Obituary of Danny Paul Ziegler

Passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by family, on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at the age of 69.

Loving husband and best friend of Kathy Ziegler (née Oberholzer), married for 43 years.

Beloved father of Laura-Lynn Ziegler, Jennifer (Justin) Zielman, and Kaitlyn (Johnny) Berwick.

Cherished grandpa of Timmy Berwick and Jaxon and Jason Zielman.

He will be fondly remembered by his sister, Kathy (Uwe) Von Witzenhausen; his brother, Robert Ziegler Jr.; his sister-in-law, Deb Ziegler, and his brothers-in-law, Michael (Xanthy) Oberholzer and Paul Oberholzer (Janet Riches), and his nieces and nephews.

He dearly loved his dog Maggie as well as his grand dogs, Molly, Bear, and Cosmo.

Dan lived his life with a kind of energy and openness that made a lasting impact on everyone who knew him. He was the kind of person you didn’t forget.

He had a lifelong love of football, hockey, baseball and golf. He was always cheering on his favourite teams. In the kitchen, his chicken wings, schnitzel and lasagna were loved by family and friends, a testament to the care and pride he took in everything he did.

He was also incredibly skilled with his hands and a self-proclaimed “MacGyver”. He could fix just about anything, often in his own unique and creative way. As a woodworker, he created so many beautiful, lasting pieces over the years that we will forever cherish.

He also loved trivia and never missed an episode of Jeopardy - it was part of his nightly routine, and he was always impressively quick with the answers.

Music was another passion of Dan’s. He loved classic rock, especially his favourite band - The Beatles. He passed along his lifelong love of music to future generations.

What really stood out about Dan was the connections he made with people. He could strike up a conversation with just about anyone, and it didn’t take long for people to feel comfortable around him.

He was also, in the words of more than one bewildered physician, “unique”, but he faced life’s challenges with strength and fierce determination. A fighter who refused to be defined by what tried to hold him down. In 2000, cancer came for him and lost. This past November, Dan celebrated 25 years being cancer-free with family and friends. Twenty-five years of extra mornings, extra laughs, extra time with the people who needed him the most.

He’ll be deeply missed and always remembered by the people who were lucky enough to know him.

We would like to thank Dan's Medical Team who worked tirelessly helping with his “mysterious” medical journey. A special thanks to Dr Langridge, Dr Golobuv, Dr Kilmurry, Dr Manion, Dr Harlick and Dr John & Teresa Lackner. Ontario at Home and Care Partners provided care and compassion during the final stages of his life which were greatly appreciated.

Predeceased by his parents, Marjorie (née Clemmer) and Robert Ziegler; his brothers, Ronald Ziegler and Timothy Ziegler; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Don and Pat Oberholzer and his sister-in-law, Mary Oberholzer.

Visitation will be held at the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King St. S, Waterloo, on Thursday, April 16, 2026, from 2–4 p.m. and 7–9 p.m. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Teresa of Avila RC Church, 19 Flamingo Dr., Elmira, on Friday, April 17, 2026, at 10 a.m. with Rev. Peter Meyer officiating. A reception to follow in the parish hall. A private family interment will be held at Parkview Cemetery, Waterloo, at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, condolences for the family or donations to Pride Stables, or the Waterloo Regional Health Network Foundation – Respirology Unit and/or the Heart Function Unit may be arranged through the funeral home at 519-745-8445 or at www.erbgood.com.