William "Bill" Zieren Jr.

William Andrew Zieren Jr. passed away at the age of 93 on January 7, 2025, in Bryan, Texas. Bill was born on September 21, 1931 in Paris, Illinois. His parents were William Andrew Zieren Sr., a funeral director, and Mary Ford Zieren. He was the youngest of four siblings: Marian Zieren Spilker, Thomas Zieren, Mary Elizabeth Zieren Clark, and Baby Bill (as he was affectionally known). Bill grew up in the Zieren Funeral Home, a large beautiful Victorian house in the pretty little town of Paris, Illinois and chose to follow in his father’s footsteps by becoming a funeral director.

Bill was a standout athlete at Paris High School, excelling in football alongside his best friend, John Gilbert. After the early death of both of his parents, he moved to Houston to live with his sister Marian and her husband, Russell Spilker. Bill graduated from Landig Mortuary School in Houston, later completing an apprenticeship at Wheeler Funeral Home in El Campo, Texas. He was drafted into the Army during the Korean War and served for two years. Upon returning to El Campo, he resumed work at the funeral home. Shortly thereafter he met his future wife, Brenda, the love of his life, at a local drugstore where her mother, Marie Powell, worked and introduced them.

Bill and Brenda married on October 13, 1955. They spent a brief time in Kerrville where Bill worked at the local funeral home, before settling in Bryan, Texas. There, Bill lovingly managed and directed Memorial Funeral Chapel for 35 years, working closely with his dear friend and colleague, Jodie Hoyak.

Bill leaves behind a large and loving family, including his wife of 69 years, Brenda Sommerlatte Zieren. Their four children are Chrysa Zieren Sparrow (Kevin), Kenneth Alan Zieren (Dawn), Leah Zieren Alves (Ben), and John David Zieren (Joy). He was proud of his seven grandchildren: Lindsay Leigh Best (Robert), Jace Preston Little (Amy), Brett Alan Zieren (Debbie), Blake Andrew Zieren (Natalie), Bryan Adam Zieren (Bailey), Austin Benjamin Alves, and Brenden William Alves. He was also the doting great-grandfather of Brynlee Brooke Best, Bradley Kyle Best, and Harper Alan Zieren.

Additionally, Bill had two half-brothers, John Richard Zieren and Will Zieren, as well as two step-siblings, Mary Catherine Levings and Thomas Carroll Jr. He was adored by many nieces, nephews across Texas, California, and Nevada.

As a funeral director, Bill was deeply dedicated to his work. He loved people and was beloved in return. Bill was someone who always showed up, seeking out the needs of others and doing everything he could to meet them. He had an innate ability to see the best in people and was always committed to doing the right thing. Brenda and Bill were so fortunate to have a plethora of dear friends, especially the Keens, the LaMars, the Andersons, and the Schusters. After retiring, Bill enjoyed the infamous Lunch Bunch gatherings, where he and his friends met every Thursday for years.

Known for his humor, wit, and a bit of sass (or a lot!), Bill was a self-made man who could fix anything and had a deep, unwavering faith. He was a Godly man, faithful to his church, and cherished spending time with his beloved Brenda and their family. Bill was a devoted family man and a respected funeral director, always seeking to meet the needs of others. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, January 12, 2025, from 5:00 - 7:00 pm, with a Rosary at 7:00 pm at Memorial Funeral Chapel, Bryan, Texas. Funeral services will take place on Monday January 13, 2025 at 1:30 pm at St. Joseph Catholic Church, followed by burial at Bryan City Cemetery. A reception will follow at Memorial Funeral Chapel. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph Catholic Church or the charity of your choice.