Leonard Paul Ziegler, 83

Leonard Paul Ziegler, 83, surrounded by his children, was called home to Our Lord on Sunday, Jan. 1, 2017, at Heartland Care Center of Devils Lake, N.D.

Mass of Christian Burial was held on Monday, Jan. 9, 2017, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Devils Lake, with burial in the Devils Lake Cemetery and with military honors accorded by the Neathery-Simensen Post No. 756, Devils Lake Veterans of Foreign Wars and the North Dakota Military Funeral Honors Team.

Leonard was born Feb. 21, 1933, to Philip and Elizabeth (Gachne) Ziegler in Karlsruhe, N.D. He was raised on a farm in a large family of 16 children. The values of hard work, faith and family were instilled in him at an early age. He was educated at the Country School near Balfour, N.D. In April 1953, at the age of 20, he was drafted into the Army and served two years of active duty in Korea, where he learned his trade in diesel fuel injection. He became a skilled mechanic and was known for his ingenuity and uncanny ability to fix anything.

After his military service, he met and married the love of his life, Margaret Alexander. They wed on May 27, 1958, and made their home in Minot, N.D., where they started their family. In the spring of 1966, Leonard moved his wife and three children to Post Falls, Idaho, where their youngest son, Kelvin would be born. They would move just a few miles north to Rathdrum, Idaho, in 1972. Leonard loved and embraced the mountains of Idaho, where hunting and fishing with his brothers became a family tradition.

Then in 1978, Leonard had an opportunity to start his own business, so he packed up his family again and moved them back to North Dakota. There, he would co-own and operate Lake Region Diesel of Devils Lake for many years. Leonard was a member and vice-president of the Lake Region Gun Club, where he enjoyed trap shooting with both of his sons. He was also a faithful member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church of Devils Lake.

In 1985, Leonard and Margaret lost their youngest son, Kelvin. Then in 1989, Leonard also lost his beloved wife, Margaret.

Leonard decided to take early retirement in 1992, and his son, Jerome would take over the business, becoming co-owner of Lake Region Diesel. After retiring, he would meet special friend, Donna Anderson. They would become close companions for nearly a decade, before their failing health issues would keep them apart.

Throughout his life, Leonard enjoyed family gatherings and summer barbecues. He loved playing with his grandchildren, who fondly called him “Papa Zig.” He also loved dancing at the Eagles Club on Saturday nights and playing card games with his many friends at the Vets Club every afternoon. Leonard was fun-loving and hard working. His wonderful sense of humor and big warm smile will be missed by everyone.

Leonard is survived by his son, Jerome (Kristi) Ziegler; daughters Valerie (Tom) Wilhelmi, Tina (Ray) Sainsbury — all of Devils Lake, N.D.; seven grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; brothers Don (Angie) Ziegler of Devils Lake, Bill (Gloria) Ziegler of Kennewick, Wash., Lawrence Ziegler of Hauser Lake, Idaho, and Tony (Sue) Ziegler, Andy Ziegler and Dave (Sue) Ziegler, all of Post Falls, Idaho; sisters Eleanore Eisenzimmer, Ann (Mike) Schiele, Rose (Al) Grossman, all of Minot, and Betty Ann (Phil) Johnson of Waterville, Wash.

Preceded in death by his son, Kelvin; and his wife, Margaret; brothers Valentine, John and Carl Ziegler; and sisters Brigetha Bachmier and Mary Bromley.

Online condolences at www.gilbertsonfuneralhome.com.