Funeral Details

Jeffrey H. Zemel

March 17, 1960 - July 24, 2025

SERVICE INFORMATION

Date and Time

Friday, July 25, 2025 at 3:00 PM

Graveside

Menorah Gardens
2630 South 17th Avenue
Broadview, Illinois 60153
Get Directions

Clergy

Rabbi Yitzchok Bergstein

Shiva

Chabad of Oak Park
711 South Boulevard
Oak Park, Illinois 60302
Get Directions
At Chabad of Oak Park
Friday following the interment concluding with Mincha.

At the Ellen Zemel Residence
2612 Ewing Avenue
Evanston, Illinois 60201

Sunday and Monday 5PM - 8PM with Mincha 6:30PM

At the Gale Zemel and Dave Mausner Residence
143 North Harvey Avenue
Oak Park, Illinois 60302

Tuesday and Wednesday from 5PM-8PM with Mincha 6:30PM

Memorial Contributions

UCP/Seguin Services
3100 South Central Avenue
Cicero, Illinois 60804
www.seguin.org
or
Lambs Farm
14245 West Rockland Road
Libertyville, Illinois 60048
www.lambsfarm.org/support/make-a-donation




OBITUARY

Jeffrey Howard Zemel, died due to a major stroke on Thursday, July 24, 2025. Born in 1960 with Down's Syndrome, his enlightened parents Lou and Lita nurtured him to bypass his disabilities. Jeff was a vociferous Chicago Cubs fan, a reliable employee, and a world traveler. He was also a devoted boyfriend, a gregarious favorite of people everywhere, and the rock and glue of his family.

Dear son of the late Lita and Lou Zemel. Beloved brother Dean (Debbie Rosenthal) Zemel, Gale (David Mausner) Zemel, and Ellen Zemel. Cherished uncle of Faye Zemel (Rubi Hayim), Max Mausner, Marc Zemel (Julia Lachman), Dvorit Mausner, Samuel Mausner, and Laib Zemel. Great-uncle of Natan and Hattie Zemel-Hayim, and Maya and Eliot Zemel.

Graveside service Friday, 3 PM at Menorah Gardens, 2630 S. 17th. Ave., Broadview, IL 60153. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider a donation to the UCP/Seguin Services 3100 S. Central Avenue Cicero, Illinois 60804 www.seguin.org or Lambs Farm, 14245 W. Rockland Rd., Libertyville, IL 60048 www.lambsfarm.org/support/make-a-donation. To attend the funeral live stream, please visit our website. Arrangements by Chicago Jewish Funerals - Skokie Chapel, 847.229.8822, www.cjfinfo.com


GUEST BOOK

We encourage you to share your personal condolences and stories of Jeffrey H. Zemel below and we will share them with the family.
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My condolences to the entire Zemel family for the loss of Jeff. What a kind, funny, gregarious and positive person he was!
He always put a smile on my face. In the 15+ years I've known him, I had the privilege of creating some wonderful memories with him, Ellen, Laib, and my daughter Sofia who always referred to him as "uncle Jeff." Jeff was SO patient, kind and caring with the kids when they were young! He will be missed.

Beatriz Gomez
July 25, 2025
Thinking of you all in your sorrow.

Susan Jaros
July 25, 2025
Jeff was a gentle soul who brought joy to many people. With the help of his loving family and the community at Lamb's Farm, Jeff transcended his disabilities. He was stubborn and had strong opinions, but was always kind and loving. My condolences to the entire Zemel family and to the many people who loved Jeff. May his memory be for a blessing.

David Blockstein
July 25, 2025
I never met Jeff but I know Gale and David loved him dearly. He was a constant theme in our conversations. May his memory always be a joy to you. Lee Kaufman

Lee Kaufman
July 25, 2025
Remembering how much your family cherished Jeff and the very special place he had in your family. May his memory be a blessing.

Paula Grabler
July 25, 2025
May Jeff’s memory be for a blessing. he fortunate ti ha e his wonderful parents. He was well loved and cared for by his devoted siblings, Gale, Dean and Ellen, Debbie and David, and nieces and nephew. We are grateful to have known him.
Tamara and Earl Norman

Tamara Norman
July 25, 2025
A sweet man who will be remembered fondly by all he came in contact with.

Art Shulman
July 25, 2025
Along with his Hugs with angels Jeff will convince the powers to be to get the Cubs to beat the Brewers!

We’ll miss him.

Ronald Lachman
July 26, 2025
Ellen and family

Getting to you to know you and your brother over these past eight years has been truly inspiring. It’s amazing to watch the love between you and your brother and the dedication you had to supporting him and letting him be amazing!

Losing a sibling is such a painful loss, but you have been an amazing sister to him, allowing him to live his best life!

You have all the amazing memories you’ve had with him and hopefully that will help you through this difficult time.

Hugs, Danna

Danna Brim
July 27, 2025
We have such fond memories of the many family dinners we shared at Dean and Debbie's home. We were made to feel like family, and getting to know Jeff during those times made it even more special. Thank you for allowing us to get to spend time with your whole family. Jeff will be missed by so many.

Marti & Dave Fine
July 27, 2025
Jeff always had a twinkle in his eyes and a smile on his face when he saw me. I saw him at Lambs farm in his work shop with his friend Howie he was a sweet man

Arlene Colen
July 27, 2025
Lester Pines & I send love to all of you. We know what an important source of light and love he was in your family, always. We think of you and stand with you in your time of loss. I know my mother, Charlotte Gassman then Izenman, of Block's Bath Shop on Toughy for years, had a soft spot for the Zemels. And you, Dean, were at our wedding, 54 years ago - with your UW buddies, Rick and Art! And then you ended up marrying our dear Hannah's lovely sister, Debbie - the circles of our lives. We look forward to seeing you in Madison. Be well, all, and may Jeff's memory be a blessing.

Roberta Gassman
August 2, 2025