Joseph Abraham Zeigenbein

Joseph Abraham “Joe” Zeigenbein was called home to be with his Lord at 10:05 a.m., Wednesday, April 28, 2010, at St. John’s Regional Health Center, Springfield, Missouri, at the age of 88 years, 9 months and 23 days. Joe was born July 5, 1921 in Pulaski County, Missouri, where he was a lifetime resident. Joe’s mother, Potencenia Sariana Zeigenbein, his brothers: John and Ed Zeigenbein and his sister, Marie Mayor all preceded him in death. On October 16, 1942, in Leavenworth, Kansas, Joe was united in marriage with Ica Mae Henderson. Joe and Mae were blessed with over 67 years of marriage and four children: James Richard, Howard Roy, Debra K. and Sandra J. Joe was a farmer until 1966, when at the age of 46, he had two heart attacks in one day. At this point, Joe had already started hauling trash for people to help out with income due to the river washing all of the crops away for two straight years. Little did he know this would be the beginning of Zeigenbein Sanitation, a business he and Mae have owned and operated for 52 years. This community business serves Waynesville/St. Robert and many rural areas of Pulaski County. Joe was a great believer in the Golden Rule: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” He was a kind, gentle man who never met a stranger. He enjoyed visiting with people. Joe was instrumental in developing the Pulaski County Sewer District. He visited many homes in order to educate people and ask them to sign up for this service. He served on the Public Water District #2 Board for 30 years. Joe and Mae were charter members of the Ft. Wood Church of God. They began attending in 1964 when the church was being built, and put many hours into the construction. He served on the Board of Trustees from 1972 to 1988, and the Board of Deacons for 20 years. In 2000, Joe’s kidneys failed. He spent an amazing 10 years on dialysis, making trips to Lebanon three times a week. After Joe’s heart attacks, Dr. Nickels told him if he followed doctor’s orders, he could live a long life. With the love, support and nurturing of his beloved Mae, Joe adhered to a strict diet, and lived nearly 89 years. The Zeigenbein family is very grateful to Dr. Wade Jordan for his many years of care. Joe leaves to cherish his memory, his wife: Mae; four children: Richard Zeigenbein (Pauline) of St. Robert; Howard Roy Zeigenbein (Martha) of Springfield, Debra Campbell (Donald) of Waynesville and Sandra Dolan (Lyndon Copeland) of Colorado Springs, Colorado; seven grandchildren: Rick Zeigenbein, Tammy Burroughs, Becky White, Amanda Woodall, Michele Pfeifer, Howard Roy Zeigenbein and Katie Themel; nine great grandchildren: Shade, Brandon, Zach, Taylor, Cody, Kohl, Dylan, Noah, Hunter and one on the way; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Funeral services were held at 10:00 A.M. Saturday, May 1, 2010 in the Church of God St. Robert with Pastor William Kempen officiating. Soloist Becky Lercher sang “Safe In the Arms of Jesus”, “Just A Rose Will Do” and “The Old Rugged Cross”. Serving as escorts were Randy Walters, Hubert Shrives, James Rosenauer, Wayne Henderson, Larry Childres and Kenny Zeigenbein. Burial followed in the Sunset Memorial Estates Cemetery. Services were under the direction of Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville/St. Robert. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Joe Zeigenbein to the American Heart Association, Kidney Foundation, Diabetes Association or the American Cancer Society and may be left at the funeral home.

Joseph Abraham Zeigenbein

July 5, 1921 - April 28, 2010