*Charles W. “Charlie” Ziemer, age 99, of Minneapolis, died peacefully on the afternoon of July 4, 2014, surrounded by family and friends. Charlie grew up on a farm near Waltham, Minn., the youngest of six children, and received a B.A. from St. Olaf College, an M.A. in music from the University of Minnesota, and an honorary doctorate in music from the University of Nevada -Reno. As a young man, he enlisted in the Navy Reserve during WWII, and served as a Lieutenant Jr. Grade on the staff of 3rd fleet commander Admiral W. F. Halsey, for which he was awarded a Bronze Star medal and a Gold Star for meritorious service in the Pacific theater. Upon discharge in 1946, he embarked on a career teaching music in Minnesota schools, notably choir at Virginia High School, 1947-1954, and Richfield High School, 1954-1974, tutoring piano lessons, 1931-1985, and performing as an organist and choir director, notably Woodlake Lutheran Church, 1954-1971, and First Church Christ Science, 1972-2012. He will always be remembered for his amazing keyboard skills, and for sharing his love of classical music to thousands of students, parishioners, and friends for over 80 years. He was a loving father and devoted husband..

Charlie was preceded in death by parents, John and Cora; brothers, Raymond, Harold, Gilbert, and Kenneth; sister, Florence; son, David Ziemer ’66; and first wife, Connie. He is survived by loving wife, Delores; sons, Paul Ziemer ’70 and partner Gael, and James Ziemer ’75 and wife Rosa; daughter-in-law, Carol Ziemer; grandchildren, Daniel and wife Michelle, Christine and husband Stephen, Bradley and wife Cindy, Elizabeth and husband Jamie, Matthew, Emily, Theodore and wife Katie, Sasha, Christopher, and Sarah; and eight great-grandchildren.

Memorials are preferred to the American Diabetes Association or Park Nicollet Methodist Hospice program.