Obituary for James R. Zeman
James R. “Big Z” Zeman, age 84 of Shawano, passed away peacefully early Friday morning, October 8, 2021 at Shawano Health Services.
James was born September 10, 1937 in Bonduel, a son of the late, Alois and Beatrice (Schultz) Zeman. He attended school in Bonduel, and worked on the family farm. On December 21, 1957 he was united in marriage to Alice Gipp in Shawano. James worked at Packerland Packing as a meat processor, Werbelow Soda as a bottler, then he drove truck for Wright Broiler in Shawano. Being a social butterfly, he could be found tending bar at Pleshek’s Pavilion or delivering flowers for Village Garden. James was known as the “Roaster of Pigs”, as he enjoyed doing pig roasts for birthdays, weddings, and parties. James spent time in the fall skinning deer, and when he was younger James liked ice fishing.
Survivors include his daughters, Denise (Steven) Mariano of Leavenworth, KS, and Stephanie (Charles) Welter of Shawano; his partner of 40 years, Sally Peterson of Shawano, and her daughters, Patti (Tom Hawley) Peterson of Shawano, and Tami (Tom) Brass of Stillwater, MN; his grandchildren, Stephanie, Elizabeth, Michael, Sarah, Stacie, Ellie, and Hannah; his great-grandchildren, Austin, Emma, Mason, Alexis, and Avery; his sisters, Sally (Dennis) Rank of Shawano, and Doris (Don) Bruun of Washington; and several other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his son, Todd Zeman; his sister, Anna Mae Hintz; his brothers, Dennis and Al Zeman; and his granddaughter, Susan Lynn Mariano.
A memorial service for James will be held on Saturday, October 16, 2021 at 11:00 AM at Mickelson Funeral Service in Shawano. Pastor Scott Ludford will officiate. Visitation will begin at the funeral home at 9:00 AM and continue until the time of service.
James was born September 10, 1937 in Bonduel, a son of the late, Alois and Beatrice (Schultz) Zeman. He attended school in Bonduel, and worked on the family farm. On December 21, 1957 he was united in marriage to Alice Gipp in Shawano. James worked at Packerland Packing as a meat processor, Werbelow Soda as a bottler, then he drove truck for Wright Broiler in Shawano. Being a social butterfly, he could be found tending bar at Pleshek’s Pavilion or delivering flowers for Village Garden. James was known as the “Roaster of Pigs”, as he enjoyed doing pig roasts for birthdays, weddings, and parties. James spent time in the fall skinning deer, and when he was younger James liked ice fishing.
Survivors include his daughters, Denise (Steven) Mariano of Leavenworth, KS, and Stephanie (Charles) Welter of Shawano; his partner of 40 years, Sally Peterson of Shawano, and her daughters, Patti (Tom Hawley) Peterson of Shawano, and Tami (Tom) Brass of Stillwater, MN; his grandchildren, Stephanie, Elizabeth, Michael, Sarah, Stacie, Ellie, and Hannah; his great-grandchildren, Austin, Emma, Mason, Alexis, and Avery; his sisters, Sally (Dennis) Rank of Shawano, and Doris (Don) Bruun of Washington; and several other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his son, Todd Zeman; his sister, Anna Mae Hintz; his brothers, Dennis and Al Zeman; and his granddaughter, Susan Lynn Mariano.
A memorial service for James will be held on Saturday, October 16, 2021 at 11:00 AM at Mickelson Funeral Service in Shawano. Pastor Scott Ludford will officiate. Visitation will begin at the funeral home at 9:00 AM and continue until the time of service.