Harold Theodore Ziegler was born June 1, 1919 in Willard, Wisconsin, the son of Theodore and Augusta (Ratsch) Ziegler. Harold attended country school and helped on the family farm until 1936, when he went to Chicago and worked for Coca Cola Company until 1942. Harold served his country in the United States Army in the 24th Inf. Div. Signal Corp from 1942 - 1945 as a radio-communications operator. He served in Australia, New Guinea, the Philippines, and taught radio communications in Hawaii and Australia. After the service he went back to Neillsville, WI, where he and his brother owned and operated a night club for 3 years. Harold and Lois Hanchman were married on July 10, 1947 in Neillsville. He then went to work at the "Farmer Store" Company and was transferred to the Eau Claire store. After five years, he went to the Coca Cola Company in Eau Claire, where he worked for 20 years. They then moved to Benson, Minnesota in 1969, where they owned and operated the Dairy Queen for 26 years. He retired in 1995. Harold was active on committees for St. Francis School, church rosary group and the Knight of Columbus. Harold was a key organizer in fundraising for Diabetes research and education through bike-a-thons. He enjoyed his family and grandchildren, playing cards, traveling, reading and being with friends. Harold was called from this life on Thursday, November 17, 2011 at the Swift County Benson Hospital. He attained the age of 92 years, 5 months and 16 days. Harold is survived by his wife, Lois of Benson; children: Terence (Peggy) Ziegler, Daniel (Cynthia) Ziegler, Robert (Debbie) Ziegler, and Timothy Ziegler; grandchildren: Renee (Jim) Conway, Michele (Mike) Santangelo, Eric (Melissa) Ziegler, Stacy Nieland, Sarah (Steve) Ziegler, Joshua (Alisha) Ziegler, Adam Ziegler, and Alexandra Ziegler; great grandchildren: Colleen, Kelly, David, Stephanie, Lauren, Madison, McKenna, Mason, Andrew, Ellie, Kendall, Austin, and Isabelle. Preceding him in death were a daughter, Sheryl Ann, in infancy, siblings: Alvina (Fred) Babbe; Arnita (Fred) Hofmann, Lillian (Bill) Hofmann, Alvin (Esther) Ziegler, and Clarence (Genevive) Ziegler, and his parents.
