James R. Zeman

James R. “Big Z” Zeman, 84, of Shawano, passed away peacefully early Friday morning, Oct. 8, 2021, at Shawano Health Services.

James was born Sept. 10, 1937, in Bonduel, a son of the late Alois and Beatrice (Schultz) Zeman. He attended school in Bonduel and worked on the family farm. On Dec. 21, 1957, he was united in marriage to Alice Gipp in Shawano.

James worked at Packerland Packing as a meat processor, Werbelow Soda as a bottler, and he drove truck for Wright Broiler in Shawano. Being a social butterfly, he could be found tending bar at Pleshek’s Pavilion or delivering flowers for Village Garden. James was known as the “roaster of pigs,” as he enjoyed doing pig roasts for birthdays, weddings and parties. James spent time in the fall skinning deer and, when he was younger, James liked ice fishing.

Survivors include his daughters, Denise (Steven) Mariano, of Leavenworth, Kansas, and Stephanie (Charles) Welter, of Shawano; his partner of 40 years, Sally Peterson, of Shawano, and her daughters, Patti (Tom Hawley) Peterson, of Shawano, and Tami (Tom) Brass, of Stillwater, Minnesota; his grandchildren, Stephanie, Elizabeth, Michael, Sarah, Stacie, Ellie and Hannah; his great-grandchildren, Austin, Emma, Mason, Alexis and Avery; his sisters, Sally (Dennis) Rank, of Shawano, and Doris (Don) Bruun, of Washington; and several other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his son, Todd Zeman; his sister, Anna Mae Hintz; his brothers, Dennis and Al Zeman; and his granddaughter, Susan Lynn Mariano.

A memorial service for James will be held on Saturday, Oct. 16, 2021, at 11 a.m. at Mickelson Funeral Service in Shawano. Pastor Scott Ludford will officiate. Visitation will begin at the funeral home at 9 a.m. and continue until the time of service.

Mickelson Funeral and Cremation Service of Shawano is assisting the family with arrangements. Please share online condolences at www.mickelsonfs.com.