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Russell Ziegler

Russell Ziegler

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.

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  1. Administrator says:

    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

  2. Administrator says:

    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

  3. Administrator says:

    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

  4. Administrator says:

    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

  5. Administrator says:

    May he always be in our memory

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

  6. Administrator says:

    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

  7. Administrator says:

    Deepest Sympathy

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

  8. Administrator says:

    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

  9. Administrator says:

    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

  10. Administrator says:

    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

  11. Administrator says:

    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

11 Comments

  1. 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
  2. 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

    Reply
  3. 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

    Reply
  4. 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

    Reply
  5. Deepest Sympathy

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

    Reply
  6. 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

    Reply
  7. May he always be in our memory

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

    Reply
  8. 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

    Reply
  9. 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

    Reply
  10. 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

    Reply
  11. 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

    Reply

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