Bernard Ziegler Obituary

Bernard "Bernie" Ziegler

Bernard Alonzo "Bernie" Ziegler, 87, of Deshler, passed away Tuesday morning, Jan. 9, 2024, at Blanchard Valley Hospital, Findlay.

He was born Oct. 25, 1936, in Henry County, to Londo and Elizabeth (Ehlen) Ziegler.

Bernie graduated in 1954 from Deshler High School and then enlisted in U.S. Army, serving during the Korean War.

He married Rita "Retie" (Lammers) Ziegler on Oct. 29, 1960, and they shared over 62 years together. She preceded him in death June 27, 2023.

Bernie was a farmer at heart and also had a successful partnership with his brother, Francis, in Ziegler Brothers Farm Drainage. He rarely needed sleep, so he also worked over 40 years at the former Phillips of Ottawa, Ohio.

He was a faithful member of St. Mary's Catholic Church, Leipsic, and was a big participant in the church choir. Along with his wife, they would travel to find local dances or stayed close to home and attended the Bavarian Haus. Together, they loved calling square dances, polka dances, and being surrounded by music, singing and dancing. He would even play the accordion.

Around home, he loved to tend to his vegetable gardens and occasionally practiced his auctioning skills. He always lended a helping hand to help his neighbors and offered his historical knowledge of Deshler to those interested. What he may be most remembered for is his sense of humor and his stories. Those jokes and stories were always received well by others and kept many friendships enjoyable. He was devoted to his family and providing for them as a husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He was so resourceful at times and tried to get the most out of everything.

He is survived by his three sons, John (Marge) Ziegler, Mike (Nicole) Ziegler, and Tom (Ranay) Ziegler; seven grandchildren, Andy (Becca) Ziegler, Jason (Jessika) Ziegler, Lisa (Conner) Shepherd, Merissa Ziegler, Justin Ziegler, Wyatt Ziegler, and Emmitt Ziegler; four great-grandchildren, Kloie, Sophia, Elias, and Scott; two adopted great-grandchildren, Skyler and Caleb Wenner; brother, Francis Ziegler; and stepbrother, Jim (Dolly) Hiser.

Bernie was also preceded in death by his parents; stepmother, Clara Ziegler; sister, Catherine Hines; stepsister, Clarabelle Dunn; and stepbrothers, Herb Hiser, Bill Hiser, and Joe Hiser.

Bernie's funeral will be 11 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 16, 2024, at Feehan-Rodenberger Funeral Home, Deshler. Graveside services with military honors will be at Woodlawn Cemetery, Deshler, and a luncheon will follow at the Bavarian Haus, Deshler.

Visitation will be 2-8 p.m. Monday, Jan. 15, 2024, at the funeral home with a scripture service at 7 p.m. Additional visitation will be 10-11 a.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.

The family suggests memorials to Henry County South Joint Ambulance District, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, St. Mary's Choir, or the donor's choice.

www.feehanrodenbergerfuneralhome.com.