Kenneth M. Ziems

Resided in Gladstone, MI
Died September 20, 2012

Gladstone, MI
Kenneth M. Ziems, 80, of Gladstone, died at his home Sept. 20, 2012 following a brief illness.

He was born Nov. 21, 1931 in Lake Linden, MI, the son of Fritz and Ruth (Wirtz) Ziems.

Kenneth graduated from Lake Linden High School and attended Michigan Tech University. He enlisted in the Navy in 1950 and served in Japan and Korea. On Nov. 29, 1952 He married Mary Christine Brown in Chicago, IL. After his discharge from the Navy they moved to the U.P. and settled in Gladstone.

Kenneth was employed at Eaton & Yale then Mead Corporation as a Millwright/Machinist. He was active in Boy Scouts and Habitat for Humanity for a number of years. He also served on Church Council. In retirement he spent his time making beautiful carvings and wood turnings on his lathe. Kenneth was also an avid Packer fan and enjoyed sports.

Kenneth Ziems is survived by his wife, Chris, 5 sons: Michael (Debra) of Milwaukee, WI; Patrick (Paula) of Superior, WI; Todd (Ann) of Morogoro, Tanzania; Grant (Lois) of Gladstone; and Lance (Andra Bedard) of Kiva, MI; and a daughter, Christee (Adil) Khan of Kalamazoo, MI. He is also survived by 11 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother and two sisters.

Kenneth’s family will receive friends on Monday, Oct. 1st from 4:45 PM to 5:45 PM at First Lutheran Church in Gladstone. Military Rites will be conducted at 5:45 PM by the Gladstone American Legion Post #71. A Memorial Service will follow at 6 PM followed by a luncheon in the church Fellowship Hall.

In Lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to SON-International which provides clean water to people in Tanzania (http://www.son-international.org/) or OSF Hospice. The Skradski Family Funeral Homes are assisting the Ziems family.

30 Tributes for “Kenneth M. Ziems”

    Dear Ziems family,We pray you find peace in knowing that because of his faith in salvation through Christ, Ken is now with God in heaven. Ken was a warm, sweet man and we enjoyed and will cherish the time we spent with him. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

    I remember “Coach” Ken Ziems as a member of the Braves football teams in the mid 60’s. He came to all our practices and games, helping Coach Pfotenhauer with statistics-taking, taping ankles, and whatever else he could do for us. My sympathies to the family of a good man and fellow U.S. Veteran.

    To the family of Ken Ziems,I was deeply saddened to read of Ken’s death. The ‘Ziems’ family’ was always such a big part of the Strom family’s life. I knew all about the ‘Ziems’ before I had even met one of them! Steve used to tell me stories about all those boys and the one girl…..stories told in love of humorous babysitting events to fun Boy Scout events. I loved your family before I had even met any of you! Maybe it was one big family to another! GOOD families! My thoughts and prayers are with each of you at this time of sorrow. God be with you!

    Have known the Ziems family since I was about 5 years old when I met a very great friend Christee. Fond memories of hanging at the house with your family. Also, so many years of fond memories of Mr Ziems as a member of a McDonald’s coffee group that my dad was also a part of, when I was there serving the coffee at Gladstone McDs. Love and Hugssss to the whole family. Sarah

    Dear Todd and family…we offer our deepest sympathies for the loss of your dear father. We pray your sweet memories of him will console you in the days ahead…As you mourn his loss we also pray Jesus will ease your pain and comfort you during this time…we love you.

    my deepest sympathy to the family..i didnt know your dad very well, but ive alway had the deepest respect for your mother, and to have raised such a fantastic family, he must have been a wonderful man. i remember seeing him walking the sheep dog at the park and have seen some of his woodwork..beautiful. hugs and prayers to all the family

    Ken and Chris have been our neighbors for over 30 years. We have enjoyed knowing them and their families.Ken was a very talkented wood carver and filled their house with beautiful pieces of his work

    You will be deeply missed. Your family at Gladstone McDonalds will be thinking about you. Our sympathy goes out to the family and friends.

    Todd & Ann, We are so saddened by the death of your Dad, Todd. We want you to know we love you all and are praying for you during this time. The great comfort is knowing he is with the Lord.

    Todd and Ann and family,My prayers are with you during this time of loss and lifting you up to the future time when our families will be together again in heaven. For the King, much love, Dawn

    Larry, Laurii, Josh and family,There are no words to say that can ease your pain when you lose a Wife, Mother and Grandma.
    Just know you are not alone and we are praying for you all.
    Love Cindy, Jeff and Nick

    Gina and Tom, I’m very sorry for your loss. Linda was a very kind, sweet, and soft spoken woman. I hope that God gives you strength and heals your pain. You and the kiddos are in my thoughts and prayers.

    Just wanted to say how very sorry I am for your loss. You will always be in my prayers and thoughts through this very hard time. Linda will be missed by all. God Bless.

    May God bless you all and give you comfort as you mourn the loss of Linda. She was a sweet woman and very loved. I’m so very thankful for her life and her wonderful daughter, whom I call my best friend. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

    Sonny and Bonnie,I am so sorry to hear about Linda’s passing. I grew up with her since we were kids. She always was so kind. You have alot to be proud of. Take Care.
    Brian Lauscher

    Sonny, Bonnie, Tom and Laurie, Carol and kids, and my friend Gina I am so sorry for your loss. In a community as small and tight knit as ours is losing someone, especially someone as warm as Linda, is a huge loss for us all.
    Linda,
    I will always remember spending time with your daughter Gina. You were so kind and easy going! Although you did do a lot of eye rolling and head shaking at us! Thank you for your perspective on life! And thank you for what I consider to be your most amazing contribution….your daughter, Gina.

    Our condolences to Linda’s family. It makes it easier to know that she is now in a much better place and that she had a deep faith in our God.
    Keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers.

    Elaine and Mike, so sorry to hear of your loss. Praying that the peace which comes from the memories of love shared comfort you now and in the days ahead.

    I am so sorry to hear of Linda’s passing. Linda and I were school mates at Perkins and graduated together from Mid Pen. She was a very kind, and thoughtful person. My thoughts and prayers to Linda’s family at this very sad and difficult time. May god bless and keep you close.

    To the Besson family, I am truly heart broken over you loss. I admired and loved your mom very much. I wish you all a speedy recovery. If there is anything I can do you any of you, please let me know. Again I’m so sorry. With all my love Barbie (Jones)Gorzinski

    Lary, Lauri, Dave, & Ralph,So sorry to hear about your loss. Donna was like a mother to me when I lived by you.
    She will be missed by many but remember, death leaves a heart ache no one can heal, but love leaves a memory no one can steal…

    I am so very sorry to hear about Donna’s passing. I haven’t seen most of you (Calsons) in a very long time, but I have great memories of all of you. Take strength in the memories you have of Donna. God Bless You all in your time of need.

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