Zeigler, Melvin L., 73, Stockholm, at Caribou, March 16, 2010. Arrangements are in the care of Lancaster Morgan Funeral Home, Caribou.
STOCKHOLM – Melvin L. Zeigler, 73, beloved husband of Carolyn Zeigler, passed away Tuesday, March 16 at a Caribou hospital. A native of North Platte, Ne., he was born May 6, 1936, the seventh child of Lameda Ann (Northouse) and Clyde Everett Zeigler. As a member of the U.S. Air Force, he was stationed at Loring Air Force Base in Limestone. It was during that time that he met his wife of nearly 53 years, Carolyn H. Quist of New Sweden, whom he married on July 25, 1957. Together, they had four children.
After his military service, Melvin worked briefly in construction and later was employed for the rest of his civilian career at Loring AFB primarily in aircraft maintenance and later as a plumber in civil engineering. Although a quiet man, he had varied interests. Locally, he was known for his love of fishing. He spent many summer days trolling the waters of Cross and Square Lakes. Many evenings, he was seen casting a fly at the "dam" on Madawaska Stream in Stockholm. He shared his love of fishing and, at times, appeared to be in competition with one of his best buddies, Lindy Mattson.
During the winter, Melvin spent many evenings tying his own flies in preparation for the coming fishing season in the spring. People came from miles around to purchase his handcrafted flies and to have their fishing poles repaired. He also took his family on numerous camping and fishing trips. Among those were several outings to Baskahegan Lake for bass fishing, a cross-country trek to his birthplace in the Midwest with the family packed in a camper and a trip to Alaska. He enjoyed woodworking and his crafts can been seen in the homes of his family and friends. In his later years, he returned to his hobby of constructing model airplanes. He also will be missed by his constant companion, Foxy, a Pomeranian. While he maybe didn't always voice his feelings, he showed his family his love by his consistency and dependability.
Melvin faithfully attended the First Baptist Church of Stockholm with his wife and children. He volunteered his time at the Aroostook Brigade Lodge and the church to make repairs as needed.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children and their spouses, Debra Z. Walsh and her husband, John, of Clifton; Douglas W. Zeigler and his wife, Dale, of Dudley, MA; Scott A. Zeigler of Cordova, AK; and Lance G. Zeigler, and his wife, Janelle, of Woodland. He is also survived by his brother, Everett Zeigler; and sisters, Belva Godfrey and Betty Barkmeier, all of North Platte, NE. He leaves behind his grandchildren, Hope Gabric, Jeanne Sund, Breanna Sund, Lily Sund, Jonell Walsh, Michael Drost, Cortney Zeigler, Zakary Zeigler, Robert Piltzecker, Sean Piltzecker, Nicole McFarlin, Andrea Zeigler, Madison Zeigler and Jillian Zeigler. He also had several great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
Melvin was predeceased by siblings Orville Zeigler, Marion Zeigler, Lewis "Lyle" Zeigler, Dorothy Zeigler, Arlene Wallace, Ileen Zeigler, Twila Zeigler and Robert Zeigler. He also was predeceased by his daughter-in-law, Brenda Zeigler.
Friends and family called at noon on Friday, March 19 at the First Baptist Church in Stockholm. A funeral service was held at 1 p.m. with his son-in-law, Pastor John Walsh, officiating. Donations may be made in his memory to the Aroostook Brigade Lodge. Spring interment will be at the Stockholm Cemetery. Memories and condolences to the family may be expressed at www.lancastermorgan.com
