Lee Cole Ziemer

Lee Cole Ziemer peacefully passed away February 21, 2017, at age 87, in Northern Wisconsin at the Seasons of Life Hospice House. Lee was preceded in death by his parents Lola Cole and
Harry Ziemer; his much loved son, James Cole Ziemer; and his best friend and love of his life,
Marjorie Ziemer. Lee is survived by his favorite daughter, Bonnie Ziemer Klappa; her husband,
Wayne Klappa; and his granddaughter, Katie Cole Klappa, whom he named. He is further survived by nieces and nephews; Bobi Murphy, Nancy Greenway, Tom Randolph,
Debby Shields, John Randolph, David Randolph, Libby Randolph, Margi Hacker, Holly Sperry, Missy Handa and their families; sister-in-laws, Barbara Randolph and Connie Randolph; and
Paul (Jamie) Klappa family. Lee was further preceded in death by his nephew, Jim, and
his niece, Judy.
Lee resided in Milwaukee and attended Richard Street Grade School,
Country Day School, Milwaukee University School, and the University of Wisconsin-Madison where he met Margie. They married within a year and celebrated their 64th wedding anniversary September 2014.
Lee studied agricultural science at UW-Madison and was a fraternal brother of
Sigma Alpha Epsilon. After college Lee worked at, managed and owned his family business,
Ziemer’s Sausage Co. and he was president of the Milwaukee Sausage Maker’s Association.
Lee spent his vacations with family musky fishing on Lake Pokegama,
Lac du Flambeau. Lee was an ardent golfer and a three-time club champion at
Tripoli Country Club, 1958, 1962, and 1964. Lee volunteered at Columbia Hospital in the rehabilitation department for 10 years, following his stroke in 1991. Lee was humble, determined, resilient and very generous. His kind-heartedness and entertaining ways made his family and friends feel treasured. In his memory, Lee would ask you to, “Please, hug a friend today.”
A memorial service will be held at a later date in Manitowoc, WI.
Online condolences may be shared at www.nimsgernfuneral.com
NIMSGERN FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES IS SERVING THE FAMILY.