In Memory of Robert Thomas Ziesmer

Robert Thomas Ziesmer, Bob, was born on December 19, 1928, at home in McGrath, Aitkin County, Minnesota. He was a hardworking man, a proud veteran, a devoted husband and father, and a friend to many. Bob lived a life marked by dedication, resilience, love for his family, the outdoors, and his community.

In the 1930s, Bob moved to Melstone, Montana, where he learned the value of hard work at an early age. He left school after the eighth grade to begin working, a reflection of the strong work ethic that would define him throughout his life.

Bob proudly served his country during the Korean War from 1953 to 1956. Following his military service, he moved to Washington State in the 1950s, where he built a life centered around hard work and family. He spent most of his working years in construction and logging, becoming a respected union representative for Weyerhaeuser and Crown Zellerbach. He was a proud member of IWA Local 3-11 and was committed to standing up for his fellow workers.

In 1956, Bob met and married Rosemarie Sanchez Salme. Together, they made their home in Naselle, Washington, where they raised their three children: Ron Salme of Naselle, Washington; Janna Katyryniuk of Naselle, Washington; and Gayle Gorley of Westport, Oregon. Bob and Rosemarie shared 54 years of marriage, before Rosemarie passed away in 2010. The family they created remained an enduring part of Bob’s life.

Bob was a man who found joy in the simple pleasures of life. He was an avid fisherman and hunter, loved his horses, and enjoyed raising cattle on his farm. His connection to the outdoors was a lifelong passion. He was also a proud member of the Long Beach Rodeo Club and VFW Post 7825, Deep River Legion III. His involvement as a Boy Scout leader and umpiring youth baseball reflected his generous desire to support younger generations.

Bob’s life was shaped by his love of family, his commitment to hard work, his service to his country, and his willingness to give back to his community. He leaves behind a legacy of perseverance, loyalty, and cherished memories that will live on through all who knew and loved him.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Adolf Ziesmer and Gladys Daugherty Ziesmer; his brothers Vernon Ziesmer, Stanley “Bud” Ziesmer, Donald Ziesmer, and William “Bill” Ziesmer; and his sisters Florence Glover, Loreta Corbett, Dorothy Miller, Viola Ziegler, and Fern Pareisa.

He is survived by his brother, Richard Ziesmer, and his sister, Betty Nelson; his three children and their families; grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and great-great-nieces and nephews.

Memorial Service November 21, 2026, at 11:00 am at Rosburg Hall.