OCTOBER 29, 1931 - OCTOBER 23, 2016
Ralph F. Ziegler, DVM, Colonel, USAF, Retired age 84 died on Sunday, October 23, 2016 in San Antonio. Dr. Ziegler, the son of Emil and Minnie Ziegler of New Athens, IL, was born October 29, 1931.
He attended the University of Illinois where he was a member of FarmHouse Fraternity. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in Veterinary Medicine in 1953 and his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 1955. In 1963 he received a Master of Science Degree in Laboratory Animal Medical from Texas A&M University while serving in the United States Air Force. Dr. Ziegler served on the Large Animal Clinic Staff at the University of Illinois, College of Veterinary for a year prior to entering the Air Force in June on 1956. The majority of his assignments were at Air Force and Navy medical research laboratories. During the Vietnam War, he served a year at bases in Thailand. Col. Ziegler retired as Chief, Veterinary Sciences Division, USAF School of Aerospace Medicine, Brooks Air Force Base, TX on January 1, 1985 after 28 ½ years of active duty. Among his awards and decorations is the Legion of Merit. Dr. Ziegler was a Diplomate of the American College of Laboratory Animal Medicine, an Honor Roll Member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, a Life Member of the University of Illinois Alumni Association and the U of I Presidents Council. He was preceded in death by his parents; infant brother and his wife of 48 years, Norma Lurtz Ziegler who died in 2001. Dr. Ziegler is survived by sons, David J. Ziegler and wife, Deb of Seymour, IN and Douglas P. Ziegler and wife, Amy of Lakewood, CO and three grandchildren, Kayla of Seymour, IN and Alaine and Duncan of Lakewood, CO. Dr. and Mrs. Ziegler's cremated remains will be placed in Fort Logan National Cemetery in Denver, CO.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Ralph F. and Norma L. Ziegler Endowment, The FarmHouse Foundation, 11020 NW Ambassador Drive, Suite 330, Kansas City, MO 64153 or Heifer Project International, P.O. Box, 808, Little Rock, AR 72203.

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Published by San Antonio Express-News from Oct. 25 to Oct. 26, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Ralph Ziegler

Sponsored by Porter Loring Mortuary North.

9 Entries

Sally Skiles

November 14, 2016

For some reason Ralph has been on my mind recently. Today I was saddened to read his obituary on MYSA.com. He and Norma were our neighbors in San Antonio -- probably the best neighbors we could have! We lost touch after moving away from Texas, but they remain in our hearts.
Sincere condolences from the Skiles family!

October 29, 2016

I lost touch with Ralph and missed hearing from him. Cousin, Jackie Ziegler Hebner

Dorothy Hacker

October 28, 2016

Ralph grew up a few blocks from me and all in the neighborhood got to play often. I them lived closer to his parents when I had my own home. A great family. My sympathy to his family. Dorothy Ablett Hacker

October 26, 2016

Dr Ziegler was a fine officer and gentleman in the USAF.
My condolences to the family!
Dr Leo Cropper (USAF retired)

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Bill Portman

October 26, 2016

Doug & Amy, Dave & Debbie, our condolences and prayers are with you. Ralph was a special cousin to Joan and I, we attended High School with Ralph and I was in the same graduating class. Ralph had a nickname of "CARP". This tag was applied after a fishing expedition on the Kaskaskia River in New Athens, with cousin, Allen Analla and I. We caught a washtub full of carp. Ralph insisted we clean them and have a fish fry. Aunt Minnie & Uncle Emil consented and it happened, the name too! With Love, Joan Portman Fishbein & Bill Portman

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Janet (Hummert) Garza

October 25, 2016

Thinking about Uncle Ralph and remembering all family in prayer.

Cherryl & Chuck Fikes

October 25, 2016

Norma was my office mate, colleague, and friend at San Antonio College. She and Ralph were wonderful people. I had no idea he was still in San Antonio. We moved some years ago. I wish we had kept in better touch. My condolences to the entire family.

Dora (Analla) & Edgar Hummert

October 25, 2016

Doug & Amy, Dave & Deb...So sorry for the loss of your Dad. Our thoughts & prayers are with you & your families. May God Bless!

Ralph & I spent a lot of time together when we were growing up so I always felt a special bond with him. Memories include Sundays at Aunt Bertha & Uncle Jake Portmans' house when all our families came together. Summer vacations staying at their house with Ralph, Joan (Portman) Fishbein, Bill Portman & my brother, Allen Analla.

The boys always went fishing with grandpa Schemelzel & even though they didn't catch a lot of fish, they were happy. We had a great childhood, no Ipads, No TV, & No cell phones! So the memories last forever....Rest in peace, Ralph, you are loved.

Donald Mueller

October 25, 2016

My sympathy in your grief on Ralphs passing .Hewas a great guy for all the years I knew him . Best Wishes to all related to him Don Mueller ,New Athens, IL.

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