Stella O. Ziegler

Stella O. Ziegler, age 91, of Breckenridge, MN, passed away on Friday, April 14, 2023, at her residence under the care of CHI Hospice.  Her services will be held at 11 a.m., Thursday, April 20, 2023, at Breckenridge Lutheran Church, Breckenridge, MN.  Visitation will be held one hour prior.  Pastor Ale' Tulu and Rene' Hasbargen will officiate.  Interment will be at a later date in Riverside Cemetery, Breckenridge MN.  Arrangements have been entrusted to Joseph Vertin and Sons Funeral Home, Breckenridge.

Stella O’Della Erdahl was born in Iowa on September 12, 1931, to Martin and Anna (Christenson) Erdahl.  In 1949, she graduated from Frost High School in Frost, MN, as the salutatorian. 

On May 4, 1950, Stella was united in marriage to Francis Ziegler in Bricelyn, MN.  The couple was blessed with three daughters and two sons.  They spent their first years together farming in Iowa and Minnesota, followed by a move to Mankato, MN, where Francis went to school for accounting. The family moved to Breckenridge, MN, in 1961 and made it their life-long home. 

Stella was the beloved matriarch of her family-always there for advice, reassurance, and comfort.  Stella’s grandchildren and great grandchildren brought her much enjoyment.  She enjoyed quilting and sewing.  She made quilts and other handmade items for not only her family, but also for the church.  Stella was very active in her church, enjoyed playing dominoes, and watching Minnesota Twins Baseball.  She held various jobs within the community, including the Circle of Nations School and the Manager at Stop-N-Go. Stella advocated for healthier snacks in the school system and as a sales rep for Dakota Gourmet, Stella promoted sunflower seeds as an alternative.  During her time there, she was their number one sales person.  Stella was also involved with the American Field Service, hosting and helping with foreign exchange students.

Stella is survived by her children, Debra (Paul) Sannes, Kristine (Brian) Carter, Brian (Amy) Ziegler, and Marcia Ziegler; grandchildren, Ryan Sannes, Ross (Emily) Sannes, Reed Ziegler, Rachel (Matt) Miller, Nicholas (Kayce) Carter, Caitlin (Danny) Manieri, Ashten (Jordan) Hooten, Cole Ziegler, and Aaron (Ashley) Ziegler; eight great-grandchildren, Gracie, Jack, Emma, Stella, Kate, Monroe, Charlotte, and Josephine; sister, Audrey (Ronnie) Bredeson; brother-in-law, Ardie Gilb; and many other loving family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Francis; son, Scott (Stephanie) Ziegler; parents, Martin and Anna; sisters, Dorothy Gilb, and Mardell (Al) Frost.

The family would like to thank CHI-Health at Home and Hospice, Breckenridge, for their support and care.