Douglas Russell (Rusty) Ziegler left this earthly world to go fishing in the "big" lake on December 22, 2017, after a valiant battle with ALS.

He was born on April 26, 1950 in Defiance, Ohio.  He was the son of Douglas B. and Nellie Jean (Gares) Ziegler.

Rusty is survived by his Mom and care-giver, Nellie Jean Ziegler, brother Scott (Lisa Geha) Ziegler, Toledo, Ohio, sisters, Lynn (Gary) Bishop, Defiance, Ohio, Lisa (Tony) Hinger, Cincinnati, Ohio, Lori (Ron) Garland, Mason, Ohio; nieces and nephews, Nathan (Jen) Ziegler and family, Michael Ziegler, Joseph (Abby) Lewin-Ziegler, Nicholas (Jenna) Bishop, Hannah (Jake) Phillips, Bradley Hinger, Meredith Hinger and Elise Hinger, Adam Garland and Jacob Garland.

He was met in heaven by his Dad, Douglas B. Ziegler, and grandparents Donald B. and Alma Ziegler and Herbert and Elsie Gares.

Rusty loved fishing, hunting and his canine companion, Miss Ziggy.  He talked about the "big catch", of which he never caught.  He was a lifetime member of the Defiance Area Fish and Game Association.  He also loved and missed his "family" from Annawan, Illinois.  They were very dear to him, looked after him and brought him home when the time had come to return.  Rusty enjoyed visiting with friends over a cup of coffee and kept in contact with some of his high school friends.  His "Mundane Report" on Facebook will live on through his past posts, "Yes".

His family will remember his good-natured smile, his captivating personality and his clowning around on his chariot with his sword held high and a twinkle in his eye.
We will also be forever grateful for his loving extended family in Annawan.  Everybody loved Rusty!

Rusty selflessly donated his body to science so a cure can be found for this life altering condition.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.  Memorials can be made to the Defiance Area Fish and Game, PO Box 1011, Defiance, OH 43512 or Great Lakes Caring Hospice, 900 Cooper Street, Jackson, MI, 49202, or a charity of the donor's choice.  Online condolences may be expressed at www.schafferfh.com.