James W. Ziegler ended his 91year journey on this earth on November 7, 2017 at the Fairview Care Center in Dodge Center, MN with supportive care from St. Croix Hospice.

He was born in Anoka, Minnesota on January 19, 1926 to Joachim and Agnes (Marshik) Ziegler. Following graduation from Anoka High School he enlisted in the US Navy. His construction career started with the Minneapolis Construction Company where he worked on the Loring Park Project. James married Betty Claude on October 2, 1947 at St. John's Catholic Church in Rochester, Minnesota. They lived in Rochester where he was employed by the Kruse Company (building homes in the prestigious Plummer Circle area), the McCarthy Brother's (as foreman on St. Marys Hospital, Mayo Clinic, Assisi Heights, and Rochester Power Plant), and Weis Builders (as superintendent on the Rochester Recreation Center, Barlow's, Brooklyn Park Shopping Center, Lake Minnetonka Apartments and many other major projects).

James was a member of the Rochester Elks Lodge 1091 and the AFL-CIO Labor Union. They attended St. Pius Catholic Church in Rochester. He enjoyed boating with family and friends on the Mississippi River, international travel, hunting, fishing, and their wonderful dogs. He has touched the lives of many and will remain in our hearts and thoughts forever.

He is survived by his loving wife, Betty; five sons and their spouses, Joe and Linda of Rochester, David and Georgia of Mantorville, Louis and Kristi of Rochester, Randy and Mary of Granbury, Texas and Brian of Kiev, Ukraine; 11 grandchildren, Troy, Matthew, Patrick, Stephanie, Lisa, Robert, Ryan, Maria, Athena, Sophia, Dylan; 22 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; brother, Robert; and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Alvin, George, Romuald; and sisters, Bernadine, Josephine, Magdalen.

A gathering of family and friends will begin at 10 a.m. with a Memorial Service to follow at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, November 15, 2017 in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home with the Rev. Shawn Haremza officiating. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery, Rochester with military rites provided by the American Legion Post 92.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Fairview Care Center or St. Croix Hospice. The family is forever thankful for the loving care that he received from his caregivers.

Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com.