Sylvester Francis Ziegler

MIDDLETON – Sylvester Francis Ziegler, age 90, passed away on Sunday, December 4, 2016, surrounded by his loved ones in his home. He was born on December 12, 1925, in Middleton, the son of the late Henry and Gertrude (Kessenich) Ziegler. He was united in marriage to Margie M. Fass on April 5, 1951. Syl's life was focused on the love of family and farming. He was a great husband of 65+ years of marriage, great father of 7 children, and a great man of faith. Syl never hesitated to help his children. He always said yes no matter the task. His love of farming was displayed in helping his son Jerry on his farm for many years even though Syl was officially "retired" from farming. Planting, plowing or harvesting gave him such great joy. He was proud to say he combined for 51 years even as recent as November 11th. Another love was playing cards from the many card groups he belonged – especially Euchre or Solo. He had kept a diary since age 13 which has provided many hours of memories to his children. The love of his life made his favorite apple pie for many years. He taught many of his children and grandchildren to play pool, play cards, and learn to drive. He was always the patient teacher. Syl received an Award of Merit from Dane County Environmental Council in 1984; Jung Farms Inc. Southwestern District Dealer in 1990; and an ASCS 15-year Certificate of Service in 1991. He drove school bus in the Martinsville area for 7 years. Syl was a life-long member of St. Bernard's Catholic Church. He was proud to say he was born and lived on the family farm for 76 years. Syl was a very hard-working farmer over the years as he worked with 31 land owners and worked over 1,000 acres. He set an example of what is it to be a loving husband and father even to the day he joined his parents, siblings, and many friends who have gone before him. We see him farming and playing cards with so many. Syl will be greatly missed.Syl is survived by his loving wife Margie, children, Steve Ziegler, Jeanne (Dave – deceased) Tremelling, Dale (Annette) Ziegler, Jerry (Mary) Ziegler, Sue Ziegler, Betty (Timon) Zander, and Karen (Paul) Hellenbrand; 17 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren, sister Bernice Marx; brother and sister-in-laws, Robert and Pat Fass, Robert Shaffer, and Larry and Connie Fass. He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Clothidis Ziegler, Dennis Ziegler, Emmerintina Kassul, Henry Ziegler, Clarence Ziegler, Magdalene Acker; son-in-law, Dave Tremelling; and sister-in-law Ruth Shaffer.A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. BERNARD'S CATHOLIC CHURCH, 7450 University Ave., Middleton, at 12:00 pm on Friday, December 9, 2016, with Father Brian Wilk presiding. Burial will be in St. Peter's Catholic Cemetery, Ashton. Family and friends may call from 4 pm until 7 pm on Thursday, December 8, 2016 at the GUNDERSON WEST FUNERAL HOME, 7435 University Ave., Middleton. Rosary will be prayed at 3:30 pm. Visitation will also be on Friday from 10 am until the time of the Mass at church. Thank you to Vanessa, Evan, and Michelle from Agrace HospiceCare and a very special thanks to long-time doctors Dr. John Phelan and Dr. Roopa Shah. Memorial contributions may be made to the family and they will determine a charity of choice at a later date.