CW3 (Ret.) Daniel J. Ziemba, United States Army, 82, of Geneva, Alabama, passed away on Monday, June 15, 2026, at Southeast Health in Dothan, Alabama.
Dan was born in Lackawanna, NY, on April 21, 1944, to the late Joseph and Clara (Zablonski) Ziemba. He graduated from St. Francis High School of Athol Springs, NY, in 1961. During his 22 years of distinguished service in the U.S. Army, Dan served as an infantryman, aircraft maintenance technician, door gunner, and helicopter pilot.
Among his many decorations were the Bronze Star Medal, Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Overseas Service Ribbon, the Army Aviator Badge, and the Vietnam Service Medal with one Silver Service Star representing five campaigns. After his military retirement, Dan continued his passion for aviation, working as an aircraft inspector and maintenance technician until the age of 76.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Elaine; his brothers, Ronald (Margaret) and Gerard; and his second wife, Sharon Ziemba (Broxton).
He is survived by his loving first wife, Virginia A. Ziemba (Brown) of Rogers, AR; his son, Mike (Dawn) of Rogers, AR; his daughter, Deanna of Centerton, AR; and his grandchildren, Lee, Rosalynn, Madison, and Camryn; and his great-grandchild, Elijah. He is also survived by his sister, Justine of Orchard Park, NY; his brothers, James (Renata) of Red Oak, TX, and Joseph (Maria) of Cazenovia, NY; sons of his late wife Sharon Ziemba, Brad (Haley) and Scott; and grandchildren, Layla, Aiden Seay, Hunter, Hayden, and Halli.
Dan had several interests that kept him busy. He loved to work on vehicles as well as airplanes well into his later years. An avid sports fan, he enjoyed watching the Atlanta Braves and SEC college football alongside his close friends, Max and Carol Ausley. Dan was also passionate about supporting numerous charitable organizations, especially those benefiting his fellow Veterans.
A man of profound faith, Dan was a devoted member of Devco Baptist Church in Geneva, Alabama. Over the years, he served the congregation in multiple capacities, including Deacon, Sunday School Teacher, Discipleship Training Leader, and VBS volunteer. He especially cherished his morning routine of meeting his good friend, Shorty White, for breakfast at Porky Barn to solve the problems of the world.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at Devco Baptist Church with Rev. Truman Scarbrough officiating. The family will receive friends at the church on Saturday beginning at 10:00 a.m.
Graveside services will be held on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at 12:30 p.m. in the Fort Mitchell National Cemetery in Fort Mitchell, AL with Warren Holloway Ward Funeral Home of Geneva, AL directing.
Serving as pallbearers will be Ken Ellis, Terry Roney, Britt Ables, Shorty White, Chad Broxton, Lee Ziemba.
Serving as honorary pallbearer will be Max Ausley.
In lieu of flowers, donations in honor of Dan may be made to:
- Devco Baptist Church, 1008 Sizemore Highway, Geneva, AL 36340 | (334) 684-3430
- Wounded Warrior Project, online at support.woundedwarriorproject.org or by donate phone at (855) 448-3997.
Warren~Holloway~Ward Funeral Home (334) 684-9999, is in charge of arrangements. “Continuing The Trust You’ve Placed In Us” To sign a guest register, please visit: www.whwfuneralhome.com
