Jane P. Hempel — A Life Devoted to Family, Education, Service and the Arts

age 86, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 16, 2026, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, surrounded by love. She was born on January 2, 1940, and raised in Elm Grove, Wisconsin, the beloved daughter of John W. Perry and Helen C. Perry.

Jane cherished education and lifelong learning. She attended Wells College in New York and later Carroll College, where she pursued her passion for teaching. Her career began at Hillcrest School in Waukesha, Wisconsin, before she and her husband, Thomas, moved to Appleton, where she later taught at Huntley Elementary School. Jane was admired for her patience, kindness, and dedication to her students.

Jane met the love of her life, Dr. Thomas F. Hempel, as a child while growing up in Elm Grove, WI. They later reconnected, married on July 8, 1961, and shared 57 devoted years of marriage until Thomas's passing in 2018. Together, they built a life rooted in family, community, and faith and were blessed with three sons: Thomas, James, and Douglas.

She paused her teaching career to focus on raising her family, embracing her role as a homemaker with grace and purpose. She was the heart of her home, offering constant encouragement, wisdom, and unconditional love. Her greatest joy came from spending time with her family, celebrating holidays, family trips, marking milestones, and enjoying everyday moments together.

Throughout her life, Jane remained deeply engaged in the Appleton community. She served on the Board of Friends of the Appleton Library (FOAL), including a term as President, and volunteered providing daycare through Head Start (Project Bridges). Jane was an active member of Appletree Artisans and a dedicated supporter of the arts through the Appleton Performing Arts Center and the Attic Theater. She was also an active member of the American Association of University Women (AAUW), reflecting her lifelong commitment to education, equity, and community involvement.

Jane treasured the many lifelong friendships she formed through her community involvement, including her Bellaire Court neighbors, bridge and gaming groups, gourmet clubs, and the Red Hat Society. These friendships brought her joy, laughter, and companionship, and were a cherished part of her life.

Jane is survived by her sons, Thomas (Susan), James (Susan), and Douglas (Rebecca); her beloved grandson, Parker Hempel; her brother-in-law, Bill (Belle) Hempel; her nieces, Erica, Becky, and Melissa; her nephew, Richard (Judy) Steinman; and her nieces, Jane and Faith,along with their extended family members. She was preceded in death by her husband of 57 years, Dr. Thomas F. Hempel; her parents, John and Helen Perry; her sister, Lynn Patterson; and her sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Bonnie and Mike Osowski.

A Funeral Service for Jane will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at First Congregational United Church of Christ, 724 E. South River Street, Appleton, Wisconsin. Friends may visit from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service. A private interment with family will take place at Riverside Cemetery in Appleton, where Jane will be laid to rest beside her beloved husband. The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to all who provided care, compassion, and support to Jane and her family. Instead of flowers, memorials may be made in Jane's name to:

Wisconsin Public Radio
https://give.wpr.org/page/54094/donate/1

Appleton Performing Arts Center
https://host.nxt.blackbaud.com/donor-form/?svcid=renxt&formId=7f8c5095-1100-4777-91c5-393147e580a4&envid=p-XuiXu3I7D06XG02c_u8MCA&zone=usa