In loving memory of

Cherie Ziemer
April 21, 1958 - October 2, 2014

Cherie Jean Ziemer, Ph.D., age 56, of Ames, passed away at her home. A gathering of friends and family will be from 5:00-8:00 p.m. with a time of remembrance at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 13 at Grandon Funeral and Cremation Care, 414 Lincoln Way, Ames.

Cherie was born to Victor and Jean Ziemer on April 21, 1958 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She was a Microbiologist for the USDA National Laboratory for Agriculture and the Environment, and was published in numerous peer-reviewed journals.

In addition to her keen intellect, Cherie had a creative streak that found expression through her love of music, especially live performances, and voracious reading of fiction and nonfiction. She enjoyed making pottery and jewelry, and was a generous aunt, sharing her time and crafts with nieces, nephews and the children of friends. Although not an athlete, she was up for anything and tried Tai Kwon Do, skiing and scuba diving. She enjoyed biking, swimming and bowling. She will be remembered by family and friends for her abundant gifts of delicate Christmas cookies every year.

Cherie is survived by her mother, Jean Ziemer; sisters, Heidi Ziemer, Holly (Steve Suckow) Ziemer, Ginny (Shane) VanderWaal and brother, Victor Jr. (Traci) Ziemer; many nieces and nephews; Theo Brazaeu, Zach Brazaeu, Isaac VanderWaal, Isabel VanderWaal, Henry Suckow Ziemer, Lily Suckow Ziemer, Ken Knoop, Blake Knoop, Gabe Ziemer, and Olivia Ziemer; and her chosen family, Sheila Billing and her children Piper and Levi Peterson.

Cherie is preceded in death by her father, Victor E. Ziemer.

Online condolences may be directed to www.grandonfuneralandcremationcare.com


Memorials may be directed to the Lupus Foundation of America at www.lupus.org

Tributes

Matthew Wimmer wrote on Mar 7, 2023:

"I worked for Cherie at the USDA while I was in college at Iowa State. I cannot express the gratitude for her patience, understanding, and knowledge she gave to us all. I remember helping her move into her last residence and just the utter joy she put into everything she did. She put a lot of trust in me and gave me opportunities too numerous to mention, as well as showing me how to apply what I had learned. I promised I would always return to pay my respects. I am sorry I did not keep in better contact with her and had heard of her passing only after the fact. I am forever in your debt, as you have helped shape the Microbiologist I am today. Godspeed my mentor and friend; I hold you in my heart on the daily."

Gwyn Beattie wrote on Oct 17, 2014:

"Cherie exuded enthusiasm for microbiology. I enjoyed her excitement at ventures into new techniques and new questions that would let her probe deeper into the microbial world. I will miss her expertise and insights, as well as the joy she shared. "

Sheila Billing wrote on Oct 17, 2014:

" Cherie was my dearest friend. She had a kind generous and gentle soul. I am a better person for having her in my life for the past 14 years. I will miss that smile everyday."

Mark Morrison and family wrote on Oct 14, 2014:

"To the extended Ziemer family, Cherie was a valued friend and colleague over many years; and remembered fondly by my family after her visit here to Australia some years ago. Please accept our condolences at this time, and I look forward to having a chance to celebrate her life with my mates there in Iowa and elsewhere, on my next visit to the USA. "

Jerilyn Johnson Faltz wrote on Oct 11, 2014:

"Cherie was a great Gamma Phi Beta sister at UW PLATTEVILLE. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her when attending there! "

Gabriella Varga wrote on Oct 10, 2014:

"I had the pleasure of knowing Cherie while she was working on her graduate program at Penn State and meeting up with her at many conferences throughout the years. I loved Cherie's wonderful outlook on life, her quick wit, and her ability to ask great research questions! She will be greatly missed. My deepest sympathies and prayers go to her family."

Charlie Block wrote on Oct 9, 2014:

"This is so sad. I met Cherie in 1999 while attending training for new ARS scientists. We went for a walk every day when the sessions were over. I thoroughly enjoyed her quick wit and sense of humor. "

Randy Ritland wrote on Oct 9, 2014:

"I had the opportunity to work with Cherie on the AACRAC committee. She was fun and great to work with. She will be missed"

Ulrike, Dan, Max and Finny wrote on Oct 8, 2014:

"Words cannot express how much Cherie meant to us. Her love for children was one of a kind. We will miss her, especially the boys. "

Wendy Ritchie wrote on Oct 8, 2014:

"To the Ziemer Family; I am so sorry to hear about Cherie. My thoughts are with you."

Holly Ziemer wrote on Oct 8, 2014:

"She will always be remembered with love."