Daniel Edward Ziegler, a devoted husband, father, son and lifelong creator, passed away surrounded by loved ones. Born on October 19, 1950, at O’Connor Hospital in San Jose, California, Dan was the second child of Robert and Irene Ziegler. He grew up alongside his siblings, Michael and Cindy, forming bonds that remained strong throughout his life.

Dan graduated from Los Gatos High School in 1969, where he set school records in both push-ups and pull-ups—an early testament to the strength, discipline, and determination that would define him. Shortly after graduating, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy.

In 1970, Dan welcomed his first child, Jason Ziegler, with Karen Westwell. During these early years, he lived in Los Gatos, where he played drums in a band, Wheatstraw, and managed a location of The Cobbler House, his family’s well-known shoe and apparel store in Old Town Los Gatos.

Dan later met the love of his life, Joyce McAllaster, in 1978 at The Parlor in Campbell. They married in 1980 and built a beautiful life together. Their daughter, Leslie, his brown eyed girl, was born in 1982. After moving to Federal Way, Washington, they welcomed their son, Jonathan, in 1990. The family spent many joyful years in a farmhouse, raising their three children along with an assortment of farm animals. 

In 1998, they returned to San Jose, California, where Dan continued his career in graphic design, fashion set construction and production management, contributing his talent and leadership at Nordstrom, Zooka Creative, and Pro Exhibits. That same year, Jason and his wife, Laura Ziegler, promoted Dan to Grandpa and welcomed Dan's first grandchild Emily, into the world. 

The Winter of 2017 Dan and Joyce moved to Hillsboro, Oregon, following Leslie, her husband Curtis, their son Benjamin and Dan's 3rd grandchild, Kaitlin, on the way. Jonathan and his wife Tori soon moved nearby, followed by Jason, Laura, and Emily. Emily and her husband, Logan, had Dan’s great grandson, Tommy, in 2023. 

Dan and Joyce spent their retired years with family, caring for a beautiful 2 acre property on Bald Peak. Their days were filled surrounded by nature tending to their garden, enjoying mountain views and above all in peace. 

Dan was a gifted artist whose creativity touched every corner of his life. He found joy in painting, sketching, and carpentry. He built exceptional pieces over the years including a stable for their pony Cinnamon, fine furniture, and a workshop to house his tractor and motorcycle in their home in Hillsboro. His artistry extended beyond the page and woodshop—he was a gifted musician who played piano, guitar, and drums. As a formidable athlete, Dan rarely lost a friendly competition, whether it was golf, tennis, pickleball, darts, ping pong, corn hole or pool. To Dan, life was a game, he liked to have fun and you might as well keep score while you are at it.

Above all, Dan will be remembered for his unwavering love for his family, his humor, and the many talents he generously shared with those around him. His legacy lives on in the memories he created, the art and structures he crafted, and the family he cherished.

He will be missed deeply. 

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