Wayne E. Ziegenbusch, age 79, of New Bremen, died on Wednesday, February 14, 2024 at 8:01 p.m. at the Ochsner Health St. Mary Hospital in Morgan City, Louisiana after a brief illness.

He was born on September 6, 1944 in Sidney Ohio, the son of the late Elmer C. and Alesa E. (Schnelle) Ziegenbusch. On July 14, 1973, he married Margery "Marge" Voskuhl who survives.

Also surviving are his sons: Josh (Monica) Ziegenbusch of Concord, California; and Adam (Andrea) Ziegenbusch of Morgan City, Louisiana; his five grandchildren: Alexandra, Oliver, Zachary, A.J., and Kate; and a sister in-law Barbara Ziegenbusch of New Bremen.

Along with his parents, Wayne was preceded in death by his siblings: Lowell Ziegenbusch and Inez (Richard) Peterson.

Wayne was a lifelong member of St. Peter's Church in New Bremen where he was active in various ministries, including coats for kids and vocalist in the church choir. He was a 1962 graduate of New Bremen High School and after graduation, he went on to continue his education at the Wright State - Celina branch. He was deeply rooted in the life in New Bremen as he served in the former Lions Club, Bremenfest President and was a charter member of the New Bremen-New Knoxville Rotary Club. He also owned and operated the former Ziegenbusch Plumbing and Z'Wash Haus in New Bremen, as well as owned and managed several rental properties in the area. Wayne and Marge loved to travel, including cross country in their motorhome. Later in life, they began wintering in Arizona and Louisiana. When in Arizona, Wayne would work as a ticket taker during spring training for the Oakland A's. He was a proud Tennessee Squire, a distinctive honor for Jack Daniel's aficionados. Wayne never met a stranger. He had an amazing gift of storytelling and a memorable laugh that brought many smiles to others. He and Marge also enjoyed spending time visiting wineries with the convertible group and sitting in the coffee shop with their many friends.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, February 23, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Peter's Church in New Bremen with Pastor James Lampert officiating. Interment will follow in the German Protestant Cemetery of New Bremen.

Calling hours will be held on Thursday, February 22, 2024 from 3 until 7 p.m. at the Gilberg-Hartwig Funeral Home in New Bremen, and again on Friday, at the church, from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service.

Memorial contributions in memory of Wayne can be directed to Central Catholic School, St. Agnes Parish School or St. Peter's Church.

Condolences and memories can be shared with the Ziegenbusch family online at gilberghartwigfh.com.