Ronald "Ron" Lee Ziemer

Chaplain Reverend Ronald “Ron” Lee Ziemer, age 77, of Detroit Lakes, Minn., formerly of Lester Prairie, Minn., passed away on Fri., Aug. 19, 2022, at his home with his spouse, Lin at his bedside after fighting a courageous and brave battle with Dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s. Celebration of Life will be held Sat., Sept. 24, 2022, 2:00 P.M. at Prairie Community Church in Lester Prairie, Minn., with interment held at a later date. Gathering of family and friends will be held Sat., Sept. 24, 2022, one hour prior to the service at the church. Military Honors will be provided by the Lester Prairie American Legion Post #463. Memorials preferred to Ethos Home Healthcare and Hospice in Detroit Lakes, Minn.

Ronald “Ron” Lee Ziemer was born on Apr. 28, 1945, in Glencoe, Minn. He was the son of Clarence and Rosie (Rannow) Ziemer. Ron was baptized, confirmed, and ordained into the Christian ministry at the St. John’s United Church of Christ in Biscay, Minn. Ron received his education in Glencoe and graduated with the Glencoe High School class of 1963. Ron served in the U.S. Navy from 1963-1967. After completing boot camp, he was stationed aboard the USS Pritchett DD561 out of Long Beach, Calif. Ron also attended the University of MN and earned a Bachelor of Science in Business and graduated in 1974. He attended the United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities and graduated in 1989. He completed his Clinical Pastoral Education from 1988-1990.

After the navy, Ron worked as comptroller at Chromalloy (Schwartz) Mfg. from 1970-1984. He was then a Chaplain for the Veteran’s Administration from 2009-2022. Ron served UCC Churches in Delano, Minn., Wash., Dickinson, N.D., and Tilton, Ill., from 1990-2000. He also worked as a chaplain in the above four locations, as well as in Champaign, Ill., Grand Forks, N.D., and Danville, Ill., from 1990-2021.

On Dec. 19, 1964, Ron was united in marriage to Rosalind “Lin” Rennells at the United Church of Christ in Lester Prairie, Minn. The couple resided in Calif. while Ron was enlisted in the Navy. Ron and Lin moved around the country following that, for Ron’s career as a chaplain, residing in Minn, Wash., N.D, Ill., and back to Minn. most recently. Their marriage was blessed with four children: Faith, Chad, Paige, and Dana. Ron and Lin shared 57 years of marriage.

Ron was a member of the Association of Professional Chaplains from 2001-2022; was a Board-Certified Chaplain; was active in the Jaycees in Lester Prairie, Minn. from 1971-1985; and was in the Business Association in St. Peter, Minn. for years. Ron was very active in his home church at Lester Prairie, Minn., remodeled his first home, and enjoyed rebuilding a 1945 Ford.

Ron is preceded in death by his infant daughters, Faith and Paige Ziemer; parents, Clarence and Rosie Ziemer; brother, Robert Ziemer; parents-in-law, Marvin and Lydia Kruschke; brother-in-law, Jim Shoberg; sister-in-law, Rosalie (Lee) Rennells Bullert.

Ron is survived by his wife, Lin (Rennells) Ziemer. Children, Chad Ziemer of Fridley, Minn., Dana Haas of Detroit Lakes, Minn., three adorable granddaughters, Tahlia, Grace, and Gabrielle; brother, Gary (Carmen) Ziemer, of Glencoe, Minn .; sister, Laurie Shoberg of Rockford, Minn., brothers-in-law, Bernie (Gloria) Bullert, of Grove City, Ohio and Port Charlotte, Fla., Eugene Rennells of Minneapolis, Minn .; nieces & nephews, Christopher (Elizabeth) Ziemer, Jason (Sara) Ziemer, Heather (Chris) Lee, Caitlyn Bullert, and Kurt Bullert, and many other relatives and friends.

Arrangements by the Paul-McBride Funeral Chapel of Lester Prairie, Minn. Online obituaries and guest book available at http://www.mcbridechapel.com. Please click on obituaries/guest book.