Gary Ziegler Obituary

Gary R. Ziegler

June 3, 1940 - July 17, 2025

Gary R. Ziegler, age 85, of Roxbury passed away peacefully at his home July 17, 2025, surrounded by his family. He was born June 3, 1940, to the late Alexius and Alyce (Becker) Ziegler.

Gary attended Sauk City High School where he excelled in sports, was voted Homecoming King and class tease. After graduation in 1958 Gary continued working on the farm until he enlisted in the U.S. Army in November 1958 completing training at Fort Leonardwood, MO and Fort Bliss, TX then serving in Germany in the Mechanics Division until returning home in 1962. He was known as the strongest and toughest guy in his division. He was united in marriage to Ruth Ann Woodburn on August 1,1964 at St. Mary's of the Lake, Town of Westport; she preceded him in death on March 4, 2020. Gary continued to work on the family farm and in September 1968 Gary and Ruth moved to the "home farm" purchasing it in 1972. Gary loved farming, his cows, field work, driving tractors, especially his John Deere 4320. Although there was always plenty of work, he made time for swimming with the kids after chores and treating them while feeding his own sweet tooth A farmer never retires, but in 1996 Gary and Ruth moved off the farm; however, they continued to help as much as possible. They enjoyed traveling and trips together. He enjoyed playing cards, reading and puzzles, endless teasing of his grandkids and attending their sports events. As a young man, he enjoyed playing on the tug of war league, pool league, and snowmobiling. He was a member of St. Norbert Catholic Church, Roxbury.

Gary is survived by his children, Debra (Pat Ripp) Cooper, Dale, Cheryl, Darrell (Kim), Cindy (Jim) Drager, Charlene (Doug) Schmidt; 13 grandchildren, Cody (Crystal) Cooper, Dustin and Holly Gehrke, Erin, Nicole and Macy Ziegler, Kaleena, Jaiden, and Jonah Sherwood, Logan and Kelsie Drager, Taylor and Cayleigh Schmidt; and 10 great grandchildren.

Gary is survived by siblings, Jim (Pat), Jacqulin Kruchten, Don, Bob (Monica), Joan (Tom) Colstad, Jane (John) Hart, Ed (Donna), Janice (Dick) Dederich, Kathy (Mark Ratto) Ziegler and Lori (Jim) Price; countless nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

In addition to his parents and wife Ruth, he was preceded in death by two grandchildren; Jamie and Justin Ziegler; sister-in-Law, Clara Ziegler; and brother in-law and good friend, Bob Kruchten, brother-in laws Don, Harold and Charles Woodburn.

The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to Heidi Allen Bergman, Aveanna Home Health, SP Wound Clinic, SP Hospital and Clinic and hospice-care.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held for Gary at 11:00 am on Thursday, July 24, 2025, at St. Norbert Catholic Church, 8944 County Hwy Y, Sauk City. A visitation will be held the evening prior on July 23 from 3:00 pm until 7:00 pm at Hooverson Funeral Home, 251 Water St., Sauk City and the morning of Mass from 10:00 am until 10:45 at the funeral home. Interment with Military Honors accorded by the Lachmund-Cramer VFW Post 7694 will be held in the St. Norbert Cemetery.

Online condolences may be made at hooversonfuneralhomes.com.