met Alan through Dane Buy Local and we quickly entrusted all of our finances to him. He was so warm and kind as a professional I was blessed to have met him and he will be missed."

"To Al's loved ones! I didn't know Al for more than a couple of years, but in that time I was able to get to know Al while sipping Scotch and talking about life. Al will be greatly missed! My condolences to Al's family! "

"To Al's Family- I pray for comfort as you face this overwhelming loss. Al's countenance brightened as he spoke of you. You were obviously his greatest passion. Al was a true gentleman whose presence changed the dynamic of any room he entered. He made those around him feel better about themselves...about life. We will all miss him...and never forget him."

"I have only known Al for a couple of years but he seemed like a life long friend. When he first walked into our networking group he seemed to know eveyone there which surprised none of us. Al made connections with many more people than his family can ever know and he will be missed by all of them. We will always remember Al with that smile on his face!"

"Garrett, My condolences to you and your family."

"It is hard to imagine a world without Al's presence in it. We worked as colleagues and friends for twenty years, and I never enjoyed anyone's company more. No one was more dedicated to excellence, worked harder, or cared more. And if there's a really good bottle of wine in heaven, Al will find it."

" I had the honor of working as a reporter under Al's Direction at WYOU TV in Scranton Pennsylvania. I have fond memories of him as a gentelman and a well respected leader. I pray that God will be with his family and give them his peace until they are reunited in his glory. "

"Al was a true professional. When he came to our first Social Media Breakfast meeting, we chatted - then again over coffee. I realized how curious he was about new things, different ways to meet people, different forms of media and his willingness to get involved. Of all the people that came into those meetings over the course of 2 years, Al left the biggest impression. He will also leave a big hole in the Madison community. My deepest condolences to his family. "

"We will miss seeing Al around the neighborhood. He always had a smile and a kind word for those walking by. We are sending loving thoughts and prayers your way."

"I am sad to read of Al's departure from this life. He was a consumate news anchor who earned the respect and friendship of all with whom he came in contact. I knew Al while he was in Kearney and I was with KGFW-AM as news director. To his family-you are in my prayers!"

"I'm very glad I had the chance to meet Alan, through several DMI gatherings. My condolences to Alan's family for your loss.. Steve "

"I will miss my friend, from the many meetings that we attended together in the early mornings for Social Media Breakfast Madison. Al supported our fledgling group with his smile and his gentle disposition. I was the photographer and we had many moments that I will have forever. You will be missed.... Till me meet again! "

"Al left indelible memories in everyone he touched. I remember vividly his arrival at our stations as Bob Gordon assembled his team. He made a quick impression on the audience and me. Travel well my friend. "