Catherine Zeigler

Catherine “Cathy” (McDaniel) Zeigler, 74, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, passed away peacefully at her home on November 15, 2024.

Born on June 30, 1950, in Indianapolis, Indiana, Cathy spent her early childhood in Springerville, Arizona, where her father served with the National Parks Service. Although the family enjoyed exploring northern Arizona they eventually returned to Indiana. When she was only 17 years old her father unexpectedly passed away after an accident. Cathy went on to graduate from Arsenal Technical High School in 1968. Shortly thereafter, she married Charles Zeigler and relocated to Fort Jackson, South Carolina, while Chuck underwent Army basic training. During his deployment to Korea during, the Vietnam War, Cathy returned to Indiana, where she received the unwavering support of her family during the birth of their first daughter, Diana. Following the war, they welcomed a second daughter, Andrea but their six-year marriage ultimately concluded.

With a fierce determination to provide for her two daughters, Cathy enlisted in the United States Army, proudly serving her country for 20 years in both the Army and the Indiana Army National Guard. As a dedicated supply technician at Stout Field in Indianapolis, she balanced her military commitments with raising her daughters, embodying the values of resilience and dedication. Cathy’s unit participated in annual training in Grayling, Michigan, where she creatively turned annual training into family vacations, exploring the beauty of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, including Mackinaw Island and the historic Soo Locks of Sault Ste. Marie. A skilled sharpshooter and weapons instructor, Cathy took great pride in her military service.

Cathy’s adventurous spirit led her to transfer to the Louisiana National Guard in New Orleans, where she served as a stock control supply specialist before returning to the U.S. Army Reserves in the Indiana Army National Guard as a Logistics Specialist. After retiring from the National Guard, she settled in Battle Creek, Michigan, where she continued her career at the Battle Creek Federal Center. Her love for exploration continued as she enjoyed Michigan’s stunning landscapes before moving to Port Clinton, Ohio, where she worked for Perry’s Victory & International Peace Memorial. Ultimately, she returned to Indiana to embrace her retirement, cherishing the time spent with her five grandchildren and welcoming seven great-grandchildren into her life.

Cathy was passionate about gardening, creating beautiful outdoor spaces filled with flowers, and fostering lasting memories with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her adventurous spirit and love for travel inspired her family, instilling in them a profound appreciation for the outdoors and exploration.

Cathy is survived by her daughter, Diana Dilley, and son-in-law Bob Bieschke; her grandchildren, Matthew and Jessica Dilley, along with their three daughters Madison, Blakleigh, and Elliana; Brittany Dilley; James E. Moore IV and his children Bailey and James "LJ"; Andrew Moore and his daughter Charlotte; and Trevor Moore and his son Wayne. She was preceded in death by her parents, Andrew and Helen McDaniel, and her beloved daughter, Andrea Miles.

Funeral services will be held at 2:45 PM on December 10, 2024, at Holy Cross and Saint Joseph Cemetery in Indianapolis, Indiana, following a viewing from 10 AM to 12 PM on the same day at Advantage Funeral & Cremation Services-Highland Park in Fort Wayne.

In honoring Cathy’s legacy, we celebrate her unwavering commitment to family, her patriotic service to our nation, and her enduring spirit of adventure.