Frederick Henry Zieske, “Fred” age 80 of Watertown, formerly of Delano passed away on Saturday, August 19, 2017 surrounded by family at Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He was born October 21, 1936 to Howard and Rose (Wiewel) Zieske in Montevideo, Minnesota.

Fred was raised in Orr, Minnesota on the Ash River Trail. He graduated from Orr High School. Fred was drafted into the Army after the Korean War and was discharged in 1961. Fred was united in marriage to Arlene Van Leeuwe on October 13, 1962 in Marshall, Minnesota.

Fred and Arlene made their home in the Delano area where they raised their family. Fred worked his lifetime in construction, a profession that he passed down to his son. He liked to fish and hunt and was an avid outdoorsman. One of the passions of his life was gardening, a love learned from his parents that he passed onto his children and grandchildren. The Zieske family has been told, “that when you think of Fred, the one word that comes to mind is genuine.”

Fred was preceded in death by his son Randy John Zieske; his parents Howard and Rose Zieske; son-in-law Roger Ostendorf and a brother-in-law Don Davis. He is survived by his wife of just short of 55 years, Arlene; children Rich (Patty) Zieske, Julie Hoffman Ostendorf (Delbert Hoffman), Emily (Everett) Larson; 7 grandchildren; 4 great grandchildren; siblings Wilma Davis, Louie Zieske and Irene Zieske.

Mass of Christian Burial was held on Wednesday, August 23, 2017 at 11 a.m. at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Watertown, Minnesota. Knights of Columbus Rosary was held at 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday with visitation from 9:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. prior to the Mass on Wednesday in the church.