I had the pleasure of working with Dave at Thrivent.  Such a kind man!  Prayers and thoughts are with the family, Del and Jodi Steen and all.  Deb and Wade Fugleberg 

I worked at Thrivent with Dave for 3-4 years and he was, for sure, one of the good guys. Seemed to always be in good spirits and was kind to all. He will be missed by many. 

Dave was one of the nicest most genuine people I have ever met not only at Thrivent but in life! 

Thoughts and prayers go out to the whole Zemke family. May you feel God's comforting arms surround you during this time of sorrow and beyond.

He is now home with our heavenly father.

Always a smile, even when most wouldn't. Always a kind word or gesture when none was expected. I'll never eat a DQ Buster Bar again & not think of Dave! Knowing him professionally at Thrivent & as a fellow official was a blessing in my life. Just as he was for countless others that he impacted in both his vocation & avocation. His memory & what he taught us will live on, whether in a board room or on a ball field.

Prayers for strength, peace, & healing to you Julie and the entire family. 

Respectfully, 

Josh Dascher

I started at Thrivent about a year ago in the Rochester office. I met Dave two different times and he told me the story of being a 40-year Leukemia survivor. He was bubbly, witty, effervescent and full of passion as he described his life. All of us in that room (that day) were in awe. I really appreciated that he took the time to tell his story and that he shared his business with the newer and younger financial advisors that I coached. I remember thinking, "This guy is very generous." We are all deeply sorry for your loss of such a great human - your spouse, your dad, your brother, your grandpa, uncle, friend and neighbor. Prayers for you during this difficult time. ~ The Thrivent Rochester Advisor Group

Dear Zemke Family,

My deepest sympathies go out to your entire family during this incredibly difficult time. Dave was truly one of a kind, and I feel so fortunate to have had the pleasure of working with him at Thrivent. The office always felt a little bit brighter when Dave was around, and you could always tell when he was in because his motorcycle would be parked outside, even on those rare clear winter days. 

I am thankful for the opportunity to have gotten to know Dave and his kind spirit. He will be deeply missed by so many, but I find comfort in knowing that his memory will live on in all of you.

Sincerely,

Kris Terrill

I had the privilege of getting to know Dave through work - he always had a smile and a friendly greeting and ready for a little chat, usually about sports.

I will always remember how he always loved all the sweet goodies that were brought to the office :) 

Dave and I often discussed how he would ride his bike when we were all freezing - always joking and saying it's not that cold on his bike.

Dave will be missed a great deal - and my sincere condolences to his family. 

Thank You for the special memories, Dave - RIP now.

Michelle Venter

Julie. So sorry for your loss. Hugs and prayers to you and your family. May he rest with no more pain. 

Jess, 

I am sorry for your loss,  please accept my deepest sympathy. 

Mark 

My sympathy to you Julie, and family!

I had the good fortune to walk alongside Dave during most of his Thrivent career.  He always put others ahead of himself, not just in his career, but in all walks of his life. I always considered him “one of the good guys!!”  He will be missed.  Tim and Megan Valen 

I played softball with Dave in Rochester.  We had a really good team.  Dave did all the stats and being unselfish Dave he batted last.  He was always gracious enough to let me bat lead-off.  Loved it!  More than not I got on base. If we went batted deep in the line-up Dave would bat before me in the next inning .  I could always count on him getting on base.  I would try extra hard to get a hit to move him along. We called him "Bones" because he was a skinny guy.  He had been through a lot.  I don't ever remember Dave being mad or saying anything bad about anyone.  He truly was a great guy.  He invited me up to Rochester to try Senior Softball.  I loved it. Everyone made me feel welcome.  Unfortunately, it was too long a drive but I was able to talk to Dave after the game and do some catching up. Dave always had a strong faith was never afraid to share it.  I am truly blessed to have known Dave and his family.  RIP my friend!