Richard D. Ziemer

Richard D. Ziemer, 91, of New Holland, passed away on Tuesday, January 28, 2014 at Garden Spot Village, New Holland.

Born in Union Grove, East Earl Twp., he was the son of the late Noah and Mary (Sauder) Ziemer. His first wife, Margaret Ann (Kurtz) Ziemer, died and he has been married to Mildred S. (Kreider) for 39 years.

Richard worked with Ewell Pontiac from 1945 until 1958 when he purchased the business and changed the name to Ziemer Buick in 1962. He was one of 20 dealers in the U.S. to receive the Buick Excellence Award for customer satisfaction. His portrait was on display at the Buick Hall of Fame in Flint, MI.

He was a member of the Churchtown United Methodist Church where he served on the administrative board for 25 years. In 1934 he won the Men’s Quoit Pitching contest in Lancaster County.

He enjoyed hunting and fishing especially in Mexico and Hawaii. He also enjoyed stone masonry along with picnics with his family and friends.

During WWII he served in the Army Air Corps as an Aerial Engineer receiving 7 bronze stars for service in the European, African, and Middle Eastern theater. He was also in Normandy on D-Day.

Surviving in addition to his wife is a daughter, Carol, married to Richard MacHenry of New Holland; a son, Kurt, married to Leslie Ziemer of New Holland; two step sons, Gary Esbenshade of New Holland, and Ross, married to Terri Esbenshade of New Holland; three grandchildren; two great grandchildren; six step grandchildren; 16 step great grandchildren.

Friends and relatives are respectfully invited to attend the graveside service with military honors on Saturday, February 1 at 1:30 pm at Trinity Lutheran Cemetery with Chaplain Marian Harnish officiating. In Richard’s memory contributions may be made to Hospice and Community Care, PO Box 4125, Lancaster, PA 17604-4125. Arrangements by Groff-High Funeral Home, New Holland. To send the family online condolences visit us at www.groffeckenroth.com.