Russell Phillip Ziegler, 92, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 17, 2016 at The New Athens Home for the Aged. He was born to Henry C. Ziegler and Hilda K. (nee Bretsch) Ziegler on January 21, 1923, in New Athens, IL. He was married to his wife of 61 years, Harriet ‘Hap’ Casperson, on May 13, 1944. She preceded him in death in 2005.

Mr. Ziegler was a veteran of the United States Marine Corp, serving as a fighter pilot in WWII and in the Korean Conflict. Following his active military service, he worked as an air traffic controller in St. Louis, MO, and later, retired from the Department of Defense Mapping Agency, also of St. Louis, MO. He was a proud member of The Chosin Few, both National and Gateway Chapters. Mr. Ziegler was also a 66 year member of the Freeburg Masonic Lodge #418 A.F. and A.M.

In his retirement years, he enjoyed traveling, riding his motorcycle, and spending time with his grandchildren.

Mr. Ziegler is survived by his sister, Alice Lucash of Cuba, MO; his daughters, Lynn A. Ziegler of New Athens, IL, Jane (Mark) Baltzell of Sutton, MA; and his son, Todd (Lee Anne) Ziegler of Greenwood, IN. He is also survived by his 5 grandchildren, Kelsey Baltzell (Dave) Taddei, Trent Baltzell, Evan Baltzell, Alex Ziegler, and Paige Ziegler, as well as several other extended family members.

Private memorial services for the family to be held at a later date. Donations may be made in his memory to:

Shriners Hospitals for Children – St. Louis, Donations, 4400 Clayton Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63110

Arrangements entrusted to Heil-Schuessler Funeral Home, New Athens, IL.

1. Administrator says:

   06/29/2018 at 7:41 pm

   My sympathy to Russ’s family, friends, sister Alice and his children, Lynn, Jane and Todd. After a long illness the loss still is there and have known this family thru a life time in New Athens. Blessings to his family.

   Posted by: Dorothy Hacker – New Athens, IL – family friend Jan 18, 2016

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2. Administrator says:

   06/29/2018 at 7:41 pm

   mr. zieler was my first school bus driver that took us from our farm too new athens for school. He enjoyed his job and was kind friendly too everyone on the bus. my deepest sympathy too his family at this time, allan stahl.

   Posted by: allan stahl – smithton, IL Jan 19, 2016

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3. Administrator says:

   06/29/2018 at 7:41 pm

   Our heartfelt sympathies, Lynn, Jane, and Todd. We always loved seeing and visiting with your dad at reunions. May he rest in eternal peace and loving arms!

   Posted by: Donna Rakers – Freeburg, IL – Friend Jan 20, 2016

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4. Administrator says:

   06/29/2018 at 7:41 pm

   Lynn I am so sorry for your loss. Russell is finally at peace and with your mom. Prayers to you and all your family. May God be with you all. Sincerely, Susan Parker

   Posted by: A friend Jan 22, 2016

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5. Administrator says:

   06/29/2018 at 7:41 pm

   May he always be in our memory

   Posted by: Melvin Lischer – New Port Richey, FL – Cousin Jan 22, 2016

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6. Administrator says:

   06/29/2018 at 7:41 pm

   Sorry to hear of Russ passing I went to school with Alice and Hap and my sister Doris was a cheer leader with Hap Russ was a real hero of mine

   Posted by: Don Nuernberger – Union Mo Jan 22, 2016

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7. Administrator says:

   06/29/2018 at 7:40 pm

   Deepest Sympathy

   Posted by: Glenn Walker – Freeburg, IL Jan 22, 2016

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8. Administrator says:

   06/29/2018 at 7:40 pm

   It is with deepest sadness hearing that our friend has passed. We used to go out to dinner with Russ and Hap. We visited when Hap was ill and attended her funeral. Both Russ and Hap attended our daughters graduation parties… At the agency we would have lunch every week…

   WE WILL MISS OUR OLDEST AND DEAREST FRIEND… We will miss you!

   Posted by: Ron and Christine Smith – Waterloo, IL – Close friends and coworkers Jan 22, 2016

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9. Administrator says:

   06/29/2018 at 7:40 pm

   Lynne, I am sorry for your loss. I will always remember how handsome he looked in his leather bomber jacket.

   Posted by: Kelly Slorahn – Pensacola, FL – Classmate Jan 22, 2016

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10. Administrator says:

    06/29/2018 at 7:40 pm

    Prayers for Russell’s sister, Alice, and his family. We both shared our uncle, Emil Zeigler….may Russ rest in peace.

    Posted by: Dora (Analla) Hummert – Harlingen, TX – Cousin Jan 23, 2016

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11. Administrator says:

    06/29/2018 at 7:40 pm

    Our Sympathy to the family, friends and all who knew Russ. He was a Grest Guy, Family Man and Patriot.
    Don & Phyllis Mueller

    Posted by: A friend Jan 24, 2016

    Reply