Raymond Zieske

Sept. 1, 1916-Nov. 30, 2009

Former Willmar resident Raymond Zieske, 93, of Moorestown, N.J., died Monday, November 30, 2009.

Services are set for 2 p.m. Saturday, December 12, at Bethany Reformed Church (222 North Main Street, Clara City, Minn.), with visitation one hour prior to services. Arrangements are with Tri-County Funeral Home in Prinsburg, Minn. Memorials are preferred sent to the American Cancer Society.

Raymond Zieske was born to Charles and Helen (Spaeth) Zieske on September 1, 1916 in Greenwald, Minn. In 1923, the family moved to Albany, Minn., where Ray attended Holy Family Catholic Elementary School and graduated from Albany High School. He joined the CCC during the Great Depression and used his earnings to put himself through the American Business School in Minneapolis.

On March 2, 1940, Ray married Ann Bohlsen of Clara City in Minneapolis. They made their home in Minneapolis and Ray worked as an agent for American National Insurance Company. In 1942, he enlisted in United States Army and served during World War II. In 1958, Ray and Ann moved with their family to Michigan, where Ray was District Manager of the Grand Rapids and Pontiac (Mich.) offices of American National Insurance Company. Ray retired in 1968 and they moved to Willmar.

Surviving Ray are his son, Randolph (and Patricia) Zieske of Rolling Meadows, Ill.; a son-in-law: Jack Dobbins of Haddonfield, N.J.; two grandchildren, Grace Dobbins and William Zieske; a brother-in-law, Wallace Kluver; and other relatives and friends.

Preceding him in death were his parents; wife, Ann; daughter, Faith; and sister, Irene.

Memorials are preferred sent to the American Cancer Society or Bethany Reformed Church.