Raymond Zempel — Zumbrota

Raymond Everett Zempel, 82, of Zumbrota, passed away on Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2015, at the Golden Living Center in Rochester.

Ray was born on June 2, 1933, to Albert and Hattie Anna (Ninnermun) Zempel. He married Alice Pike in 1956, and they had two children together. They later divorced.

Ray was an Army veteran who served honorably during the Korean War.

Ray worked for several years delivering flowers for Whitings in Rochester, and then worked many years for the city of Pine Island doing maintenance work.

In 1978, he married Viola (Welch) Meyer, who passed away in 2012. Ray and Vi had a daycare in their home for 15 years and also cared for many foster children.

Ray was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers, Bertram, Marvin, Richard, and Donald; two sisters, Dorothy and Beatrice; and his wife Viola.

He is survived by his daughter, Brenda Zempel, of Rochester; and his son, Bruce (Gerry) Zempel of Austin; three grandchildren, Nathan, Tiffany, and Tina; and nine great-grandchildren. He is also survived by eight stepchildren, David (Judy) Meyer of Sparta, Wis., Jerry Meyer, Debbie (Dan) Call of Alma Center, Wis., Daniel Meyer of Pine Island, Terry (Ellen) Meyer of Rochester, John Meyer of Cashton, Wis., Randy Meyer of Fountain, and Tom (Josefina) Meyer of Pine Island; nine stepgrandchildren; and five stepgreat-grandchildren. In addition, he is survived by a brother, Delmar Zempel of Rochester, and a sister, Gladys (David) Stewart, also of Rochester.

A memorial service to honor Ray will be on Saturday, Sept. 19, at 2 p.m. at the Pine Island Assembly of God Church in Pine Island.