Roger A. Ziebell

Roger Allen Ziebell, 86, of Janesville, Wisconsin, formerly of Wausau, passed away peacefully on July 25, 2026, at Mercy Hospital in Janesville following a brief illness.

Roger was born on December 4, 1939, in Wausau to the late Esther and Ewald Ziebell. He graduated from Wausau Senior High School in 1958. On August 12th 1961 Roger married his high school sweetheart Jane Luedtke at Trinity Lutheran Church Wausau.

Roger dedicated his life to serving his community. Roger began his career with the Wausau Police Department, serving as a police officer until September 1, 1969, when he joined the Wausau Fire Department. During his distinguished career with the department, he served as a firefighter, lieutenant, EMT, and ultimately retired as a captain on January 2, 1996.

Roger was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, Uncle, and friend. He was an avid outdoorsman who found his greatest joy hunting, fishing, and spending time with his family at the family cottage in Boulder Junction. Whether casting a line with his wife, Jane, their children, or grandchildren, Roger cherished every moment surrounded by those he loved.

Above all, Roger's family was the center of his life. He and Jane rarely missed a grandchild's sporting event, concert, play, or special occasion. His favorite place was the family cottage, where generations gathered to create lasting memories. Roger was the rock of his family—a hardworking, dependable man who always put others before himself. He was known for his wonderful sense of humor, lending a helping hand, offering quiet strength, and treating everyone with honesty, kindness, compassion, and genuine care.

Roger is survived by his loving wife, Jane Ziebell of Janesville; his brother, Richard Ziebell of Wausau; His brother-in-law Roger Luedtke (Dana) Portland, Oregon. his daughter, Kathryn Schneider of Wausau, and her children: Katelyn (Trevor) Behm of Hartland, Wisconsin, and their daughter, Gabrielle Behm; Adam (Riley) Schneider of Phoenix, Arizona, and their son, Jesse Schneider; Bethany Schneider of Hillsboro, Wisconsin; and Jacob Schneider of Wausau.

He is also survived by his daughter, Sherri Rudkin (Tom Lemery) of Janesville, and their family: Megan Rudkin of Janesville, Hannah Rudkin, (Karl Solberg) of Woodbury, Minnesota; Maddy (Chris) Miller of White Bear Lake, Minnesota; Vince Lemery of Janesville; and Mikey Lemery (Dakota Lockhart) of Milwaukee.

Roger is further survived by his son, Randy (Patti) Ziebell of Janesville, and their family: Brett (Anna) Ziebell of Janesville and their son, Huxton Ziebell; Gavin Ziebell of McFarland, Wisconsin; and Natalie Ziebell of Sioux Falls, South Dakota. In September Roger would have welcomed two additional great granddaughters. He is also survived by many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members, and countless friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Esther and Ewald Ziebell; his in-laws Alfred and Berdina Luedtke. his sister, Marilyn Hintze; his sister-in-law, Nancy Ziebell, and several beloved nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, August 17, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Zion Lutheran Church in Wausau. Visitation will take place at the church from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to AbleLight (formerly Bethesda Lutheran Home) or Zion St. David's Academy.

Roger's family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the nurses and staff at Mercy Hospital in Janesville for the exceptional compassion, kindness, and care they provided during his final days. Their support brought great comfort to Roger and his family and will always be remembered.

Roger's legacy of service, integrity, generosity, and unconditional love will live on in the lives of all who were fortunate enough to know him, and enjoyed one of his thousands of cookies. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com