The funeral service for David “Zee” Ziemke, 74, of Tracy, will take place at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, April 7, 2023, at Tracy United Methodist Church. Visitation will be Thursday, April 6, from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. at the Horvath Remembrance Center in Tracy and Friday, one hour prior to the service, 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. at Tracy United Methodist Church. Interment with military honors will follow the service at the Tracy City Cemetery.
David Lynn “Zee” Ziemke was born on January 12, 1949, at the old Tracy Hospital in Tracy, Mn. He was the son of Arlo and Betty Ziemke. Zee grew up in Tracy and was baptized at Faith Lutheran Church and confirmed at the Tracy Lutheran Church. Later in life, he was a member of the Tracy United Methodist Church and served on the Board of Trustees for many years. He attended Tracy Public Schools and was in the class of 1967.
Zee started out working in construction but, soon after, decided to join the Army in July of 1967. He served two tours in Vietnam and one in Germany. He was honorably discharged in 1975. Zee was awarded the Bronze Star and Purple Heart for his service.
Zee was a journeyman and traveled the states. When he was asked if he had any allergies, he would say “I am allergic to alcohol.. I break out all over the place, like Kentucky, Wyoming, Colorado etc..” Zee was proud of his 15 years of sobriety.
In 1997, he returned to Minnesota and assisted in a program called “Stand Down North 97” which was created to help veterans to connect with services before returning to his home town of Tracy in 1999.
Zee devoted his life to volunteering in his community. He helped with many programs such as Meals on Wheels and Tracy Area Animal Rescue. He also mowed lawns and blew snow for many local residents. He enjoyed spending time with friends and family, going fishing, playing Santa and clowns for nursing home residents, singing karaoke, shooting pool and darts, woodworking, playing bean bags and horseshoe and always loved an ice cold Dr. Pepper.
Zee married Jennie Bruss of Tracy, MN, on September 22, 2012. He was diagnosed with ALS on May 15, 2019. Zee had the most positive attitude and outlook considering his new lifestyle. He was not only a fighter at work, but a fighter at heart. He fought to the very end.
David passed away due to complications from ALS on Saturday, April 1, 2023, surrounded by his loving family. He is survived by the love of his life, wife Jennie Bruss Ziemke of Tracy, children David (Angie) Ziemke Jr., Amanda Ziemke, Jaclyn (Joe) Bretschneider, Jessica (Nick) Bruss; grandchildren Indy, Kristian, Eva, Jessie, Lucas and Thomas; sisters Janet Hill, Koreen Ziemke (Bill), Kathy Ziemke (Tom); brothers Bill Ziemke (Khris), Arlo Ziemke (Julie); brothers-in-law David (Linda) Rykhus, Harvey (Ina) Rykhus, Jeff (Karen) Rykhus, Rick (Dawn) Rykhus, Todd (Kelly) Kopischke; sister-in-law Joyce St. Pierre; step-daughter Missy; many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; Betty and Arlo Ziemke; brothers Robert, Clayton and infant brother Darlo; grandparents; Uncle Bill and Aunt Dora; brothers-in-law Jim Hill, Leo St. Pierre and Steve Molitor. Special thanks from the family to the Veteran’s Administration, Avera at Home Healthcare and Hospice, PVA (Paralyzed Veterans of America) Sanford Tracy Hospital for all services and support.
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