Thomas “Tom” Zeigler, 65 of Grand Rapids, Ohio passed on from this world on October 27, 2017. Tom was born on July 9, 1952 in Fostoria, Ohio to (the late) Robert Zeigler and Donna Zeigler (Carpenter). From the age of 4, he became a big brother to Christa “Chris” Zeigler and at that moment he decided to be the ever present thorn in her …..side. Tom was a graduate of Tiffin Columbian High School in 1970. He attended the University of Toledo from 1970 –74 Majoring in English and minoring in Geography. In 1976, Tom began his career with the Toledo Police department starting as cadet. In July of 1976, unbeknownst to the citizens of the City of Toledo, they placed Tom on the road as a Patrolman. During his time with the Police department he served in the dispatch/communications center, records bureau, city jail, and as an accident investigator. Tom served with the City of Toledo Police department for almost 27 years before his retirement in 2001. He was instrumental with the city’s mounted division while he served as a mounted patrol officer. It was at this time he had discovered his love for horses and his horse “Commanche” who served with him until both their retirements in 2001. Tom continued with his love for horses with his son Matt and daughter Mandy and supported their passion through their time with 4-H and beyond. During his career and after retirement, Tom was very active with 4-H and served as an Advisor. Tom also served 10 years on the Wood County Fair Board as a director before retiring last year. Post his retirement from the Police department, Tom became a bus driver for BGSU for a short period before becoming a driver for Otsego Local schools both as a substitute and then full time until his passing and also worked for the late Keith Bradley Auctioneer where he was known to be his right-hand man.
Throughout his life Tom supported his children’s aspirations to follow their dreams. He was devoted to both of them. He also was the kind of guy if you had him as a friend, he was truly your friend and would do anything for you. Tom was a man who was truly face value, the kind of what you see is what you get and above all honest. Also, he always had a joke or one liner from a movie he would quote verbatim to get a laugh out of people. He loved to make the people he kept close feel happy and welcome as well as make them laugh until they would cry. During his fair board time, you could pick him out of a crowd a mile off because of his usual attire of a very loud Hawaiian shirt, and if you were lucky enough to serve with him on fair board, you may also know him as “Chopper 1” or from the ticket booth where unbeknownst to the citizens of Wood County he was released to sell tickets to the public. Tom also was a fantastic canner known for his canned pickles and sauerkraut winning awards for them. He also loved his cats and was a passionate and loyal Cleveland Indians fan.
Tom is survived by his Mother Donna Zeigler of Lima, Sister Christa Zeigler of Cincinnati, Son Matthew Zeigler of Bowling Green, Daughter Amanda Zeigler of Grand Rapids, his best friend Rick Snyder of Bowling Green, and his favorite granddogs Jemma and Kimber. He was preceded in death by his Father Robert Zeigler. He truly had an impact on people in his life and this area and will be deeply missed by those who were close to him especially his kids.
Arrangements have been entrusted with the DECK-HANNEMAN FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY, 1460 W. Wooster St. / P.O. Box 648, Bowling Green, Ohio 43402. Tele: 419-352-2171.
Memorial Contributions in Thomas’ honor may be gifted to the Wood County Humane Society for the cats, 801 Van Camp Road, Bowling Green, Ohio 43402.
Hanneman Family Funeral Homes is honored to serve Thomas’ family and encourage those to share a fond memory or condolence by visiting www.hannemanfh.com.
