We have lost our wonderful husband, father, grandfather, brother and best friend suddenly due to heart disease on April 18, 2011.

John will be remembered for his contagious sense of humor, wonder of nature, his strong sense of doing the right thing, his hugs, and his love for his family and friends.

John Frederick Ziemer was born in South Milwaukee, Wis. on July 11, 1943 where he lived on a family farm with an acre garden and lots of runt pigs in the kitchen.

He attended Northland College and obtained a degree in biology. In 1967, during the Vietnam War, John was drafted into the Army, where his assignment was the medical lab in Indianapolis, Ill.

This was followed by many careers including janitor, florist, and insurance salesman. He returned to laboratory medicine at University of Arizona Medical Center in 1974 and obtained his hematology specialty certification. After moving to the Everett area in 1978, John worked at Providence Everett Medical Center in laboratory services for 32 years.

John loved traveling, fishing and crabbing from his boat at home in Lagoon Point on Whidbey Island. He loved playing card games, Husky football, raising oysters, scuba diving, gardening and being with his family.

John is survived by his wife, Sandy; children Jason and Joshua, daughter-in-law Jody; grandchildren Audrey and Lily; sisters Roberta Gast of Minocqua, Wis.; Beth Emme of Riverdale, Md.; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents Robert John and Alta “Pete” Ziemer.

John’s celebration of life will be at 4 p.m. Friday, May 6 at the Everett Waterfront Center Blue Heron Room, 1205 Craftsman Way. Providence Hospital will have a memorial in the coming weeks for employees and staff.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made to the Providence Medical Tower Campaign in memory of John. Providence General Foundation, PO Box 1067, Everett, WA 98206 or online at providencegeneralfoundation.org.