Ernie "June" Ziemke, Jr.
Ernie, age 84, rose to the loving arms of his Lord surrounded by his loving family at the Toledo Hospital on January 9th, 2012. Preceded in death by Joanne, the love of his life and wife for 59 years, he was born to Ernest and Elizabeth Ziemke on April 24th, 1927. Ernie's parents, brothers Ed and Carl and sister Jean also passed before him. A lifetime resident of Toledo and with a 42 year career with the Bricklayers Local #3 B.A.C. Ernie grew up with a trowel in his hand as did his Dad and brothers.
A World War II veteran, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and trained to deploy to the South Pacific. Never venturing there due to the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Ernie sailed on the "Liberty" ship across the Atlantic for two tours of duty in occupational Germany as an Army Corps Medic.
On the home front, he was always an avid hunter and fisherman. Ernie and his brother Carl formed the Veterans' Sportsmen's' Club, trapshooting sporting clays over a ravine at the end of Dixie off Manhattan Blvd. He was also a founding member of the Merickle-Farley Trout Club located off Rte. 295. A 40 year member of the Long Beach Assoc., Ernie and Joanne spent their weekends at their cottage on Lake Erie, fishing for "whatever hits" and enjoying all their family and friends.
Like his Dad, Ernie could always tell a good story. No difference what the topic or conversation, he had a tale to match that would make the whole subject matter, ironic. He will be deeply missed by all.
Ernie is survived by his sister, Annette Lester; brother, Walter (Elaine) Ziemke; son, Karl (Sandy) Ziemke; daughter, Kristina (Daniel) McKegney; grandchildren, Teri (Juan) Varrillas Ziemke, Brandon, Dandi and Bob Ziemke, Nathaniel, Noah, River and Sky McKegney; great-grandchildren, Kira, Cerina, Luiz and Aliyah Jo Ziemke; sister-in-law, Judy (Bill) DeSana; devoted nieces, Lisa (Joe) Rioux and Becky (David) Black; dedicated nephews, Ed (Rene) Ziemke and Mike Papenfus; and all of Ernie's extended family of friends, nieces, nephews and their children.
The family will receive guests on Friday from 2 – 8:00 p.m. at Newcomer Funeral Home, 4150 W. Laskey Rd. (419-473-0300). Funeral Services will begin Saturday at 10:00 a.m. in the funeral home. Interment will follow at Toledo Memorial Park.
Those wishing to make monetary donations are asked to consider the Paralyzed Veterans of America.