Ronald "Ron" G. Ziegler

Ronald “Ron” G. Ziegler, 77, of Sparta, died Thursday, December 26, 2024, at his home. He was born on December 18, 1947, in Sparta, to Milburn and Edith (Sturdevent) Ziegler. He grew up in Sparta and graduated from Sparta High School.

Ron served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War from 1967 to 1969. After his honorable discharge, Ron moved to Milwaukee where he met and married Christine (Chris) Braun. Ron and Chris had two children, Ryan and Raegan. They were married for twenty years when Chris was diagnosed with leukemia and passed away in 1990.

Ron worked as a telecommunications engineer for over 30 years at Lucent Technologies. He retired in 2001.  

Ron married Joyce Ilich in 1994 and after Ron retired, they built a home and moved to Sparta. Ron and Joyce had just celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary on December 10th.

Ron was a member of the Cashton VFW Post 8584, Norwalk American Legion Post 0438, and the Second Infantry Regiment Association (the Ramrods). As a Vietnam Veteran, Ron attended a yearly reunion in Pigeon Forge with other veterans. He also was a member of the Sparta Rod and Gun Club and the First Congregational Church of Leon where he served as treasurer. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, traveling, especially his trips out west. Ron volunteered his time and services to anyone in need. Ron’s generosity carried over immensely to his family and community.

Ron is survived by his wife, Joyce; children, Ryan (Jackie) Ziegler, Raegan (Adam) Anick, and Jessica (Sam Monroe) Ilich; grandchildren, Audrey, Nolan, and Hudson; siblings, Charlie (Joyce) Ziegler, Gerald (Marie) Ziegler, JoAnn (Al) Skram, Roger Ziegler, and Susan (Dale) Isensee; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and countless friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Christine; and sister-in-law, Cindy Ziegler.

Family and friends are invited for visitation from 10 a.m. until 12 noon on Tuesday, December 31 at Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation, Sparta. A funeral service will be held at 12 noon with Reverend Don Ehler officiating. Burial will be held Thursday, January 2 at Pinelawn Memorial Park, Milwaukee.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations that will be presented to the Second Infantry Regiment Association in Pigeon Forge this May. Online condolences may be offered at www.schanhoferfh.com

Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation, Sparta, is assisting the family with funeral arrangements. 

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