Alton A Ziebell

Alton A. Ziebell, 94, of Oshkosh, Wisconsin passed away at Eden Meadows on December 27, 2017. He is survived by his wife of 71 years Margaret Ziebell; daughter, Renee Jacobsen and son-in-law Dr. David Jacobsen of Blacksburg, VA; daughter, Jorene Ziebell of New London,WI; and numerous nieces and nephews throughout the U.S. and Switzerland. He was preceded in death by his parents, mother and father-in-law Alex and Lily Bradford and all of his 15 brothers and sisters including their spouses; sister and brother-in- law Kathryn and Benjamin Lehnigk; sister and brother-in-law Elizabeth and Neil Wilson.

Alton was born in Oshkosh, August 31, 1923 to Otto and Albertina Ziebell. Being the youngest of 16 children he was given the nickname Babe. He attended Peace Lutheran Grade School and graduated from Oshkosh High School in 1941. He enlisted in the Signal Corp on October 27, 1942 after attending Burr Radio School in Chicago, IL; Illinois Institute in Chicago and Philco School in Philadelphia, PA. He started active duty 02-15-45 and was sent overseas with the Air Corps, to England, France and Germany, as an Aircraft Radio Repairman. He was discharged 11-02-45 from Chanute Field, IL with the ranking of Staff Sergeant.

He started attending Oshkosh State Teachers’ College, but after applying and being chosen the Oshkosh Fire Department hired him in 1946. After 33 years of service he retired with the rank of Assistant Fire Chief.

Alton led a very active life as a devoted husband and father and helper to many in the community. His Masonic affiliations were with Masonic Lodge 27 – Oshkosh where he was a Master Mason, Tripoli Temple, White Shrine of Jerusalem Mascoutin Shrine Club, Winnebago Shrine Club and Fond du Lac Shrine Club. He did volunteer work at Camp Hiwela for the Camp Fire Girls and helped with the Boy Scouts in Oshkosh. He taught Sunday school at Peace Lutheran Church and did electrical work at Plymouth Congregation Church. Being a docent for 17 years at the Grand Opera was a great joy and he loved his 32 years of being a tram driver, museum guide and holiday decorator for the Experimental Aircraft Association in Oshkosh.

Hobbies and interests for Alton included domestic and extensive foreign travel to visit family, experience world cultures and drink in the beauty of the earth; dancing; ice and roller skating; swimming; ice fishing and feeding the birds and wildlife that visited his yard. His love for music had him playing the radio, and singing constantly.

The family would like to express their sincere thanks to the caring and professional staffs at Lakepoint Villa Assisted Living, Eden Meadows Rehabilitation Suites, family members, neighbors and dear friends for the love and devoted help they gave Alton.

A celebration of his life will be held in the near future.
In lieu of flowers please donate to Shriners Hospital for Children-Chicago 2211 N. Oak Park Ave. Chicago, IL 60707 or to your favorite organization.