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Alberta Georgia Zeman, 81, died peacefully on March 8, 2025, surrounded by her loving family after battling dementia for many years. Alberta was born on September 21, 1943, to Benjamin and Grace (Grove) Zimmerman. She was the 7th of 8 children and spent her younger years helping with the family farm and her father's stone masonry work. Alberta attended school in Rapid City and enjoyed cheerleading in high school. She met the love of her life, James Zeman (Jim) while there. Alberta and Jim married on December 22, 1962. Alberta and Jim worked side by side throughout their 57-year marriage. They first owned the gas station in Rapid City, later a one-car stall shop and obtained a dealership license to begin repairing and selling vehicles, growing in size and locations through the years. Alberta even mastered driving her husband's racecar and often competed to win Powder Puff events at Merritt Speedway. Although work was important, Alberta loved nothing more than spending time with her children, grandchildren and family. Together Alberta and Jim raised three beautiful daughters: Camille, Loraine and Jennifer. Alberta's home on Rapid River was a haven of good food and support and was always open as a gathering place for family and friends. Alberta was passionate about cooking and sharing these delights, often hosting festivities with campfires, river tubing, music and a true sense of belonging. She adored her grandchildren and baking together brought her so much joy. Alberta had a wide array of interests including kayaking, cross country skiing, running, sewing and reading. She competed in the Detroit Free Press marathon. Her favorite cross country skiing adventures occurred annually with her beloved sister, Wanda. Camping trips to Canada held a celebratory space for family and friends, cooking up freshly caught walleye and wild blueberry pies with Willie Nelson as the backdrop. Alberta leaves behind a legacy of love, strength and unwavering kindness. She was a beacon of light and boundless compassion. She will be deeply missed. Alberta was preceded in death by her husband, James and her daughter Jennifer. She is survived by her daughters and son-in-law Camille and Blaine Campbell of Elk Rapids and Loraine Zeman of Traverse City. She also leaves behind her three beautiful grandchildren, Alexandria (Cory) Sobin of Missoula, Montana; Victoria Campbell (Daniel Hilhorst) of Barcelona, Spain and River James Zeman Dallas of Traverse City. A memorial service will be held on August 13, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Wolfe-O'Neill Funeral Home, 106 S. Cherry Street in Kalkaska, Michigan. The family will receive friends beginning at 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service. Arrangements provided by Wolfe-O'Neill Funeral Home, our family serving yours.

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Alberta Georgia Zeman

September 21, 1943 - March 8, 2025