Robert passed away June 16, 2023, at his home in Fernandina Beach. Lakeview Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Fairmont is assisting the family with arrangements.

He was born April 1, 1935, in Fairmont Minn., to the late Erhardt E. Zemke and Lois Trott Zemke. Bob grew up in Fairmont, graduating from Fairmont High School in 1953, then graduating from St. Olaf College in 1957 and University of Minnesota School of Medicine in 1961.

Robert Zemke and Joan L. Belk were married July 3, 1960, in Le Mars, Iowa. Dr. Bob and Joan had 3 children, Stephen, Jonathan and Daniel. They have been loving, nurturing and successful parents to this day. Stephen and Daniel live in the North Florida (Jacksonville, Yulee) area and have been able to spend much quality time with Bob and Joan. Preceded in death of Jonathan in 1970.

Following residency in Modesto, Calif., he joined his father, E.E. Zemke, in medical practice in Fairmont, Minn. Both were instrumental in forming the current Fairmont Medical Clinic in 1970. Dr. Bob was very active in supporting Fairmont athletics, continuing from his enjoyment of football and track as a student. Receiving recognition to Fairmont High School Hall of Fame. Caring for patients and staff was both a professional and personal priority for him. Dr. Bob retired in 1998 and relocated with Joan to Cape Cod, Massachusetts.

In retirement he continued his practicing of medicine by volunteering at Duffy Health Center in Hyannis, Mass., at which he received the Senior Volunteer Physician Award from the Massachusetts Medical Society. A devout religious family, they were active members of Grace Lutheran Church in Fairmont, Minn., First Lutheran Church in Cape Cod, Mass. and Victory Lutheran Church in Jacksonville, Fla. Bob and Joan took many Medical-Faith mission trips to Eastern Europe and Russia. The couple moved to North Florida in 2016 to reunite with Stephen and Daniel. www.lakeviewfuneralhome.net

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