Christopher G. Ziemann, Maple Grove
Christopher Gerhard Ziemann, 40, of Maple Grove, formerly of Stewart, died Monday, Jan. 4, 2016, at his home.
Memorial services were held Friday, Jan. 8, at St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church in Fernando with the Rev. Aaron Albrecht officiating. Vicki Herrmann was the organist. Soloist Kristen Hansch sang “I Will Rise.” Congregational hymns were “How Great Thou Art” and “What a Friend We Have in Jesus.”
Urn bearers were Collin Nordman, Emmitt Diepold, Payton Diepold, Quin Nordman, Randy Diepold and Don Kiecker.
Interment followed the service in the church cemetery.
Christopher Gerhard Ziemann was born Nov. 29, 1975, in Glencoe, and was raised in Stewart. He was the son of Gerhard and Sandra (Stark) Ziemann. He was baptized as an infant on Dec. 25, 1975, and confirmed in his faith on May 6, 1990, by the Rev. Bob Miner, both at St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church in Fernando. He was raised on a dairy farm with his three sisters, Michelle, Jacqueline and Racquel. Together they learned how to run farm equipment and care for the crops and livestock. Christopher was diagnosed with juvenile diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis at age 14.
He attended kindergarten through 10th grade at Stewart Public School. Stewart and Brownton combined as McLeod West Schools during his junior year in high school. He graduated with the class of 1994 with high honors. He furthered his education at Rasmussen College in Minneapolis, receiving an associate degree in higher accounting/business management. He purchased his first home in Plymouth. The past 10 years, his residency was in Maple Grove.
Mr. Ziemann began his career at TCF Banks after graduating from Rasmussen College. He was an investment service representative along with his father, giving seminars throughout Minnesota. He continued his accounting career in 1999 with Wells Fargo Bank in Minneapolis for over 15 years. He handled income taxes for his friends and family, which recently resulted in his becoming a tax consultant for H&R Block on weekends.
He loved spending time with his family and friends. He celebrated many birthdays, holidays and special occasions at the homestead farm, Mickeyland USA. He enjoyed sports and collecting sports cards. He participated in fantasy football, volleyball, baggo, Z-Bus Tours and darts. He was known as the “Z-Man” and “Dart Commissioner.” He would call his league night the “Z-Man Dart League.” He absolutely loved playing the game of darts with his friends. He traveled to several tournaments in Minnesota, including Duluth, Rochester and Hinckley. He received several awards and trophies, both individually and as a team. Flights to Las Vegas for dart tournaments and to Cancun to relax were his frequent vacation spots, bringing family and friends with him. He also traveled to Germany with his grandfather, Milo Ziemann, and his cousins. He even experienced a couple of fishing trips to Canada.
Mr. Ziemann had several wonderful traits as the social media records: made people laugh, one of a kind, loving brother, friend, teammate, roommate, big hearted, fun guy, entertaining, buddy, colleague, travel partner, kind, black jack buddy, tax man, smart, jersey supplier, funny, dart man, helping, caring and the list goes on … full of stories and many good memories with friends and family.
He is survived by his parents, Gerhard and Sandy Ziemann of Hutchinson; sisters and brothers-in-law, Michelle and Quin Nordman and their children, Collin and Alisha, of Roseville, Jacqueline and Randy Diepold and their children, Emmitt, Payton and Dylan, of Stewart, and Racquel and Don Kiecker and their children, Olivia and Landon, of Hutchinson; grandfather, Milo Ziemann of Stewart; many uncles, aunts, cousins and friends.
He was preceded in death by his brother, Jeffrey Allan Ziemann; nephews, Joshua Nordman and Aaden Kiecker; and grandparents, Agnes Ziemann and John and Lucille Stark.
A memorial fund for Mr. Ziemann has been set up by Wells Fargo Bank, and donations may be made at any Wells Fargo location.
Arrangements were with the Paul-McBride Funeral Chapel of Norwood Young America. Online obituaries and guest book are available at www.hantge.com.
