Barbara Dunn Zempel, age 80, of Sheboygan Falls, passed away on Sunday, June 7, 2026.
Barbara was born on October 8, 1945, in St Paul, MN, to the late Winslow Dunn III and Susan Burns. She was a 1964 graduate of Eau Claire Memorial High School and remained an active alumna, helping to plan many of her class reunions. Barbara was an avid Girl Scout and spent many summers at the family cottage in northern Wisconsin where she developed a love of nature.
Barbara was a member of St. Peter Lutheran Church, where she served on the church council. She was passionate about service and community involvement, volunteering with the Sheboygan County Interfaith Organization, the League of Women Voters, and the American Association of University Women. She was also active in Altrusa, the National Exchange Club, and People to People. Through this involvement, all three of her children participated in the Sheboygan–Esslingen exchange program, an experience she greatly valued. Barbara loved to learn and received a Paralegal degree (with Honors) from Lakeshore College and a Business degree (Suma Cum Laude) from Silver Lake College. She also received certification as a Realtor and enjoyed her career in that field. She enjoyed mysteries and British TV series, and loved to travel.
Survivors include her sons, Mark (Lisa) Zempel of Acworth, GA; Matthew Zempel of Eau Claire; and Kurt (Carrie) Zempel of Sheboygan; grandchildren Harrison, Isabella, Jackson, Tristan, and Ian; and her brother and sister-in-law, John (Catherine) Dunn of Eau Claire.
Barbara was preceded in death by her grandson, Sean, and her sister, Edith Dunn.
Family and friends may gather at St. Peter Lutheran Church, 2104 Geele Ave., Sheboygan, on Thursday, June 18, from 1:00 p.m. until the time of service at 2:00 p.m. Pastor Kristin Berglund will officiate, with arrangements assisted by Reinbold-Novak Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Peter Lutheran Church or to a charity of the donor’s choice in Barbara’s honor.
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