Marguerite L. Zempel, age 97, of Waupaca, WI passed away peacefully under hospice care at her daughter’s home on Tuesday, February 9, 2021.
She was born May 4, 1923 in Waupaca, WI, daughter of David and Edith (Hamm) Ribble. On June 15, 1941, Marguerite married Franklin R. Zempel in the Town of Dayton and together they shared 70 years of marriage before his passing on May 23, 2012. She will be dearly missed by all of her loving family and friends. Having put her trust in Christ as her personal Savior at age 15, Marguerite was active in her local church by teaching children in Sunday School, singing in the choir, playing piano, and especially by showing hospitality in her home. She fed and housed numerous missionaries, pastors, evangelists, and college groups that came to the church. She also hosted in her home numerous youth activities and winter sledding parties. Friends and relatives found her home always open to them, even if they stopped by at mealtime. Numerous out of town guests and friends of her married children also found a comfortable place to stay as they traveled through the area. Marguerite was a seamstress and also an exceptional cook. She was especially known for her fresh-made bread rolls, pies, and potato salad. She was committed to her husband and to the care of her children. For many years she had a large garden and canned dozens of quarts of various vegetables, jams, and jellies.
Marguerite is survived by her children: Judy (Alan) Betz of Waupaca, WI; Ted (Barb) Zempel of Stacey, MN and Dr. David (Ruth Ann) Zempel of Martinsville, IN; two daughters-in-law, Nancy Zempel of Waupaca, WI and Marilyn Zempel of Crossville, TN; 16 grandchildren; and several great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, David and Edith Ribble; her husband, Franklin Zempel; two sons, Jerry Zempel and Keith Zempel; one grandson, Scott Zempel; one brother, Raymond Ribble; and two sisters, Anna Meverden and Averil Kuhlow.
A Funeral Service will be on Saturday, February 20, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at the First Baptist Church in Waupaca, WI. Dr. David Zempel and Reverend Larry G. Gross will officiate. A visitation will be held from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. at the church on Saturday morning. Burial will be at Crystal Lake Cemetery in the Town of Dayton on Saturday afternoon. In lieu of flowers, memorials are appreciated to the Mission Fund at First Baptist Church of Waupaca, WI. The Holly Funeral Home of Waupaca is assisting the family with arrangements.