Donald `Don` Ziemke
Donald `Don` Ziemke , Age 88
TOWNSHIP OF CALEDONIA/BARABOO - Donald Ziemke, age 88, Town of Caledonia farmer, passed away December 14, 2023 at St. Clare Hospital in Baraboo.
Don was born December 29, 1934, the only child of Harold and Esther (Luebke) Ziemke. He went thru the Baraboo School Systems, graduating in 1953. On November 22, 1958 he was united in marriage to Dorothy Jensen at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Baraboo. Together they farmed in the Town of Caledonia for 40 years. While farming, Don sold Mallard Seed Corn for many years. After farming, Don was employed by Hohls Farm Supply; later by Adesa Car auction for 16 years.
Don served his country in the Army Reserve for 6 years in the 322 Chemical Unit in Baraboo; stationed at Fort Bragg during the Berlin Crisis. Don served on the Board of Caledonia Mutual Insurance, the Caledonia Methodist Cemetery Association, as well as the Tri-State and Wisconsin Dairy’s Board. Don bowled for 63 years in both Portage and Baraboo. He bowled in the Nationals for 33 years. At the age of 72, he bowled his first 300 game and two years later he rolled another one!
Don is survived by his wife of 65 years, Dorothy; two sons, Richard of Baraboo and Dennis (Lisa Henke) of Baraboo; 3 grandchildren, Jeremy (Stephanie) of Kendall, John (Kimber) of Baraboo, and Jenna of Baraboo; step-grandson, Forest (Heather) Henke of Baraboo and several cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents; parents-in-law, Clarence and Thalia Jensen; a daughter-in-law, Sherrie; siblings-in-law, Neil and Joanne Jensen, John and Hazel Mulryan and June Jensen.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, December 19, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at Redlin-Ertz Funeral Home in Baraboo. Military honors will be held following the service. Visitation will be held Monday, December 18, 2023 from 3:00 p.m.- 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home and on Tuesday, December 19, 2023 from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at the funeral home. A private family inurnment will be held in Caledonia German Methodist Cemetery at a later date.
Condolences
Mike Weyh December 14, 2023
Friend Baraboo
My condolences to the family. Don is one of those people you would hope could be around forever. We had alot of fun conversations.
Kurt Kuwitzky December 14, 2023
Nephew Cottage Grove , Wisconsin
Our deepest condolences to the Ziemke family. There are so many memories of seeing and helping my uncle on the farm when I was younger. Rest in eternal peace Don
Theresa Jensen-Hendricks December 15, 2023
Niece Baraboo , Wisconsin
RIP Uncle Don, how I used to love coming out to the farm at milking time to pester everyone to feed the cows and the calves and going to card parties with the family. Times I will never forget.
Michael & Linda Kuwitzky December 15, 2023
Brother & Sister In Law Muskego , Wisconsin
Dorothy and Family Please accept our deepest condolences. We will always fondly remember Don from all of the family gatherings we attended over the years. We know he will be welcomed into heaven by all of the family members who have gone before him. May God Bless Don now and forever!
John and Alice Jensen December 16, 2023
brother-in -law Baraboo , Wisconsin
Don was one good,hard working and honest man! Some of my fondest memories is when I spent my summers doing field work and working beside Don. We were bowling partners and horseshoe partners. I was blessed to know Don and have him in the family.
Jeff Krohn December 16, 2023
Co worker AGOURA HILLS , California
I sure enjoyed working with Don at Adesa for years. May you rest in joyful peace, sir.
Steve & Sharon Jensen December 17, 2023
Nephew Circle Pines , Minnesota
Don and Dorothy went several years to the Minnesota State Fair. When I moved to Minnesota I went with them a couple of times. It was a little touch of home---like the Columbia County Fair only bigger. I tell the people in my bowling league that I still have time to get my 300 and then tell them about my uncle getting his 2 in his 70's. Rest in peace Don.
Nancy & Tim Kopfhamer December 17, 2023
Friends Portage
So sorry for your loss. We will be thinking of you.
Roger Gonzagowski December 18, 2023
friend Cambridge , Wisconsin
Dorothy, Sorry to hear of Don passing , may he RIP forever. I remember coming from Monroe Wi to do the evening milking when his dad died, it was the last time I milked cows. I don.t git around much anymore, I have Parkinson. Having a son die we learned, to EXCEPT it, you will never forget.
Jeff Haertlein December 22, 2023
acquaintance North Freedom , Wisconsin
So sorry to hear of Don's passing, remember the whole family as I worked for Benders Feed Mill for many years. My sympathies go out to you all! Jeff