Brian Zemke

Brian W. Zemke, age 58 of Cottage Grove, passed away unexpectedly on Nov. 26 at home.

Visitation will be 3-6 pm on Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024, at Kok Funeral Home, 7676 80th Street S., Cottage Grove. Funeral service will be 11 am, Monday, Dec. 2, 2024, at Emanuel Lutheran Church, 2075 70th Street E., Inver Grove Heights with visitation one hour prior to the service. Interment will be held at the Emanuel Lutheran Cemetery.

Brian was born August 5, 1966 in St. Paul, Minnesota to Paul and Carol Zemke. He grew up in Cottage Grove and was baptized and confirmed at Rose of Sharon Lutheran Church. Brian graduated from St. Croix Lutheran High School in 1984 and went on to attend 916 Technical College where he received his training in TV and VCR repair. He worked the next 15 years at Cable TV North Central and gained some valuable experience.

In 1986, after the arrival of a new pastor at his home church, he fell in love with the pastor's daughter, Veronica Hofmann. The were married on his birthday, August 5, 1989 and they built a home and raised their boys in Cottage Grove.

Brian loved being active whether it was playing football, softball or coaching his sons' basketball teams through the years. He really enjoyed walking the dog and spending time outdoors. His professional skills gave him opportunities to be on the field during recent major sporting events like the Super Bowl and All Star Game where he worked as the gripper and managing cables and wires. Brian also loved devoting his time as the sound tech at Emanuel Lutheran Church and many other volunteer opportunities.

Brian worked for Alpha Video for several years before taking a position at Twin Cities Public Television (TPT) where he worked as an engineering tech and broadcast engineer. Notably, he was instrumental in the Friday edition of The Almanac program.

He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Veronica; sons Andrew and Stephen Zemke; mother Carol Zemke; brothers Lorren (Lori) Zemke, Jason (Rochelle) Zemke; nieces Danielle (Jared) Dux and Lily Zemke and nephew Paul J. Zemke. He is preceded in death by his father Paul W. Zemke.