Raymond Francis Zeman

Macken Funeral Home Memorial Photo
Date of Birth:
Tuesday, September 27, 1932
Date of Death:
Wednesday, January 16, 2019
Age:
86 years old

Visitation

Date: Monday January 21, 2019
Time: 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Location: River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home [ view map ]

Second Visitation

Date: Tuesday January 22, 2019
Time: 9:00 am - 10:00 am

Location: Co-Cathedral of St. John The Evangelist [ view map ]

Funeral Mass

Date: Tuesday January 22, 2019
Time: 10:00 am

Location: Co-Cathedral of St. John The Evangelist [ view map ]

Burial

Location: Calvary Cemetery [ view map ]

Macken Funeral Home Memorial Photo
Date of Birth:
Tuesday, September 27, 1932
Date of Death:
Wednesday, January 16, 2019
Age:
86 years old
Macken Funeral Home Memorial Photo
Date of Birth:
Tuesday, September 27, 1932
Date of Death:
Wednesday, January 16, 2019
Age:
86 years old

Raymond Francis Zeman

Raymond Francis Zeman of Rochester, MN died peacefully at Madonna Towers on Wednesday, January 16, 2019.

Born September 27, 1932 on a farm in Pocahontas, IA to George and Lorena (Ruder) Zeman, Ray moved with his family to Minnesota in 1947 where he farmed until his graduation from Ellendale High School in 1950. After graduating high school, Ray enlisted in the United States Air Force. Ray was honorably discharged from the Air Force in 1954 and married Susanne Walker in Geneva, MN. There he had a double wedding with his brother Richard Zeman, who married Sue’s sister Joanne. Ray and Sue were blessed with three sons: Steven, Daniel, and Michael. Ray and Sue moved to Rochester in 1957 where, drawing on his experience and education from the Air Force, Ray began a successful 35-year career with IBM. Sue preceded Ray in death in 1982.

After Sue’s passing, Ray met Rita Dixon, a colleague at IBM in Rochester. Ray and Rita were married in 1983 and resided in Rochester, MN. Ray and Rita were blessed with two daughters: Ramona and Renee. Ray and Rita divorced in 1997.

Ray was heavily involved in the communities he belonged to, which were many. These included being a founding member of the Lourdes High School Foundation, member to the Rochester Serra Club, member of the Alzheimer’s Association, managing charitable bingo for Lourdes High School, and participating in the American Legion Honor Guard. He also offered countless hours of volunteer work for the Catholic schools and churches in Rochester and was an avid supporter of Lourdes High School athletics with over 45 years running the clock for football and basketball games. He was awarded a Lourdes High School sports hall of fame award in 2010. Ray had a strong desire to serve others and received energy from his participation and service to causes he believed in.

Ray is survived by sons, Steven (Julie) Zeman, Daniel (Marilyn) Zeman, and Michael (Elissa) Zeman; daughter, Renee (Timothy) Rudolph; sisters, Rita Dickson and Lorena Zeman; and brothers, Leo (Bernice) Zeman and David (Barbara) Zeman. He is also survived by five grandchildren, Cody Zeman, Sara Zeman, Alexander (Sarah) Zeman, Eleanor (Tyler) Stefan, and Gregory Zeman; and five great-grandchildren.

Ray was preceded in death by his parents, George and Lorena Zeman; wife, Susanne Zeman; brother, Richard (Joanne) Zeman; sister, Alice (Herman) Blankenau; and daughter Ramona Zeman.

The funeral Mass for Ray will be held at the Co-Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, January 22, 2019. Visitation will be held in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home on Monday, January 21 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. with a second visitation one-hour prior to the funeral Mass on Tuesday, January 22.

Memorials are preferred to Lourdes High School, Co-Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, or Madonna Towers.

Ray’s family is grateful to all the staff and caregivers at Madonna Towers and Mayo Hospice. Their love and support brought peace and comfort to Ray and his family through the end of his life.

Condolences

The family of Raymond Francis Zeman has received the following condolences.

Zeman's,


I am so saddened and sorry to hear of the passing of Ray.  I just received word.  I feel very lucky to have known him for 7 years and only wish it was longer.  His infectious smile and positive attitude was felt by so many.  I will miss his trips to Woodhill and the stories after his round of golf on how he brought the course to its knees.  He was one of kind.  All my thoughts and prayers are with the entire Zeman family during this difficult time.

 Dear Steve, Dan and Mike,


I can't imagine you remember me but I wanted to know how much I admired and liked your dad.  I was actually the flower girl at your parent's wedding.  They were very special to me and even though it has been many years since I last saw your dad at a Goodnature reunion I thought of him often.  It is not easy losing a parent no matter how old you are and I know you will greatly miss your father, just as I know you miss your wonderful mother.  Just know our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.


Rita (Kruger) Patten

My condolences on the death of your Dad. We used to be your neighbor on Elton Hills Drive.  I crossed many different paths with Ray over the years. one of the places I saw Ray often was at Michaels Restaurant as I was the maitre de.  He always had that good nature and big smile. He was a great man and will truly be missed.  Walt Pappas

Ray was a long time friend of my parents and I got to know him when he was my boss for a short time.  He was always upbeat, smiling, and kind.  I know he was a tireless volunteer, and I got to see that first hand when I worked for Madonna Towers.  He would come and visit the residents regularly, and it wasn't just a peek in the door with a hello, he sat down and actually visited with people.  I know he made a lot of hearts happy with those visits.  I will miss seeing his smiling face and his warm hug.  I wish peace and comfort for all of his family.  God bless you.


Lynn Stolp

To the family of Ray Zeman:


My husband Arthur and I have known your father for many years firstly when our family went to Lourde High School, and within many of the activities mentioned in his Obituary.  He was in our eyes an exemplary person who always seemed to put others first.  We also knew Sue who again lived a wonderful life of service.  After living here (Madonna Towers) for nearly 2 years we have seen first hand how very caring He was to many persons visiting my husband frequently before Art passed away on Easter Sunday of this past year, and always being there for anyone who required help.  Our sincere sympathy to each of you, He talked about how proud He was of you and was so pleased when you came. He will truly be missed by many. 


Sincerely Mrs. (Arthur) Helen Mueller,   (Parents of Daniel, Thomas, Gregory,Dave and Michelle, Mary, And Joan.

It was a joy to have known Ray. We first met doing Diocesan work several years ago and I always appreciated his insight and history. When he moved to Madonna Towers is was always a pleasure to see him and get a big smile (while visiting my mom). Please know of our love, hugs and prayers. 

I am so grateful to have known Ray and his family for most of my life.  I am forever grateful for his friendship, love, and support over the years.  Ray was truly a kind, generous, loving, and classy soul. May he Rest In Peace.

Our sincere condolences to all of the Zeman family on the passing of Ray. We knew Ray from all the volunteer work he did for the Catholic School system and Lourdes High School. He was always willing to lend a hand with band related events and any other event where help was needed. He was such a happy and kind person, he'll be missed by many. We feel blessed to have known him, he was such a special person. Prayers to you all for healing and peace.


Renee and Paul Olsen

Very sorry to hear of the loss of you father. I met your parents 40 years ago when I worked with your mother in Community Pediatrics. They were great people. I was fortunate to stay in contact with your father after your mother’s passing. Ramona was a patient of mine and I spent many hours with your father and Rita as they provided amazing supportive and loving care to her.  Ray and Sue were special people and we were lucky to have known them. 

I am sorry to hear about your dad. He was a good friend to my dad, especially when my dad was so sick near the end. I cannot tell how much our family appreciated that and I will always be grateful to him.  Prayers for your family. 


Mary Kistler Carpenter 

Tom and I are saddened by the death of Ray.  We thought he was a good guy. We always a smile on his face. He was an optimist man. May his soul Rest In Peace.   Tom and Connie Fournier    Rochester, MN.  (IBM, hockey, Lourdes High School)

I was fortunate to have Ray for a manager at IBM. He was a great manager and all around good guy.  You have my sympathy. 


Gods blessings to the family.


Phil

Steve, Dan and Mike,


So very sorry for your loss. Thinking of all of you these last few days... Prayers and hugs...


Carol (Reiland) Clarey

Ray's first wife, Sue, worked with my Mom as one of Mayo's trailblazer nurse practitioners in the 1970s. They worked in pediatrics together. Our families got together on occasion and she and Ray were the most gracious and lovely people. Ray would help anyone as I'm sure many people here will attest whether it was in our family's case electrical work, cutting wood or his many years as a Lourdes timekeeper, bingo operator and Serran (priest vocations). I am sure I have just scratched the surface. Rest in peace Ray and may perpetual light shine upon you.

I’m so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. 

Steve, Dan, Mike and families, All my sympathy to you for your Father's death. Ray was a very special person and so proud of his family. You are blessed with all the wonderful memories of him in your lives.


Sorry we are out of state and unable to pay our respects in person.   Frank and Karen Taylor

deepest condolences to Mike, Elissa and the rest of Ray’s wonderful family, from Mary and Brad. We were blessed to know “Grandpa Ray.”  I wish I could hit my driver as straight as he did!  God bless you all.  

 Ray and I were classmates graduating from Ellendale High School in 1950. He and his first wife, Sue, were good friends of me and my husband, Elmer. We had many good times


together. Ray was a great friend through the years, meeting at class reunions and other get togethers. He was very proud of his daughters, loving Ramona til she died, and telling 


how beautiful Renee was at her wedding. Ray was very happy with his sons' successes in their occupations.


 


Elmer and I will miss Ray as we truly loved him. He was a great person. Our sympathy to all the family.


 


 

Steve and Family


I was very fortunate to be able to spend time with Ray on the Lourdes foundation, going over the books for the Bingo Hall, trips to the cities and early morning briefings were not only spent working but also spent talking of family, friends and of course Lourdes High School. I learned so much about the importance of giving and the rewards that come with it. He will be deeply missed but never forgotten in the Lourdes community.

To all of the Zeman family - We are deeply saddened by Ray's passing.  He was a truly wonderful individual and very caring.  He and Sue were so supportive of all of the kids attending Lourdes, ours among them.  You are all in our thoughts and prayers.


Jim and Sandy 

I'll never forget Ray's smile and his wonderful attitude about life and everything!  He was the rock and glue of Madonna Towers.  He had a way of bringing people together.   He visited my mom the day she died, just like you'd expect Ray to do.


God Bless!  You'll be missed......


 


Tim and Nancy Rian Kelley


 

I can not begin to express how much I am going to miss Ray. He was such a bright light in my life here at Madonna Towers. He was always willing to help me and always shared a great story and wonderful laugh to all who spent time with him. He was a special man who will always have a piece of my heart. Thank you so much for choosing Madonna Towers. Thank you so much for sharing him with us. 

Dear Mike, Dan, Steve and families,


My thoughts and prayers are with you as you mourn Ray’s death and celebrate his good life. I have so many fond memories of your Dad—farm boy stories, Lake Magnor cabin building and fun times, Lourdes, baseball coach, our homes on 16th Avenue, and so many more. He was almost always an optimist and glass mostly full person. I am deeply grateful for the friendship and lessons learned from him over the years. 

My sympathy to all the members of the Zeman family.  Ray was a part of our golf group and was also a member of the Back Pew Group at St. Johns Church.  Ray was an exceptional person in so many ways, Usher, Honor Guard, Time Clock Keeper, Air Force Veteran, etc.  God Bless.

The Zeman Family,


All of us, both staff and residents at Madonna Towers/Madonna Living Community miss your dad.  His personality was larger than life itself.  Everyone knew him, his smile, his kind words, his "can do" volunteering assisting everyone he knew.  He was Mr. Hospitality! Our hearts break without him.


  

Steve and family...Just heard about your dad.  I am so very sorry.  It does not matter the age or the circumstance...having a dad pass away leaves such a hole in your heart.  My dad passed away 5 years ago of Alzheimer's and we miss him each and every day.  Just wanted to let you know that I was thinking of you.  Take care...Judy