Ruth Ziegler

MIDDLETON/MORRISONVILLE- Ruth E. Ziegler, age 93, died on Friday, Oct. 20, 2023, at Heartland Country Village in Black Earth. She was born on Feb. 6, 1930, in McFarland, WI, the daughter of Herman Antonius and Mette Sophie (Jensen) Pedersen.

Ruth graduated from DeForest High School.  She married Leonard A. Ziegler on June 14, 1951, at St. Bernard Catholic Church in Middleton, where they attended church together every Sunday. As newlyweds, they took over the family farm and farmed there ever since. They were blessed with almost 65 years of marriage.

Ruth enjoyed music (polkas and waltzes), playing cards (Solo and Uno), and learning about finances. She was a savvy investor. She was constantly fixing things - even electronics, along with sewing, fixing and patching clothes! She enjoyed cooking and was a good listener.

Ruth is survived by her children, Greg (Mary) Ziegler, Linda (Joe) Pertzborn, Patty Esser, Teresa (Jim) Hoffmann, Cathy (John) Zapotocny, and Gary (Marcella) Ziegler; grandsons, Jeffrey (Akriti Panthi) Ziegler, Dennis (Amber Shada) Pertzborn, Jorge (Audrah) Esser, Anthony Hoffmann and Ryan (Carolyn Fitzgibbons) Zapotocny; granddaughters, Margaret (Scott) Bergquist, Susan (Curt Rood) Pertzborn, Melanie (Michael) Sachse, Ashley (Mike) Behnke and Emily Zapotocny; great-grandchildren, Jaidin Esser, Ivy Pertzborn, Henry Pertzborn, Christian Sachse, Remington Behnke and one on the way, “Peach” Bergquist; and brother, Paul W. Pedersen.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Mette Sophie Pedersen; father, Herman Antonius Pedersen; husband, Leonard A. Ziegler; daughter, Elizabeth Ann; brothers, Eric Pedersen, Raymond (Ida) Pedersen, Herman "Dan" (Eula) Pedersen and Gresley (Shirley) Pedersen; sister, Johanna (Basil) Durham; granddaughter, Bobby Joe Esser; and great-grandson, Micol Pertzborn South.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. BERNARD CATHOLIC CHURCH, 7450 University Ave., Middleton, at 11 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 30, 2023, with Father Scott Jablonski presiding. Burial will be held at St. Bernard Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the church from 9 a.m. until the time of the Mass on Monday.

We would like to thank the Heartland Country Village staff for their loving care of our mom. Mom, we will miss you, but your love is eternal.

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson West
Funeral & Cremation Care
7435 University Ave.
(608) 831-6761