Nile John Zieman

Nile John Zieman

Luana

Nile John Zieman, age 78, passed away peacefully while it snowed on February 12, 2025, at the Zieman home in rural Luana, Iowa. He was born on October 9, 1946, the son of Lyle and Leah Zieman.

Nile married Donna Wahls on December 4, 1966, and shortly thereafter, they settled in Grand Meadow Township in Clayton County, where they began their life together on the farm. Three children were born to this union: Charmion (Rory), Sherman (Becky), and Lanny (Sheena).

Nile and Donna worked the farm, dairy farming, raising hogs, and later breeding dogs. Throughout his life, Nile embraced the values of hard work and dedication to his family and extended farm family, including special neighbors Eric and Tina Meyer and family. Upon selling the dairy herd, Nile returned to college to earn his college degrees from Northeast Iowa Community College (NICC) and a Bachelor of Science in Business from Upper Iowa University. Later, he received his MBA from Winona State University. Nile also worked as a pet food salesman, over-the-road trucker, and specialized in moving oversized buildings.

Nile had many interests beyond farming. He loved a good conversation, was an avid reader of the newspaper and other print media, did some woodworking, and enjoyed playing cards with family and friends. He treasured the time spent spoiling his grandchildren with sweet treats and teaching them the ways of the universe. Nile and Donna also enjoyed many travel adventures by air, cruise ship, and semi.

Nile was preceded in death by his spouse of fifty-eight years, Donna. He is survived by his children, Charmion (Rory), Sherman (Becky), and Lanny (Sheena); and his grandchildren, Foster Mohning, Adalia Mohning, Zander Zieman, Zayden Zieman, Lillian Zieman, and JR Zieman. He is also survived by his brothers, James Zieman and John Zieman, and sister, Sue Miro (Walter), and brother-in-law, Allen Wahls (Ellen) several nieces, nephews, and extended family members, all of whom will deeply miss his sense of humor and his tall tales.

A celebration of life for Nile and Donna will be held at the Gunder Roadhouse, Gunder, Iowa on March 14th from 2-4 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Heart Animal Rescue or the Clayton County Food Shelf in Nile's memory.

When you plant a fruit tree or summer flower, shower your loved ones with candy and sweet treats, or play a game of cards with family and friends, remember Nile fondly.