Kenneth "Ken" J. Ziegel

Kenneth “Ken” Ziegel, 86, passed away peacefully on November 7, 2023 with his wife, Beverly by his side. He was born June 13th, 1937 in the town of Corning WI to the late Norma (Voigt) and Ervin Ziegel, Sr., the second youngest of 8 children. His early years were spent on the family farm where he learned a strong work ethic and enjoyed the bond of his siblings and many friends. He was a gifted athlete, playing baseball for Eddie’s Bar in Hamburg with his brothers, Ervin Jr. , Jerry and other teammates who became lifelong friends.

On January 24, 1959, he was united in marriage to the former Beverly Wilcott at Trinity Lutheran Church, Wausau where he remained a faithful member for life. Ken was very dedicated to Trinity, serving as an usher and being on various boards.

He worked nearly his entire career as a driver salesman for Aramark Services. He enjoyed meeting and servicing the many customers on his sales route. Ken was a very handy guy who had the tools and know-how to fix just about anything, skills he passed on to his son, Tim.

Ken enjoyed fishing trips up north with his family, hunting with his brothers and traveling with Bev. He had a very special bond with his grandson, Shawn. Ken was also a diehard Dale Earnhardt fan and loved watching races on TV.

Survivors include his wife of 64 years, Beverly; his three children, Timothy Ziegel, San Antonio TX, Julie (Chad) Braatz and Jamie (Jeff) Schlei, both of Wausau. Grandson Shawn (Molly Nicholson) Kamke, Seattle, WA. Sisters Janice Ruplinger and Rosemary (Dave) Groth. Brother Ervin Ziegel Jr.; Sisters-in-law, Florence Ziegel, Karen Smith, Barbara Wilcott. Brother-in-law, Wesley (June) Wilcott. He is further survived by many nieces, nephews and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters and brothers-in-law Imogene (Walter) Niewolny, Isabelle (Wyman) Ruplinger, brother and sister-in-law, Elton (Carol) Ziegel, brother Gerald Ziegel; Brothers-in-law, Clarke (Irene) Wilcott, Robert and Richard Wilcott, Ivan Ruplinger. Sisters-in-law Ruth Ziegel, Corrine (Robert) Hansen, Nyla (David) Budahl.

A celebration of Ken’s life will be at Trinity Lutheran Church, 501 Stewart Ave, Wausau on Thursday, November 16 at 11:00am, visitation will be from 9:00am until the time of service, with Rev. James Mayland officiating. Inurnment will be at Maple Grove Cemetery, Village of Maine.

We are truly grateful for the unending love and support given to Dad by our Mom, as well as the staff at Synergy Home Care. Rest easy, Dad, we love and miss you.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com