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Mary Christine ‘Chris’ Ziems

Mary Christine ‘Chris’ Ziems

GLADSTONE — Mary Christine “Chris” Ziems, 86, of Gladstone, died at her home Nov. 7, 2018 after a life blessed with quality and quantity. She was born Dec. 19, 1931 in Chicago, IL, the daughter of Robert and Ola Mae (Tillery) Brown.

Chris was raised in Chicago, graduated from North Park Academy in 1949, and the Illinois Masonic School of Nursing in 1953. Her career as an R.N. included jobs in Chicago, San Diego, Laurium, and 27 years as a Nursing Supervisor at St. Francis Hospital in Escanaba. She married Kenneth M. Ziems in Chicago on Nov. 29, 1952. Ken preceded her in death on Sept. 20, 2012.

After Ken’s discharge from the Navy, they settled in Gladstone where they raised their 5 sons and daughter. Chris valued her children and was actively involved in their lives through scouting, sports, band and school events. She often joked that she spent lots of time with her kids because she could never find anyone to take them off her hands.

Chris and Ken enjoyed traveling and toured much of the country in their 5th wheel camper after they retired. She was proud of her Irish heritage and was able to visit Ireland and London as well.

Chris participated in water aerobics at the YMCA for a number of years and made many friends in the class. She liked to knit and sew, was a very talented quilter, and created many keepsake quilts for family members. Chris truly appreciated her fellow quilting friends as well. She continued to read and quilt until her failing health prevented these activities over the past months. She also enjoyed frequent visits from her grand dog Cato, who trained Grandma Chris to get her treats from the fridge.

Chris is survived by her 5 sons: Michael (Debra) of Milwaukee, WI; Patrick (Paula) of Austin, MN; Todd (Ann) of Morogoro, Tanzania; Grant (Lois) of Gladstone; and Lance (Andra) of Negaunee, MI; and a daughter, Christee (A.K.) Khan of Kalamazoo, MI. She is also survived by her sister Frances (William) Franz of Chicago, 15 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband and parents.

A memorial service for Chris is planned for Sat., Nov. 24, 2018 at First Lutheran Church in Gladstone. Visitation is scheduled for 11 AM, the Funeral Service at noon with a luncheon to follow.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to SON-International which provides clean water to people in Tanzania (http://www.son-international.org/), or Friends of the Gladstone or Escanaba Public Libraries.

The Skradski Family Funeral Homes are assisting the Ziems family.

For additional information or to leave the family a message of condolence, go to http://www.skradskifuneralhomes.com.