Gerald Joseph Ziegler Sr.

Gerald Joseph Ziegler, Sr., was born to the late Ward Joseph Ziegler and Laura Pichon Ziegler on November 6, 1942, in Slidell, LA, the fourth of six children and only son. He departed this world peacefully at home, in Lacombe, on January 24, 2026, after a brief battle with pneumonia. He is survived by his devoted wife of 57 years, Brenda Cousin Ziegler. 

Gerald and Brenda raised 3 children together, two daughters Laketa and Peggy and one son Gerald. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ward and Laura Ziegler; grandparents, George Pichon and Seraphine Roberts Pichon, Sosthene “Boss” Ziegler and Eugenia “Jennie” Ray Ziegler and step grandmother Emilie “Shine” Cousin Ziegler; sisters Annette “Nettie” Z. Ray, Shirley Z. Lafitte, and Janice Z. Cagler; mother-in-law, Rosemary Ordogne Cousin; sisters-in-law, Paulette C. Reimonenq, Cathy D. Cousin and Anita H. Cousin; brothers-in-law, Otis Campbell, Huey P. Ray Sr., Alced Lafitte Sr., John Ordone and Joseph O. Cousin II, and godparents Virgus “Bab” Ziegler and Sedonia “Donie” Ziegler-LaFrere. 

He leaves to cherish his memories, his devoted wife, Brenda Cousin Ziegler, daughters Laketa (Clarence) Glenn of Lafayette, LA; Peggy (Eddie) Curtis of Douglasville, GA; and son Gerald (Jawanna) Ziegler II of Lacombe, LA; sisters Lois Z. Campbell and Louella Z. Ordone of Slidell, LA; aunt Doris P. Williams of Bay St. Louis, MS; nine grandchildren Caleb (Brianna) and Christian Glenn; Courtney, Camryn and Chase Curtis; and Cullan, Colby, Reagan and Royce Ziegler; one expected great granddaughter; sisters-in-law, Esther Torregano, Isabel (Jerome) Harrison, Janet Cousin; brothers-in-law, Elwood, Aubrey (Mary), Matthew Cousin and Ronald Reimonenq; two god children Alced Lafitte Jr. and Babette Ray and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. 

Gerald graduated from St. Tammany High School and was an accomplished welder, working in shipyards in the St. Tammany Parish area for most of his adult life prior to retiring from North Shore Hospital where he worked as a custodian. 

He was a parishioner of Saint Geneveive Church in Slidell and Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church in Lacombe, where he received his sacraments during his lifetime. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends and being outdoors. No turtle was safe if on the road when he was passing as he loved the turtle stew that his mother-in-law, Rosemary, would prepare for him. And his absolute favorite dessert was the blueberry bread pudding made by the hands of his daughter, Laketa, which was also his last meal. He had a heart for service which was demonstrated in how he was always available to lend a helping hand and ensured that the lawns around him were as pristine as his. Also, no one left his house without a clean car. He adored his children and grandchildren and was anticipating greeting his new great-granddaughter. He loved his Creole heritage and taught his grandchildren different phrases. He was a lively, fun loving, yet fiery guy who had a heart of gold and will truly be missed.