Robert Vincent Ziemer (79) departed this life on Friday, August 20, 2021, for his eternal home as his favorite radio station BBN was playing “Praise the Lord, Praise the Lord…..Give him the glory great things he hath done.”
Robert was preceded in death by his parents, Freddie and Zella Ziemer, and a brother Rodney Ziemer. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Barbara Blake Ziemer, two sons Donald (Rita) Ziemer of Ooltewah, TN, and Gerald (Kristi) Ziemer of Romania, two daughters Lora (Randy) Rouse of St. Augustine, FL, and Karen (Brian) Phillips of Ooltewah, TN, 13 grandchildren, and 5 great-grandchildren, two brothers Richard Ziemer of Quakertown, PA, and David (Susie) Ziemer of Winnemucca, NV.
He attended Bob Jones University in Greenville, SC for two years. It was there he met his future wife. He graduated from Oregon State University with a BS in Mechanical Technology in Agriculture and received a Bachelor of Bible degree from Tennessee Temple University in Chattanooga, TN.
He worked for the US Department of Agriculture for three years. He was assigned to work in tobacco harvesting and realized that was not how the Lord would have him spend his life. He moved to Ohio where he worked construction, bought a 96-acre farm, built a home, and worked with Word of Life Bible Clubs. It was through doing all the things the teens were expected to do like daily quiet time, scripture memory, Christian service assignments, and reading assigned books that he felt the call to ministry. In 1976 the farm was sold, and the family moved to Chattanooga, TN. The goal was to get more Bible training and then move out into service somewhere. The Lord had other plans and the family was in Chattanooga for 19 ½ years. While there he worked as an installer for Sears, installer of swimming pools, chimney sweep, installer of zero clearance fireplaces, and was pastor of Valley View Baptist Church for 14 years.
In 1995 he received a call from Word of Life Florida to work maintenance. For 26 years he has been a part of every building project big and small: catching wild pigs, cleaning ac units, mowing, changing light bulbs, pouring concrete, washing windows, driving the bus from New York for Collegians, and going down the waterslide clothes and all.
He was an active member of Blessed Hope Baptist Church. He was song leader, deacon, Sunday School superintendent, and Olympian leader. He had a huge heart for missions. He has helped with building projects in Romania, Panama, and Jeju, South Korea. He also helped with the Jack Wyrtzen Center in Schroon Lake, NY.
His life verses were Ecclesiastes 9:10 “Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might,” and John 9:4 “I must work the works of him that sent me while it is yet day, the night cometh when no man can work.” This was his daily goal to do each job to the best of his ability and to share his faith with all he met. He would ask, “If you were to die today, do you know you will be in Heaven?” He would tell them you can know if you have Christ as your Savior and give them a tract.
He will be greatly missed by all who loved him and knew him. A celebration of life will be held at Word of Life Florida, Bollback Performing Arts Center on October 3, 2021, at 3:00 PM. It would have been his 80th birthday, so we are celebrating his life with birthday cake and ice cream.
Memorial gifts may be made to Bible Broadcasting Network, PO Box 7300, Charlotte, NC, or Word of Life Camper Scholarship Fund.
Janet Hubbs
August 26, 2021, 12:48 am
Mrs. Barbara and Family:
I was so sorry to hear about the passing of Mr. Ziemer.
I remember him from years ago when you all visited my neighbors, George and Dorothy Grieve.
Dorothy had nothing but the highest praise for Mr. Ziemer.
Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
Janet Hubbs
Stephen Gerhart
August 28, 2021, 12:44 pm
Barbara and family
Robert was a dear friend and one of my heroes of the faith. He will be missed on this side of heaven with shoes that are unfillable at home and in ministry. “But God”, two of greatest words in scripture, but God has a reason to take him home. “Absent from the body present with the Lord.” We love you
Steve and Sandi Gerhart
Jean-Claude Morin
August 28, 2021, 1:51 pm
My deepest condolences to my friend and former pastor Bob Ziemer. As he sits with our Lord in conversation and worship, I’m certain that he would want us to cherish our Lord even more while on this earth.
Karen Phillips
August 28, 2021, 2:14 pm
I miss you so much already daddy. It’s been a week and a day and it still seems surreal. You were a bright light on all who met you. I know I’m gonna see you again because God promised us that. So while you are smiling down from Heaven just know I’m trying my best. Thank you for having my back. 💜your youngest daughter and baby girl. Karen
Tom and Fay Phillips
August 28, 2021, 2:15 pm
What a great tribute to our good friend Robert. Barbara, we pray for you during this time and we want you to know we are so thankful for your faithfulness serving alongside your husband all of these years. We love you and continue to pray for the entire family.
Rita For Ivan and Rita Brantham
August 28, 2021, 4:23 pm
Dear Barbara, Lora, Karen, Sonald, and Gerald (and families),
Robert was one of those people we never expected to be sick but I guess we forgot he was human too. But obviously GOD Was ready to take him home and now grieving is hard but though that know Christ grieving is only for a season. What comfort and hope God gives us. We have fond memories of him as well as all or you. Praying for all of you.
sue brown
August 28, 2021, 9:07 pm
It hardly seems true. This is not how we thought it was supposed to be.
So hard to understand. But we cry and grieve with hope because we believe with hope. What consolation to know that Robert is ” absent from the body” but “present with the Lord.” Praying for comfort for Barb and the family. We will all miss him so very much.
Bob Brown
Bruce Mitchell
August 28, 2021, 9:40 pm
Robert, You will be Sadly missed for many reason’s. We have known and appreciated his ministry since we came to Word of Life. Our prayers are with all the family members today and going forward. Love 8n Christ. Bruce and Dottie Mitchell
Lee Stauff
August 28, 2021, 10:52 pm
Our prayers are with the family at this time. We enjoyed fellowship with Robert at WOL in the Winter and will miss him. Lee and Carol Stauff
Ron Halbert
August 29, 2021, 2:34 pm
A man who was an inspiration to all who knew him! Putting his hand to the plow, he never looked back!
Harold and Cynthia Cash
September 2, 2021, 11:55 pm
Brother Ziemer was one of God’s loyal servants. It was and is our pleasure to have known him and his precious family for over 40 years. He always had a heart for souls. May his reward be great.
Lora Bell-Rouse
September 7, 2021, 10:59 pm
Dad,
Growing up we butted heads a lot. As an adult you are one of my biggest allies. Losing my first husband, you always made sure that I was okay. Thank you for your work ethic and your love for Jesus. You loved Mom so well and for that I am eternally grateful. I give you my word that Mom will be taken care of.
Love you!
Lora
Rev. Dr. Richard Ziemer
September 27, 2021, 1:23 pm
Another one of us 4 Ziemer brothers has left this life for Heaven. I’ll miss being able to talk with you, Robert, visiting the farm and seeing your enterprises of chickens, tractors, and woodworking. Until we meet again in Heaven, I love you, my brother.