Kit Carson County, Colorado
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Kit Carson County Pioneers:

John and Christina Ziegler, 8 South 45 West



In 1880 Hutchinson County, Dakota Territory, Wilhelm Ziegler is farming, 34, with Barbara 33, John 7, Dorothea 12, Christian 2, and Frederic seven months.
Only the two youngest were born in the U.S., the others in Russia.
Wilhelm 1847-1935 is buried in Dennewitz Cemetery, South Dakota # 55751168,
"Married Barbara Friedrich on November 10, 1867 in Dennewitz, South Russia
*******Arrived in New York on May 17, 1877 aboard the "Vaderland""
Barbara (Friederich) Ziegler 1847-1934 is buried with him # 55751079

Christina is also in Hutchinson County in 1880, age 5, with Christian Boepple 39 and Johanna 36. Emanuel B. is 16, Johan 12, Frederic 7, and Christina 5, all born in Russia, Yathil 1 in Dakota.
Her parents and many siblings moved to Garfield County, Oklahoma, where her parents are buried.

In 1900 Kit Carson County, John is a stock raiser, born August 1872 in Russia, married four years to Christina R. January 1865, both born in Russia, immigrating in 1880. Richard E. was born August 1898 in South Dakota.

The William D. Ziegler who filed for a timber culture claim in 28, 1N 48W near Yuma is probably not an immediate family member.

In 1910 John and Christina are farming in Stratton precinct, with Richard 11, Wilhelm C. 9, Clara A. 7, Magdalene L. 5, and Otto R. 1, all four born in Colorado.

John was a witness for the 1910 claim of Karl Weis for land in 7S 45W , along with John Schmidke, John Weisshaar, and August Adolf.

John claimed a tract in the northeast quarter of section 6, 8S 45W, Kit Carson County, in 1911. He claimed the southeast quarter in 1913.

"The first light plant in the settlement was installed by the John Ziegler family in 1917. "

In 1920, still farming, they have William 19, Lena 15, Otto 11, Anna 8, Fred 5, Enna and Elma both 2, and Ester newborn.

In 1930, still farming, they have Lena L. 23, Otto R. 21, Anna N. 18, Fred J. 15, Emman and Elma both 13, and Esther L. 11.

In 1940 they have only Elma, 23.
John Ziegler - August 20, 1872-January 14, 1971 # 118872748 and Christina - January 14, 1876-November 19, 1963 # 118872665 are buried in Bethune, COlorado.

Funeral services for John Ziegler were held Jan 18 at the Immanuel Lutheran Church of Bethune. Rev. Earl Martell Officiated. "We Are Going Down the Valley" was sung by a quartet of Mr. Ziegler's grandsons. The congregation sang "Jesus Lead the Way". Pianist was Louise Schlichenmayer. Grandsons also acted as casket bearers. Final resting place was Immanuel Lutheran Church Cemetery north of Bethune.
John Ziegler, son of William and Barbara Ziegler, was born at Deniwitz, Russia, Aug 20, 1872. He was baptized in the Lutheran faith as an infant. He came to America with his parents in May of 1877 at the age of five years. The family settled on a farm near Scottland, S.D. There he spent his youth. Church and home cooperated in giving him a Christian training. He was confirmed in the Lutheran Church of Scottland on April 3, 1887. On Nov. 14, 1895, he was united in marriage with Christina Boepple of Scottland. This union was blessed with a long wedded life of 68 years. To this union was born 10 children; 4 sons and 6 daughters, 8 of whom are still living.
In April, 1899, Mr. and Mrs. Ziegler moved to the Settlement north of Bethune where they homesteaded. No fully satisfied, in 1903, they decided to move to Oklahoma, but after a year returned to their homestead north of Bethune. For a short time, from May until September 1935, they lived in Newberg, Ore. Once more they returned to the family farm near Bethune and lived there until November 1950. At the time they moved to Burlington. Here they lived until the time of Mrs. Ziegler's death, on Nov. 19 1963.
Mr. Ziegler became ill Dec. 27 1970 and was taken to the Memorial Hospital in Burlington. On January 11, 1971, he was transferred to St. Joseph's Hospital in Denver. There he passed away on Jan 14, 1971, at the age of 98 years, 4 months, 25 days. Mr. Ziegler is survived by 3 sons and 5 daughters: William and Fred Ziegler and Emma Dobler of Burlington; Otto Ziegler of Loveland; Mrs. Lena Strobel, Mrs. Anna Strobel, Mrs. Elma Stahlecker and Mrs. Esther Arends, all of Bethune. His wife, Christina, a son, Richard and a daughter, Clara and a grandson, Charles Dobler, preceded him in death.
Mr. Ziegler came from a large family of 8 brothers and 3 sisiters. He is survived by his sister, Katherina of Freeman, S.D., and 2 brothers, August and Edward Ziegler of Kaylor, S.D. Also among the survivors are, 27 grandchildren, 53 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandchild, and many other relatives and friends. Out of town relatives here for Mr. Ziegler's funeral were August, Edward and Alfred Ziegler of Kaylor, S.D. Richard and Gerhard Geiszler of Fredonia, N.D., Mr. and Mrs. Otto Ziegler of Loveland, John McClure and Calvin Strobel of Fort Collins, Mrs. Thomas Scott and Cindy of Aurora, Mr. and Mrs. Van Liufau of Haxtun, Mr. and Mrs. Reuben Ziegler and Mrs. and Mrs. Norman Arends and son of Cheyenne Wells, Mrs. Larry Bennett and Mrs. Ed Garrett of Pueblo.

" Funeral services were held for Mrs. Christina Ziegler, 87, Friday, Nov. 22, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Bethune, conducted by the Rev. Herbert J. Schauer. Burial was in the cemetery of Immanuel Lutheran Church.
Mrs. Christina Ziegler, daughter of Christina and Johanna Boepple, was born at Deniwitz, Russia, Jan. 14, 1876. She was baptized in the Lutheran faith as an infant. Before she was a year old she came to America with her parents in the fall of 1876. The family settled on a farm near Scotland, S.D. There she spent her youth. Church and home cooperated in giving her a Christian training. She was confirmed in the Lutheran Church of Scotland on March 30, 1890.
On Nov. 14, 1895, she was united in marriage with John Ziegler of Scotland. This union was blessed with a long wedded life of 68 years. To this union was born 10 children, 4 sons and 6 daughters, 8 of whom are still living.
In April, 1899, Mr. and Mrs. Ziegler moved to the Settlement north of Bethune where they homesteaded. Not fully satisfied, in 1903, they decided to move to Oklahoma, but after a year returned to their homestead north of Bethune. For a short time, from May until September, 1935, they lived in Newberg, Ore. Once more they returned to the family farm near Bethune and lived there until November 1950. At that time they moved to Burlington. Here they lived at the time of Mrs. Ziegler's death.
Mrs. Ziegler became ill and was taken to the Memorial Hospital in Burlington Nov. 8, 1963. Here she passed away Nov. 19, at the age of 87 years, 10 months, 5 days.
Mrs. Ziegler is survived by her husband, John, and by three sons and five daughters: William Ziegler and Mrs. Emma Dobler of Burlington; Mrs. Lena Strobel, Otto Ziegler, Mrs. Anna Strobel, Fred Ziegler, Mrs. Elma Stahlecker and Mrs. Esther Arends, all of Bethune. A son Richard and a daughter Clara and a grandson, Charles Dobler, preceded her in death.
Mrs. Ziegler came from a large family of seven brothers and four sisters. She is survived by a brother, Benjamin Boepple, of Enid, Okla., and a sister Mrs. Louise Kroeger, of Marshall, Okla. Also among the survivors are 28 grandchildren, 37 great grandchildren, many other relatives and friends.
Out-of-town relatives here for Mrs. Ziegler's funeral were Mr. and Mrs. Aug Ziegler, Mr. and Mrs. Edward Ziegler, Miss Katie Ziegler, all of Kaylor, S. D.; Mrs. Regina Schultz and son Willis, Richard and Gerhart Geissler, Fredonia, N. D.; Mr. and Mrs. Reinhold Boepple, Enid, Okla.; Mrs. Lydia Fairchild of Drummond, Okla.; Mr. and Mrs. Calvin Strobel and Curt of Fort Collins; Mr. and Mrs. Alvin Strobel of Haxtun; Mr. and Mrs. Vantura Linfau and children of Elbert. "



August 9, 1928 Yuma, Colorado "Mrs Harrington and children of Arapahoe, Nebraska, of Riverton, came in Friday by auto for a visit with Yuma relatives and friends, the former visiting at the home of her cousin Mrs. R.R. Archer and Mrs. Ziegler at the A.G. Wolff home. The guests left Saturday for a visit in Denver."

In 1954, when Edwin Belt married Joyce Darling in Bethune, his nephew Rodney Ziegler was ringbearer, Ruben Ziegler was an usher, Mrs. Rueben Ziegler, sister of the groom, served refreshments, and Arlene and Nerita Ciegler served at the bride's table.

RICHARD

Richard 1898-1917 is buried in Bethune # 118872775. One family photo is captioned "Richard was killed on a stationary engine."

CLARA

Clara E. Ziegler 1903-1910 is buried in Bethune, # 118872697..
She drowned when her mother and the treee smallest children were returning from a visit in Oklahoma, on a train that drove into a wash-out bridge near Belleville, Kansas.

WILLIAM

Wm. C. Ziegler, 23, married Hulda Stahlecker on May 4, 1924 in Bethune.

They're farming in Kit Carson County in 1930, William 29, Hulda 27, Reuben H. 4, Leona 2, and Ella newborn.

In 1940, William is an auto mechanic in Bethune, 39, Hulda 36, Reuben 14, Leona 12, Ella 10, Gladys 7, Narieta 3, and Hulda's brother Herbert Stahlecker 26 is running a cream station.


William 1900-1984 is buried in Bethune # 118872791, with Huloda 1903-1991.

Final rites for William (Bill) Ziegler were Saturday, March 3, 1984, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Bethune at 1:30 p.m. Rev. Michael Greenwalt officiated. Song selections included "Going Down The Valley," "Church in the Wildwood," sung by the choir; "Abide With Me," "Jesus Savior Pilot Me," by the congregation and "Let Me Go" by Alvin Strobel. Casket bearers were Roger Weisshaar, Ronald Weisshaar, Rodney Ziegler, Stuart Ziegler, Blaine Hines and Darwin Stolz. Burial was in the Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery north of Bethune.
William Christian Ziegler passed away on Feb. 29, 1984, after a long convalescence at Grace Manor Nursing Home in Burlington, He was born on Nov. 13, 1900, at Claremont (Stratton Colo. to John and Christina Ziegler, who immigrated to this country from Russia in the late 1800's. John and Christina also raised nice other children: Lena, Anna, Emma, Elma, Esther, Fred, along with Richard, Clara and Otto who have preceded William in death. William was raised on the family farm north of Bethune, and resided in the area farming until he retired in 1963. At that time, he and his wife, Hulda, moved their residence to Burlington. William was baptized into the Christian faith at Immanuel Lutheran Church on Dec. 9 1900, and was confirmed in April, 1917. He was united in marriage to Hulda Stahelcker of Bethune on May 4, 1924, at Immanuel Lutheran Church. Both William and his wife Hulda were faithful and active members of their church, with William in his younger years serving on numerous committees of the congregation. One of the many things William is fondly remembered for by the congregation is the many years he and John Adolf operated the refreshment stand on Children's Day.
William is survived by his beloved wife Hulda; their children, Rueben and wife Wilma of Broomfield, Leona Weisshaar and her husband Lee of Burlington, Ella Griffin of Riverdale, Md., Gladys Stolz and her husband Bud of Burlington. Narieta Hines and her husband Keith of Enid, Okla. There are also 17 grandchildren, 3 step grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, and 9 step great grandchildren. He also leaves to mourn; his sisters, Lena Strobel and her husband Albert, Anna Strobel and her husband Emil, Emma Dobler and her husband Art, Elma Stahlecker and her husband Ralph, Esther Arends and her husband Carl and his brother Fred. In addition to numerous relatives and friends. May God bless his memory.

"Hulda Stahlecker Ziegler passed away on June 14, 1991, at Grace Manor Care Center in Burlington, where she had been a resident for the past eight years. She was born in Yale, one June 11, 1903, to Frederick and Jakobine Stahlecker. Frederick and Jacobine also raised four other children: Emil, Robert, Herbert and Amanda. Hulda was raised on the family farm north of Bethune. She was baptized in the Christian faith on Oct 25, 1903, at Immanuel Lutheran Church and was confirmed in April 1917. She was united in marriage to William Ziegler on May 4, 1924, at Immanuel Lutheran Church. They lived on their farm north of Bethune until May of 1963, when they retired and moved to Burlington. Both Hulda and William were faithful and active members of the church, Hulda having been a member of ALCW. Five children were born to this union: Reuben, Leona, Ella, Gladys and Narieta.
Hulda is survived by her son Rueben and his Wilma of Broomfield; Leona Weisshaar and her husband Lee of Burlington; Ella Pearson and her husband Gene of Riverdale MD; Gladys Stolz and her husband Bud of Burlington; and son-in-law Keith Hines of Enid, Okla. There are also 23 grandchildren, 46 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild. Hulda was preceded in death by her husband, Bill; her daughter, Narieta Hines; parents Jakobine and Fredrick; and sister Amanda.
Funeral services were held on June 19, 1991 at Immanuel Lutheran Church at 10:30 a.m. with Rev. Ron Powers officiating. Song selections sung by the church Men's Choir included Going Down the Valley and When the Roll is Called Up Yonder. Abide with Me and Shall we Gather at the River were sung by the congregation. Casket bearers were her grandsons: Kevin, Robin and Dawson Weisshaar; Darwin and Sidney Stolz; and Rodney Ziegler/ Burial was in the Immanuel Cemetery north of Bethune. Hulda also leaves a host of nieces, nephews and friends who will all miss her greatly."

Their daughter Leona married Lee S. Weisshaar on December 15, 1946. She was 18, Lee was 22. Leona 1927-1999 is buried in Bethune, with Lee Sylvester Weisshaar 1924-2007.
"Leona Mae Ziegler Weisshaar was born to William and Hulda Ziegler on Dec. 27, 1927, north of Bethune in the family home. She was the second oldest of five children. She attended Bethune School through eighth grade. Leona was baptized at Immanuel Lutheran Church on Feb. 5, 1928, confirmed in 1944, and continued to be a very active member in both the congregation and ILCA (Ladies' Aid) until the time of her death.
On Dec. 15, 1946, she married Lee Weisshaar. This union was blessed with six children. In addition to raising her family, she was employed by the Burlington schools and Ben Franklin Store for many years. In her later years, Leona enjoyed caring for and spoiling her grandchildren. On Wednesday, July 28, 1999, at the age of 71, while in hospice care, Leona joined her Savior. Leona was preceded in death by her parents: brother Rueben Ziegler; and sisters Narieta Hines and Ella Pearson.
She is survived husband Lee of the home: sister Gladys Stolz and Bud Burlington; brothers and sisters-in-law Keith Hines of Oklahoma, Gene Person of Delaware, Wilma Ziegler of Broomfield, David and Alvina Guy and Harold and Esther Weisshaar, all of Burlington. Leona is also survived of her children Ron and Jean, Donna and Fred Schauer of Clinton, Iowa, Roger and Beth, Kevin and Cindy, Robin and Tina, and Dawson and Tamara; 17 grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, and friends. Memorial services were Saturday, July 31, 1999, 10 a.m., at Immanuel Lutheran Church near Bethune with Pastor Wesley Dunbar officiating. Musical selections were "The Old Rugged Cross," "What A Friend We Have In Jesus," and "Blessed Assurance." Pianist was Velda Adolf. Casket bearers were Rodney Ziegler, Stuart Ziegler, Darwin Stolz, Kent Weisshaar, Sidney Stolz, Jerry Guy, Grant Guy, Duane Weisshaar and Blane Hines. Honorary escorts were Leona's grandchildren. Interment was at Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery. "

Rueben H. Ziegler 1925-1994 is also buried in Bethune # 118872763.

Ella Ziegler, 19, married Claude H. Smith, 23, on August 17, 1948 in Kit Carson County.

Ella Jean Ziegler Zenaty, 35, married Charles Edward Griffin in Arlington, Virginia on October 19, 1964.
She was born July 26, 1929 at Bethune, name Smith in 1948, Ziegler in 1951, Zenaty in 1952, Hiatt in 1956, Griffin in 1964, and Pearson in 1986, dying September 15, 1996.
Ella J. Pearson is buried in Sussex County, Delaware # 111007011.

One index has Ella Griffin's addresses in Riverdale, Md., Millville DE, and Ocean View Delaware
"Eugene Elwood Pearson, Sr., Eugene E Pearson, Jr., Teresa Gail Pearson , Thomas J Pearson "

Gladys Josephine Stolz was born on Jan. 26, 1933. She departed this world on Monday, May 2, 2016, at the age of 83, after a prolonged illness and stay at Grace Manor Care Center in Burlington.
Gladys was the daughter of William (Bill) and Hulda Ziegler. Her parents and siblings (Reuben Ziegler, Ella Pearson, Leona Weisshaar, and Narieta Hines) all preceded her in death.
Gladys married William Frank (Bud) Stolz on March 23, 1952, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, north of Bethune, in the midst of a historic snow storm which has been talked about throughout the generations. This union was blessed with three children: Darwin (Dog) Reuben, Bridget Marie, and Sidney William. Bud died on Feb. 25, 2007, after 54 years of marriage.
Gladys was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and cousin. She enjoyed spending time with her friends and family, and loved taking care of her grandkids including, Carrie Weisshaar. She was very involved in Immanuel Lutheran Church until her death. She was a regular Sunday School teacher, church pianist, Ladies Aid member, synod representative and always sat in the same pew with her sister, Leona, and their husbands. She loved gardening and canning, especially making her famous dill pickles. She also enjoyed cooking German food, especially strudels and bierocks. She loved playing all games but especially Yahtzee with her sister-in-law Blanche Beckstrom.
In addition, Gladys enjoyed working with her sister, Leona, at the Ben Franklin store for John and Joan Swick, where they made annual Easter Baskets and marked all of the merchandise.
Those left to cherish Gladys' memory are her son, Darwin and his wife Katherine of Burlington; daughter Bridget Patrick, and her husband Tim of Aurora, and son Sidney of Washington, D.C.
She leaves five grandchildren: Chris Patrick (Lake Elsinore, Calif.), Bryan Stolz (Washington, DC), Justin Stolz (Washington, DC), Brandi Patrick (Aurora), and Mack Patrick (Dubuque, Iowa). Gladys is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins and very special friends.
Funeral services for Gladys were held on Friday, May 6, 2016, at 2 p.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church north of Bethune, with Pastors Bryce Fellbaum and Fred Schauer officiating. Burial followed in the Immanuel Lutheran Church cemetery, north of Bethune.

FRED


Funeral services for Friederich John Ziegler were held Tuesday, Aug. 22, 1989, at 1:30 p.m. at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Burlington with Rev. Norman Fermrite officiating. Song selections were In the Garden, How Great Thou Art, The Old Rugged Cross and Nearer My God to Three. The pianist was Bev County and Alvin Strobel was the soloist. Casket bearers were Kelly Weiss, Mark Beringer, Eric Ziegler, Greg Ziegler, Grant Ziegler and Rolland Nider. Honorary casket bearers were Arnold Strobel, Calvin Stobel, Art Strobel, LeRoy Arends, Norman Arends, Roland Strobel, Ruben Ziegler, Leland Strobel, Donald Ziegler, Kenneth Dobler, Paul Arends and Dennis Arends. Interment was in Fairview Cemtery [sic] in Burlington with Hendricks Mortuary of Burlington in charge of arrangements.
Friederich John Ziegler was born April 12, 1914, to John and Christine Ziegler at the family homestead in the German Settlement north of Bethune. He was baptized and confirmed at Immanuel Lutheran Church in the Settlement. His childhood was spend on the homestead except for 1935 when the family moved to Oregon and Washington to work in various fruit and hop [sic] harvests.
Two years after their return, Fred married Hilda Wolf on June 6, 1937. To this union was born three children: Geraldine (Weiss), Delmer and Fred. In March of 1942, Milbert Beringer joined this family following the death of his parents and sister. Fred and Hilda enjoyed raising their family and farming north of Bethune. After his wife Hilda died in 1956, Fred continued farming on the homestead until it was sold in 1978. During his life he was always active in the church, serving on church council and as an officer. He was involved in other organizations, serving on committees and councils including the A.S.C.S. and the Co-op board.
After selling the farm he moved to Burlington and transferred his membership to St. Paul's Lutheran Church. Due to illness, he spent the past 5 1/2 years at Eben Ezer Lutheran Care Center in Brush, where he departed this life Aug. 19, 1989. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Christina; his wife, Hilda; three brothers, Richard, Otto, and Bill; one sister, Clara; 1 son-in-law, Eilert Weiss, 1 grandson, Curt Beringer. He is survived by five sisters, Anna Strobel, Lena Strobel, Alma Stahlecker, Emma Dobler and Esther Arends. His children, Geraldine Weiss, Delmer and Sharon Ziegler, Fred and Karen Ziegler, and Milbert and Aldine Beringer. He is also survived by 11 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, and a host of other relatives and friends.

OTTO


Funeral services for Otto Ziegler were Tuesday, Jan 25; at 2 p.m. in the Trinity Lutheran Church in Burlington. Officiating was Pastor Robert Graul. Song selections included the choir singing "How Great Thou Art" and the congregation singing "O Master Let me Walk With Thee" and "Beautiful Savior". The organist was Darlene Smikahl. Casket bearers were Arnold Strobel, Ruben Ziegler, LeRoy Arends, Leland Strobel, Kenny Dobler, Delmer Ziegler. Honorary casket bearers were Albert Strobel, Art Dobler, Carl Arends, Fred Ziegler, Emil Strobel, Ralph Stahlecker, Bill Ziegler and Bill Beines. Hendricks Mortuary was in charge of the arrangements. Burial was in Fairview Cemetery, Burlington.
Otto Reinold Ziegler was born Nov 23, 1908, northwest of Bethune to John and Christina Ziegler on the homestead place. Otto was baptized on Jan 10, 1909, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Bethune. He later confirmed his faith on April 1, 1923. On Sept. 30 1932, in Burlington he was united in marriage to Hilda Viola Adolf. To this union three children were born.
Otto and Hilda made their home on the homestead farm until the dust storms of the 30's influenced a move to the state of Washington. They later moved back to the farm until 1966, when they moved to Loveland. In 1975 they moved back to Burlington where he finished out his years on earth.
Otto served on the Farm Bureau, R.E.A., Church Council at Immanuel for 20 years. He enjoyed all forms of music. He was a member of the Wagon Wheelers Square Dancers of Burlington and Goodland, he sang in the church choir, played in a band in his younger years playing various string instruments, organ, and trombone. He also fixed clocks, watches and small machines during his retirement years.
Otto was preceded in death by one brother, Richard, and one sister, Clara. Otto Reinold Zielger departed this life Jan. 21, in Colorado Springs, at the age of 74 years, one month and 28 days. Survivors include his wife, Hilda of the home; Ernest of Colorado Springs; Darlene Hendricks of Bethune; and Don J. of Colorado Springs; eight grandchildren – Tryn Pizel, Todd Hendricks, Jeff, Brian and Darren Ziegler, Marlene Ziegler, Kathey and Lilli Ziegler; two great grandchildren – Lakeesh and Mercedes Ziegler; five sisters – Lena Strobel, wife of Albert of Burlington, Anna Strobel, wife of Emil of Bethune, Elma Stahlecker, wife of Ralph of Bethune; Emma Dobler, wife of Art of Burlington, Esther Arends, wife of Carl of Burlington; and two brothers – Bill and Fred of Burlington.

"Final services for Hilda, age, 90, were held Saturday, Dec. 20 2003, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Burlington with Pastor Bill Viergutz officiating. Her nephew, Father Greg Adolf of Tuscson, Ariz., read the obituary. Pallbearers were all of Hilda's eight grandchildren. Urn bearers were two of her grandsons, Todd Hendricks and Brian Ziegler.
Special music by Arnold, Alvin, Roland, Art and Leland Strobel, Delmar Ziegler, Loren Lambert, Milbert Beringer. Songs selected were " Just a Closer Walk With Thee" and "Precious Memories," accompanied by LuAnn Nitsch. Congregational hymns were led by organist, Kathy van Maarth. Ushers were Delmar Ziegler and Wayne Adolf.
Hilda was the oldest of eight children born to A.W. and Mary Adolf on Sept. 26, 1913, at the farm home south of Bethune. She was baptized, confirmed and married at Immanuel Lutheran Church in the German settlement where she was a member for many years. She also attended German instruction school there for two summers. She belonged to Ladies Aide in later years and taught Sunday school there.
Hilda was her father's "son" since there were no boys born until after three more girls. She did all of the fieldwork with a team of four special horses each having a name and she trained them well. She farmed 80 acres two times over each year. Her "PaPa" would start her in the field and then leave her for the day. She was about 10 years old at the time. For her per, PaPa would take her into Denver and let her pick out something special for herself. Recalling a black satin dress with a large red rose at the waist and another time, a 12-piece setting of china. Another special treat was attending Elitch Garden Amusement Park in Denver. She told of the many happy childhood days with her sisters, Madie, Leona, and Gladys. And then brother Art Della, Eva and Allan summed up the count.
Hilda attended her first school years at an adobe school in the settlement and then was sent to Bethune where she was a member of the first graduating class in 1931. She was also a member of the first girls basketball team, playing for our years.
On Sept. 30 1932, she married Otto Ziegler whose family lived on a neighboring homestead to the west. She and Otto played in the Immanuel's 16-member uniformed band. Hilda's instrument was the saxophone. They play at various functions around Bethune and Burlington. She enjoyed playing her organ in later years.
Their first son, Ernest Lee was born in 1933, delivered by the settlement's midwife, Margaret Adolf.
Then the "dust bowl" days forced them to leave their home and land and they moved to Washington state in 1934. In 1934 Otto was offered work by a farmer in the Wapato Valley and also took a course in electrical wiring of houses. Hilda worked hard as a homemaker and moth. She raised a large garden and also worked picking various fruit crops in the valley.
Darlene was born in Yakima, Wash. On June 23, 1936. When things began to improve back in Eastern Colorado, they returned to their farm and began again in 1938. Work was very hard but paid off with a few decent crops and Hilda and Otto built a new house on the farm. Donald J. was born in 1940. Hilda was also a Busy Bee 4-H leader, teaching several girls to sew and cook. She was also a "mother" to many of Darlene's nursing school classmates, whom she sewed for and kept supplied with a steady flow of baked goods to Colorado Springs.
Otto and Hilda retired from farming in 1965, turning it over to Don and his wife Rita. They moved to Loveland, where Darlene was living. Hilda worked in the dietary department of Loveland Memorial Hospital for 6 years, moved back to Burlington in 1971 and worked at Kit Carson County Memorial Hospital for 12 years before retiring in 1983.
She and Otto were members of the Wagon Wheelers square dance club of which two of her two nieces, Donna Kay and Esther also belonged. Hilda was a volunteer at the Colorado Welcome Center at Burlington. A member of the Retired Seniors Volunteer Program at McArthur Senior Center. She spent many hours there, doing hand quilting, visiting with her many lady friends and enjoying potluck lunches with them several times a week.
When Hilda's health began to decline, she and Darlene sold their home and moved to Heath Gardens in Aurora in 2001 where she could continue care with specialists. She fought a hard battle being diagnosed with Myelodysplasia which is a very aggressive form of Leukemia. On Nov. 12 she suffered a fall in her home shattering her left shoulder/arm and cracked pelvis. This added to her already grave situation. She spent five days in the hospital and two weeks in a nursing home after the fall. Then she went home to be cared for by Darlene and Tryn with the help of Metro of Denver Hospice. She died in the early morning of Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2003.
Hilda is survived by her daughter Darlene of Aurora at Heather Gardens, son Donald and wife Rita of Colorado Springs. Hilda was preceded in death by her husband and her oldest son Ernest Lee, her parents, one brother, Art Adolf of Phoenix and one sister, Gladys Patterson of Littleton. Surviving brothers and sisters are Amanda Richards of Burlington, Leona Hefner or Kalamazoo, Mich., Della Pugh of Aurora, Eva Wood of Yuma, and Allan of Bethune.
Hilda has eight grandchildren, Tryn Hendricks of Littleton, Todd Hendricks of Littleton, Jeff Ziegler of Gilbert Ariz.., Brian Ziegler of Aurora, Darin Ziegler of Colorado Springs, Lilli Curtis and Cathy Edwards both of Las Vegas, Nev., and Marlene Kelly of Elma, Kan. Nine great-grandchildren, four great-granddaughters – many nieces, nephews, cousins by the dozens scattered over many states. She will be greatly missed by all her family and friends including "newly" made friends from Building 231 at Heather Gardens, Aurora. Memorial gifts may be sent to Community First National Bank in Burlington and branches in Englewood and Aurora."

Hilda's father August Wilhelm Adolf 1890-1985 is buried in Bethune, with Eva Maria (Mary( Weisshaar Adolf 1892-1989.



LENA

Lena L. Ziegler, 25, married Albert E. Strobel in Fort Collins (recorded in Kit Carson County) on April 25, 1931.

She's buried in Bethune 1906-1994 # 136690328, with Albert 1904-1985.

EMMA

Emma was also born March 4, 1917 at Bethune, marrying Arthur P. Dobler on April 11, 1937.

Emma is buried in Burlington 1917-2006 # 15171102, with Arthur.

On March 4, 1917, Emma was the eighth child born to John and Christina (Boepple) Ziegler at Bethune, Colorado. She was baptized at Immanuel Lutheran Church and received her early Christian training from her parents and the church family. Emma was confirmed at an early age.
After finishing the eighth grade, she worked for several families in the Bethune and Burlington area doing general housework and caring for newborn babies. She and her twin sister, Elma, also worked as housekeepers at Sloans Motel for several years.
On April 11, 1937, Emma Ziegler and Arthur Dobler were united in marriage. The ceremony took place on a Sunday afternoon at the Hope Congregational Church parsonage. They left that same afternoon to begin their life together on an irrigated farm near Proctor, Colorado. It was at this location, that their first son, Kenneth Lee, was born on March 29, 1938.
After the drought conditions had subsided, in 1940, Art and Emma moved north of Bethune, back to the original family homestead where Art and his brothers had grown up. On December 1, 1942, a second son, Charles Leslie, was born.
They moved to a home three miles west of Burlington in the fall of 1952. They made this move so their sons could attend school at the Burlington High School. Before this move took place, they began planting the windbreak around the new farm location. Approximately three years later, they began building a new house. At the time of the move, they transferred their church membership to the First Christian Church in Burlington, Colorado.
During their many years of farming and ranching, Emma was always willing to lend a helping hand and was ready to do whatever was needed.
Emma enjoyed many years of singing in the church choir and providing fresh flower arrangements from her yard for the worship service and other church activities. She and Betty Riemer were relied upon for decorations at many of the church festivities. Emma was always one of the first to arrive at the church for cleaning and painting days, as well. She was very active in the Church Women’s Fellowship group and the Burlington Garden Club. She loved her yard and willingly shared many lupine and columbine seeds, alum bulbs, tulips, iris, and other flowers, bushes and trees. She completely wore out several pairs of gloves, hoes, shovels, scoops, and spray nozzles that fit on the end of a hose.
Emma loved her great grandchildren, and they always thought that she should share in their events such as ballgames and 4-H projects and activities. She attended all that she could, up until the last couple years. Her love for cats can be seen in her great grandchildren, as well. She was very proud to be able to take her white cats to the school for show and tell.
Emma had a very close relationship with her twin sister, Elma Emma. They would visit daily on the telephone, in German of course. If they were planning on going to the same place, you would usually see them dressed alike. They continued to do this up until the time they needed more special care.
Emma moved to the Legacy in Burlington in December 2002. On October 4, 2004, she moved to the Good Samaritan Care Center in Goodland, Kansas where she resided until the time of her death on May 21, 2006.
Emma is survived by her son, Kenneth and wife Cathy, grandson, Ron Dobler, granddaughter, Luann Nitsch and husband Jeff, and great grandchildren, Caleb and Caitlyn Nitsch, all of Burlington. Other survivors are a twin sister Elma Stahlecker of Colorado Springs, brother-in-law, Elmer Dobler and wife Delores of Burlington, sister-in law, Freda Dobler of Independence, Missouri, and a host of nieces and nephews.
Preceding her in death was her husband, Art, of 65 years (April of 2002), son Charles (June of 1963), her mother and father, brothers Richard, Bill, Otto, and Fred Ziegler, and sisters Clara Ziegler, Lena Strobel, Anna Strobel, and Esther Arends.
Funeral services were held on Thursday, May 25, 2006 at 10:30 AM at the First Christian Church in Burlington, with Pastors Ralph Datema and Paul Barker officiating. Merna Carlin, a special friend, provided organ music for the service. Musical selections were provided by Emma's nephews. They were accompanied by her granddaughter, Luann Nitsch. Casket Bearers were grandson, Ron Dobler, Jeff Nitsch and nephews, Leroy Arends, Arnold Strobel, Leland Strobel and Delmer Ziegler. Honorary Bearers were her great grandchildren, Caleb and Caitlyn Nitsch and her remaining nieces and nephews. Burial followed in the Fairview Cemetery in Burlington. Visitation was held on Wednesday from 6-8PM at the funeral home.


ELMA

Elma (Ziegler) Stahlecker is buried in Burlington # 89678226.

Elma (Ziegler) Stahlecker was born on March 4, 1917. She was the 9th child born to John and Christina (Boepple) Ziegler in Bethune. She was baptized at Immanuel Lutheran Church and received her early Christian training from her parents and her church family. Elma was confirmed at an early age.
After finishing the 8th grade, she worked for several families in the Bethune and Burlington area doing general housework and caring for newborn babies. She and her twin sister Emma also worked as housekeepers at the Sloan’s Motel for several years.
On April 19, 1940 Elma Ziegler and Ralph Stahlecker were united in marriage at the Lutheran Church in Goodland, KS. Following the ceremony, they were invited to sister Lena and Albert Strobel's house for chicken noodle soup.
They lived and farmed north of Bethune until retirement, then moved to Burlington.
During their many years of farming and ranching, Elma was always willing to lend a helping hand and was ready to do whatever was needed.
Elma was always one of the first to arrive at the church for cleaning and painting days as well. She and her husband Ralph were custodians of the church for 32 years.
She was an avid gardener and had a love for flowers. You could always find Elma working in the flower booth at the county fair.
Elma loved her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Even at her busiest, she was always delighted to baby sit or do whatever was needed.
Elma had a very close relationship with her twin sister Emma. They would visit daily on the phone, in German of course. If they were planning on going to the same place, you would usually see them dressed alike. They continued to do this until they needed more special care.
Elma moved to the Sunrise Assisted Living in Colorado Springs in August of 2004 in the special care unit. She resided there until the time of her death on November 15, 2006.
Elma is survived by her daughters; Beulah and her husband Loren Lambert of Burlington and Annette Geist of Colorado Springs. She is also survived by her grandson Kyle Lambert and his wife Tracy of Burlington, granddaughter Toni Balestra of Colorado Springs, great grandchildren Zachary Lambert and Brittney Balestra/Villani. Other survivors include sister-in-laws Frieda Schlichenmayer of Burlington and Lillian Stahlecker of Buhl, Idaho.
Preceding her in death was her husband Ralph of 64 years, her mother and father, brothers; Richard, Bill, Otto and Fred Ziegler and sisters Clara Ziegler, Lena Strobel, Anna Strobel, Esther Arends and Emma Dobler.
Funeral services for Mrs. Stahlecker were held on Monday, November 20, 2006 at 2:00 PM at the Hope Congregational Church north of Bethune with Pastor Carl Rogers officiating. Burial followed in the Fairview Cemetery in Burlington. Visitation was held on Sunday, November 19, 2006 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at the Love Funeral Home in Burlington.


ESTHER

Esther L. Arends - 1919-1996 is buried in Burlington # 88867195, with Carl Arends 1909-2003.

ANNA

Anna Marie was born December 26, 1911 at Bethune to John Ziegler and Christina Boepple, dying July 15, 2000 as Strobel.

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