Norbert Leopold Ziemer

Norbert L Ziemer, 94, of Woodstock, Illinois passed away peacefully on June 26, 2022 surrounded by his loving family. He was born on October 9, 1927 in Chicago, IL to the late Gustav and Emma Ziemer. He graduated in 1945 from Woodstock High School. He was an integral part of the family farm operations. On April 4, 1959, Norbert married Elizabeth Lewis. He earned his Education degrees at Northern Illinois University, including a specialty in Outdoor Education at the NIU Lorado Taft campus. This foundation and training equipped him for launching the Crystal Lake Outdoor Education program at Veterans' Acres. He continued teaching at Lundahl Middle School, where he also earned “Teacher of the Year.” After 30 years in Education, he retired and then gave presentations about Thomas Edison at Donley’s Wild West Museum.

Norb was enthusiastic and enjoyed life. His hobbies included cars and car club membership with his 1968 and 1987 Camaros. That said, his number one hobby was making life fun for his family and grandchildren; he always remained a big kid at heart! The family enjoyed traveling and Norb organized special trips. He was gifted at planning and leading these fun activities. Norbert was an active member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Union, IL. He was also musically talented and enjoyed playing the piano and French horn, as well as singing in the choir.

Norb was a lifelong member of the Lutheran Church, in which he was baptized and confirmed. We will always remember and be inspired by his strong faith. He was also the favorite VIP who chaperoned many field trips for his grandchildren after retiring from teaching. He was known to his family and friends as a very kind hearted person who positively impacted the lives of many people. He was greatly loved and will be missed.

Norbert is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Elizabeth. Norb and Liz have four children: Kristal (John) Bertram, Karolyn (Brian) Kearney, Kamie (Mike) Oltz, and Norb, Jr. (Flo) Ziemer. He is also survived by grandchildren: Erik, Brad, and Matt Bertram, Breanna and Zoe Kearney, Leanna and Ed Oltz, Gerry Van Etten and Elena Ziemer; also, great-granddaughter Evelyn Van Etten. He was preceded in death by his parents Gustav and Emma Ziemer and grandsons Giancarlo Van Etten and Joshua Ziemer.

Visitation will be held on Saturday July 2, 2022 from 10am to 11am at St John's Lutheran Church, 6821 Main St, Union, IL 60180. Funeral service will immediately follow at 11am. Memorials may be made in his memory to St. John’s Lutheran Church in Union, IL. Arrangements entrusted in Marengo-Union Funeral Home.