Francis ‘Frank’ Ziemke, age 77, of Merrill, passed away on Thursday, May 28, 2015, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.
Frank was born June 11, 1937, in the Town of Berlin, Marathon County, son of the late Albert Sr. and Emily (Graap) Ziemke. He married Shirley Hoff on May 18, 1957 in Merrill. She survives. Frank had been a supervisor at Lincoln Wood Products, Merrill. He was a member of St. Stephen’s United Church of Christ, Merrill, where he served on the church council and was a member of the Usher’s Club. Frank was also a member of the Social & Sick Benevolent Society. Frank collected sports cards and memorabilia and owned and operated the former Sports Card Center in Merrill. He enjoyed woodworking, playing Sheephead every Friday night, and working on his computers. He also enjoyed going on vacation, spending time at his home in North Fort Myers, Florida, and spending time with his grandchildren.
Survivors include his wife, Shirley Ziemke of Merrill; four daughters, Laura (Rocky) Kolka of Sheboygan, and Lana (Bob) Odegard, Brenda Ziemke, and Ann (Jim) Wayda all of Merrill; one son, Frank Ziemke of Menominee, Michigan; nine grandchildren, Emily and Ben Kolka, Joshua (Heidi) Odegard, Courtney Odegard, Luke and Katie Wayda, and Brittany, Dylan, and Emma Ziemke; three great-granddaughters, Madelyn, Isabelle and Amelia Odegard; one sister, Carol (Jerry) Plautz of Merrill; and one brother, Norman (Alice) Ziemke of Merrill. Frank was preceded in death by his parents, Albert Sr. and Emily Ziemke; and one brother, Albert ‘Sonny’ (Holly) Ziemke, Jr.
A private service will be held for Frank.
In lieu of flowers, memorial may be directed to St. Stephen’s United Church of Christ, Merrill.
Online condolences may be made at www.taylorstinefuneralhome.com