"So sorry for your loss! I was a student at Chippewa Falls Middle school while he was a counselor. He was a truly amazing man and he made a huge impact on my life! I?ll always remember his kind smile and comforting presence! My deepest sympathy to you all!"
In loving memory of
Harold George Zempel
February 2, 1927 - July 29, 2020
Harold G. Zempel, age 93, formerly of Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin was called to the arms of Jesus on July 29, 2020 surrounded by his loving family. Born in Osseo, Wisconsin to George and Adelia (Pehlke) Zempel. Harold's passion was working with children. He worked for 35 years as a psychologist/counselor for the Chippewa Falls School District. He also worked for the Strum and Osseo Wisconsin school districts as a teacher. Harold's faith was very important to him. He served on many faith based boards and committees during his career. He was a longtime member of the Optimist Club in Chippewa Falls. Harold loved spending time with family, playing games and talking. Harold is survived by his wife and high school sweetheart of 69 years, Cleo, daughter of Arup and Caroline Nelson of Strum, Wisconsin, and his daughters Lori Venditti of Nashville, TN, Shari Engel of Rochester, MN, and Rebecca Stringer of Atlanta, GA, 8 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren. He was preceeded in death by his daughter Tamara Jones of Waco, TX, and grandson Matthew Venditti.
A celebration of Life service with family members was held on August 2. An internment service was held at the gravesite in Osseo.
Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes is honored to be serving the Zempel family. To leave a special memory or condolence please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com
Tributes
"Sorry for your family's loss. I was a student at at Chippewa High School, He was a wonderful man, I have fond memories of Him."
"Thanks to God for the gift of his beautiful life. Love to you and yours, Cleo (my Mom Freda Lundberg Boettcher's cousin). I was so fortunate to meet your family while organist at Faith Lutheran Church in Chippewa Falls. God's blessings to all of you. ~Nadine Boettcher Loken~"
"We will miss Harold, a wonderful Christian man. We send you our sympathy and May God Bless You!"
"Gods Peace and Comfort to your family. I had the pleasure of going to school with his daughters who were as kind as Mr. Zempel was. A true gentleman and certainly someone I always admired as a student. Peace be with you all!!!"
"Dear Cleo and Girls - What a good guy! Emmett had the good fortune to work with Harold so many years in the CF school system. He will be missed and remembered as being so positive and uplifting. His work reflected his Christianity! With Love from Anne Keller"
"So sorry and sad for your loss of dear Harold . We treasure our memories together in Chippewa Falls and our annual visits with you inRochester. Love And comfort forever friends Linda and Gary Ahlen "
"Cleo,Lori,Shari, Becky, and Tammy in heaven and all your family. Our hearts,hugs, and love go out to you. Harold was a wonderful ,kind ,gentle well respected Friend.We enjoyed the pictures of your wonderful family life . We cherish our memories and friendship with Harold and Cleo. We looked forward to our annual trip to Rochester to spend time with you two. I treasure our Church family time Together at Faith Lutheran too. Gods peace and support in your loss on earth of dear Harold. Love Forever Friends Linda and Gary Ahlen "
"Cleo and girls, we send our sincere love and sympathy in your time of loss. Harold and your family were great neighbors to us in Chippewa Falls. I enjoyed Harold as a fellow Optimist (Jack still is!) and we are thankful for his long life and wonderful marriage and family. We have been members of Cleo's Alma Mater, Faith Lutheran Church, as well so have a double/triple connection. Our prayers and thoughts are with you. Jack and Mary Lee Halbleib"
"So sorry to hear this but Harold is with Jesus now! What an awesome gentleman & Christian he was! Privileged to have him as a counselor in junior high & fellow worshipper & group Bible studies at Faith Lutheran Chippewa Falls. Peace, hugs & love from Pam Pfankuch."
"So many memories. We spent the majority of our working lives together in Chippewa Falls. First at the old junior high and then we moved together to the much larger middle school from which we both retired. Our jobs in the school required that we daily worked closely together and counted heavily on each other. I know Harold to be a good man, a kind man. His was a life well spent. I'm sure you can find comfort in knowing you had a special husband and a special father. Harold and the entire Zempel family is in our thoughts and our prayers this morning. Tom Welch"
"He was The Guidance counselor at Chi High when I was in school.He was so helpful and kind.He used to live in a yellow house right across the road from my family...its been over 30 years and I still rember how kind this guy was.??"