Jenebelle H. Zappa (nee: Houck), age 89, of Hudson WI, passed away on October 31, 2012 at Red Cedar Canyon.

Born on May 2, 1923 to Clarence and Ethel (Crawley) Houck in Hudson, Jenebelle was the youngest of three children. She attended Hudson Elementary, graduated from Hudson High School, and later earned a bookkeeping certificate at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls. Following her schooling, she enlisted in the U.S. Navy during WWII, where she was stationed with the WAVES in Washington D.C. serving as a Yeoman 2nd class. Once she returned from her military duty, she married William Angelo Zappa on August 28, 1948 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Hudson, a marriage that would be blessed with four sons. In addition to raising her family, she began working as a bookkeeper for West Publishing, a company in which she later retired from in 1985.

Jenebelle was very proud of her family, work, and time spent in the Navy. She also took great joy in remembering her time as an airline stewardess. In her retirement, genealogy was a primary interest. She found it very interesting the history of her family and where her lineage came from. She researched extensively and, in the end, created a family tree that goes all the way back to the 1500s. Through her love of her genealogy and through her time in the military, she joined the Daughters of the American Revolution. She also enjoyed gardening at her home in North Hudson and playing bridge and bingo. 

Jenebelle is survived by her four sons: William (Deborah) Zappa of Hudson, WI, Gerard (Betty) Zappa of Hudson, WI, Lyle (Michelle) Zappa of Eagan, MN, and Robert (Michelle) Zappa of Hudson, WI; grandchildren, Matthew (Kristin) Zappa of Minneapolis, MN, Allison Zappa of Milwaukee, WI, Christine (Donnie) Anderson of Hudson, WI, Leslie Zappa of Hudson, WI, Kathryn (Dan Stephens) Zappa of Hudson, WI, Ashley (Andy) Nelson of Chanhassen, MN, Jaime Zappa of St. Louis Park, MN, David Zappa of Eagan, MN, Ashley Ellefson of Hudson, WI, and Abigail Zappa of Hudson, WI; great-grandchildren, Ethan and Ella Anderson of Hudson, WI, and Jakobe Ellefson of Hudson, WI; sister-in-law, Peggy Houck of Seattle, WA; along with many nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

She is preceded in death by her husband, William; parents, Clarence and Ethel Houck; and her two brothers, Clarence and James. 

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11a.m. on Friday, November 2 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Hudson with a visitation held one hour prior to the service at church. Interment will be at Willow River Cemetery. Memorials preferred to St. Patrick’s Catholic Church. A special thank you to the staff of St. Croix Hospice and Red Cedar Canyon.