Timothy Ziegler

Timothy Alan Ziegler, 74, of Kalamazoo, Michigan passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, December 15th, 2019. Tim was born on October 27th, 1945, in Saginaw, Michigan to Norman and Harriet (Shields) Ziegler. After graduating from Saginaw Highschool, he enrolled in the United States Army and spent two years in Germany as a generator engineer. It was there he garnered a taste for German food, and for good beer. After he came back from the Army, he spent many years running the Studio Lounge with his brothers. Tim enrolled in Uechi-Ryu karate classes while studying at KVCC. He went on to learn from the local dojo, and eventually went to study in Okinawa Japan. He received his blackbelt while studying overseas, 7 years after his first lesson. He married and later divorced Sharon Carlisle, though the two remained dear friends. After divorcing, he spent some years down in Florida, where he learned to scuba dive and became a successful car dealer before ultimately moving back to Michigan. Back home, he earned his CDL and worked for Kalamazoo Public Transport, eventually becoming the navigator for every bus in the city. When the company shut down, he found work at Bronson hospital, where he made many friends. Tim was a good man who at many times was larger than life itself. He loved fast cars and cigars, and he always dressed well, right up to the hat on his head. An avid Michigan fan, loving father, and dear friend, he will be dearly missed. The family invites you to share a story, a picture, or a memory of Tim. His online obituary is located at https://tinyurl.com/TimZiegler and can be found on the Simply Cremation website. Friends may reach out to Destini at (269) 352-1947 for more details.