Harold Ziemann

Harold (Harry) Julius Ziemann, 95, of Hudson, Wisconsin, passed away on Thursday, April 4, 2019 at his home, surrounded by the love of his wife and family.

Born and raised in LaCrosse, Wisconsin. Harold first lived with his family above the family’s grocery store and learned about hard work at a young age. He helped again when the family business expanded to include a wholesale confectionary business. After graduating from Central High School in LaCrosse, Harold attended Luther College in Decorah, Iowa.

When World War II interrupted his college experience, Harold joined the Army from 1942 – 1945, serving in Europe during the Battle of the Bulge. He was awarded a bronze star for bravery during his time in the Army artillery.

Returning to Luther College after the war, he met the woman he would love for the rest of his life, Ruth Mikelson (Ruthie Mike). Harold completed his BA in Physics from Luther College, went on to get his Masters in Statistics at the University of Minnesota, and married his college sweetheart, Ruth, on June 19, 1949.

Harold spent his work career at Minnesota Mining & Manufacturing (3M) in St. Paul, Minnesota. He spent 35 years in research, quality control and production management. He traveled to production job sites including the coating of the Alaska pipeline. Early in his career at 3M, Harold and Ruth moved to Hudson, Wisconsin – for the beauty and draw of a small town river community and to have the sun at his back for both his morning and evening commutes. In 1985, Harold retired from 3M to spend more time with family and friends and more time doing things he had always enjoyed.

Retirement agreed with Harold because he always had interests beyond his work career – for community service, church service or just plain fun. Some of his work included serving on the Hudson School board, on the Luther College Alumni council, as a long time Boy Scout leader, singing at CCH (Christian Community Home) working for Meals on Wheels and preparing income taxes for senior citizens. Harold actively participated in his church for over 50 years including singing in the choir, serving on the church council and other church committees and leading bible studies. An avid outdoor sport enthusiast, Harold enjoyed skiing – both winter and summer, boating on the St. Croix, bike trail rides with his wife, Ruth, swimming and “playing shark” with his grandchildren. As much as he enjoyed action, he could spend hours reading, doing a puzzle, just puttering, or studying the owner’s manual of a new car.

Harold leaves behind his wife of 70 years, Ruth; his son, Ronald Ziemann (Brenda); and daughters, Julianne Dahlen (Derick), Christine Hatab (Paul), and Rebekah Hagstrom (Peter); 13 grandchildren, Aaron, Bryan, Kirstin, Stephanie, Erika, Kelsey, Brittany, Jemma, Will, Erik, Elliott, Nils and Anders; 10 great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. Also surviving him are Harold and Ruth’s heart daughter, Carol Szyman and dear friend, Edna Cahoy. He was preceded in death by his father, Julius Ziemann; mother, Esther (Jensen) Ziemann; and two sisters, Ione (at age 19) and Flora Mae (at age 21). A special thanks to Brenda and Martina from Adoray for their loving care.

A celebration of Harold’s life will be held on Tuesday, April 9, 2019, at 11:00 AM at Bethel Lutheran Church, 920 Third Street, Hudson, Wisconsin. Visitation will precede the service at 10:00 AM. Lunch will be served at Bethel immediately after the service. Burial service will follow at Willow River Cemetery, Hudson, Wisconsin. In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial gifts to Bethel Lutheran Church (Radio service and Shuttle service), Luther College or Mayo Clinic in Harold’s honor