Virgil William Ziegler 83, passed away on January 25, 2026, at the Decatur County Health Complex, Oberlin, KS. He was born July 31, 1942, to Adam and Genevieve Ziegler in rural Park, KS. He attended the Hoxie Public Schools and graduated from Hoxie High School in 1960.
Virgil attended Kansas State University in the fall of 1960, where he learned a lot and decided that college was not for him. He decided to volunteer for the draft with the US Army. He was in the Army from 1961-1963 as a PFC3 with the 5th Infantry Division at Fort Carson, Colorado. In 1963 he asked his Major if he should re-enlist or go home; after the advice of his major, He decided to return home and start his family and his life on the farm.
Virgil and Virginia moved to the farm in 1963; where he raised cows, pigs and chickens. He farmed the land rotating from wheat, milo and feed. Virgil decided in 1979 to go into the fat hog business and built the hog building. He raised fat hogs until the early 2000’s when he rented out the building to neighbors for their hogs.
In 2005 Virgil started his own Business, ZZ Mats. He made mats out of recycled tires. He made custom mats for trailers, feedlots, packing plants, and various other businesses. He enjoyed figuring out how to make the custom sized mats and delivering them all over the country.
Virgil retired in 2017 and enjoyed spending more time with Virginia. He traveled around the country, finding their favorite casinos. His hobbies included reading, playing cards and telling jokes. He enjoyed playing Keno at the pit stop in Quinter and having coffee with the farmers.
Virgil is survived by his three children, Kevin of Elkins, AR; Cynthia (Rob) Bieberle of Colby, KS; Patti (Shay) of Phoenix, AZ. He also leaves behind three beloved grandchildren: Anna Ziegler, Zell (Alysha) Bieberle, Tayler (Mason) Wright; one great-grandchild, Quinn Bieberle.
Virgil was preceded in death by his wife Virginia, parents Genevieve and Adam; and brother Leland.
The family would like to acknowledge with love and appreciation the care given by the staff who took care of him at the Decatur County Hospital, Kearney Regional and Amber Health in Hoxie.
A funeral service will be held on Thursday, January 29, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Mickey-Leopold Funeral Home. Visitation will take place on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home. The family will be present to receive friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. during visitation.
In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Sheridan County Benefit Walk. Memorials may be sent in care of Mickey-Leopold Funeral Home, PO Box 987, Hoxie, KS. 67740.