Ray C. Ziegenhagen, age 74, of Tigerton passed away Friday, February 7, 2020 at Ascension St. Clare’s Hospital in Weston.
Ray Clayton Ziegenhagen was born on March 2, 1945 in the Town of Germania, Shawano County, to Raymond and Marcella (Cotter) Ziegenhagen. He grew up in the Tigerton area and shortly after high school entered the U.S. Army. Ray served in the Vietnam War for 13 months from 1966-1967. He was united in marriage on September 21, 1968 to Mary E. Hoffmann at St. John Lutheran Church, Tigerton. The couple lived in the Milwaukee area during much of their working years. In his early days, Ray drove log truck and was also a welder-fitter for some time. He worked for almost 10 years at Bintz Heating & Sheet Metal in Milwaukee; where he learned the heating and cooling trade. Then Ray was employed for close to 20 years with Joe DeBelak Plumbing & Heating Company of Menomonee Falls, until his retirement in 2004.
Ray was a longtime member of St. John Lutheran Church. He always liked tinkering around in his workshop whether it was with a motor or any other project that someone needed help with. His friends from work called him “MacGyver” because he was able to fix just about anything. To relatives and friends Ray was affectionately known as “J.R.” or “Zig”. He especially enjoyed playing the slot machines at the casino and going on several trips with his wife to Alaska.
Survivors include his wife of 51 years, Mary; one sister, LaVonne Jacobson of Shawano; and two sisters-in-law, Adeline Miller of Sussex and Elaine Erickson of Tigerton. He is further survived by nieces, nephews, many other relatives and friends. Ray was preceded in death by his parents, a sister Leah Rae Breaker, a nephew Daniel Breaker; and six brothers-in-law, Zane Miller, Gary Erickson, Delmar Breaker, John, Robert, and Leonard “Joe” Hoffmann.
Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, February 13th at 11:00 AM at St. John Lutheran Church, Tigerton. Rev. Dean Suehring will officiate and burial will follow at Union Cemetery, Tigerton. Military Honors will be provided by members of the American Legion Post 239, Tigerton. Visitation will be held on Thursday from 9:00 AM until time of service at the church. Beil-Didier Funeral Home, Tigerton, is assisting the family.
