One of the loveliest, funniest, most gracious women I have ever known! Glady could make you smile just by being in the room. She was a top-notch motivator all the time! Anna Marie’s Alliance was close to her heart – she was an amazing woman, unafraid to say what needed saying. Thank you Glady for all the wisdom and motivation you gave to so many people – Including me. You are missed.
Gladys Ziemer
November 30, 2026 – May 23, 2014
Gladys Ziemer, 74, of St. Cloud, died Friday, May 23, 2014 at Quiet Oaks in St. Cloud, MN. A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 17 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in St. Cloud. Visitation will begin at noon prior to the service. Inurnment will be at 12:00 noon on Wednesday, June 18, at Woodland Hills Memorial Park, Mankato rolex replica. Arrangements are with the Daniel Funeral Home, St. Cloud.
Glady was born in Mankato, Minnesota. She graduated from Huron High School in Huron, South Dakota, and Minnesota State University, Mankato, with a Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Education. She taught Physical Education at Waldorf-Pemberton, MN for three years and then studied at the University of New Mexico and received a Master’s Degree chopard replica in Exercise Physiology.
Glady came to St. Cloud State in 1968 as Instructor of Physical Education and Intramural Advisor. She initiated the women’s athletics program and she coached Volleyball and Softball in 1969, added coaching of Gymnastics and became Director of Women’s Intercollegiate Sports in 1970
In 1973 Glady became Director of Women’s Athletics, Women’s Basketball Coach and Women’s Volleyball Coach. Glady helped guide the women’s athletic program to become a power in the NSIC Conference and later in the North Central Conference. Numerous SCSU women’s sport teams appeared in the NCAA Championships during her leadership. Glady had a career mark of 321-212 in 20 seasons of basketball. She led the Huskies for 15 consecutive winning seasons from 1983 to 1990. Her copy rolex uk teams won five conference titles, appeared in NCAA playoffs seven times, made four NCAA Division II quarterfinal appearances, and she was named NCAA Division II Coach of the year in 1990.
Glady was a force in creating equal opportunity for women in sports long before it became fashionable. For 27 years she was the #1 advocate for young female athletes at SCSU. She received the Breaking Barriers Award in 2007, which honors individuals that have helped provide athletic opportunities for girls and women. Glady was inducted into the Minnesota State University,Mankato Hall of Fame, the Northern Sun Conference Athletic Hall of Fame, and received the North Central Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Honor Award. Glady was an instrument of change in the early days of AIAW and NCAA women’s sports, serving on influential national committees.
She enjoyed studying and caring for wild birds, travel and genealogy.
She is survived by her loving brothers Robert Ziemer of Costa Mesa, CA, Karl Ziemer of London, England and 16 nieces and nephews.
Glady was preceded in death by her parents Eric and Ruth Ziemer, sisters Adele Zernechel, Laverna Alm, Louise Harris and brother Eric Ziemer.
Guestbook
Wow! Very impressive career. I met Zip when I moved to Mankato in the mid ’50s and she was playing fast-pitch softball for the Mankato Aces coached by my uncle/adopted dad Al Gast. Those were good days! Sorry to read she is gone.
Zip and I were both ‘sports equity pioneers’ in the early1960s and 1970s. We were oh-so-young physical education teachers who were determined to open doors and create sports opportunities for girls and women.
Zip was teaching at Waldorf-Pemberton and I was at Eden Prairie. After one of our ‘successes,’ Zip sent me a postcard with the following note: “Congratulations from the entire girls physical education staff at Waldorf-Pemberton.” It needed no signature. Zip was an ‘entire staff’ all by herself!
When she moved to St. Cloud and I to the High School League, I enjoyed trekking up to St. Cloud to share many stories with her classes, as well as many social times with Zip and the women of St. Cloud State University. We knew having a circle of friends was key to surviving those challenging days.
Zip, thanks for your friendship and your commitment to making a difference. Indeed, today’s world reflects that the blood, sweat and tears were worth it. You did make a difference!
I played softball for Zip in the early 70’s at SCSU. I always respected her as a coach and advisor. RIP Zip, you will be missed.
A strong woman who gave others the opportunity to be strong as well. Her ‘aura’ will be missed by many.
Zip was a fun classmate. I still remember my roommies and I picking up the back of her volkswagen while she was in it. She then put it in reverse! Only Zip. Your shenanigans were mentioned often at the reunion last fall. We will all miss you.
I respected Zip’s coaching and am extremely grateful for her leading the way for all the young athletics. She will be missed.
Zip did a great job of leading SCSU as a powerhouse of women’s athletics. So sorry to hear of her passing.
What a fighter!! Zip was one who never gave in to adversity. I am thankful that we were able to communicate with each other this past year & I will treasure the photos that she sent of our days together. Her spirit will live!
Sorry to hear of Zip’s passing. We had such a great time competing against her SCSU teams. She was truly a pioneer in women’s athletics and very dedicated to the cause. Her influence is seen every day as girls and women compete and enjoy the benefits of athletic competition. RIP old friend and fellow Scorpion!
I feel privileged to have reconnected with Gladys just recently through email and cards. I will cherish the pictures reminding me of the days of high school and the friendships we shared. What an impact she has had on so many people.
A sad day for another classmate but I applaud what she accomplished in her life. God Bless.
Denny Oviatt, Scottsdale & Pine AZ
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Gladys Ziemer, 74, of St. Cloud, died Friday, May 23, 2014 at Quiet Oaks in St. Cloud, MN. A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 17 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in St. Cloud. Visitation will begin at noon prior to the service. Inurnment will be at 12:00 noon on Wednesday, June 18, at Woodland Hills Memorial Park, Mankato. Arrangements are with the Daniel Funeral Home, St. Cloud.