Marcella Zempel

Marcella Eunice (Shinler) Zempel was born on January 1, 1920, in Webster, WI, the daughter of George Levi and Emma Elizabeth (Wilson) Shinler. She was baptized on August 28, 1921 in Webster and confirmed in the Lutheran faith on August 30, 1948 in Wood Lake. She attended public school in Webster graduating in 1937.Following her graduation, Marcella worked in resorts near the Webster area and helped her brother for a while on the family farm. She then moved to Minneapolis where she worked at numerous jobs. While working at Honeywell Corp., Marcella met Loren Zempel. They were married on February 22, 1945 in Minneapolis and decided to travel west to California. While on this trip, they stopped off in Wood Lake and never went further, making their home in Wood Lake. Marcella was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. After raising three sons she worked at Gambles and Barges B&B in Wood Lake and was an active member of St. John's Lutheran Church. She enjoyed participating in Ladies Aid, dancing, playing softball and cards, doing crafts, hunting, fishing, canning, cooking, gardening and raising flowers. Even though she was in her late sixties/early seventies, the "kid" in her would shine through as she played Santa Claus in the Wood Lake community for several years. She especially loved to spend time with her family and visiting with her many friends. Loren passed away in 1991 and Marcella remained in Wood Lake until 2002, when she moved to Independence Place in Willmar. She most recently was a resident at Bethesda Heritage. Marcella was peacefully called from this life in the presence of her loving family on Monday evening, November 30, 2009. She was 89 years of age. Surviving family include her three sons- Bruce (& Linda) Zempel of Edina,, Mark (& Kristen) Zempel of Neenah, WI and Craig (& Carol) Zempel of Willmar; 8 grandchildren; 6 great grandchildren and extended family. She was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband Loren; 2 brothers and 1 sister.