William "Paul" Ziegler

William Paul Ziegler of Mahomet, IL passed away May 24, 2026, at the age of 80.  He was born in Champaign, IL on July 23, 1945, to Jim and Betty Ziegler.  His youth was spent on the family farm south of Sadorus and he graduated from Unity High School in 1963.  He earned a degree in Forestry from the University of Illinois in 1967.  In 1965 he married Patricia Meyer and for 61 years they shared their love, life and family.  They raised their two children in Monticello, IL, attending countless ball games, concerts and plays there, before moving to their dream location outside of Mahomet. 

In addition to his loving wife, Pat, Paul is survived by his children: Michael (Kim) of Sugar Grove, IL and Faryn (Ed) Seal of Bremerton, WA.  His six grandchildren Andrew Ziegler, Tricia Watt, Katy Parker, Shanna Ziegler, Jennifer Johnson and Alayna Small brought so much joy to his life. He loved kids and babies and was blessed to meet 12 of his great grandchildren.

Paul was a voracious reader, he loved history, nature and classical music.  He loved to ride his bike around Allerton Park. After building his dream home in “Papa’s Woods” north of Mahomet, he spent his time watching birds and squirrels, walking his dog, Ixa, and sharing his love of nature with his grandchildren, while teaching them to identify trees.  In his last years, he could be found sitting peacefully on the front porch enjoying his little piece of paradise.  Paul was known to all who met him as a kind and thoughtful man.  The home he built with Pat was a perfect gathering place for friends and family, and he loved nothing more than sitting with them around the kitchen table, drinking coffee and talking about life.

Paul’s family would like to thank the wonderful support team that has surrounded him in the last year: Ashley and Kendra from Transitions Hospice; Abby and Rachel; and the staffs at Circle of Friends, Champaign and The Annex in Gibson City. 

A Celebration of Life for Paul will be held later in the summer.

Donations can be made to The Alzheimer’s Association.

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