Joseph D. 'Joe' Ziegler
Joseph D. 'Joe' Ziegler, 80,
died Saturday (Nov. 1, 2008) at his Hesston residence. He was born Aug. 17,
1928, in Newton to Joseph Lester and Opal Pruella (Mische) Ziegler. They
preceded him in death. On Aug. 11, 1952, he married Lenora Naydeen Sawyer at
Rockaway Beach, Ark. She preceded him in death on Dec. 27, 2000. He was a
member of Highland Trinity United Church of Christ in rural Newton. He was a
veteran of the U.S. Navy, serving as a ship radio operator. He was present at
the atomic bomb testing of Bikini Island in 1946. He was awarded honorary
membership to the Grand Council Exclusive Order of the Guinea Pigs, which was
awarded by the commanding admiral.
Joe was a longtime employee
of Koch Engineering and Hesston Corp. He retired from Excel Industries in
Hesston.
He volunteered as a school
crossing guard and at the Hesston Senior Center. He enjoyed playing cards,
reading and playing on his computer. He also enjoyed walks at Dyck Arboretum
and riding his motorcycle through the Flint Hills and the Kansas countryside.
Joe looked forward to
spending time with his loving family, many friends and beloved cat, JoJo.
Survivors include daughters,
Denise J. (Ziegler) Avery of Wichita, Vickie Ziegler of Anaheim, Calif., and
Dee Ann and Gus Sakelariou of Toronto, Canada; sister, Karen L. Dimmitt of
Marietta, Ga.; grandsons, Nolan Avery of Andover, Nathan Avery of Andover,
Lance Sakelariou of Toronto and Mitch Whatley of Lake Elsinore, Calif.; and
four great-grandchildren.
A private service will be
conducted at Highland Cemetery in rural Newton.
Memorial contributions may be
made to the Highland Cemetery Fund in care of Petersen Funeral Home, which is
in charge of arrangements.
