LeRoy "Ziggy" Zigmund

On November 8th, just a day shy of his 94th birthday, LeRoy Zigmund—'Ziggy,' to everyone who knew and loved him--polka-danced his way out of this world and into the next. Born and raised in Manitowoc, WI, his life was an adventure that took him to places near and far. Before answering the call of the military in 1944, LeRoy attended college in Chicago. Then, as part of the 86th Infantry Division, he served in France and later, the Philippines, where he earned a Bronze Star. After the war, he returned to Manitowoc and traded bronze for silver, starting a life-long career at Mirro Aluminum Company. He and his sweetheart, Helen Svoboda, raised three children together--Pam, Randy and Patti. While living in Manitowoc, LeRoy actively served the community as a member of various boards and civic organizations. When the winter chill coming off of Lake Michigan became too much, LeRoy and Helen retired to Ocala, FL. In the Sunshine State, Ziggy became known by another name: 'VFW Commander'. Never one to sit still (unless he had a bowl of homemade chicken noodle soup in his lap), he also served in the VFW's state and national committees and as editor and photographer of the Florida publication. Ziggy made the most of his almost 94 years. He was an eagle-eyed stamp collector, avid crossword puzzle player, talented photographer, limber ballroom dancer, boisterous bugler, dedicated Green Bay Packer fan, golfer, a pool shark extraordinaire, and always up for a trip in the motor home, although backing it up was a challenge. Ziggy traced his ancestry (another one of his hobbies) all the way back to a prince in Krakow, Poland. Always one who was interested in family and connections, he had both. Helen, his wife of 60 years, predeceased him in death, as did daughter, Pam Hood. LeRoy is survived by: a son, Randy Zigmund of NC; daughter, Patti Floyd of OH, three grandchildren, five great-grandchildren; and a brother, Jerry Zigmund of WI. Larger than life, always with a tune to hum, joke to tell, and place to go, it's finally time to take your rest. Goodbye to a patriot, prankster and a Polish prince in his own right. The family wishes to recognize the VA Medical Center in Kernersville, NC, Dr. Samuel Woods, and Community Home Care & Hospice, Burlington, NC for their excellent care of LeRoy. Memorial donations may be made to Community Home Care & Hospice, 2730 Tucker St., #600, Burlington, NC 27215. A private memorial service celebrating his life, will be held in early January 2017 in Ocala, FL, with final inurnment at Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell, FL.