Kenneth Ziesmer, age 87, of Olivia, MN passed away on Saturday, September 12, 2026 at Park Nicollet Methodist Hospital in St. Louis Park. A memorial service will be on Thursday, September 17, at 2 p.m. at Cross of Calvary Lutheran Church in Olivia with Pastor Matt Hausken officiating. Burial will be in the Olivia Cemetery. Visitation will be from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. at the church on Thursday. In lieu of flowers, please direct donations to BOLD Boosters. Arrangements are by Dirks-Blem Funeral Service of Olivia.
Kenneth Harold Ziesmer was born to Harold and Irene (Kubesh) Ziesmer on November 6, 1938 on the same family farm in rural Olivia that would become his lifelong home. He attended a local country school and received his GED later in life. Following school, Ken worked as an over the road truck driver. Through a blind date, Ken met his future wife, Eleanor Zempel. They were united in marriage six months later on October 1, 1966 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Morgan. For their honeymoon they went to visit Ken’s friends in Texas and ended up living in Texas for the next five years. They were blessed with three children while living there and then moved back to Minnesota where Ken started working for Trojan Seed. He also worked for various companies driving bus, which included local driving for BOLD Schools and working for a tour bus company that traveled across the United States. In 1987, he started his journey in sobriety and was proud to be sober for almost 40 years. Ken was an extrovert who enjoyed time spent with people. Whether it was playing cards with his Olivia card club, taking annual fishing trips with friends, attending the Renville County Fair, or serving burgers at the Olivia American Legion – he was happiest when interacting with others. Ken’s personality was larger than life; his big smile and welcoming nature lit up every room he was in. His big teddy bear like hugs and playful banter will be missed.
Ken is survived by his wife, Eleanor; his children: Cheryl Braun, Kenny Jr. (and Janet) Ziesmer, and Kevin (and Tia) Ziesmer; his grandchildren: Taryn Ziesmer, Kaylyn Ziesmer, Dainika Doll, and Trenton Ziesmer (and fiancée, Natalie); his great-grandchildren, Paisley Doll and Kipp Ziesmer; his siblings: Harold “Red” Ziesmer, Ric Ziesmer, and Mary Heck; and his sister-in-law, Deb Ziesmer. Ken is preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Irene; siblings: Pat Swanson, Gordon Ziesmer, and Curt Ziesmer; sisters-in-law, Arlene Ziesmer and Katy Ziesmer; and brother-in-law, Don Swanson.
Blessed Be His Memory
Dirks-Blem Funeral Service, Olivia, MN
(320) 523-1102 www.dirksblem.com