Kenneth Walter Zieser

Kenneth “Ken” Walter Zieser, 94, of Coggon, Iowa, passed away on Thursday, February 5, 2026, at Accura HealthCare of Cascade. The family will greet friends from 4 – 7 p.m. on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Marion. A Memorial Service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at St. John Catholic Church in Coggon. Inurnment will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Coggon.

Ken Zieser was born on December 1, 1931, near Rowley, Iowa to Martha and Joe Zieser. He graduated from St. John’s High School in 1949. Ken was united in marriage to Rose Duffy on April 16, 1959, at Temple Hill. He worked at Coggon and Ryan in the creameries and retired after 26 years at Swiss Valley in 1991. He was a member of St. John Parish in Coggon.

He was a devoted grandpa who took immense pride in his grandchildren and never missed a chance to brag about them. A talented woodworker, he found joy in creating things with his hands and took satisfaction in every carefully crafted piece. He was a loyal Chicago Cubs fan, patiently cheering them on through every season, and he loved spending quiet moments working on puzzles. His collection of coffee cups—each with its own story—reflected his curiosity, humor, and love for simple pleasures. Above all, he will be remembered for his steady presence, gentle wisdom, and the deep love he had for his family.

Ken is survived by his wife of 66 years, Rose Zieser of Coggon; four children, Don (Derra) Zieser of Dubuque, Iowa, Steve (Carol) Zieser of Marion, Rich Zieser of Coggon, and Kendra (Dustin) Pillard of Rockwell, Iowa; seven grandchildren, Hannah (Reggie) Richter, Megan (Jordan) Martin, Mallory (Dakota) Scott, Andrew Zieser, Adam Zieser, Tia Pillard, and Tyson (Tashiana) Pillard; seven great-grandchildren, Nora Richter, Ruby Richter, Myla Martin, Micah Martin, Bayler Pillard, Brooklee Pillard, and Baby Scott; and siblings, Patty (Dick) Cook of Manchester, Iowa, Janice (Paul) Hildebrand of Marion, Sister Delores Zieser, OSF, of Dubuque, Rosalyn Shannon of Colby, Wisconsin, Bill (Ilene) Zieser of Newton, Iowa, and Jack Zieser of Ryan, Iowa.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Martha Zieser; brothers, Louie, Howard, Jim, Martin, and Phil Zieser; and sisters, Kathleen Callen and Sister Josita Zieser, OSF.

The family wishes to acknowledge the kind and compassionate care Ken received from Care Initiatives Hospice.

Memorials in Ken’s memory may be directed to North Linn High School Athletic Boosters: "LYNX PRIDE", c/o Walker State Bank, P.O. Box 37, Walker, IA 52352. Checks should be made payable to LYNX PRIDE or you may donate by Venmo.