James C. Ziel, 80

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James C. Ziel, 80, of Rock Island, died on Sunday, May 29, 2022, at ProMedica Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation in Moline.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, June 3, at First Evangelical Free Church in Moline. Burial will be at Rock Island National Cemetery, with military honors conducted by the Moline American Legion Post #246. The family will greet guests at a luncheon at the church following the cemetery services. Esterdahl Mortuary and Crematory, Ltd., in Moline is assisting the family.

Mr. Ziel was born on April 1, 1942, in Moline, the son of Harold and Margaret (Douglas) Ziel. He married Sharron Bedford on June 17, 1966, in Rock Island and loved her faithfully and sacrificially until death took his body.

Mr. Ziel was brother to two, father to three, grandfather to six, mentor to many, and friend to all that crossed his path, especially his neighbors. He and the family were often the last ones to leave the church building. He told people about his faith openly because he cared about them.

Mr. Ziel taught people. He was a learner and solution finder, graduating from Rock Island High School and Greer Technical Institute before serving in the Air Force. His ingenuity for solving problems ranged from creative thinking and fixing anything in the house to making the best popcorn. Mr. Ziel maintained his own business for decades before working for and retiring from Deco Tool Supply. He shared his outdoor hobbies of fishing and geocaching with family and friends, including many kids at church. He studied the Bible to share what he learned with others.

Mr. Ziel led people. He served in leadership roles at his church, First Evangelical Free Church of Moline, as well as did the jobs no one else wanted to do. He told his grandkids stories. He sought to have integrity. He recognized he needed the leading of his Savior. He wanted people to know that Jesus wants to lead them if they are ready.

Mr. Ziel is survived by his wife Sharron; children, Cathy (Hank) Vejvoda, Carrie (Chris) Walter and David (Angie) Ziel; grandchildren: Grace, Rose and Adeline Vejvoda, and Nate, Abbie and Eli Walter; siblings: Bill Ziel, Janet (Dennis) Huber of Hillsboro and Mike (Cathy) Bedford; ten nieces and nephews; and his church family at First Evangelical Free Church.

Memorials may be made to First Evangelical Free Church of Moline. Condolences may be shared online at esterdahl.com.