Kathleen Ann (Herrbach) Zigler

Kathleen Ann Zigler, 79, passed away on Friday, May 12, 2023 at Memorial Hospital of South Bend.

Best known as “Kathy”, the all-knowing, backbone of the La Porte County Fairgrounds, she was the one person everyone went to for information, directions, and help at the fair office, and was indispensable especially before and during the Fair. 

Born in 1943 in Michigan City, IN to the late Frank and Frieda (Inauen) Herrbach, she was an exceptional student and dancer growing up; a typical ‘50’s “Bobby Soxer”.  She had to be on her P’s & Q’s, though, since her father was La Porte County sheriff, and they lived at the county jail between 1954-1962.  Despite this, a brave young man named Richard Zigler courted her, and they dated until they married in Hanau, Germany on May 4th, 1968. 

Kathy loved La Porte County and the people here. She was involved in the community in many ways including La Porte County Extension Homemakers Club, PTA, Hoosier Old Wheels car club, worked the La Porte County election polls, but Kathy came into her own at the fairgrounds with the La Porte County Agriculture Association.  Starting in 1972, she ran the office for 42 years until 2014 when she retired.  Kathy was beloved by the 4-H participants, Pioneer Land members, vendors, local officials, the Fair Board, and everyone else she encountered at the fair office.  She was known for her sense of humor and her hearty contagious laugh.  Kathy and Richard had two daughters, Dawn and Joy, who Kathy passed down her love of community and have continued the tradition of Zigler’s community involvement.

Kathy is survived by her husband of 55 years, Richard L. Zigler; daughters, Dawn (David) Zigler-Cramer and Joy Zigler; brother, William (Joann) Herrbach; niece, Aimee Herrbach; and nephew,  Kristopher Herrbach; as well as numerous great-nieces, cousins, and family.  

Cremation has taken place with Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center, La Porte.  A Celebration of Life will be held at the La Porte County Fairgrounds Community Building, 2581 IN-2, La Porte, IN on Sunday, May 21st from 4 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.    

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the La Porte County Animal Shelter (The Jane Barnard Animal Adoption Center), 2855 West State Road 2, La Porte, IN 46350.

Condolences may be shared online at www.cutlercares.com.

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