He was born December 7, 1953, in Mansfield, Ohio, one of five children of the late Nicholas and Pauline (Studer) Ziegler. John graduated from Mansfield Senior High School with the Class of 1971. He was a proud veteran of the US Marines, serving in country during the Vietnam War. John worked at and retired from Gorman Rupp.
On October 28, 1978, he married Marlene Ayers, and they created a wonderful life and beautiful family. John’s greatest joy in life was his grandchildren. He dearly loved his dog, Scooter, with whom he took peaceful walks. Sadly, Scooter recently passed away and was dearly missed.
John was a man of faith devoted to his Lord and Savior. He regularly attended St. Peter’s Catholic Church and St. Mary of the Snows. He was a weightlifter and enjoyed some friendly competition with his only son, challenging each other regularly. In his free time, he enjoyed gardening and being outside.
John leaves behind to cherish his memory his wife, Marlene Ziegler; five children, Christi (Marty) Sackman, Heather (Joe) Stankovich, April (Jack Kegley) Ziegler, Johnny Ziegler and Angela (Rob Darrow) Ziegler; ten grandchildren, Alex (Pepe) Vega Garcia, Seth (Anna) Binion, Kyle (Lena) Stankovich, Clayton Stankovich, Emma Stankovich, Madysen (Daeshon Crockett) Ziegler, Bryce Kegley, Sam Darrow, Mason Darrow and Hanna Darrow; three siblings, Judy (Jerry) Phillips, Larry (Emily) Ziegler and Mary Leicht; several great-grandchildren; and many beloved family and friends.
In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by a brother, Bobby Ziegler; and brother-in-law, Pete Leicht.
The family will receive friends from 3:00-7:00 pm on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at Wappner Funeral Directors-Ontario, 100 S. Lexington-Springmill Road. A vigil service will be held at 7:00 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be recited by Father John Miller on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, at 10:00 am at St. Peter’s Catholic Church, 104 W. First St., Mansfield. He will be laid to rest in Mansfield Memorial Park. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Peter’s Catholic Church.
