William George Zeimet

Age 92 of Roseville, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on October 30, 2025.

Preceded in death by parents, Ervin & Ann (Kostolnik) Zeimet; and brothers, Bob, Fr. Dick, Tom, Larry, and Jerry.

Survived by wife of 63 years, Mary (Popa); children, Crissy (Scott) LaValley, Vicky (Dean) Fisher, Timmy, and Suzy (Dan) Blake; grandchildren, Tori, Mesa, Emily (Nick), Kyle, Gracey, Bailey, Lucy, Molly, Kennedy, Mitch, Hunter, and Danika; great-grandchildren, Jack, Charlotte, Genevieve, Josephine, and Madelyn; sister, Rosanne (Jeff) Green; sister-in-law, Janet Zeimet; and many deeply loved nieces, nephews, & cousins.

Bill was loved dearly by his family and all that knew him.

Bill grew up in Como, where he attended St. Andrew's for grade school and St. Agnes for high school. He spent his childhood hanging out with his siblings, and neighborhood kids. Bill was very athletic and talented growing up. He enjoyed playing softball with his brothers and friends at the Victoria Fields, which continued into his forties. He loved music from age 3 when his dad hid his first harmonica in the Christmas tree. He was hooked on music and learned how to play the accordion when he was 12. Later he picked up the button box.

One of the things he was most proud of was helping build an ice castle with his brothers in 1947. This ice castle was so impressive that the Saint Paul Pioneer Press came out to see it, as well as the winter carnival royalty. What an honor to have that as a memory!

Bill would also enjoy biking to Elk River to visit his aunt and uncle's farm where he would hang out with his cousins and help out with the animals. When Bill was younger he owned a race car, number 11. His brother Larry was the driver.

Bill was a truck driver for Indianhead Truck Line and McArthur Trucking Co. for 34+ years. He also started his own business, Trail Clean.

There were endless family summer vacations taken in the station wagon with Bill, Mary, and their four children, Crissy, Vicky, Timmy, and Suzy. Bill loved spending quality time with his family, especially his children. Bill would always say some of his fondest memories were playing on the floor with his kids, from horsey rides to the kids driving their tiny matchbox cars all around his arms, back, and legs, and Crissy and Vicky putting curlers in his hair.

Bill and Mary lived a full life of adventure with their kids, and once they were grown and out of the house, the adventure continued. Some of Mary’s favorite memories with her and her husband, Bill, were taking their motorhome around. They visited the bluegrass group in Arkansas where they spent time with friends and listening to music, such as when Bill would play his button box and harmonica. Bill and Mary visited many places, such as Arizona, Las Vegas and Missouri.

Bill and Mary loved taking rides, especially the short distance ones around Como where they enjoyed revisiting Bill's old stomping grounds. Both Bill and Mary cherished time with friends, like their McDonald’s coffee gang who would all gather at a specific McDonald’s in Little Canada several times a week to enjoy coffee and conversation. There was no one Bill didn't enjoy getting to know. He especially had such a deep love for his generous neighbors who checked in on him and offered their prayers and support, as well as his kids’ friends who continuously reached and provided moral support.

Along with enjoying time with people, Bill also had a deep love for animals, especially dogs. He would always have a dog, from childhood through his entire adult life. He would be dedicated to taking his morning walks with his dog, every day, rain or shine.

While visiting with family and friends and his daily dog walks, his days would continue on with watching the Wheel of Fortune. Bill's love of sports showed up in his dedication to the MN Twins. He watched as many games as he could, and if driving it was on the radio (although he did stop watching after all the cuts this past summer).

Bill was a believer in Jesus Christ and a devout Catholic. He prayed the rosary every night following along with Sister Angelica. He attended the 4:30 Mass at St. Rose of Lima every Saturday evening. The St. Rose congregation meant so much to him and he attended as often as he could up until the end of his life.

Bill had a love for many things. He absolutely loved the Minnesota State Fair and would enjoy his annual pork chop-on-a-stick. After his annual pork chop, he and his family would walk out to the horse barn and watch the show-horses come out. The most recent trip to the 2025 Minnesota State Fair with his family was actually a goal that they had as well as Bill. He even went twice, and one of those times he was surrounded by his entire family, from his children and their spouses to grandchildren and great-grandchildren. It was a dear memory all of his family hold close to their hearts. You could see in his beautiful blue eyes and wide smile every time they came around.

His grandchildren would love to share some special memories they have about their “papa” as they call him. From letting them comb and play with his hair to their papa playing his accordion with them all, his kindness and attention never faltered when family was around. Papa often had extra harmonicas to pass around and share in some music, most recently he shared those memories with his great-grandchildren. More favorite memories include drives with grandma and papa to Conny’s Cones for an ice cream, sitting on papa’s lap while riding on the lawnmower to cut his grass, and phone calls from him playing the button box to the tune of Happy Birthday. Sleepovers at Papa and Grandma's included taking drives in the Buick around Como and pointing out significant landmarks to their childhoods and dinner at local restaurants such as Snuffy's, House of Wong, Perkins (he always ordered a chicken fried steak), or a pizza joint. Bill was generous, he would take his children and their spouses on an annual trip to Mancini's as a way to show his love and appreciation for his family.

Some notable things that would stand out about Bill would be his love for Buicks and his signature style. He always had a Buick in his driveway! He was someone who knew what he liked and stuck to it. Like his style, you would always see him in a ball hat and jeans. He was a simple man who enjoyed the little things in life, especially his orange popsicles, his trips to Dairy Queen, or a chocolate mocha malt from Arby’s.

His family would like to also share a loving thank you to the nurses and staff from Our Lady of Peace. They did such a wonderful job helping Bill, giving him specific care that he needed on a weekly basis and supporting his family as they navigated hospice.

Finally, a huge and loving appreciation is given to Bill’s wife, Mary; children, Crissy, Vicky, Timmy, and Suzy; as well as his many grandchildren, who provided constant round-the-clock care for him. With the constant care and dedication that was provided, they were able to extend Bill’s life to the fullest. Their children especially were at Bill and Mary’s home every single day for the last 7 months, helping out in every way possible, showing Bill the kindness and care he first showed them as their daddy.

Bill’s life was a beautiful reflection of joy and love. His music, humor, and his unwavering devotion to family will continue to live in the hearts of all who were blessed to know him.

We love and miss you, Bill.

We love and miss you, Dad.

We love and miss you, Papa.

Visitation 9:00 - 10:00 am Tuesday, November 11 at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, 2090 N. Hamline Ave., Roseville followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 am.

Private interment at Ft. Snelling National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to the family.

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