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Nancy Klemek
My husband, Dr. Terry Klemek, enjoyed the 10 years he was able to practice with Bob - he appreciated all that he could learn from him. We, and Kayt, enjoyed visiti ng them on the Cape 20 years ago while visiting colleges - and enjoyed attending the outdoor Boston Pops concert with them!
Jeannine Sternke
My husband, Dennis, and I came Fairmont in 1978, when Dennis joined his practice at the clinic, and he so appreciated Bob’s friendliness and willingness to teach him new things. He also delivered our youngest son (via C-section). He was a great doctor.
Debbie Wallace
Doc Zemke and Joan were very supportive to me when my husband and I adopted our son from Russia. They were interested and offered encouragement. They were missed by so many people when they left Fairmont. Sending hugs and prayers to the family.
Ruth (Nickerson) Edge
During the time I was a nurse at FCH, Dr. Bob was an ever present figure, always fun to be around. Plus he & his family were for many years present also at Grace Lutheran Church. Dear Joan & loyal sons Stephen & Daniel - my heartfelt condolences. Bob, we’ll done good & faithful servant! ❤️
Mary Jagodzinske
Dr Bob was our family Doctor and even attended our oldest- Daron’s high school graduation party . When Daron was born Mark Wolverton assisted. They both were so fun and said “this is not a baby! He’s a moose” Daron was a 10 lb 9 oz baby! I so respected Dr Bob and loved playing tricks on him. What a great man he was!
Mary Segar
Always has had a special place in my heart, as the Dr. I went to when I came to Fairmont as a 2 year nurse. Then pregnant, when he offered to name the baby boy he delivered "King Edward Segar""also all the tricks we tried on him on his birthday, April 1st. Blessings to his family.
Denise Janssen
Dr Bob was the first provider I worked with. He taught me so much, and he has had a very special place in my heart. Sending hugs and prayers to Joan, Steven and Daniel. We know there has been a special place in Heaven for our Dr. Bob.
Becky Bielfelt
So sorry for your loss. Dr Bob was a wonderful person and doctor. I got to work with him on occasion and he was our doctor until he retired. I also got to work with Joan before I worked at the clinic. Both are great folks. I’m sure he’s present with the Lord at this time.
Deb Johnson
This was the greatest and in the world! He delivered our kids and did all my surgeries. I am so very sorry to all the family members and especially to Dan. Thanks for letting me know
Dr Denise Schavey
Enjoyed working with Dr Bob when I came to Fairmont in 1992 up until he retired. A great guy! Caring and matter of fact, staying “ what’s common is common,and what’s not is not”. Good words to live by! RIP Dr Bob
Heidi Pasion (Madsen)
My mom Nancy Madsen worked with Dr Zemke for many years. Sorry about your loss.
Loren and DeeAnne
What a wonderful doctor and person. He and Joan complimented each other so well.
Jessica Klug
I went to him as a child from time to time. My great aunt was Betty Anderson, who worked with him as a nurse in the clinic in Fairmont. What a great man!
Cliff and Roxy Janke
Our sympathy on the loss of your dad. Your folks were so kind to us when we lived in Fairmont.
Dr. Robert "Bob" Lowell Zemke
2023-06-16
Robert Lowell Zemke of Fernandina Beach, Florida passed away on June 16, 2023 at his home in Fernandina Beach.
He was born on April 1, 1935 in Fairmont Minnesota, to the late Erhardt E. Zemke and Lois Trott Zemke. Bob grew up in Fairmont graduating from Fairmont High School in 1953. He then went on to graduating from St. Olaf College in 1957 and University of Minnesota School of Medicine in 1961.
Robert Zemke and Joan L. Belk were married on July 3, 1960 in Le Mars, IA.
Dr. Bob and Joan had 3 children, Stephen, Jonathan and Daniel. They have been loving, nurturing and successful parents to this day. Stephen and Daniel live in the North Florida (Jacksonville, Yulee) area and are able to spend much quality time with Bob and Joan. He is preceded in death by Jonathan in 1970.
Following Residency in Modesto California, he joined his father, E.E. Zemke, in Medical Practice in Fairmont, MN. Both were instrumental in forming the current Fairmont Medical Clinic in 1970. Dr. Bob was very active in supporting Fairmont athletics, continuing from his enjoyment of football and track as a student. Receiving recognition to Fairmont High School Hall of Fame. Caring for patients and staff was both a professional and person priority to him.
Dr. Bob retired in 1998 and relocated with Joan to Cape Cod, Massachusetts.
In retirement he continued his practice of medicine by volunteering at Duffy Health Center in Hyannis, MA. at which he received the Senior Volunteer Physician Award from the Massachusetts Medical Society.
A devout religious family, they were active members of Grace Lutheran Church, Fairmont, MN, First Lutheran Church, Cape Cod, MA and Victory Lutheran Church, Jacksonville, FL. Bob and Joan took many Medical-Faith Mission trips to Eastern Europe and Russia.
The couple moved to North Florida in 2016 to reunite with Stephen and Daniel.
Celebration services will be held in both Fernandina Beach and Fairmont. He will be laid to rest in Lakeside Cemetery in Fairmont, MN.
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