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Joseph “Joe” E. Ziegler, 96, of Rock Island, passed away Monday May 9, 2022 at Silver Cross, Rock Island.
A Mass of Christian burial will be 10:00 a.m. Friday, May 13, at St. Pius X Catholic Church, Rock Island. A rosary will be recited at 9:00 a.m. Friday at the church, with visitation following until service time. Private burial with military honors presented by Milan American Legion, Post 569, will be at Calvary Cemetery, Rock Island. Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home and Crematory, Rock Island, is assisting the family with arrangements. Memorials may be made to St. Pius X Catholic Church, Rock Island or to Alleman High School, Rock Island.
Joseph Edward Ziegler was born August 16, 1925 in Rock Island, a son of Edward and Rose (Engels) Ziegler. He graduated from Rock Island High School, Class of 1944. He honorably served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. Joseph and Virginia May Long were united in marriage on June 26, 1948. She preceded him in death on November 19, 2018.
Joe retired in 1986 as a Security Officer at the Rock Island Arsenal following 27 years of service. Prior to working at the Arsenal, he was an office manager for Sawyer Biscuit Co. for a time.
He was a lifelong resident of Rock Island, and a member of St. Pius X Catholic Church. Joe was a talented woodworker and carver. He enjoyed carving canes. He also enjoyed taking care of his home and yard.
In remembrance and tribute, Joseph Ziegler has led a life any man would be proud of. A man’s man they said in the old days. A man of dignity, honesty, integrity, dedication but of all else unconditional love of his family.
Every person who has known Joe Ziegler has benefited from his loyalty, benevolence and humor. Even the miscreant sailor or misguided youth had a chance at redemption once confronted by the steely resolve and imposing figure of Officer Ziegler.
As the saying goes “Don’t cry because it’s over, but smile because it happened.”
Grandpa Joe brought us so many smiles, taught so many lessons and for nearly a century worked every day to make the world a better place.
Grandpa Joe will be dearly missed but he will rest easy knowing his job was well done.
Peace and Love. John Lynch to the family.
Those left to cherish his memory are his children, Gail (Richard) Parsons, Timothy (Paula Zimmerman) Ziegler, Larry Ziegler, Constance (Paul) Vaughn, and Michael (Laurie Danielson) Ziegler, all of Rock Island; sixteen grandchildren; forty-three great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews, and their families.
Joe was preceded in death by his wife; grandson, Kyle; parents; and seven siblings, Edward, Anna, Rose Margaret, Pearl, Amelia, Catherine, and Lillian.
Joe’s family wishes to express a special Thank You to UnityPoint-Trinity, UnityPoint Hospice, and Friendship Manor/Silver Cross for their kindness and care.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Joseph "Joe" E. Ziegler, please visit our floral store.