Thelma Irene Gempeler

MADISON/JUDA-Thelma Gempeler entered the gates of heaven on Tuesday, July 3, 2018, where she will be celebrating her 97th birthday on Aug. 15th, 2018, with the love of her life and husband, Wayne, who passed in 2006. Thelma was born on Aug. 15, 1921, to Luella and Glen Wunschel, on a farm east of Juda near Oakley.  After high school graduation, she attended Normal School in Monroe and graduated with her teaching degree. Thelma started her career teaching grades 1-8 at the Bright Country School, a one room school house.  Thelma met Wayne at the Monroe roller rink and they were married in April, 1944.  After teaching a few years, Thelma stayed home to raise their four children, and then returned to teaching in country school for a total of eight years, then teaching 3rd grade in Juda for 17 years.  Thelma received her B.S. degree from UW-Platteville while teaching.  She was a very dedicated teacher and after retiring served as librarian for a few years, to continue helping students enjoy learning.  She belonged to Juda Zion Methodist Church. Thelma resided at Chamomile Assisted Living in Madison this last year. A special thanks for the loving, kind care she received in her final days at Agrace HospiceCare in Fitchburg.  Thelma is survived by her four children, Larry (Sheila) Gempeler of Lodi, Kay (Mike) Baier of Madison, Donna (Larry) Schwitz of Arizona and Loran (Cynthia) Gempeler of Juda; nine grandchildren Shelley (Scott) Roelke, Sheri (Jeff) Witt, Melissa (Andres) Baier de Garcia, Michelle Baier (Chris Anthony), Tracy Schwitz, Lori (Albert) Flores, Jeremy (Jessie) Gempeler, Angie (Dan) Uttech and Ruth (Josh) Uttech; 21 great-grandchildren, Kristiana, Jordan, Jared, Michael, Oliver, Alejandra, Vincent, Holden, Brandon, Colton, Marisa, Mercedez, Madison, Olivia, Kaeyla, Carlee, Carson, Colin, Hannah, Caleb and Ezra.  She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Wayne; brother and sister-in-law, Wendal (Selma) Wunschel; and sister and brother-in-law, Doris (Bud) Goecks.  Funeral services will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Dr., Madison, at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, July 10, 2018, with the Rev. Jerry Amstutz presiding.  A luncheon will be held after the service and interment will be at Union Church Cemetery in Oakley following the luncheon. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Tuesday. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Thelma’s name to Juda Grade School Library. Thelma’s family was always very important to her. She had such love for her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. We are blessed to have had her with us for so many years and we cherish all of the memories in our hearts.  We love you. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.   Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care 5203 Monona Dr. (608) 221-5420