Josephine "Josie" (Zekoski) Hiemer of Jasper, GA was born on January 27, 1934, in Wyoming, PA.  She was the youngest of 8 children born to Francis Zekoski and Helen (Zavacki) Zekoski – both immigrants from Poland.

Josie was proud of her Polish heritage and "proud to be a coalminer's daughter."  As a young woman, she excelled in sports with a particular love of basketball and bowling.  As an adult, she was a "ringer" in lawn jarts. In 1960, she married Gerhard Hiemer.  She and her beloved husband, Gerry, raised four daughters. They shared a love of traveling in their motorhome throughout the United States and Canada, touring throughout Europe, and cruising the oceans.  They also explored the backroads of America on their full-dress Harley Davidson motorcycle. Josie's biggest regret in life was not having an opportunity to pursue higher education. She instilled the importance of education in her children.  She also had an uncanny ability to make friends and learn their unique stories in a matter of minutes.  She loved to laugh, although she never could quite deliver a punchline to a joke correctly.

Josie lived a long and fulfilling life. Her husband pre-deceased her in 2023, and she grieved deeply.  Also, her parents, six brothers, and her one sister predeceased her.

She is survived by her four daughters and their respective spouses: Judith (James) Van Wie of Clifton, NJ; Clare Avery of Lakeland, Fl; Linda Hiemer (Jen Wallace) of Seattle, WA; and Rita (Ted) Lammot of Blairsville, GA.  She also leaves behind three grandchildren: Jeremy (Trish), Jessica, and JJ.  Josie's youngest, Rita, and son-in-law, Ted, tirelessly ensured that Josie's final years were full of love and joy.  Special thanks to the staff/caregivers at The Retreat at Jasper – who cared for and loved her.

In lieu of flowers, please contact someone dear to you and tell them you love them!

Cagle Funeral Home is proudly serving the Hiemer Family.