John "Jack" "Brush" G. Ziegler

ZIEGLER, JOHN "JACK" "BRUSH" G. WAUNAKEE-Jack passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, April 7th. He was born on October 1st, 1951 to Vincent and Mary Ellen Ziegler. He graduated from Waunakee High School where he participated in football and wrestling. Following graduation he enlisted in the Army National Guard. As a young man, he tried different careers but it wasn't until he met and married the love of his life Mickey Dahmen that life really got good. He worked for Boehnen Excavating for 37 years. He was once asked if he was looking forward to being able to retire and he replied: " Why would I quit a job I love?" .  We all have a special memory of Brush whether it is pulling tug of war, the years when he helped run Smitty's Bar or the time he talked about having a pet bear. After a dare was made that he wouldn't do it, a road trip was planned and he arrived home with a cute little black bear. He loved showing off the bear 'Griz' to the kindergarten classes and he turned many heads driving around with Griz riding shotgun.  Brush was a car guy and this was obvious because his garage was his second home. When he got home from work, it was only minutes before he was busy doing something out there. He and his son Troy both enjoyed working on vehicles and they shared a love of NASCAR racing. During football season you were sure to see the Badgers or Packers playing. The workbench also served as a food buffet which brought even more guests. He was an easy going guy which is why his kids loved being with him. Tina was the first to be able to tag along with dad and that was the start of a strong bond between them.  Jack is survived by his loving wife of 36 years, Mickey; daughter, Tina and son Troy (Stephanie) Ziegler; mother, Mary Ellen Acker; siblings: Karen (Larry) Cox, Diane Ziegler, Nancy Wales, Gary (Eva) Ziegler, Alan (Karen) Ziegler, Cindy (Clyde) Hellenbrand, Jean (Gary) Hansen, in addition, his in-laws Florian & Charlene Dahmen and the extended Dahmen family. He was preceded in death by his father, Vincent Ziegler; brothers, Kenneth and Roger Ziegler; step-father, Sylvester Acker and brother in law, David Muetz, as well as many other family members. A funeral service will be held at ST. BERNARD'S CATHOLIC CHURCH, 7450 University Ave., Middleton at 2:00 PM on Wednesday, April 13, 2016, with Father Brian Wilk presiding. Private burial will take place at a later date. Visitation will be held at the church from 10 AM until the time of services. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family for a fund to be established at a later date.  You left us very suddenly but there is no point in wondering why because you would just shrug your shoulders and smile...kinda like that is the way it goes. You will be greatly missed by all who knew you and someone who you never met on earth, your future grandson. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.