Bernard "Bernie" Ziegler

Bernard "Bernie" Ziegler
October 25, 1936 - January 9, 2024

   Bernard Alonzo "Bernie" Ziegler, 87, of Deshler, Ohio passed away Tuesday morning, January 9, 2024 at Blanchard Valley Hospital, Findlay, Ohio.
   He was born October 25, 1936 in Henry County to the late Londo and Elizabeth (Ehlen) Ziegler.
   Bernie graduated in 1954 from Deshler High School and then enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving during the Korean War.  
   On October 29, 1960, he married Rita "Retie" (Lammers) Ziegler and they shared over 62 years together.  She preceded him in death on 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; Tom (Ranay) Ziegler; 7 grandchildren, Andy (Becca) Ziegler; Jason (Jessika) Ziegler; Lisa (Conner) Shepherd; Merissa Ziegler; Justin Ziegler; Wyatt Ziegler; Emmitt Ziegler; 4 great grandchildren, Kloie; Sophia; Elias; Scott; 2 adopted great grandchildren, Skyler and Caleb Wenner; brother, Francis Ziegler and step brother, Jim (Dolly) Hiser.
   He was preceded in death by his parents, a step-mother, Clara Ziegler; sister, Catherine Hines; step-sister, Clarabelle Dunn; and step-brothers, Herb Hiser; Bill Hiser and Joe Hiser
   Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January 16, 2024, at Feehan-Rodenberger Funeral Home, Deshler with Fr. Randy Giesige officiating.  Graveside services with military honors will be held in Woodlawn Cemetery, Deshler and a luncheon will follow at the Bavarian Haus, Deshler.
   Visitation will be from 2-8 p.m. on Monday, January 15, 2024, at the funeral home with a scripture service at 7:00 p.m.  Visitation will also be from 10-11 a.m., Tuesday prior to the services.
   The family suggests memorials to Henry County South Joint Ambulance District; St. Jude Children's Hospital; St. Mary's Choir or Donor's Choice.
   Messages and memories can be left at www.feehanrodenbergerfuneralhome.com

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