Richard Ziemke, age 63, died on Thursday, September 11, 2025 after a battle with cancer.  He was born May 24, 1962 in Fort Bragg, NC to Donald and Dorothy (Jensen) Ziemke, while his father was in the reserves. At seven weeks old, they came home to continue farming.  He graduated from Portage High School in 1980.  After graduation he farmed with his parents, owning his first calf at the age of 10 and becoming herdsman at 12. He continued farming until they sold out in 1996. He then started bartending at various bars, including Thunderbird Lanes when he was the cocktail waiter for the Ladies Commercial Bowling League for 16 years. Finally working at River's Edge Pub & Grub for 25 and a half years before retiring in March of 2024.  He loved playing euchre, singing karaoke, was a league bowler for 42 years, showing cattle and emceeing cattle shows. Besides his family, the love of his life was the Columbia County Fair, which he was part of for over 50 years; 17 years on the Fair Board including being the Vice President.  He is survived by his mother, Dorothy Ziemke of Baraboo; his brother, Dennis (Lisa Henke) Ziemke of Baraboo; nieces and nephews, Jeremy (Stephanie) Ziemke of Kendall, John (Kimber) Ziemke and their son Wesley all of rural Baraboo, Jenna Ziemke of Baraboo, Forest (Heather Key) Henke of Baraboo; special friends, Julie Swan of Pardeeville and Peggy Loveless Sosinsky of Montello; as well as aunts, uncles, cousins and many, many friends.  He was preceded in death by his father, Donald Ziemke; sister-in-law, Sherrie Ziemke; aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.  Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, September 16, 2025 at 1 p.m. at Redlin-Ertz Funeral Home in Baraboo. Visitation will be held on Tuesday from 10 a.m. until the time of service. Interment will follow in Caledonia German Methodist Cemetery.  My last wish is for everyone: Live a happy and healthy life Live every day to the fullest because you don’t know what can happen Don’t worry about me: I’m no longer in pain I love you all!!! 

Tara Greenwood September 12, 2025

Friend Baraboo ,

Rest easy my friend. Our love for the fair and taking care of your hair brought us together. I'm glad you are no longer in pain. My heart is sad but, I know you are in a better place and shining down on all of us! The world was a better place with you in it! Fly high and may you always have high lights in heaven!

Betty krueger September 12, 2025

Friend Baraboo , Wisconsin

R I P Rich. You were a nice guy n enjoyed having had you as renter the yrs you stayed here. I'll always remember your smiles n singing.

STEVEN Male HAMILTON September 12, 2025

FRIEND Baraboo , Wisconsin

Richard was a special person; I will remember his laughter and joy for other people's successes. My sincere condolences to his family and friends.

Ruth Kaczmarek September 12, 2025

Friend Baraboo , Wisconsin

You have my condolences. I'm keeping you in my thoughts and prayers are with you in this difficult time.

Kurt Kuwitzky September 13, 2025

Cousin Cottage Grove , Wisconsin

Our deepest condolences to the Ziemke Family, we will always remember our family reunions and many memories. You fought a valiant battle Richard! We will miss you!! Kurt, Lisa and Conrad

Theresa Jensen-Hendricks September 13, 2025

1st cousin Baraboo , Wisconsin

Richard, you were one of my favorite cousins, always jovial with a creative sense of humor. Thanks for going to polka dances with me when we were young. I loved coming out to the farm and helping you feed cattle and playing "army" when we were kids. RIP.

Carissa Kammer September 13, 2025

Friend Baraboo , Wisconsin

I remember Richard fondly from bowling. I often saw him selling produce and I'd run into him at the fair. He will be missed by many.

Ruth and Gary Baker September 13, 2025

Friends Baraboo , Wisconsin

Our sympathies and hugs go to Richard’s family. We We’ll miss his stories and positive attitude at bowling. We’ll miss seeing his latch hook creations that he entered in the fair each year. Thankful he’s no longer suffering.

Deb Jensen September 13, 2025

cousin Sheboygan , Wisconsin

I will miss your laugh. Rest easy now

Carol Nelson September 14, 2025

Friend Baraboo , Wisconsin

RIP Richard.

Julie Eckert September 15, 2025

Friend Baraboo , Wisconsin

Richard will be missed by all of us at Corson Square. My condolences to the family Julie Eckert

Jeff Haertlein September 15, 2025

aquaintance North Freedom , Wisconsin

Please accept my sympathies to you at this terrible time. I would see Richard once in a great while why dining at the Rivers Edge. Those few times were so nice to see him and briefly talk. Of even more importance is that this is Jeff from Benders Feed Mill of Baraboo. During all those trips to the Mill it was always great to see Don; Richard; Dennis Ziemke's as customers. I always remember those Christmas time treats from Dorothy and I am serious, I always recall that. A special hello to Dorothy. I am sorry that I cannot attend Tuesday as I have a person coming to visit me who I have never met in person. I will be thinking of Richard Tuesday. Please take care. Jeff

Jack Schumann September 16, 2025

Freind Baraboo , Wisconsin

You were one of the best Richard! The best karaoke partner around and one of the nicest guys i have met. Ill miss you big guy. Rest in heaven buddy

Linda Krejchik September 17, 2025

Friend Portage , Wisconsin

I am so sorry to hear of Richard's passing. Richard was kind and sweet. I am saddened. My sincere condolences to you, Dorothy, and family.

Debra Broesch September 18, 2025

Classmate friend Topeka , Kansas

THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS TO YOU GOD BLESS YOU

Gary L Ulrich September 19, 2025

Friend Wisconsin Dells , Wisconsin

Miss you at the bowling alley.