Janelle D. Zempel

Janelle Zempel, 72, of Appleton, passed away peacefully on February 4, 2021, with her family by her side. Janelle grew up in Fremont, WI, a small town filled with childhood friends, grandparents and many beloved cousins, all within a stones throw away. Janelle taught swimming lessons at the Fremont beach, was active in high school sports, forensics and band. After graduating from Weyauwega-Fremont High School in 1966, she attended Gale Institute in Minneapolis, MN. Janelle was then hired by Delta Airlines and moved to Washington D.C. where she began her 34 year career with Delta. She retired in 2000 in Tampa, FL, making many great friends along the way. A few co-workers would become part of her 2nd family. Upon retirement she moved back to Fremont to live with, and care for, her mother Janice until her passing in 2017 at age 94. Janelle was an active member of Hope United Church of Christ, Fremont, where she was President of the Evening Circle for many years.
It is impossible to share all that Janelle meant to us. Kind and soft spoken (except during Packer Games), she had a heart the size of the moon, taking care of family and others in so many ways. From helping her younger brother make his winning Easter hat for his grade school Easter contest, providing food for those in need, picking up family from the airport with a warm meal in hand, making shrimp for a nephew after surgery, or remembering birthdays and sending cards for every occasion. Janelle loved to host events and loved to find new recipes for the next gathering. Whether it was lunch for family after a day of yard work, hosting the best Christmas Eve gatherings on the planet, or planning the many famous Super Bowl parties with her Tampa friends and family, she made sure tables were decorated, settings were placed and there was enough fabulous food to feed an army. She put her heart into everything she did.
In honor of Janelle, the family asks that you share your memories of her. Take things you cherished and loved about our beautiful sister and make them a part of your life. Visit a neighbor, send a card, host friends or family for lunch, travel, and at the next Packer game, cheer so loudly that you can be heard two doors down! It is the only way to express who she was to all the people fortunate enough to have had her in their lives.
She is survived by her brothers; James Zempel (Marilyn Grab), Appleton, Jim's children, Bradley, and Craig (Lori), both of Green Bay; and Jay Zempel (Diane), Appleton, and their children, Josef Schilpp (Kate Lovisolo), MN and Nicholas Schilpp, CO; along with Mary Zempel and God-mother Joanne Powles. Janelle is also survived by many beloved cousins, other relatives and friends. Janelle was preceded in death by her parents, Orvin and Janice Zempel.
The family would like to thank everyone for the incredible outpouring of love and support received during this difficult time. A special thanks to the beautiful staff at ThedaCare Regional Cancer Center and Cherry Meadows Hospice. You are truly angels on Earth. A Celebration of Life with immediate family is planned for the late spring of 2021. Date, time and place to be announced later. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Janelle’s memory to ThedaCare Family of Foundations designated to the TC-Regional Cancer Center or Hope United Church of Christ, Fremont Wisconsin – “Evening Circle”. For more information and to express condolences, please visit www.hovcremations.com.