Robert "Swede" Zempel, of Montevideo died on Saturday, September 20, 2008 at the Luther Haven Nursing Home at the age of 78. Funeral Services will be conducted on Tuesday, September 23, 2008 at 6:30 P.M. at the Anderson Funeral Home Chapel in Montevideo with Rev. Marie Eckberg officiating. Visitation will be Tuesday from 5 - 6:30 prior to services at the Anderson Funeral Home. Robert "Swede" Eugene Zempel was born on December 17, 1929 in Montevideo, MN to Louis and Bertha (Kling) Zempel. He was baptized at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Montevideo and attended rural schools. He served in the US Army during 1952 and 1953, serving in Germany. Following his discharge he worked for a short time with a tiling company before finding employment with Mooney's Construction. He worked at road construction for over 40 years before retiring. He had been a resident of the Luther Haven Nursing Home for the past 3 months, where his room was such that he could watch the road construction on Highway 7. He enjoyed being home on his farm, where he had lived his entire life. He especially enjoyed being in the woods sawing up a supply of wood to heat the house and garage and also enjoyed welding and making things from metal. For years he enjoyed playing his guitar along with his friend and neighbor, Roy Anderson. They entertained many people with old-time music. He was also always ready to share a helping hand. He is survived by his fiance, Jean Kelm; best friends: Cyndy (and David) Hunter of Shakopee, MN; a brother, Palmer Zempel of Montevideo; and three sisters: Florine Nordby, Bernice Goulson and Dorothy Adamson, all of Montevideo. He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers: Francis and Kenneth Zempel; and two sisters: Gloria Hoff and Grace Anderson.