Bryan Michael Zempel

Bryan Michael Zempel was born December 28, 1980 to Julie Hunt (Kuefler) and Allen Zempel. He was named after a long time family friend Michael Rogers, and avid fisherman, and Bryan held up to his name.On Thursday February 19, 2009 Bryan lost his life to a tragic logging accident near Polson with his brother at his side.During his short time here he lived his life to the fullest. Bryan was always ready to do something: weather it was hunting, fishing, logging or just plain fun. He loved being with his family and friends.Bryan was often caught skipping school because he knew he had better things to do. Bryan knew his calling at a young age: he knew school was not for him. At age 15 Bryan's Grandpa, Ernie Hunt, and family took Bryan under their wing and showed him the ropes of the timber industry. Bryan worked at Hunt's Timber until 2006. He then worked side by side with his father. It was during this time that Bryan laid down the groundwork for his own business. In the spring of 2007 Bryan started his business Zempel Forestry. This was Bryan's Pride and Joy. Everybody knew that Bryan was truly doing what he loved and was born to do.Bryan's other love was his family. On August 13, 2005 Bryan married Danielle Knutson, in St. Ignatius, Montana. Their family grew to include Bryan, Danielle, Braydon (5),Brielle (1) and his dog, Hunter (trusted companion).Bryan loved spending time outdoors with his wife and kids. He cherished every minute he was with them. He was the best husband and is loved deeply. Bryan took great pride in being a father. Bryan instilled many morals, beliefs and traditions in his children. As a family we spent out time together. We laughed, played and cried together. The most recent pride of Bryan's was the house he built for his family. Bryan started in November 2008 and with bare ground since then built a new home.Over the years Bryan spent many countless hours in the woods, mountains or on the water. He always enjoyed taking others along for the adventure (as long as they did not out fish or shoot him, but that did not happen very often). Bryan loved to be the guide for others. His most treasured adventures were with family. Bryan had many camping trips with his dad, brothers, and family, with them at his side Bryan always returned with a story and a smile. Bryan left his traditions to be carried on by many: including friends, brothers, and children.Grandpa Ernie Hunt preceded Bryan in death. He is surivived by his wife Danielle Zempel, son Braydon Zempel, daughter: Brielle Zempel, parents Julie (Mike) Kuefler, Allen (Naomi) Zempel, sister: Marie (Nick) Halloran, brothers: Jeremy (Ginger) Zempel, Chris (Michelle) Zempel, sister-in-law, Hailey Weible and brother-in-laws Brady Weible, Bailey Weible, Grandparents Jackie Hunt, Delores and Bud Zempel, Don and Nancy Kuefler, nieces and nephews, Sharmaine, Ariana, Kimberly, Branson, and Bryanne Zempel.They said he walked on water and he will be deeply missed.Logger, Father, Brother, Husband, Son.Forever and Forever.ONE INCREDIBLE MAN. Please make all contributions to a saving account in his children's names to Lake County Bank in St. Ignatius, Montana.Family asks that all please write down any and all memories of Bryan. These memories will be made into a book for his children. Please take time to do this. Memories can be left at Leon Hall.A visitation will be held on Wednesday, February 25, 2009 from 9 am to 7 pm in the Grogan Funeral Home. Service for family and friends will be held. Please contact the family or Grogan Funeral Home for information. Please join the family for a celebration of Bryan's life on Thursday at 4 pm in the Leon Hall. All are welcome.
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