Former State Senator Mark Zieman passes away

Mark Louis Zieman, 74, of Postville died Sunday, September 8, 2019 at his home in rural Postville. Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, September 11 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Postville with Rev. Lynn Noel as the officiant. Burial will follow at the Postville Cemetery. Visitation will be Tuesday, September 10 from 3-7 p.m. at St. Paul Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall in Postville and one hour before services at the church Wednesday.

Mark was born January 17, 1945 to Lyle and Leah (Harris) Zieman in Postville. He was baptized February 17, 1945 and confirmed March 30, 1958, both at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Postville. He graduated from Postville High School in 1963 and attended Iowa State University.

Mark was united in marriage with Jennifer (Overland) Zieman August 8, 1964 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Postville. A farmer since 1965, he also owned Cherry Valley Enterprises and Hi-Way Lanes. Mark followed in his father’s footsteps and proudly served as a State Senator from 2001 to 2008.

Always one to generously give of his time, Mark served in various capacities throughout his life. This included being a church council member at St. Paul Lutheran Church, past Chairman of the Board of the Iowa Motor Truck Association, past President of Tri-City Golf Club, past Chairman of the Allamakee County Republican Central Committee, and serving on the Advisory Board for the Good Samaritan Center.

Mark was honored to be inducted into the Postville High School Athletic Hall of Fame in 2013 for his contributions as an announcer and statistician at Postville basketball games for over 20 years. His leadership abilities were shown at a young age when he served as State FFA President and Reporter.

Fun and adventure were a big part of Mark’s life, especially when it came to bowling. He attended the national bowling tournament for 25 consecutive years and he bowled a perfect 300 game at the state bowling tournament in 2005. Mark enjoyed his RV adventures, fishing trips, golf, playing cards, crop tours, cheering on the Cubs and, most of all, spending time with his family.

Mark is survived by his wife of 55 years, Jennifer; his children, Wendy (Kevin) Suddendorf of Houston, TX, Becky Zieman of Urbandale, Doug (Dawn) Zieman of Postville and Amy (Dan) Norton of Asbury; four grandchildren, Kylie and Kole Suddendorf and Leah and Evan Norton; his siblings, Nile (Donna) Zieman of Luana, Sue (Walter) Miro of Urbandale, Jim (Lora) Zieman of Luana,  and John (Pat Crunkleton) Zieman of Tiger, GA; his siblings-in-law, Jeff Overland, Paula Brandt and Joel Overland; as well as nieces, nephews, other relatives and countless friends.

Mark was preceded in death by his parents, Lyle and Leah Zieman; his step-mother, Beverly Zieman; his parents-in-law, James and Margaret Overland; a brother-in-law, Lowell Brandt; other family members; and numerous friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Mark’s honor may be given to St. Paul Lutheran Church, Postville Ambulance, Winneshiek Medical Center in Decorah, or Veterans Memorial Hospital in Waukon.

Special thanks to all the doctors and nurses in Postville, Waukon and Decorah, as well as Mayo Rochester, Gundersen La Crosse and Winneshiek Medical Center Hospice who cared for Mark. Words cannot express the appreciation for the overwhelming outpouring of love and support from family and friends who visited and encouraged Mark and his family. Because of this support, cancer did not take away Mark’s spirit or determination to live life to the fullest.

Schutte-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Postville is helping the family with the arrangements.