James Mathew Zemke
Memorial Gathering will be from 12 Noon until 6 p.m. on Saturday, February 7th, 2015 at the Big Flats Town Hall.
James was born June 17, 1965 in Friendship, Wisconsin to Norman Albert and Arley Cleone (Insteness) Zemke. He graduated from Adams-Friendship High School in 1983. He worked as a welder in Wisconsin and Minnesota after high school and married Sue Ellen Sonnenberg in 1989. This marriage was blessed with two sons. Sue Ellen passed away in 1992. James raised his boys and later married Mary E. Steffan on July 1, 2006 in Friendship, Wisconsin. He also worked as a welder at Brenner Tank in Mauston, Wisconsin.
James loved fishing and hunting, listening and writing music, playing his guitar, supporting the Packers and Brewers, horseshoes, he also did custom and artistic welding and spending time with his family.
Memorials may be directed in James’ memory to his family: Zemke Family, 1044A Browndeer Ave., Friendship, WI 53934.
James was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Sue Ellen Zemke; and brothers: Norm Zemke and Phil Zemke.
Survivors:
Wife: Mary Zemke of Friendship, Wisconsin
Son: Justin Zemke of Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin
Son: Tyler Zemke of Burlington, Wisconsin
Further survived by 6 brothers and sisters, three step-children, step-grandchildren, three sisters-in-laws, two brothers-in-law, nephews, nieces, other relatives, and friends.
Tyler and Justin …I’m so sorry for your loss I had no Idea….Your in my prayers and thoughts.
Sorry to hear about Jim. I remember him from High school.
I lost track of Jimmy over the years and was saddened to hear of his passing. I have many memories of him and his family from my time as principal of Pineland School. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
Mary and family I am so sorry for your loss. You have my very deepest condolences and I pray that God give you all the strength that you need to get through this very sad trying time.
My prayers and condolences for this family. May you all find peace.
No words can express my deep sorrow right now. Our neighborhood in Big Flats will never be the same without the sound of your guitar. I know you are now surrounded by all our loved ones up in heaven. I hope the pain in your soul is now free and that you can rest in peace. I will miss ya. Justin, Tyler and family I am so sorry for your loss. I love all of you, Dina
To the Zempke family. I’m so sorry for your loss Jimmy will always have a spot in my heart and he will be missed. We had a lot of fun when we were younger hunting and fishing. A friend forever.
My deepest sympathy for your family.
We send our condolences, Jim was a good guy. He will be missed.
Mary, Justin and Tyler.
I am so sorry for your loss. Jim was an incredible, stand-up gentleman. He was so blessed to have such a loving family that meant the world to him. Deepest sympathies. Love, light and prayers.
Mary and family, my heart goes out to you. Times like these are vey difficult. If there is anyway I can help don’t hesitate to call.
To the entire Zemke family, you have my deepest sympathy.
Sending thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. So sorry for your loss Mary and family.
Mary, It is in this time of great need that others will be there to help carry you through. Know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Mary,
I am so sorry for your loss! Please call or email me if I can do anything or if you just want to talk. Ph # 608 432 3348
Mary, my heart aches for you and the boys. I pray Jim is now at peace.
Mary , I’m so sorry to hear about your loss. If you ever want to talk I’m here for you.
We both are so sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this heartbreaking time
Mary and family so sorry for your loss
Mary, I am very sorry for your family’s loss. If there’s anything I can do or you just want to talk. I am here for you. Alita
Mary and the Zemke family, I am so sorry to hear of your loss, my thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. I can’t say anything that could take away your pain, but know that I care.
He will be missed dearly…at least we got to spend time with him a while back…our thoughts are with the whole family!
To the whole Family, So sorry for your loss! My prayers are with you!
To the entire Zemke family,
I am so sorry for your loss.
Mary,
So sorry for your loss.
Mary, I’m so sorry for you loss, Jim was a great guy to work with, I worked with him at Brenner Tank and he worked with me when he started back in 1997, he will be missed, and he was great to work with these past years, he was a true friend that you could rely on, he made the days go by with a smile on your face and memories that will last a life time until we meet again, going to miss you Jumbo, The Mexican
Mary, I never had the chance to meet you but I worked with Jim at Brenner tank, he worked with me when he started there in 1997 and he was a true friend that you can relay on, we had great memories working together and they will last my life time until we meet again, I’m so sorry for your loss and words are not enough, may he Rest In Peace, he will be missed by many friends and family, Going to miss you Jumbo! The Mexican
Mary, I`m so sorry for your loss! May Jim RIP
So sorry on your loss. MAY God family and friends comfort you during this difficult time
Thoughts and prayers are with the Zemke family at this time of sorrow let us know if we can help in any way