Dieter Wilhelm Ziegler

Dieter W. Ziegler; a t the young age of 59, Dieter, Antonie’s amazing and tall as a tree husband and loving father to their beautiful twins Sophia and Paul passed away suddenly due to a severe heart attack. Dieter’s passing is an enormous loss for his family and friends. He is hugely missed.

Born in Stuttgart-Bad Cannstatt, Southern Germany, Dieter always spoke of his birthplace with pride. Following his high school graduation, he embarked on an engineering journey, obtaining a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from Esslingen University of Applied Sciences.

While employed at Methode Electronics, Dieter met his future wife, Antonie, during his regular visits to the European branch in Malta. In 2002, seeking a career change, Dieter received an enticing job offer from Valeo in Troy, Michigan. Without hesitation, Antonie and Dieter embraced the opportunity, married, and relocated to the United States.

Soon after they purchased their first home in Pontiac, a gift from heaven arrived in 2004 with the birth of their twins Sophia and Paul. He experienced pure bliss, never having imagined in his earlier years that he would lead such a rich and fulfilling life. Dieter was a proud, dedicated, loving and responsible husband and father, and their rock.

Dieter was an exceptional craftsman. With patience and diligence, he acquired the skills to renovate and restore their homes. At their Lovely Acres, Dieter The Builder created a beautiful home with spaces to relax and enjoy. He even considered acquiring a builder’s license.

In his 20 years working for Valeo and 1 year with Aeye, Dieter was respected for his expertise and reliable work ethic. Dieter The Engineer was a man of few words but said so much. Colleagues and friends who made it into his "inner circle” truly appreciated him for who he was: a brilliant mind with a great sense of humor and tremendous problem-solving skills. An obstacle was just another challenge for him to use his creative mind.

Friends could count on Dieter for his time, his kindness, his capable hands, his strength, expertise, and of course his tools. He certainly won the prize: "He who dies with the most tools wins."

Active Dieter loved riding his bikes - both his BMW and bicycle. The more curves, the higher the elevation, the more fun he would have. He biked through places like the Appalachian Mountains, the Rocky Mountains and Cascades. Dieter’s passion for physical exercise included a 28-mile bicycle journey to and from work - an unimaginable feat for most of us!

The Ziegler family was very committed to each other, sharing in life’s journey whether it was a picnic, cross country skiing, camping or a drive across the country or the mountains:  always supporting and loving each other. Of all of his accomplishments, Dieter was most proud of his family.

Dieter is preceded in death by his father, Wilhelm Ziegler. He is survived by his wife, Antonie, and his children, Paul and Sophia. He is also survived by his mother, Ursula Ziegler, his brother Frank and his sister Jutta, along with her husband, Tobias Janiak, their children Nils, Julius and Greta.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, February 4, 2024, at 3pm at Sparks-Griffin Funeral Home, Lake Orion. The family will welcome friends for visitation from 1pm until the time of service. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Detroit Public Radio Stations WDET or WRCJ .