Florence Mae Ziegel

Florence M. Ziegel, 90, of Wausau passed away on Saturday May 16, 2026 at Rennes Health and Rehab Center in Weston. She was born on February 12, 1936 in the town of Ringle to the late Walter and Julia Mijal. Florence was the eleventh of twelve children that grew up on the family farm in Ringle. She graduated from Wittenberg-Birnamwood High School in 1954.

On October 4, 1958, she married Gerald Ziegel at St. James Catholic Church in Wausau. They were blessed with 64 years of marriage before Jerry passed away on January 4, 2023. Together they enjoyed traveling, fishing, birdwatching and family vacations up north each summer. They planted a beautiful flower garden in the backyard, which was one of Florence's favorite places to be in summer.

Florence was a stay at home mom to raise their four children. Once all of the kids were in school, she began working part time jobs and eventually worked full time at Kolbe & Kolbe until she retired in 1998. She was a devoted wife and dedicated mom. She was overjoyed when the grandchildren (and great grands) arrived. She loved to make them their favorite foods and cheered them on in their sports and activities. Listening to polka music was a favorite pastime and she treasured any time she could spend with family and friends. She was a longtime member of Holy Name Catholic Church where she was a member of St. Catherine’s Counsil. She also was a volunteer at their annual Summerfun picnic and funeral lunches.

Most of all she loved spending time with Jerry, her kids and grandkids. She was happiest when her house was full, she could cook a meal, share drinks and conversation and laughter filled the room.

Survivors include her children, Jim (Dawn) Ziegel, Jeff (Lori) Ziegel, Donna (Jon) Martin and her son-in-law Todd Hass; grandchildren, Megan, Matt, Amie (Jason), Josh (Cassie), Sheena (Adam), Travis, Larissa (Maggie), Brett (Lauren), Jarrod, Joseph (Kailin) and Alexandria (Dylan); great-grandchildren, Owen, Olivia, Jaedyn, Staci, Elowen and Baby Z due this fall. She is further survived by sisters-in-law, Janice Ruplinger, Rosemary Groth and Beverly Ziegel; and many nieces, nephews and special friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband Jerry, her daughter Sandy, her parents and siblings, Eleanor (Felix) Groshek, Mickey (Bernice) Mijal, Ed (Ceil) Mijal, Stanley (Lil) Mijal, Joseph (RoseAnn) Mijal, Jean (Stanley) Pierzchalski, John (Kay) Mijal, Helen (Leon) Sondelski, Tony (Pat) Mijal, Lucy (Joe) Muzynoski, Ann (Earl) Strehlow.

The funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, May 21, 2026 at Holy Name Catholic Church in Wausau. Rev. Woodrow Pace will preside. Visitation will begin at 9:30 am until the time of service at the church. Entombment will take place in the Memorial Chapel Mausoleum at Restlawn Memorial Park, town of Texas.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Fr. Martin for your visits, prayers and guidance. Also, thank you to family and friends that visited her throughout her years and the Mijal boys for sharing your musical talents. She cherished each moment shared. Sara, you are a true blessing sent from above. And lastly, to the staff at Rennes, who we entrusted with her care, your patience and support during her years there, especially during this last difficult week, was appreciated more than words can express. Also, a special thank you to the staff at Aspirus at Home Hospice who helped care for our Mother during her final days.

Rest in peace Mom and Granny ! Until we meet again ...

Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com