Gretchen A. Ziegman's Obituary
Gretchen Ziegman, of North Ridgeville, Ohio, passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones on Christmas Eve, December 24, 2022. She was born in Harmony, MN and graduated from Harmony High School in 1949. Gretchen worked at an insurance agency until relocating to TX where she was a civilian employee of the government. There she met her future husband, Robert J. Ziegman of Lorain, OH who was stationed in San Antonio with the Air Force. They married in 1955 and moved to North Ridgeville, OH in 1958. Gretchen was employed by Thew Shovel in Elyria and later as librarian at St. Peter School for 19 years. After retirement, she volunteered with New Life Hospice as their librarian. Gretchen loved music and passed that love onto her children and grandchildren. She loved playing the piano and yodeling much to everyone’s delight. Barbershop music was her favorite and she sang in a barbershop group, “The Harmonettes”, performing at several local venues. Gretchen’s Norwegian heritage was evident in many ways, especially when she would make lefse for her family. She had a keen interest in genealogy and kept family records that go back generations. She enjoyed the companionship and friendship of many good neighbors both on Center Ridge Road and in the Savannah Community.
Gretchen is survived by daughters Greta Ziegman of North Ridgeville, Nancy (Randy) Wolfinger of Finksburg, MD, and dear family friend, Kathy Kocak, of North Ridgeville. She was the proud grandmother of Peter Wolfinger of Boston, MA and Julie (Dustin) Tarlow of Baltimore, MD. Gretchen also cherished her two great grandchildren Emmett and Maya of Baltimore, MD. She leaves behind sisters Helen Rimarcik, Evelyn (Wayne) Stapelkamp, and Nelda Medchill.
Gretchen was preceded in death by Robert, her husband of 55 years, her parents, Esther and Henry Peterson, brother Dennis Peterson, sister Norma Ringham, and brothers-in-law Paul Rimarcik and Fred Ringham.
Due to the holidays and to accommodate out of town family and guests, viewing will be Wednesday, January 4, 2023 from 3:00PM-7:00PM at Bogner Family Funeral Home, North Ridgeville. A prayer service will be held on Thursday, January 5, 2023 at 9:30AM in the funeral home followed by a 10:00AM Mass of Christian Burial at St. Peter Catholic Church, 35777 Center Ridge Rd., North Ridgeville. The funeral mass will be live streamed on St. Peter's website. https://stpeternr.org/broadcast-events
In lieu of flowers, Gretchen would appreciate donations to her favorite charities: St. Jude Children’s Hospital, New Life Hospice, or a charity of your choice.
What’s your fondest memory of Gretchen?
What’s a lesson you learned from Gretchen?
Share a story where Gretchen's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Gretchen you’ll never forget.
How did Gretchen make you smile?