Obituary of Robert Ziegler

Robert Lee Ziegler

"Bob"

12/09/43 - 09/08/23

 

Robert "Bob" Lee Ziegler, age 79,, of Castle Rock,  CO, formerly of Laurens, IA passed away at the AdventHealth Litteton Hospital on September 8, 2023 due to injuries sustained from a car accident.

His loving family was by his side. Bob was born in Fort Dodge, IA on December 9, 1943, the son of Jake and Rose Ziegler. He attended Laurens Community School from elementary through high school, graduating in 1962. During that time, Bob obtained the status of Eagle Scout. Bob is best known in the Laurens community as a talented athlete, most notable for basketball and baseball. Before the class system in sports, as a senior in 1962, he was integral in helping his team obtain runner-up in the State Tournament in Iowa City, against Cedar Rapids Regis. He was high scorer for the tournament and held the record for free throws for many years. He was named first team all conference for the Laurens Elks, named first team All-Northwest Iowa District, and named first team All-State. In 1980 he was inducted to the Iowa High School Basketball Hall of Fame. He went on to receive a "full ride" scholarship to Iowa State.

He was named to the Big 8 All-Conference team his junior and senior years; was second in conference for scoring his junior year; and co-captain his senior year. Bob also had a special talent for baseball. After his years of successful pitching at Laurens High School, he also played three years of baseball at Iowa State. He was named to the Big 8 All-Conference team his junior and senior years and was a co-captain his senior year. In 1966 he signed with the Minnesota Twins and spent two seasons playing baseball first at the A Club-team in St. Cloud, MN and a second partial season at the AA team in Buffalo, NY until an injury to his arm forced him to end his career.  Previous to this time, he married Lynette (Grove) in Laurens in 1964; August, they celebrated 59 years of marriage. Bob had obtained his degree at Iowa State in 1966. After the baseball career, he taught and coached basketball at North Polk (Alleman) then Marengo.

They missed Laurens and moved back to take over his fathers fuel truck and gas station business - Ziegler Mobil. During his time there, Bob was active in coaching in the City League baseball program; assisted and coached basketball at Laurens-Marathon High School; and was mayor for four years. They moved to Castle Rock, CO in 2003 to be closer to both sons and families. Bob was an avid coin collector; enjoyed pheasant hunting; fishing; riding his motorcycle; and owning nice cars.

His kids and especially his grandkids and great-grandkids meant the world to him. He loved every minute he could be with them. He had a way of asking questions and teasing  both kids and adults alike that made one feel special and want to be around him.

Bob is survived by his wife, Lynette, sons Michael (Denise) Ziegler of Sadalia, CO and Mark Ziegler of Aurora, CO. Grandchildren Sullivan Ziegler of Sedalia, CO; Eli (Aubri) Ziegler of Nashville, TN;  Macy Ziegler of Orlando, FL; Aiden (Rothavie, fiance'), of Aurora, CO; and Charlize Ziegler of Chandler, AZ. Great grandchildren Lane and Diya. Brother Don (Linda) Ziegler.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Memorial contributions may be made to the City of Laurens indicating a pool donation in memory of Bob:  Laurens City Hall, 272 N. 3rd St, Laurens, IA  50554.   

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