Gerald Zempel

Gerald “Butch” V. Zempel, age 82, of Franklin, MN, passed away on Sunday, December 8, 2024, at his home in rural Franklin. Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, December 19, 2024, at St Luke’s Lutheran Church in Franklin. A visitation will be held on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, from 4p.m. until 7p.m. at St Luke’s Lutheran Church in Franklin and will continue Thursday, December 19, 2024, from 12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. at the church.

The Nelson-Hillestad Funeral and Cremation Services of Redwood Falls and Morgan are in charge of the arrangements. E-mail condolences may be sent via www.nelson-hillestad.com.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to St Luke’s Church or Franklin Fire and Ambulance Service.

Gerald “Butch” Zempel passed away peacefully outdoors on his D17 Tractor doing what he loved. His final fishing spot will be at Mt. Hope cemetery, where he can watch over the catch of his life and view the woods, he so enjoyed.

Gerald, son of Vern and Mabel (Fenske) Zempel, was born at the family log house in Brown County Eden Township on September 4, 1942. Gerald was baptized and confirmed at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Morgan.

He attended Brown County Grass Valley #16 School through the 8th grade, then attended Morgan School and graduating from Franklin High School in 1960. The Grass Valley School House is part of the Zempel property.

On February 4, 1967, Gerald married Nancy Roper at Zion Lutheran Church in Morton, MN. Three children joined them to complete their family.

Bryan (Erin) Zempel of North Mankato, Sheila Fisher Birkemeyer of Franklin, Kari Zempel (Shawn Hoppke) of rural Franklin; grandchildren, Andrew (Sydney), Colton, Dylan, Derek, Courtney (Marcus), Olivia, Lilly, Thomas and Gavin; great-granddaughter, Kinsley.

Gerald was an outdoor boy. From youth his favorite place to be was outside. The best times were spent cutting trees and preparing them for cord wood. 

Gerald loved to fish and in good weather would be at his favorite spot on the Minnesota River. He would sometimes fish two or three times a day. The cats knew a snack was on the way when they heard the side-by-side return to the yard.

Hunting deer during shot gun season was another favorite outdoor sport, waiting for the “big buck”.

Each year he looked forward to Christmas in July of Catfish Derby Days. He would spend the days and nights at the river. This year he registered for his 49th event. Not always catching the big one but enjoyed his time at the river with the grandchildren. He taught them well as they often caught the bigger fish!

During his working years he was employed at the Franklin Mix Plant, delivered LP gas, worked for Denny Menk Fertilizer and South Central, in Fairfax, retiring in 2008.

During the years Gerald lived in Franklin he was active on the Franklin Fire and Ambulance Service. He served 13 years as the fire chief. He was an active member of St Luke’s Church. Part of the Tonak-Thompson-Zempel crew that remodeled the two restrooms, serving as council president, and helped with usher duties. 

Gerald enjoyed spending time in the camper with the family and later years with just Nancy relaxing. He enjoyed sitting and visiting with camper pals fishing or making a campfire fun was always had.

Surviving family include Eleanor (Ken) Ziesmer, Dennis (Pam) Zempel, Lois (Darwin) Klabunde, Alice (Reg) Wood, Richard Roper, Dennis (Bev) Roper. Many nieces and nephews along with Fenske and Zempel cousins.

Welcoming him home are parents, Vern and Mabel; in-laws, Henry and Elizabeth; and infant grandson, Ryan.

Blessed be his memory.