Helen M. Ziegler
Helen M. Ziegler , Age 100
Helen M. Ziegler, age 100, of Baraboo, passed away peacefully on Monday, April 7, 2025 at St. Clare Meadows Care Center.
Helen, daughter of Emil and Olga (Gall) Kowalke, was born January 25, 1925 in Reedsburg. She obtained her bachelors in kindergarten-primary from UW-Oshkosh and continued her studies at UW-Oshkosh obtaining her master’s in special education.
On June 14, 1947, she was united in marriage to Roland Ziegler; he preceded her in death on June 15, 1988.
Helen taught kindergarten in the Baraboo Public Schools and taught special education upon her retirement. She was a coach for various senior high girls’ leagues in her younger years.
She was a driving force in creating the special Olympics.
Helen was actively involved in various professional affiliations including, Baraboo Education Association, CEC, Central Valley Association for Retarded Citizens, Director of State Elk’s Ladies Bowling Association as well as President of Baraboo Junior Bowling Association to name a few.
She is survived by several nephews and nieces, as well as other relatives and dear friends, Bob and Sandy Greenwood.
Helen was preceded in death by her husband, Roland; an infant son, Steven in 1953; sister, Louise Metcalf; brothers, Lester, Victor, Clarence, Oscar and an infant brother, Vincent.
A Funeral Service for Helen will be held on Wednesday, April 23, 2025 at Redlin-Ertz Funeral Home at 1 p.m. with Pastor Kris Totzke officiating. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 11 a.m. until the time of service. Burial will follow at Walnut Hill Cemetery.
Condolences
Terry spencer April 08, 2025
Friend Baraboo , Wisconsin
Such a wonderful kind hearted sole she was. She was my kindergarten teacher 62 yrs ago at East school. She also talked me to help out with special Olympics and it was a wonderful experience. Helen and her husband Rolland were friends of my parents so they can all get together again and play cards. My sincerest condolences to any family members. You can guarantee Helen made this earth a better place for all.
Dennis and Penny Quandt April 08, 2025
Cousin Dothan , AL
Helen was a wonderful wife to my 2 cousin Rolland and a wonderful teacher to many rest in peace my sweet soul.My Dad and Mom played a lot of cards together ??
Don April 09, 2025
Student Atlanta , Georgia
I had Ms.Ziegler for kindergarten in 1959. I don't remember many of my teachers names from growing up but hers always stuck with me. It had to be from the impact she had on me as a little boy. My condolences.
Mary and Margaret Bebber April 09, 2025
Margaret was her student and athlete for Special Olympics Baraboo , Wisconsin
We are so sorry to hear of Helen's passing. She was an amazing woman. Helen was my sister's teacher at GLW and coach for Special Olympics. Helen is mentioned usually at a meal when my elbows go on the table and Margaret tells me to take them off the table (not proper table manners). Helen taught my sister well. Helen was a blessing to so many of her students and gave them all a wonderful opportunity to engage in life activities through her teaching them daily living skills and athletic skills through Special Olympics. I volunteered in my sister's class in the early 1980's (Mrs. Zeigler's class at GLW) and I am finishing up by 32nd year as a Special Education Teacher because of my work in Mrs. Zeigler's classroom. You were a wonderful member of the Baraboo community and will be missed. God Bless you Mrs. Zeigler.
Ann Effinger April 09, 2025
Friend Merrimac , Wisconsin
Probably no one has touched as many lives as "Mrs. Ziegler"! My older brother and I both knew her as our kindergarten teacher in the old red brick junior high building. Later, I knew Helen as a colleague when I returned to Baraboo to teach. Students from her kindergarten classes and special education will, I'm sure, remember her as a gentle, caring teacher and a wonderful, kind person. She will be missed.
Donna Olsen April 10, 2025
Friend Reedsburg , Wisconsin
Wonderful loving lady. Always smiling and friendly. She lived a wonderful life. Will be missed by many.
Michael Heiser April 10, 2025
Friend Baraboo , Wisconsin
I am so sorry to find out about Helen passing. I have known her many years. I coached junior bowling for years with her and Betty Hasenbaugh and attended her Hall of fame induction a few years back. She will be missed by all.
Carolyn Quinn Marquardt April 14, 2025
Former student Baraboo , Wisconsin
She was my Kindergarten teacher many years ago at East School, I have wonderful memories of her being a gentle ,soft spoken and very kind teacher. I know she touched so many lives, she definitely made a difference in this world and touched so many lives! Heaven gained a beautiful angel, may she rest easy!
Brenda Emery April 16, 2025
Friend NORTH FREEDOM , Wisconsin
Helen was an outstanding educator. She is the reason I taught special needs students for 35 years! Enjoyed helping in her classroom & taking her students to the bowling alley & other field trips. Rest easy Helen
Robert Spencer April 23, 2025
Friend Baraboo , Wisconsin
Helen and Roland were close friends with my parents. Helen bowled with my mother. She was 1 of many ladies who help my mother make lunches and sandwiches for the over 500 volunteers who participated in the 1961 Manhunt. I remember her helping long hours in the basement kitchen of the "old jail". She was the kindest person I knew growing up...