COLUMBUS
Kent August Ziegler passed peacefully on February 14, 2022. He was a beloved husband, devoted father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and avid community supporter. While he will be missed by all, his legacy lives on in his family, his church, the First Presbyterian Church of Columbus, Indiana and his board, ZeeZee Street. He leaves behind his wife of 69 years, Edith Rodgers Ziegler, five children—Jane, Beth, Bruce, Nancy and Carol—eleven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents George and Laura Ziegler, brother Bruce Ziegler, grandson Eric (Beth) Atler, and son-in-law Ward (Nancy ) Edwards
Kent was born April 7, 1930 to George Lewis Ziegler and Laura Merrifield Ziegler (nee Kent) in Buffalo, NY. He grew up there and, in addition to being a strong student, was active in music events: playin the baritone in the marching band and singing in the glee club. HIs love for parades, bands, and a good John Phillips Sousa march never wavered and in his later years he, along with his son, Bruce, could be found standing in the IU Memorial Stadium—rain, sun, snow, victory, or loss—listening to the IU Marching Hundred band after each IU Football game.
After graduating from Northeastern University with a degree in Mechanical Engineering, Kent served his country via the US Army where he was stationed in Washington D.C. He and his wife Edith , then moved to Columbus so Kent could put his engineering talents to work at Cummins Engine Company. He worked for Cummins for over 50 years , and was instrumental in the development of the Cummins’ 903 engine which is still in use. He started the first 903 engine in the test cell.
In Columbus, he and his wife, Edith, raised five children, and throughout various periods of his long life, Kent could be found at the Lincoln Center ice skating rink teaching everyone to skate (before it was an indoor rink and without double bladed children’s skates), teaching the skills of bike riding (without training wheels), tutoring his children in math, and supporting his children’s activities by attending innumerable choir concerts, piano recitals, voice recitals, band concerts, swim meets, gymnastics competitions, football games and basketball games. Always the record-keeper, Kent kept a file on directions to area high schools, type of seating (benches or other) and the concession stand offerings: handy things that every parent should know. Kent was a devoted father who encourage his children to succeed on their own strength.
Kent was also active in the community and was generous with his time. He served the First Presbyterian Church in every role open to lay leaders—from being a deacon to serving as an Elder. As a loyal member of the Hoosier Hills Rifle &Pistol Club, Kent served as treasurer for a number of years. Active in the Exchange Club, Kent once again served as club treasurer. Kent’s keen eye for detail, his impeccable record-keeping skills, and his integrity with finances were noticed, and he was appointed by a local judge to handle the finances of a local man, “Jimmy,” which he faithfully and conscientiously managed for over 20 years.
But the love of Kent’s life, besides his loyal wife Edith, was his beloved boat, Zee Zee Street: a 42 food Jefferson, powered by two Cummins diesel engines. Kent lived for the day each year when the Jefferson entered the water at the beginning of boating season on Lake Erie. With Edith’s help, and son Captain Bruce Ziegler at the wheel, Kent entertained family, old friends, and new friends on the boat every season.
Kent was a good man who is sorely missed by lives on in our hearts. A celebration of life open house will be held June 4 from 1-2 p.m. in the Laws Room at First Presbyterian Church. Lemonade and cookies, Kent’s favorites, will be served. Memorials can be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Columbus, Indiana in his honor.
