Paul Edward Ziegler

Paul Edward Ziegler, 70, of Palmer, died at home lovingly surrounded by his family on April 15 after a battle with lung cancer. He was born Jan. 21, 1939 in Perham, Minn., the son of Arthur and Kathryn Ziegler. Paul was the son of a farmer and worked in the fields all his young life.

After graduating high school Paul joined the Army Reserves and in 1961 he ventured out for a new life in Alaska. Paul drove the Alcan Highway bound for Alaska in a ‘51 Studebaker with his best friend turned brother-in-law, Bob Weis.

Shortly after arriving in Alaska, Paul started his own excavating business. He also spent four years in Kantishna mining for gold. He continued to run heavy equipment the rest of his life, with dreams of gold always in the back of his mind. He became one of the most well-known operators in the state due to his incredible skill, hard work and charisma.

Paul loved the outdoors. He loved gold mining, hunting, fishing, working hard and spending time with his family. He was an honorable man who greeted you with a firm handshake and a good word. He had an infectious sense of humor that brought smiles to the faces of all those around him, even during times of need. He was unselfish in nature and always put others before himself.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents Arthur and Kathryn Ziegler and brother Alvin Ziegler.

He is survived by his loving wife Cindy and five wonderful sons, Steven Ziegler and his wife Lisa, Kenneth Ziegler, Robert Ziegler and his wife Kim, Zac Ziegler, Christopher Ziegler all of Palmer; grandchildren Jake, Skye, Katie, Sasha, Howie, David, Dusty, Alyx, and Isabel; sisters Joan and her husband Bob Weis of Fairbanks and Violet Zitzow of Minnesota; four nieces and nephews in Fairbanks and out of state and sister-in-law, Mrs. Donna Ziegler of Minnesota.

Visitation will be held from 4-8 p.m. on Monday at Valley Funeral Home, 2020 Hemmer Road in Palmer. The funeral will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday at St. John Lutheran Church in Palmer with the Rev. Jonathan Rockey officiating. Interment will be at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the American Cancer Society.