
Gregory Lee Ziemba was born on June 26, 1955 in Chicago, IL to Raymond and Mary Ziemba. Greg passed from this life on Saturday, February 15, 2014 at the age of 58.
He was a graduate of Bogan High School Class of 1973 and was Honorably Discharged from the U.S. Marine Corps in August 1977. He graduated from the University of Illinois/Parkland College with a degree of Associate in Applied Science Avionics with Honors in May 1980. Greg graduated from the Oklahoma State University with a Bachelor of Science in Aviation Sciences in July 1993. He worked for Eastern Airlines from May 1980 to January 1989 and retired from American Airlines with 23 years of service as an Avionics Technician in October 2012. Greg loved family, friends and animals; he truly was a friend to everyone. He enjoyed being the "Fix it Guy" and home projects, which he did with excellence. As an airline employee he traveled the world with Sheree, his children and many times with family and good friends. Those whom traveled with him have wonderful memories.
He was preceded in death by his father, Raymond Ziemba and his brothers Carl Ziemba and Joe Ziemba. He is survived by his mother, Mary Ziemba (Stehura) of Orland Park, IL; his former wife and friend, Sheree Ziemba of Tulsa; a daughter, Rachel Ziemba of Tulsa; a son, Andrew Ziemba of Orland Park, IL, brothers Ray Ziemba and Steve Ziemba, sisters Francine Andrews (Ziemba) and Cindy Esser (Ziemba).
The first Memorial service is scheduled at 2:30 P.M. Sunday, February 23, 2014 The Wayside Chapel at the Center 12700 Southwest Highway, Palos Park, IL 60464. Memorial contributions may be made to The Center, c/o Pathway to Sobriety.
The second Memorial service will be scheduled at 4:30pm Thursday, March 6, 2014 and will be held in the Redeemer Covenant Church, 5415 East 101st Street, Tulsa, OK 74137. Memorial contributions for the Tulsa area, Street School 1135 S Yale Ave Tulsa OK 74112 and/or 12 & 12, Inc. 6333 East Skelly Drive, Tulsa, OK 74135.
Our deepest sympathy at this sad time. May you find comfort in memories and the support of your friends. You are in our hearts and prayers.
Eddie and Carol Gruben
My condolences to you and your family. May God's love and good memories comfort you at this time.
Robert Linn
I am so sorry Sheree. Sometimes life seems so unfair. At times like these, I am reminded we live in the gentle hands of the Infinite whose ways are beyond my understanding. Blessings and peace.
John Keown
Sheree, thinking of you and your children at this sad time. Our prayers are with you.
Ron and Janice Wallis
Greg was a great man inside and out. We will all miss him dearly. The best memories I have with Uncle Greg were our annual fishing trips to Boyds. He loved to fish and being around his family at the same time. Everytime we were there he seemed so happy and loved telling us stories of his youth and all the fun he had. I will never forget that silly laugh he had tooo. Miss you uncle Greg... Rob and Kelly
Rob Candos
My heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Greg ('Z'), whom I came to appreciate as a very warm, caring, spirit. Our class at Jenks East Intermediate benefited from his presence. May you also be comforted by the happiest of memories of his time he spent with you.
Sheryl Dunbar-Purnell
Much love to you, Rachel, and Andrew.
Jamie Catlett
Sheree, our thoughts and prayers are with you, Rachel and Andrew. Hugs!
Rick & Tammra
Sheree,you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Mike and Mary Kassen
Sheree, Rachel and Andrew, so sorry for your loss.
Ann Casstevens
We are very sorry for your loss, our prayers are with you and your family.
Tom & Joni White
Sheree, Ward and I are very sorry to hear of the loss of your husband. Our condolences to you and your family.
Sandra Massey
We will all miss uncle Greg very much. He was such a kind and loving father husband friend and uncle. I remember the last time I spoke with him was pure coincidence. I was sitting at grandmas house with my mom and he called. I was going to hand the phone to grandma but she was busy chit chatting as usual so I answered. He didn't recognize my voice at first but when he did he was so excited to talk to me. I asked him how he was doing and he said not well. I told him to come back to chicago so we could help him through this difficult time. after I said that there was a silence and I told him to take care of himself, that we missed him very much and handed to phone to grandma. I will miss his laugh, his jokes, his stories and most of all, his loving caring personality. RIP uncle Greg.
Danny Candos
Uncle Greg was such a kind and level headed voice of reason in my life. I have always looked up to him, and it meant soo much to have his approval and advice. Almost all of my favorite childhood memories involve flying standby with American Airlines, and calling Uncle Greg frantically. He always knew how to get me home. I will always remember our family vacation to Colorado that Uncle Greg planned. Family was very important to him, and I will pass this tradition on to my children one day. I will miss Uncle Greg very much, and hope that others can carry on his memories and traditions that he instilled in all of us. I wish he didn't have to go, but I am glad that he isn't hurting anymore. Thoughts and prayers from your family in California. Love you!! Ting
Christine Schillinger
I miss "Smegly" already. I was reminiscing about some very memorable events we had together. Greg was a hard worker and always in to fixing something. Greg looked after me and kept me out of trouble growing up. He let me hang out with him and his cool friends. I remember his "eagle" eyes watching me from across the room at every party. Greg was very generous, esp. with sharing his American Airline passes. He set up our flights and stayed with us until we got were we wanted to go. Towards the end, I talked to Greg a lot over the phone and we became even closer. He talked a lot about his times with Sharee, and how proud he was of his daughter, Rachel, and son, Andrew. I imagine his Guardian Angel came and tapped him on the shoulder asking him if he was ready to go to a very peaceful place --- and after a big sigh, Greg saying "Yes." Rest in Peace. I will miss my brother and friend. <///><
Francine
Greg was a great man, friend and father who will be greatly missed. My children grew up with his and we have so many good memories of the good times camping, fishing and many other family activities. Greg was so good with kids, and everyone loved him. I know he's at peace now and there's no more suffering in heaven. See you again some day my good friend.
Rick McClung
GREG CAME TO WORK WITH US IN THE AVIONICS SHOP AT A.A IN 1989, WAS VERY KNOWLIGABLE & TALENTED. R.I.P. GREG. J.J.
J..J.SCHMIDT
Greg was a very good person that was always there to help people. I am very saddened with his passing. I remember his warm laugh too. Greg served his country well and served his family and friends. He loved his family and they loved him. Life is so short and it is so sad when someone so young has to leave us. But we know he is with the Lord now and we are all better off to have known Greg. My sincere condolences to the Ziemba family and friends. Marc
Marc Schillinger
Sincere Condolences Sheree. My thoughts are with you and your family.
Rob Buelow
The news of your passing just breaks our hearts, and we will miss you very much Uncle Greg! We know you are at peace now.
Nicki and Pete Rathbun
Our sincere condolences for the loss of Greg, He was a good friend to us and we know he will be deeply missed by all. Lots of fun memories we will cherish. Love to you Cheri, Rachel and Andrew,
Stuart & Nancy Wilson
We lost a dear friend this week. Greg had the biggest heart. He loved his family, friends, the people he worked with, and all those that suffered in the world. Greg could fix anything. As Mickey said, he had more tools that Lowe's and knew how to use them. Greg would research on the internet how to fix something, so that he would get it just right. Greg taught our youngest son how to ride a bike and was the favorite guy with the kids in our neighborhood. We will miss his laugh and good sense of humor. Greg was willing to help everyone, just didn't know how to help himself. We will miss him dearly.
Mickey and Carol Maus
Greg was a good friend. I always enjoyed our time together. I will miss him.
Matthew Nail
Uncle Greg was always an exciting person to be around. I remember his contagious laugh, that loud unique laugh. I could hear it a mile away and know it was his. Greg was very generous. He would always help me fly from point A to point B, and even when I got stuck in some random city, and would freak out, he would patiently reassure me and help me, even if it was really late his time. I wish I had more memories with him, but I cherish the ones I have. It is such a tragedy that he has already left us. We lost a good one.
Laurie Hendricks
Greg has been a loving and caring son. He was a son I was proud of. I know we'll be together again someday, but now he is in God's hands. I'll always love and miss you Greg. Mom
Mary Ziemba
Greg was one of my "Ziemba big brothers", through marriage, and I miss him already. He was fun to have around, extremely smart, and though our political views were different (sometimes very different!), he was knowledgeable of what he spoke and I learned from him. My girls are very sad to not have their Uncle Greg here anymore, and we will all miss his wit, smile and laughter at family gatherings. We love you, Greg.
Carolyn
Greg was a great brother to me and I have a lot of great memories with him. He was a great person and fun to be with. He told funny stories and always was there for me when I needed him. I can't believe he is gone. I will always miss him and I wish he was still here with us. He is at peace now. Love, Cindy
cindy
Greg was a wonderful neighbor. Whatever he had, he was willing to share. I will miss seeing him working on the yard. I know Greg had some struggles. We talked at 3:00 in the morning. Greg had difficulty understanding the love and the grace of God. Greg and I together prayed asking God for help in the name of Jesus. One of his last comments was that he would overcome with the help of God. Greg has overcome! I extend my love and pray for God's grace for the family in this difficult time. Peter
Peter Enns