Benjamin Woodrow Zieske

Benjamin Woodrow Zieske, age 83, of Saint Peter, passed away peacefully surrounded by family at Abbott Northwestern Hospital on Monday, February 17, 2020. A Celebration of Life will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, North Mankato on Friday, February 21, 2020 at 6:00 PM, with a visitation one-hour prior.

Benjamin was born on January 20, 1937 in Springfield, MN. He attended school until the 9^th grade. Shortly after, Benjamin met Marjorie who would become the love of his life of 60 years.  They were united in marriage on December 6, 1960 at St. Mary’s of Sleepy Eye, MN. Benjamin started out his working career moving buildings with his father, Benjamin Sr. until his untimely passing. Benjamin drove Semi for many years. He enjoyed having his children along during the many hauls he would take across the country. He would often let his children take a turn driving the rig while he would sit in the passenger seat or would crawl into the sleeper. When he was driving his rig, he was the king of the road and you had better move out of his way! He spent the later of his working career as a custodian for Gustavus Adolphus College in St Peter, MN. You could often find Benjamin working on one of his many projects, especially his pride and joy, the 59’ Chrysler. He absolutely loved his 59’ Chrysler. 

Benjamin will be long remembered as a devoted husband, loving father, and even better grandfather. He always enjoyed his time with his grandchildren. Teaching them how to wrench on cars and how to strum on the guitar! 

Benjamin is survived by his wife, Marjorie Zieske of St. Peter, MN; their children, Cindy (John) Brigan of Wrenshall, MN, Brian Zieske of Mankato, MN, Tammy Melchart of Kasota, MN and Lori Gilbske of Mankato, MN; grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Jordan (Maria) Jonason of Belle Plaine, MN, Justin (Amber Grecco), Brooklyn and Vivian Danberry and Max Grecco of Fargo, ND, Brandon Melchart of Kasota, MN, Timothy Swenson of Wrenshall, MN, Kari, Avery and Isaac Gilbertson of Mankato, MN, Jeremy and Azalea Gilbertson of Rochester, MN and Lyndsy Gilbertson of Minneapolis, MN; Siblings, Tom (Lynn) Zieske of Minneapolis, MN, Susie Moldan of Sleepy Eye, MN and Bobby (Carol) Zieske of Minneapolis, MN.

Benjamin is preceded in death by his parents, Benjamin Sr. (Irene) Zieske; Brother, Roger Zieske, Sister, Gloria Walters; and Son, Todd Zieske.