Timothy Shields Ziegler

Timothy Shields Ziegler was born in Denver, CO, December 15, 1958 to Ellwood and Bonnie Ziegler and was called to his eternal home April 14, 2020 at the age of 61. He died at home in Broomfield, CO of an apparent stroke after having endured several years of health issues. He attended University Hills Lutheran School and graduated from Denver Lutheran High School in 1977. From 1977-1981, he was enrolled in Oregon State University Navy ROTC as a Marine Option. He graduated in 1981 with a BA in Southeast Asian History and a minor in Theatre. During his four years at Oregon State University, Tim's leadership skills were evident early and were recognized by the NROTC Unit leaders as he was chosen to lead the prestigious Drill Team in his junior year and then selected as Executive Officer of the entire battalion his senior year. Upon graduation from Oregon State University, Tim was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps. His first assignment was The Basic School in Quantico, Virginia for all new officers followed by specialized training to become a tank commander. Tim was the Honor Graduate of the US Army Airborne course as a senior midshipman and excelled at Armor Officer and Scuba Diver schools. Over the years, Tim served in various assignments around the world, including time in Beirut, Lebanon after terrorists bombed the USMC barracks and on the USS Blue Ridge LCC-19, Seventh Fleet flagship, where he was the Landing Force Planner, a Flight Deck Officer, and a beloved donut and pastry chef in his off duty hours. Throughout his time as an officer in the United States Marine Corps, Tim continued to distinguish himself by his professionalism, the leadership and care of his team, and his esprit de corps. After an honorable discharge from the USMC, Tim entered chef school graduating in 1987 from the Western Culinary Institute with a Professional Culinary Arts Degree. For more than 30 years Chef Zieg, as he was known in the food world, immersed himself in the world of spices and menu development. He began Colorado Spice to fulfil a growing need in the Front Range for quality spices. Tim was also the Spice Master & Blender for Italco Food Products of Denver, where he oversaw R&D for their Grand Cucina Spice division. With noted tea expert Brian Keating, he published a series of spice posters to help illustrate how different cuisines utilize spice combinations around the world. Chef Zieg enjoyed being able to teach the next generation of chefs about spices and served as a guest instructor and speaker to many organizations around the country. Tim was a stalwart conservative voice through the Internet, various political campaigns, and in person. He was fiercely passionate about his love of God, the Constitution and was intensely loyal to his many friends from all walks of life. He was a true friend – available for a discussion or to lend a sympathetic ear. He spoke truth to power in countless ways and fought the good fight. He will be profoundly missed by many. His earthly treasure and source of pride was his family. Tim is survived by his wife, Margaret (O'Keefe); his children, Courtney (Chris) Manning of Denver; Zachary, of Denver; Joy and James, of Broomfield, CO; granddaughter Ellie (Manning); mother-in-law, Helen O'Keefe of Houston TX, brother, Ellwood/Woody (Amy) Ziegler of Waco, NE; sisters, Karen Anderson, of Troutdale, OR, and Christine Schettler, of Aurora, CO; his sister-in-law, Susie Ziegler of Omaha, NE; aunt, Beverly (Faye) Duff of Denver, CO; and nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Robert; and father-in-law, James O'Keefe. Tim has been interred at Fort Logan National Cemetery, Denver, CO. Memorials may be sent to the following charities: The Gary Sinese Foundation for their work with disabled veterans (www.garysinesefoundation.org); The Lutheran Center for Religious Liberty (www.lcrlfreedom.org); Broomfield Taxpayer Matters, a local non-profit Tim had helped to start before his passing (www.broomfieldtaxpayermatters.com); Home School Legal Defense Association (www.HSLDA.org); or donors can contribute to a scholarship fund established by Leadership Program of the Rockies in his name (www.leadershipprogram.org) or a charity of their choice. "But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses." I Timothy 6:11-12