Antoinette “Toni” Zobel

Loving Wife, Mother, Grandmother and Friend

Antoinette “Toni” Zobel

December 6, 1951 – January 5, 2026

Antoinette “Toni” Zobel, a beautiful soul inside and out, passed away peacefully on January 5, 2026, at Fairview Southdale Hospital after a short but intense battle with Stage 4 lung cancer. She was surrounded by her loving family.

Toni was known by all who met her as a loving, caring, and deeply spiritual woman whose radiant smile and infectious laugh could light up any room. She was truly a ray of sunshine. She was preceded in death by her parents, Jim and Betty Jean Backes, and is survived by her devoted husband, Rick; her son, Doug (Krista Schweppe); her daughter, Jenny (John Cannon); and her beloved grandchildren, Louisa, Nora, and Martin.

Toni was born on December 6, 1951, at St. Cloud Hospital. She was the eldest of three children, growing up alongside her brother, Jim and sister, Lisa. Her childhood unfolded on the shores of the Mississippi River near Rice, Minnesota, where she developed a lifelong love of the water. Swimming, water skiing, and fishing filled her early years with joy and fostered a deep appreciation for nature. She attended St. Francis High School in Little Falls and graduated in 1970.

Guided by empathy and a natural calling to serve others, Toni devoted her life to nursing. She earned her LPN at St. Mary’s Junior College and began her career in Richmond, Virginia, working in a burn unit. She later returned to the Twin Cities, caring for patients in the intensive care unit at the University of Minnesota Hospital. After several years as a private nurse, Toni continued her education, earning her RN degree and joining Fairview Southdale Hospital. There, she served with dedication and heart for 35 years before retiring in 2019. Her patients and colleagues will remember her warmth, kindness, and healing presence—and she always held a special place in her heart for the “girls at work.”

On a hot Fourth of July in 1977, Toni met Rick for the first time at her parents’ home along the river. From that moment on, their lives were intertwined by a love that would last a lifetime. Their relationship was built on deep affection, shared adventures, and a playful spirit—including their well-known habit of bickering with one another, always good-natured and filled with love. Before starting their family, they spent time exploring the Boundary Waters together and making cherished memories with family and friends. They were married on September 10, 1982, beginning a life together filled with love, laughter, and a deep devotion that remained constant through every season of life.

Together, Rick and Toni raised two beautiful children, Doug and Jenny, who shared in their parents’ love of adventure. Their childhood was filled with summer vacations at Mal Bay Resort, camping trips, houseboat vacations, ski trips to the mountains, and cruises in the Caribbean. In 1995, Rick and Toni purchased a cabin on Fishtrap Lake north of Little Falls, which quickly became a gathering place and the foundation for countless cherished memories. Toni loved pontooning, swimming, gardening, making cement bird baths, welding, and visiting with neighbors—but most of all, she treasured quiet evenings by the fire on the deck with Rick, soaking in the serenity of the lake.

Toni danced to the rhythm of her own heart, embracing life with creativity, curiosity, and courage. She thought beyond boundaries, dreaming up new ideas, inventing, and creating beauty through her many artistic pursuits. Rules never confined her—she believed deeply in miracles, prayer, and divine intervention, trusting that life held more wonder than logic alone could explain. She was active in several church groups that greatly enriched her life and was a devoted child of God.

Gifted with profound empathy, Toni had an extraordinary ability to see and love people exactly as they were. She delighted in hearing others’ stories and was genuinely curious about their lives, hopes, and dreams. When Toni asked, “How are you?” she truly meant it—and in her presence, people felt safe enough to open their hearts. She had a rare way of making others feel deeply seen, understood, and cherished.

Later in life, Toni’s greatest joy was being a grandmother to Louisa (10), Nora (9), and Martin (8). She could often be found on the floor playing with her grandchildren—fully present, laughing, and savoring every moment. She lovingly referred to her grandchildren as her "little angels” and always made time for hugs, special experiences, and sweet treats.

Toni also had a deep love for dogs and was often called a “dog whisperer,” with a special affection for black labs. Duchess, Champ, Leinie, Oskar, and Emmy were among her most cherished companions. She loved treasure hunting, finding bargains at garage sales, playing cards, and traveling around the US and Europe with Rick. Her favorite destination being Italy.

Toni’s legacy is one of love, service, adventure, and compassion. She lived with an open heart, offered kindness freely, and touched countless lives simply by being herself. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered by her family, friends, colleagues, and all who were lucky enough to know her.

“Like a ray of sunshine on the water, her presence will forever be felt.”

A memorial service celebrating Toni's life will be held at St. Hubert Catholic Community in Chanhassen on January 15, 2026. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m., followed by Mass at 11 and a reception afterward with and open mic. Please bring stories to share.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Poor Clare Monastery of Sauk Rapids, a place very dear to Toni’s heart. She often called the Poor Clare's to ask for prayers for those she loved, finding great comfort in knowing others were being held in prayer. It was a source of peace and faith for her, and a place anyone may also call when in need of prayers.

Poor Clare Monastery of Sauk Rapids

421 S. 4th Street

Sauk Rapids, MN 56379

(320) 251-3556