Paul R. Zeman, age 76, a resident of the Town of Manitowoc Rapids, died unexpectedly on Saturday July 13, 2013 at Aurora BayCare Medical Center surrounded by his family.

He was born on May 17, 1937 in the Town of Gibson, Manitowoc County, son of the late Victor J. and Agnes (Mohr) Zeman. Paul was a graduate of Mishicot High School, class of 1955.

On August 29, 1970 he married Connie M. Fischer at St. Michael Catholic Church, Whitelaw. He was a member of St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Manitowoc.

Paul was employed at Fisher Hamilton, Two Rivers for 38 years. Beginning as a research and development technician within the washer and dryer division, Paul took on increasing levels of responsibility within the Company. He completed his career as a supervising Finishing Engineer for laboratory casework, retiring in 2004.

Paul's passion was his second career as a professional musician. He began his interest in music and performance as a high school student, when he led his first band. This began a lifetime of membership within many local bands, including The Red Ravens, Leroy Vondruska Orchestra, Elroy Berkholtz Orchestra, Holy Innocents/St. Francis of Assisi Ecumenical Brass, Carl Laack Orchestra, Lakeshore Wind Ensemble, Lakeshore Big Band, Newtonburg Brass Band, and Mystic Moods Orchestra. In recent years Paul also led two of his own groups, the Dix-Z-Cats Dixieland jazz band and the Z-Brass Quintet.

Paul is the loving husband of Connie and devoted father of Jeffrey (Amanda) Zeman, Manitowoc, Carrie (Paul) Miller, De Pere, and Gina (Tommy) Lindwall, Madison. He is also grampa to Maxwell and Elliotte Zeman and Mia, Anna, and Aaron Miller. He is further survived by one brother-in-law, James H. Fischer of Pewaukee and two nephews, John (Tania) Fischer and James (Becky) Fischer.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, July 17, 2013 at St. Francis of Assisi on Waldo. The Mass of Christian Burial will be concelebrated by Rev. Dave Pleier and Rev. Tim Shillcox with entombment to take place at Knollwood Mausoleum. The family will greet relatives and friends at the Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home on Tuesday from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. The visitation will continue at St. Francis of Assisi on Waldo on Wednesday from 10 a.m. until the time of the Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. Online condolences may be sent to www.harriganparksidefuneralhome.com

The Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home & Crematory, N. 11th and St. Clair streets, Manitowoc is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.