Carl was born in Racine, Wisconsin on September 4th, 1938 and worked on farms during his early childhood and into his teen years. He then worked as a machinist at Case Company in Racine, Wisconsin, where he had a full career into his 50’s and retired. During his time at Case, he was involved with the United Auto Workers (U.A.W.) Union Post 180 where he served as a shop steward, and ran for vice president of the post. While working at Case, he met his first wife, Lois, who he raised his three children Ann, Steve, and Jeff with. Carl later remarried his wife Karen.

After retirement, Carl was a snowbird, spending his winters in Spring Hill, Florida and his summers in Crivitz, Wisconsin. He operated Zemke Trash Hauling and acted as a foreman and driver for his son Steve’s successful construction company, Zemke General Contracting. In his last five years, his travels slowed down and he became a full-time resident of Florida, residing on family land with his daughter-in-law and caretaker Traci, adopted son Bryan, granddaughter Jenna and grandson-in-law Evan, and Traci’s parents Pam and Shawn. His visits with his Wisconsin friends who became family never stopped, with visitors coming a few times a year to spend time with him. He enjoyed family dinners, drinking cold beer, and being the fire-chief watching over the firepit. He was never one to turn down candy and ice cream, and his freezer was always well-stocked.

Carl is survived by daughter Ann and son-in-law Dain Wodicka of Crivitz, WI, son Jeff Zemke of Hudson, FL, daughter-in-law Traci Zemke and adopted son Bryan Seeman of Spring Hill, FL. Grandchildren Jamie (Caleb) Sabala, Jennifer (Morvion) Curry, Cherie Siegmann, Michael Darge, and Jenna (Evan) Darling. Great grandchildren Codi, Payton, Jenacy, Elijah, Kodi, and Lexi. He is preceded in death by wife Karen Zemke (2010) and son Steve Zemke (2014).