Donald Ziegler

Donald (Don) Nelson Ziegler, age 74, of Blue Earth, passed away peacefully at home on the farm December 22, 2023 surrounded by his family, following complications from a brave battle with CLL. Quoting one of his famous lines, he was “tough as nails” through the end.

Don was born in Blue Earth to Harry and Lillie (Nelson) Ziegler on March 6, 1949 and was raised on the same family farm where he spent most of his life. He graduated from Elmore High School in 1967 and attended Jackson Technical College, earning an electrician degree. Don completed an apprenticeship for Freetly Electric in Kerkhoven, MN before establishing Ziegler Electric in Elmore, MN in 1972. He operated Ziegler Electric for 42 years until his semi-retirement in 2014. Never one to stop working, he continued to trench for the same local plumbers and electricians he’d worked alongside for decades in the area. While Don kept busy over the years operating his business, his true passion in life was farming. He was a 3rd generation Minnesota farmer, continuing the Ziegler family farm legacy started in 1909 (a Century Farm) until his death. A great source of pride for Don was his family all playing a part in fall harvest.

On August 19, 1972, Don married Joyce Spartz, and the two were inseparable, especially in their retirement years. He adored their two girls, Brandee and Brooke, and was a staple at their sports games and activities. After a lifetime of being surrounded by women (his sisters and daughters), he was blessed with grandsons (Waylen, Victor, Neil) as well as more girls (his granddaughters Tailor and Franklyn). The grandkids enjoyed their time on the farm with grandpa, John Deere tractor rides and hearing grandpa’s famous one-liners.

Don was proud to serve as District 26 State Senator, and he previously served Faribault County as a County Commissioner and SWCD Supervisor. Additionally, he was a member of Shiloh Lutheran Church of Elmore and served on various committees in the Elmore and Blue Earth communities. Outside of work and family, his other hobbies and interests included hunting and fishing trips with lifelong friends, tinkering in his shed, Friday nights out with his wife and friends, and enjoying winters in Arizona.

Acts of service and work were how Don showed his love for his family, friends and community. He always showed up to offer help (usually with a tool in hand) with a smile on his face. He was called a “hero” by many. Don will be remembered for his fun demeanor, eternal optimism and humor, love of farming and commitment to his family. He made life entertaining!

Don is survived by his wife, Joyce, of 51 years; children, Brandee (TJ) Douglas, of Blue Earth, and Brooke (Matt) Ziegler Hussey, of Blue Earth; grandchildren, Waylen and Tailor Douglas, and Victor, Franklyn and Neil Hussey; sisters, Jeanette Fenske of Blue Earth and Carolyn (David) Halvorson, of Rake, IA; along with many brother- and sister-in-laws, nephews and nieces and friends. Don was preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Lillie Ziegler; sisters Erna Eischen and Helen Wicks; brother-in-laws Wayne Fenske and Lyle Spartz; nephews and many cherished friends.

A visitation will be held at Patton Funeral Home in Blue Earth on Thursday, December 28 from 4-6pm. A memorial service will be held at Shiloh Lutheran Church in Elmore, MN at 2:00pm on Friday, December 29. Celebration of life in Don’s honor to follow at the Elmore Golf Course with desserts and fellowship.