Iris Ziegler

Iris June Caroline Ziegler, 89, of Hankinson, ND (formerly from Devils Lake) died at home on September 1, 2022. Iris was surrounded by her family and supported by CHI Hospice care for the past three months. She enjoyed her outdoor time in her new gazebo for family visits with all the flowers and hummingbirds to watch.

Born on June 12, 1933 in Starkweather, ND to Knute and Margaret (Thiessen) Olsen. Iris attended country school in Cato Township near Webster, and graduated from Devils Lake High School, class of 1951. She loved being involved in music, gymnastics and a DL cheerleader. She is family-famous for doing the splits even at a later age!

Iris married her high school sweetheart George Ziegler at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Devils Lake, ND on July 31, 1954. They raised a family of three, first in Minnewaukan, ND, Wyndmere, ND and then in Devils Lake.

Iris earned a teaching certificate from Minot State where she was a cheerleader there as well. Iris first started teaching in a rural school near Edmore, rural Freshwater Township near Devils Lake and then 2 years in rural Minot after they were married.

Iris was a homemaker and along with George, turned business entrepreneur. While in Wyndmere, George and Iris built and operated the Tastee Freeze in the summers. Her love of sewing guided her to open The Fabric Loft in Devils Lake, Ziegler’s Fabrics in Devils Lake and Jamestown and then Ziegler’s Bridal. Following that, she and George were owners of the JC Penny Catalog outlet and book store, Books to Go.

Starting in 1999 the couple enjoyed many winter stays at Apache Wells in Mesa, AZ and summer stays on the family hunting place near Butte, ND. Always the competitor, Iris enjoyed playing golf in Devils Lake and up to 4 times a week when in AZ. Iris was also an avid bowler getting inducted into the Bowling Hall of Fame. George and Iris moved to Hankinson, ND in 2019 to be nearer to family.

Iris leaves behind her husband, George, and three children, Nancy Kuhr (Eddie) of Evanston IL, Carol Harwood (Ed) of Lake Elmo, MN and Dale Ziegler (Gayle) of Hankinson, 8 grandchildren, Daniel (Katie) Harwood, Thomas (Kristin) Harwood, Erin Dalsted (Ryan), Sam Harwood, Spencer (Jade) Harwood, Katherine Spath, Nick (Aubrie) Ziegler and Jessica Ziegler; and 10 great grandchildren.

Iris was the last member of the Olsen family to pass. Six sisters and one brother, all named after flowers, preceded her in death, Rosa Schneider Roberts, Fern Evenhus, Viola Ziegler, Esther Young, Lillian Ringstrom, and John Olsen, Gladys (infant).

The couple recently celebrated 68 years together at the end of July. The entire family gathered to celebrate her 89th birthday on June 12 at Lake Elsie near Hankinson, ND.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests to please consider donations to CHI Health at Home Breckenridge or a charity of your choice. There will be no service but arrangements have been made by Boulger Funeral Home of Fargo.