Alan Edward Ziemer was born on May 23, 1954, to Edward and Irene (Sorensen) Ziemer, the youngest of four children. He grew up in Fairmont, graduating from Fairmont High School in 1972. While in high school, his 6’5″ physique was a natural for playing Center on the Cardinals Basketball team.

As the Vietnam War was still going on, Alan enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, which took him to McChord Air Force Base in Wash. State. Before leaving for Wash., he married Marla Eisenmenger, also of Fairmont. They had one son, Jacob, who died at three days old, and a daughter, Andrea, now of Kent, Wash. Alan and Marla later divorced. Alan served in the Air Force from 1975 to 1979 and was honorably discharged.

Alan really liked the weather and busy life in the Tacoma and Seattle area and decided to stay there beyond his military commitment. He continued to work for the Federal Government in a variety of roles in the Defense Logistics Agency, administering contracts for the sale of Government property, specializing in Defense Metals Identification, Defense Integrated Disposal Management, Defense Reutilization and Marketing Service, and then as Auctioneer for the same department. Throughout his decades of working there, Alan received many certificates and awards.

Alan loved sports. He played softball in Wash. and enjoyed playing golf. He loved the Seattle Mariners and Seahawks, as well as the Minnesota Vikings and Twins.

Alan later married Bobbie Wryals and was the stepfather to her three children. Bobbie preceded Alan in death. He later married Karol Harries. They later divorced but remained friends always.

After retirement from the Federal Government job, Alan continued to work at golf courses, assisting in golf tournaments and other various positions. Alan moved back to Fairmont in 2021. He enjoyed being “back home” and made many friends again.

Al was known as “Big Al” because of his stature, but also because of his big, generous heart. He was known to give out $2 bills. While in Wash., he often helped out those less fortunate in his apartment complex with groceries and even BBQ’d for them. In both Wash. and Minn., he often helped with various charities, even buying all the cookies the Girl Scout had (nine cartons) so she could win her prize. These, of course, were then shared. He always smiled, had a hearty laugh, and could remember a joke and also tell “true stories.” He could remember where he was, what he was doing, and what he wore on almost any date, so his “true stories” were quite detailed.

Alan is survived by his daughter, Andrea Gresser of Kent, Wash.; stepchildren, Joe, Robyn, and Charlotte; brother, Jeff Ziemer of Fairmont, Minn.; sister, JoAnne (Mike) McNabb of Tampa, Fla.; 13 nieces and nephews; 28 grand nieces and nephews; his aunt, Nancy Mathews; many cousins; ex-wife, Karol (Larry) Foster; and best friends, Gary & Cara Long.

He was preceded in death by his father, Edward; mother, Irene; sister, Rebecca; infant son, Jacob; and wife, Bobbie. He’s now in the arms of Jesus.

www.lakeviewfuneralhome.net

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