Obituary of Dorothy Jane Ziegler

Dorothy Jane Ziegler

(1930-2017)

Dorothy Jane Ziegler, 87, devoted and loving wife, mother and grandmother, died Wednesday, August 30, 2017, at Mount Nittany Medical Center, just 10 days after her husband of 68 years, John H. Ziegler, Jr.

The only daughter of Ray and Nellie Agnes (Baer) Shockey, Jane was born on February 13, 1930, on her grandparents' farm in Greenville Township, Somerset County. Jane, whose father was a teacher, was an excellent student and was valedictorian of the 1948 class of Meyersdale High School. She was also an accomplished pianist and assisted her grandfather, Andy Baer, with music programs at the Greenville Lutheran Church.

After high school, she worked as a secretary for the Franz Distillery Co. On June 11, 1949, she married the love of her life, John Henry Ziegler, Jr. She is survived by three sons: Steve and his wife Paula Behrens of Conshohocken; Greg and his wife Renee of State College; and Tim and his wife Mara of Boalsburg; and six grandchildren Rebecca Anne, Jake, Kieryn, Henry, Sam and Brynna Ziegler. She is also survived by brothers Don, and his wife Bobbie, and Rick, and his wife Jan.

During their first years in State College, Jane and John worked as "domestics" for Ellen Henszey Dill. After returning to town in 1955, Jane was an assistant manager of the 24 Henszey-Dill apartments on Old Boalsburg Road, while John began his academic career at Penn State. Jane also worked for the University, from addressing invitations for special events (Jane had exceptionally beautiful handwriting), to campus tour guide, as a sensory panelist for the Food Science Department, and as a clerk at the University Book Store.

Jane gave generously of her time and energy to many charities and community groups. Early on she joined the local hospital auxiliary and was an active volunteer. For 11 years, she co-chaired the food concession at the annual State College Antique Show and Sale, which raised funds for the hospital. For nearly 40 years Jane was a poll worker in College Township; she was also a census enumerator for State College Area School District. She was a long-time member University Women's Club, the Dinners for Eight group, the 50-50 Square Dancers and the Art Alliance. For more than 50 years, she and Jack welcomed international students through the Humphrey Fellows Program and Global Connections.

Jane and John were active members of St. Paul's United Methodist Church for 60 years; in years past Jane played piano for Sunday school services and worked for the Shoe Bank.

Services will be held at St. Paul's at 11 a.m. Tuesday, September 5, with receiving by the family beginning at 10 a.m. A celebration of Jane and John's lives will be held on Saturday, September 23, at Centre Furnace Mansion, from noon to 4 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Jane's name to the John and Jane Ziegler Graduate Award in Sensory Science at Penn State (www.GiveTo.psu.edu/ZieglerSensoryAward.

Arrangements are under the care of Koch Funeral Home, State College. Online condolences and signing of the guest book may be entered at www.kochfuneralhome.com