Donald Alfred Ziemer

Donald Alfred Ziemer passed away peacefully with family nearby from congestive heart failure on August 21st 2011 at 1:50 PM at the age of 87 years old. Donald was born May 4, 1924 in Kankakee Illinois and was the eldest Son of Alfred and Vera Thompson Ziemer. Donald attended grade school at St. Paul's Lutheran School and graduated from Kankakee High School in 1942. Shortly after graduation, Donald entered the US Army receiving basic training in NC with the 26th Division, 263rd F.A. Battalion. From there, he transferred over to the Air Corps as an Aviation Cadet. When the call came for more troop support in Europe, he was then ordered to serve in the 86th Black Hawk Division 331st F.A. Battalion where he saw action in Europe and the South Pacific. Upon returning home at the end of WW II, Donald began working as a meter reader for Public Service Company later known as Commonwealth Edison. He retired 40 years later as a Substation Operator in 1986. In 1987 Donald and his wife Darlene Grace sold their home in Kankakee, IL and moved to Richland, Washington to be closer to their Son Paul, Daughter-in-law Cheryl and Grandson Jeffery.

In his younger years, Don Zeke, played softball and was a pitcher for several teams including St. Paul's Lutheran, Rainbow Lane, Swanell Hardware, Public Service Co. and Tiny Tap. Don loved to fish and fished all of his life. He also enjoyed hunting pheasants with his son Paul on the snow covered cornfields in Illinois. Don was an avid model plane designer and builder who enjoyed flying radio controlled airplanes. He liked playing golf and enjoyed playing his Hammond Organ for family and friends. He belonged to two Church bowling leagues in Kankakee and served as the Kankakee Bowling Association's Secretary for many years. Don was a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Kankakee IL, Redeemer Lutheran in Richland WA and member of the Moose.

One of Don's greatest joys was spending time and fishing with his grandson Jeffery. They were great pals and each caught more than their fair share of fish in Illinois and here in the Pacific Northwest. Don will be missed by many including his beloved wife of 62 years Grace Darlene, whom he married on October 1st 1949 at the first Methodist Church in Kankakee, Son Paul Cheryl and Grandson Jeffery. In addition to those above, Don is also survived by two very special Sister-in-laws Shirley Dandurand and Ellaretta Ziemer and Aunt Erna Ziemer. There are numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. Don was preceded in death by his Father Alfred, Mother Vera, Brother Herbert and Sister Ardis McCullough.

A service for Donald Alfred Ziemer will be held at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Richland, WA Thursday, August 25, 2011 at 2:00 P.M. There is no planned visitation or services outside of the scheduled service at Redeemer Lutheran. Cremation rights have been accorded. Special recognition should be given to ALL of our friends at Hospice House including Julie, Collene and Craig who helped us so much through this journey and to Dr. Merkley and Dr. Wadhwa. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made either to Hospice at the Chaplaincy, Kennewick, WA or to Redeemer Lutheran Church in Richland, WA.