Gemella Zapf, 94 of Morris formerly of Paynesville passed away peacefully December 7, 2022, at the West Wind Village in Morris. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday January 19, 2023 at Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Morris with Father Todd Schneider officiating. A private family burial will be held at St. Louis Catholic Cemetery in Paynesville in spring. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to CARE, Inc. (a nonprofit -advocacy group based in Morris, Special Olympics, or your favorite charity. Arrangements are with the Johnson Funeral Home in Paynesville. www.hafh.org
Gemella was born on May 5, 1928, in Paynesville to Charles and Hildegard (Marx) Zapf. At the age of 9, she moved to Cambridge. After 29 years of living in Cambridge, she moved to west central Minnesota spending the next 56 years living in local group homes, working at the Stevens County DAC, and, finally, residing at West Wind Village. Gemella touched many lives and created long and lasting friendships with her housemates and community members in Morris.
Gemella was very loving, friendly, and happy, and she taught her family love and compassion. Gemella enjoyed M&Ms, copies of her favorite photograph, and bringing red flowers to her sister Rosemary.
Gemella is survived by sister, Rosemary (Milton) Koshiol and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Elred (Marty) Zapf; three sisters, Elaine (Richard) Becraft, Valeria (Paul) Conrey, and Rita (Dale) Fredericks.
