Michael "Zig" Ziegler

Michael 'Zig' Ziegler

BIG RAPIDS -- Michael "Zig" Ziegler, died Sept. 28, 2018, with loved ones at his side. He was born June 1, 1950.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Meinrad and Marie Ziegler. Surviving are his daughter, Sarah (Greg) Walczewski; grandson, Sam; siblings, Tim Ziegler and Pat Wolf; and nephews, Michael (Lynn) Wolf and Jeff (Kim) Wolf, and niece, Kerri (Craig) Scarborough, and their children.

The undertaker was taken under six months after a cancer diagnosis. Upon learning of his impending demise, he stated, "Working around death all these years, I'd hoped to have developed an immunity. Apparently that isn't the case."

He eschewed treatment, as it was unlikely to buy him time and may "prolong the inevitable." Instead of spending his final months in a doctor's office, he chose to be in the places he loved -- in the embalming room, honing his craft, or on a barstool, telling off-color jokes to all who would listen. He was certain he would prefer his poisons of cigarettes and booze to the toxins of chemotherapy.

Zig graduated from Worsham College of Mortuary Science in 1976, with awards in pathology and proficiency in embalming. The majority of his career was spent working in the Grand Rapids area. While he was a joker with a black sense of humor, he was honored to help families in their time of loss, serving them with great dignity and respect. He settled into semi-retirement at the Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Home, where he was fortunate enough to find colleagues who became cherished friends.

In addition to work, he also enjoyed gambling, chasing women and being irreverent and contrary, just to honk people off. He said the biggest joy in his life was being a grandpa. He relished teaching his grandson the fine art of pranks and mischief-making.

Consider donations to your local animal shelter. Honor his memory by recycling (he was a neurotic recycler) or by calling your elected officials and voicing your displeasure. You should be able to get through as he's no longer holding up the line.

The family thanks Hospice of Michigan for their compassionate care.

The family will greet friends from 3 to 6 p.m., Friday, Oct. 5, 2018, at the Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Home in Big Rapids. We will conclude with words of farewell at 6 p.m. and head to the Stanwood Eagles to break bread and put the "fun" in funeral, 7200 Stanwood Drive, Stanwood, MI 49346.

Share a memory or leave a condolence for the family by clicking the guestbook tab at daggettgilbertfuneralhome.com.