Janice M. Zempel, age 94, of Fremont, died on Monday, October 23, 2017 at ThedaCare Regional Medical Center-Appleton.
She was born on July 4, 1923, in Fremont, the daughter of the late R.J. and Ella(Miller) Schafer. On February 17, 1946, Janice married Orvin Zempel at Hope United Church of Christ in Fremont. He preceded her in death on February 27, 1989. Janice worked as a bookeeper for EJ Sader & Sons for 5 years, was a cashier at Valley Bank in Fremont and Dale, and was employed by R.J. Schafer & Sons as their bookeeper from July 17, 1950 until she retired on July 17, 1995 after 45 years of service. Janice was a life long member of Hope. She was a former president and member of the Womens Guild, and held numerous positions throughout the church including treasurer, Sunday School and Bible School teacher and choir member. Janice was very proud of the fact that she was the oldest member who was baptized, confirmed and married at Hope Church. During WWII, Janice was proud to be one of several women who were trained to be firefighters in the village of Fremont while the men were fighting in the war. She was also a member and past president of the Fremont American Legion Auxiliary, served as the Fremont Village Clerk and on the village election board and enjoyed delivering Meals on Wheels for over 10 years.
Janice is survived by three children, Janelle, Fremont; James (Marilyn), Appleton, Jim’s children, Bradley, and Craig (Fiance, Lori), both of Green Bay; and Jay (Diane), Appleton, and their children, Josef Schilpp, MN and Nicholas Schilpp, CO; God-children Dwight Schafer and Mike Schafer, along with Mary Zempel and John Koch. Janice is also survived by many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Janice was preceded in death by three brothers, Marlyn (Elvera), Allen (Delores), Eugene and an infant sister, Marian.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, October 28, 2017 at 11 a.m. at Hope United Church of Christ, 8950 Alpine Rd., Fremont. Pastor Alex Tychkin will officiate. Burial will be in Wolf River Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Friday, at the Lewin Funeral Home, Fremont, from 4-7 p.m. and on Saturday, at the church, from 10 a.m. until the time of service. A memorial fund has been established for Hope United Church of Christ.
Our sincere gratitude to the 8th floor nurses and doctors at ThedaCare Appleton and to Rennes Nursing Facility for the care and compassion bestowed on our mother