Date of Birth:
Wednesday, March 4, 1931
Date of Death:
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Age:
79 years old

Charles A. Ziemer

Charles A. Ziemer

After a courageous battle with lung cancer Charles “Charlie” A. Ziemer passed away on May 25, 2010, surrounded by family.  Charlie’s enthusiasm for life inspired those around him, and was endeared by all who knew him.

Charlie was born on March 4, 1931 in Winona, Minnesota.  On June 28, 1948, he married Inez M. Beach in LaCrosse, Wisconsin.  The couple made their home in Dakota, Minnesota until moving to Goodview, Minnesota in 1964.  In 1967, due to transfer of work territory they relocated to Sioux City, Iowa until 1975, at which time they returned to Minnesota, first living in Eagan, and later building a new home in Rosemount and remained there until they retired in 1998.  Since 1998, they have split their time between their summer home in Rochester, Minnesota and their winter home in Phoenix, Arizona.

Charlie started working for the Milwaukee Railroad on February 14, 1949, and continued to work on the railroad for the next 44 years.  In his years on the railroad, he had worked the entire western rail system between Chicago, IL and Tacoma, WA, first as a laborer for the maintenance way then as the foreman for the department beginning in 1955.  His welding career with the railroad span many miles of rail for the Milwaukee Road, Soo Line,  and the Canadian Pacific railways. After retiring from the railroad, he worked summers for Kaufman Lawn and Tree Service of Rosemount, welding and maintaining all of the equipment until the fall of l998 when he and his wife sold their home in Rosemount and headed south for the winters.  He enjoyed spending time with family and friends.  He also enjoyed country music, anything to do with railroads, and camping.  He is going to be missed by all who know and loved him.  He was a great husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, and friend.  We all loved him.

He will be deeply missed by his wife of nearly 62 years, Inez; five children, Patricia Ziemer (John Johnson) of Rochester, Minnesota, Raymond Ziemer of La Crosse, Wisconsin, Cheryl (James) Knutson of Mazeppa, Minnesota,

Robert Ziemer of Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota, and Bradley “Buck” Ziemer (special friend Deborah Burns) of Surprise, Arizona;  five grandchildren, Amy (Cory) Packman, Jessica (Manuel) Knutson-Deleon, Sara Knutson, Shannon Ziemer, and Charles G. Ziemer; step-grandchild, Tami (Matt) Soens; great grandchild, Cameron Deleon; step great grandchildren, Isabella Soens, and Greta Soens.  Two half-sisters, Irene Thompson of LaCrescent, Minnesota, and Anita Calhoun of Winona, Minnesota.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Florence, and step-father, Emil Roemer.

There will be a memorial service on Sunday, June 6, 2010, at 2:00 p.m. at the Riverside United Methodist Church in Dakota, Minnesota with Pastor Mary Keen officiating.  Friends and family may visit one hour prior to the service on Sunday at the church.  A family service for interment of his ashes at the Hiler Cemetery, Nodine, Minnesota will be at a later date.

Macken Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com.