Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org
Surnames: Plummer, Ziegler
----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 6/24/2020
Ziegler to be Honored by Legion (2020)
Wendell Ziegler will be one of three veterans honored by the Neillsville Legion Post as the facility continues its monthly tradition of recognizing local veterans. Submitted Photo
Wendell Ziegler will be honored by the Neillsville Legion as the post will continue its monthly tradition of recognizing local veterans.
After high school, Ziegler joined the National Guard, 32nd Red Arrow Division in Neillsville. His basic training was at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri, and he had advanced training at Fort Ord in California. His active duty was in 1961 at Fort Lewis in Washington during the Berlin Crisis. He was a member of the machine gun squad.
Ziegler was born in Neillsville. He attended Wildwood Grade School and graduated from Neillsville High School in 1958.
He worked at Laabs Dairy.
After returning home in Willard after being discharged, Ziegler worked at Laabs Dairy and continued with the National Guard until he was discharged in April 1966. He eventually moved to Neillsville.
Ziegler worked at Nelson Muffler for 27 years and became self-employed, selling and buying properties and timber.
Ziegler married Angie Horvat in 1964. They have five children, including David, Steve, Don, Tim and Denise, and three grandchildren.
After early retirement, Ziegler took interest in woodworking again after remembering working with the lathe in shop class. A hobby became a passion.
“So many things can be done with any given piece of wood,” he said.
He has become creative, exploring new designs or functions. He also enjoys hunting, fishing, competitive archery, reading and playing cards.
Although Ziegler will be honored throughout July with fellow veterans Donald Mashin and Leo Wiesner, there will be no potluck as usual. The potlucks have been suspended until further notice.
