Gary D. Ziems, 77, of Minden, passed away on Monday, October 12, 2026, at his home. Memorial services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Minden with Rev. William Zwick officiating. The service will be streamed to the church’s YouTube page. Inurnment with military honors will be held later that day at 2:30 p.m. at the Nebraska Veterans Cemetery at Grand Island. There will be no visitation. Memorials in Gary’s honor are kindly suggested to the family for future designation. Arrangements are under the care of Craig Funeral Home in Minden.

Gary Dean Ziems was born on March 19, 1949, in McCook to Albert and Esther (Nussbaum) Ziems. He grew up in the McCook and Holdrege area, attending Holdrege High School, where he wrestled and ran cross-country; graduating with the class of 1967. Gary was also proud to have become an Eagle Scout.

He entered the United States Army and was honorably discharged in 1968. He was fortunate to go on a Veterans Honor Flight to Washington D.C. and was presented with a Quilt of Valor. Gary was so proud that he served his country during the Vietnam War.

Gary was united in marriage to Sue Christensen on September 17, 1971, in Holdrege and to this union two children were born: Scott and Kristen. The family made their home in Holdrege, where he was employed at Allmand Bros. Gary started a concrete business and worked for Royal Engineered Composites in Minden for many years.

He was a member of Mt Calvary Lutheran Church in Holdrege and most recently, St. Paul Lutheran Church in Minden. Gary served as a church trustee and Sunday school teacher. He served two terms on the Holdrege City Council, and coached wrestling in Loomis for many years. Gary was a loving and involved father; never missing their activities and coaching many of his children’s sports including boys and girls’ football, wrestling, basketball, baseball and softball. Gary was grateful for receiving the kidney transplant that gave him 23 years of continued life.

Gary and Sue spent 10 winters at their home away from home in south Texas, their happy place. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and camping; and was an avid Husker sports fan and reader. Gary also built many wooden toys for his grandchildren. Faith, family, and country is how Gary lived his life, and he showed this through his kindness, leadership and steady presence.

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Sue of Minden; son, Scott (Laurie) Ziems of Kearney; daughter, Kristen (Ryan) Wilson of Meridian, ID; grandchildren, Asher (Grace) Wilson, Tate (Taylor) Wilson, Perry Wilson, Hunter (Ashleigh) Ziems, Cooper Ziems (Maci Kalsbeck), Brittanie Ziems, Izzy Ziems, Kasey Ziems, Patrick Ziems, Micah Ziems, Finn Ziems, McKenzie Ziems, and Sawyer Ziems; great-grandchildren, Brooks and Jude Wilson, Blake and Rory Wilson, and Hudson Ziems; sisters-in-law, Marlene Ziems and Polly Ziems; brother-in-law, Steve (Char) Christensen; as well as a host of extended relatives and close friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; parents-in-law, Don and Alice Christensen; grandson, Gaven Wilson; sister, Sheryl Porter; and brothers, Steve Ziems and Keith Ziems.

Tributes and memories can be shared with the family at www.craigfunerals.com.