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GEORGE ZIEMAN Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for GEORGE ZIEMAN
Joe Johnston
September 10, 2022
This is the 10th Anniversary of George´s passing.
He was an diligent user of calendars to plan things out years in advance. For example, he had his vacation days arranged to visit his family in Chicago. After his being out of work for a year, because of downsizing, George landed a job with the State of California with all the benefits he loved keeping track of which made him happy. He even got a friend from his previous company a job there too. She had found a job in a small business with little to no benefits so it was a relief for her to have her medical insurance paid for.
Happy Times! Oakland's Morcom Rose Garden 1999
Joe Johnston
September 6, 2015
George with his parents visiting San Francisco in 1985
Joe Johnston
December 7, 2014
George had a playful side as evidenced by this pose in 1999 with a ceremonial sword.
Joe Johnston
September 11, 2014
George delivering his 1995 Christmas present for Joe:a selection of German beers.
Joe Johnston
December 15, 2013
George on 5-14-1989
Joe Johnston
September 14, 2013
September 14 2013 would have been George's 63rd birthday
One of my favorite memories was the time I visited Marine World in Vallejo Ca with George and his Mom.
For a day George and I were kids again.One of our favorite rides was a boat which slid down a chute into a pool with a drenching splash!Because it was hot we went on the ride several times to cool off!
GeorgeJoe & Greg in a cafe in 1992
Joe Johnston
September 7, 2013
One of George's favorite pasttimes was visiting cafes on the weekends with his friends to discuss the weeks events.
September 8 2013 will be one year since his passing. I shall raise my morning cup of coffee in tribute to George's friendship and recall the pleasant times spent in his company.
George on June 17 1994
Joe Johnston
May 15, 2013
photo of George H.S. Grad
Mark Kenna
March 5, 2013
I first met George Zieman in 1968 as a freshman at Northeastern Illinois University in Chicago. We were “blocked-in” (forced to take) a mandatory class in logic. I believe we were the only 2 students to receive the grade of “A” as we both had a love of logic. A few years later I joined the TKE Fraternity only to find George was already a member and this is where I really got to know George as a friend. Through the many fraternity events I became close friends with several members and George was one of them. When George got married he had a big fancy wedding and I was honored to be one of the “Groomsmen” for his wedding. In 1972 George and I both became members of Eckankar the religion of the light and sound of God. George and I attended many years of “Satsang” classes together. George was a faithful member of Eckankar the rest of his life as I am. Eckankar has given both of us a firm foundation of the nature of soul and existence beyond the borders of death. Through the many spiritual exercise and contemplations in the Eckankar teaching the individual has actual experience dwelling in “higher” states of existence while still maintaining a physical body. Death is simply moving from one of existence to another. Soul going into a higher state is like a caterpillar transforming into a butterfly. What the caterpillar calls death the butterfly calls the start of new life.
As the years rolled on from 1972 we drifted apart. We both were married and dealing with our own situations that life had given us. Every now and then I would speak with George and get an update. He got divorced and so did I. We had many similar experiences and could relate to traveling down the road of life's experiences. I was always amazed at how positive George was about life and he explained that at birth he had so many physical complications that the doctors told his mother not to expect him to live beyond 3 year of age. George had chronic lung and breathing problems and was often gasping for air. His voice was a little different from all of his airway problems, but you soon got use to it. George was born with his heart on the wrong side (right side), but if you ask me his heart was always in the right place. Anyway, one piece of his personal philosophy was that everyday beyond his 3 year life expectancy was a gift and should be live to the fullest with joy.
I visited George in his Oakland “Orange Street” apartment for a seminar that was in town. Another time I was sent to Oakland on business for 2 weeks and visited George several times (early 80's time frame). As life when on I joined the military. Many years of my life were involved with the military and the many moves to different states and countries left me without many friends from the “old-days”. My last tour-of-duty was at Nellis Air Force Base in Las Vegas, NV. After many years of no communications with old friends George somehow located me and explained he came to Las Vegas regularly a few times a year because of a long-distance relationship with his girlfriend. I would meet with George every time he came to Las Vegas (years 2000 to 2005). I met his girlfriend and we both updated each other on what was going on is our lives. After leaving the military and Moving to Minnesota George and I would email each other – sometimes only a few times a year – other times it was several time a week.
Last year I got a lot of emails from George about his health and how doctors just were not able to solve his problems. He expressed real concern about his body not being able to hold on much longer. His beating problems were extreme and no one seemed to be able to help. Finally after months of struggle a doctor tested him for Tuberculosis (TB) and George was positive. He then had county health people administer the pills that “cure” this disease. However, this is a very long time process and can take up to 24 months to completely cure. George would write me often about his health and then as the TB treatments got going he wrote he was getting better and could breathe easier. His emails were tapering off from a few a week to one a week. He returned to work after being sick at home for many weeks. So the last letter I got was in 3rd week of Aug 2012. I got wrapped up in my life and just assumed that no letters from George meant he was better and life was returning to normal for him.
It was in mid-February 2013 that I started to “ping” George's email accounts with the subject line “ARE YOU STILL ALIVE” – I was expecting an email back stating that of course he was and that he was doing fine. But, after no response for a week I wrote his work email and I decided to look up his phone number and give him a call. After days of no response – I called and talked to his girlfriend who informed me that George died on September 7, 2012, and then the next day I got an email from his work that George had died and a link to this funeral website.
I am surprised at how sadden George's “death” or transition into his next existence has hit me. Even though I had a long-distance friendship – George is missed. To those who got to know him – he was a very good person – and will be missed from their lives.
Life is a strange and wonderful experience and all will cross that border of “death” sometime – but, to those left behind there is a hole in our hearts where George Zieman used to dwell.
May the Blessing of God fill you,
Mark Kenna
Minnesota
Margine Ruiz
January 8, 2013
I first met George in 1988 at Industrial Indemnity it was my first office job. When I got laid off there we still kept in touch and through the years we got close. I had sent George emails and he always responded quickly and was wondering why he had not replied now I know. I am so heart stricken and devasted. George you were my Bestfriend my confidant always gave me good advice. You told it like it is. You did my income taxes for so many years, I always looked up to you.
Maribel Pineda
January 8, 2013
RIP to my dear friend George. Today, I learned of your passing. Is a sad day for me. You always gave me good advice and was there when I needed you. I will truly miss you. My deepest and heartfelt sympathy for the family. May the good memories keep you going.
George in front of Aardvark Books in SF in 1993.
Joe Johnston
December 14, 2012
In the 1980's and 90's one of George's interests was buying and selling used books.He knew where used books could be bought very cheaply( like $1 per grocery bag filled with paperbacks).He then would visit used bookstores to sell them.He quickly learned which books sold.Two of George's tips to me were:books about war are bought but used textbooks are not.
I beleive George made enough money on these sales to cover his weekend gas, bridge tolls and meals.
George chatting with a friend in October 1997
Joe Johnston
November 24, 2012
This photo of George taken in October of 1997 captures him in one of his favorite pasttimes:conversing with a gal.He certainly enjoyed their company!
Christina Cerda
November 13, 2012
My mother, Teodora Patrolla, and George were co-workers in Downtown San Francisco in an insurance company. Ever since, my Mother got laid off, he and her have been always in contact via e-mails and having lunches. He was fun to be with and my family will surely miss him. RIP, George, and Juanito says thanks for the Star Wars book you gave him.
George after a game of soccer in SF's Golden Gate Park on October 18 1979
Joe Johnston
November 3, 2012
I met George around 1979 playing soccer in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park.Most of the players (from all over the world)had years of experience while George and I were beginners.
George was a good shot.His strategy was to be near the goal so when the ball came his way he was likely to score.As I recall George was one of the high scorers.
2 of the professional teams George followed were Germany's FC Schalke and England's Sheffield Wednesday.
Liselotte and family Hirzel
October 12, 2012
We are all very sad and express to Zieman's family our deepest condolences.I'm the Swiss girl who met George in 1978 during my stay in SF.Since than he has been always a faithful pen-pal to me and my family. Even my sister was allowed, 30 years ago, to be his quest and he cared about her very much.
In 2003 I've visited with my family George, and he showed us with love and pride SF. We will never forget this special visit.
We already miss the greeeting cards and lovely letters from our friend.
We will remember George always as a good-hearted friend in mind.
We all miss him very much.
Vachik Setaghian
October 5, 2012
Thank you for giving me this oppotunity to express my deepest condolences to George's Family and Friends. I want to share with you a short story.
For me to become George's Friend the following events should have happened: I need to travel from my home town Tehran (Iran) to Manchester (England) to study, then being a football fan (Soccer)I need to buy a particular soccer magazine and find George's name on the very last page under Pen pals, took his address, wrote a letter to him and started the Friendship @ the year 1979. Eventually I migrated to USA and landed in California and I had the oppotunity to meet him twice. I've been Pen-pal with George for more than 30 years. I am going to miss my Friend.
Ben
October 5, 2012
I have put off writing an entry here because I've been so shaken by George's death. But I want his family and those who knew him from way back to understand just how beloved George was on the RealGM sports forums. It sounds funny, the thought of a flesh-and-blood person becoming actual friends with people who he only met through a "virtual" community, but that's the way it happened with George, me, and about a thousand other people who miss George dearly.
I talked with George on those forums (and via private emails) for almost seven years, and in all that time George never expressed an unkind sentiment and never displayed anything but brains, heart, and class. He would give me (and others) advice on personal relationships, reminisce with us about past eras or neighborhoods, and share the daily hopes and tribulations of the long-time Chicago sports fan. In other words, he was a good friend.
It's hard for me to understand why George's untimely passing has unsettled me so much. I'm reasonably worldly and I know that death's just another part of life. But I can't help it. Something about George's spirit and positivity make me mourn him more than I've done with some people who I saw face to face all the time.
I'm Jewish, and although George obviously wasn't, he liked to show off his knowledge of Yiddishkeit just to please me and make a connection. It was such a sweet gesture every time. So let me just say of George Zieman now and forever: what a friend, what a confidant, what a mensch.
carol schmidt
September 28, 2012
I am sorry to hear of my sister's brother-in-laws death. My prayers go out to the Zieman family. He now stands before God.
Geroge playing pinball at Playland-Not-at-the-Beach
Kendra Zien
September 26, 2012
I looked forward to seeing George's smiling face every Sunday when he volunteered with me at Playland-Not-at-the-Beach in El Cerrito. He was a dedicated volunteer and friend to all of our staff, volunteers and guests. He is already missed.
Playland is honoring George by making him an honorary member of the Playland Pals Team. You can donate to Relay For Life in his honor at: http://main.acsevents.org/goto/george.zieman.
Love goes out to all his friends and family.
Joe Johnston
September 24, 2012
George was a very good planner.He prioritized the maintenance necessary on his home and scheduled it accordingly.For example,one year he'd attend to the landscaping,the next year he'd do the roof.
His home was uncluttered and very orderly.His clothes were arranged in his closets neater than in many stores.
He was a great penpal especially to his overseas friends.He corresponded to a gal in Switzerland(whom he met in SF)for over 30 years.
He was a knowledgeable tour guide to the Bay Area for his out-of-town friends.
In college he enjoyed his History classes and his interest in that subject continued through-out his life.
George was an early-bird and arrived at his job(in the Insurance field)well before the time he was scheduled to start.
Doug Thonus
September 20, 2012
I wrote this about George on my Bulls blog, since we met and knew each other through our mutual love for the Bulls:
George and was a giving member of the Bulls community. He was a salary cap expert, forum moderator, global moderator, and always willing to give back. Most people will never have been a moderator on a message forum that can get over a 1000 posts a day, but believe me when I say, it's not an easy or trivial task.
The typical burnout rate for forum mods is probably two years, and I believe George did it for seven and was still going strong up until his death. To our community, losing George was losing a celebrity. I was shocked, distraught. I still haven't come to terms with it. I knew George was struggling with his health, but he'd always been a rock on our forum, and it's still difficult to imagine the Bulls community with out him.
George spent most of his online time contributing in meaningful ways. Besides the immense amount of work he did as a moderator, he would patiently answer question after question about the NBA salary cap. He was an outstanding contributor to our forum and in life. I found out after his passing that he won a presidential charity award for all of the hours he put in giving back. It didn't surprise me at all, because George was always about helping others.
We met in person just twice, once he came to my annual NBA draft party and once we just met for dinner. It was a pleasure both times, and I'm sorry that I didn't get to spend more time with him in person.
The Bulls online community has lost one of their true giants.
The day George got his President's Service Award for Volunteering. He was surprised but so deserving of the award
Frank Biafore
September 20, 2012
George was a friend who volunteered regularly at our museum in El Cerrito, CA. In fact he volunteered enough to get a President's Service Award. He was quite and unassuming but very helpful. We missed George before we even had heard of his passing. If you would like to make a small donation to our Relay For Life Team in George's memory you can do so at http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR/RelayForLife/RFLCY13CA?px=30181422&pg=personal&fr_id=48877 .
September 17, 2012
George will be remembered as a good friend to me and my family. We met when he moved to Cheyenne, WY. What fun we had when a group of friends from here, including my son Mike, went to Las Vegas. When my daughter, Karen, and I visited San Francisco, George was a most gracious host. He helped my son, Greg, when moved to San Francisco and was Greg's best man at his wedding. He was a friendly, sweet guy. He will be missed by the VonRiesen family. Thanks, George for your friendship. Catherine VonRiesen - Cheyenne, WY
Greg VonRiesen
September 17, 2012
To the Zieman family my thoughts are with you. George was such a great friend. He helped me find a job and an appartment when I move to San Francisco 25 years ago. Was best man at my wedding and I always enjoyed the time I spent in his company. He will be missed. Attached is a photo of George at a sidewalk sale I had 20 years ago.
September 17, 2012
To the Zieman family, Just wanted you know what a good friend George was to me. He helped me when I first moved to San Francisco 25 years ago in finding a job and apartment. Was the best man at my wedding. He will be missed. My thoughts are with you. Greg VonRiesen
Gene Bian
September 17, 2012
To George's Family,
My condolences for your loss. I knew George from St. Hilary's class of 1964 (we used to trade comic books with each other). I will remember George in my prayers.
George Zieman
Michele Vass
September 17, 2012
I had the privilege of being George's manager for the last 10 years. He was a dedicated and conscientious worker. We never, ever had to worry about George's work. He was such an interesting character. He was loyal, sentimental & a real trooper about his lifelong health problems. He will be missed. My deepest condolences to his family and friends. I'm sharing a nice picture of George at one of our office parties. He loved them.
Nancy Herbig, St. Gregory HS, Class of '68
September 17, 2012
My prayers and thoughts are with the Zieman family at this sad time, and may God bless you and comfort you in the difficult days ahead. Rest in peace, George.
Susie Elkins
September 17, 2012
I was lucky to have worked closely with George for the past 10 years. He was a smart man with an endearing quirkiness! The news of his passing came as quite a shock to all of us at work. He will be missed... My condolences & prayers go out to all of his family & friends.
James Feinerman
September 16, 2012
To all of George's Family:
My sincere condolences for your loss. George will be remembered as a part of St. Hilary's Class of 1964 forever and in my thoughts and prayers from across the country.
Jim Feinerman
Joe
September 16, 2012
I never quite got to meet George, yet as a member of the RealGM basketball community that George was such a large and active part of for so many years, I felt close to him. A warm, kind soul, with a dry sense of humour, George always seemed to have time for everyone.
I will miss him deeply.
Rest in peace Tommy.
Rosemary Hanson
September 16, 2012
Was so sad to hear of Georges passing. I went to school with George and still kept in contact with him. He was a wonderful person and I will miss him. My heartfelt sympathy to you all.
Jeanette (Giese) Schneider
September 16, 2012
To the Zieman Family:
As a former classmate of George's from St. Gregory High School, I extend my sympathy to all of you.
George was an enthusiastic participant in all of our Class of 1968 reunions, and we shall miss him at our future get-togethers. He sent me an occasional email and his last one related all his health issues. I am glad he is not suffering anymore and having a wonderful time in heaven.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Sincerely,
Dan
September 16, 2012
RIP George. Gonna miss ya on RealGM.
Arjay702 REALGM
September 15, 2012
Tommy! You were such a wise and insightful poster on the site, it will never be the same without you. My condolences to your family. We will miss you dearly, RIP!
Cindy Graff
September 15, 2012
My thoughts and prayers go out to the Zieman family in your time of sorrow. May your memories bring you comfort.
George was my second cousin once removed, though I had not had the good fortune to meet or know him.
My sincere condolences...
t-time RealGM
September 15, 2012
RIP George, you will be sadly missed by our entire community. It was a true blessing for us to know you all these years. Condolences to George's family and friends.
September 15, 2012
RIP George! We will miss you at RealGM
MnM24 RealGM
September 15, 2012
To Geroge's family, please accept my condolences on the death of George. He was my one my favorite posters on a basketball site he posted on (RealGM. George, you are in my thoughts.
Rest in peace brother.
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