Obituary of Sandra Zeigler

SANDRA JO ZEIGLER Sandra Jo Zeigler, 73, passed away Friday, August 17th, 2012 at her home with her family present. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend to many and will be deeply missed. Born December 1st, 1938, she was the eldest daughter of Russell Henry and Dorothy Mae (Schumacher) Haberer. She grew up on the family farm just south of the old Jordan school, marrying her high school sweetheart Mervin James (Jim) Zeigler, Jr. on August 23rd, 1959 at St. John's Lutheran Church. She graduated from the Lutheran Hospital School for Nurses in Moline, IL, and worked at Dekalb Public Hospital for several years. She was a full-time mother for 20 years, followed by another 20 years as a nurse at the Bi-County Special Education Cooperative, retiring in 2002. She loved living in the country home she and Jim built on a portion of her parent's family farm in the Jordan Township community. Sandra was active in her church, singing in the church choir with Jim, participating in Christian Women's Fellowship, and serving as Financial Secretary. She was an avid gardener - canning, making applesauce and cider from their apple orchard. Sandra loved tending to her flower gardens and watching sunsets. She was an excellent cook and loved to bake and try new recipes. She enjoyed sewing, knitting, reading, visiting and celebrating life with her family. Sandra is survived by her husband, Jim; one daughter, Kathleen Jo (Rick) Mitchem of Round Lake Beach, IL, three sons, Gregory James (Dawn) Zeigler of Sterling, IL, Eric Karl Zeigler of Chicago, IL, and Mark Leslie (Alissa) Zeigler of Polo, IL, and eight grandchildren: Linnea, Hannah, and Denzel Mitchem, Gabriel and Amy Zeigler, and Nicole, Rebekah, and Gage Zeigler. Surviving family members also include two sisters, Carol R. (Gerald) Lindstrom of Machesney Park, IL and Patricia A. (Stephen) Zalewski of Solvay, NY, and one brother, Michael J. (Hope) Haberer of Glen Ellyn, IL, and many nieces and nephews. Her parents preceded her in death. Visitation will be held from 9 to 11am on September 8th at the First Christian Church in Sterling, with the memorial service led by the Rev. David J. Yonker to immediately follow. A private graveside service will be held at Oak Knoll cemetery. Arrangements were completed by Schilling Funeral Home in Sterling. In lieu of flowers, the family requests gifts to be made in her memory to First Christian Church, Serenity Hospice & Home in Oregon and the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network.