Obituary: William ‘Wild Bill’ Hunt Ziegler, 70, of Middlefield

From Biega Funeral Home

William "Wild Bill" Hunt Ziegler, 70, of Middlefield, died Tuesday, April 11, 2017 at his home. He was born September 19, 1946 in New Britain, son of late Clifford and Ellen (Casper) Ziegler.

Bill is survived by his family; devoted husband to Cindy, L (Krupp) Ziegler; beloved father to his two sons, Buffalo Ziegler and his wife Joelle of Durham, Berkshire Ziegler and his wife Kathryn of Rockfall; his daughter, Heather Page and her husband Adam of Plantsville; and his six grandchildren. Bill is predeceased by his brother, Paul F Ziegler.

Bill served in the US Air Force and was a Vietnam veteran. Bill was most remembered as an entrepreneur, local legend and iconic owner of Wild Bill’s Nostalgia in Middletown, Connecticut. Bill had a passion for traveling the world, not just seeing the sights but meeting the people and had a knack for finding the spots that the ordinary traveler just drives past. He met people on his travels that would become lifelong friends, who would later make a pilgrimage to see him in all his glory at Wild Bills.

Bill had a passion for art and collecting. He loved to showcase the work of various artists on the grounds of his store. Along with the artists he collaborated with, Bill could see the beauty in nontraditional art and objects. Once you shared a conversation with him and see his excitement about a new piece, you too could see it through his eyes.

Bill enjoyed many things in life but none brought him the happiness of spending time with his grandchildren. To see the joy on his face when he spent time with them was to witness a man that always kept in his heart the joys and wonderment of being a kid.

Bill lived a long adventurous life filled with laughter. He spread joy and wonder to the community and all he came in contact with. He will be deeply missed by his friends, family, and all that knew him. Wild Bill, forever in our hearts and…Forever Strange.

Memorial contributions may be sent to Soldiers' Sailors' and Marines' fund 864 Weathers Field Ave., Hartford, CT 06114. We would also like to invite his friends and loyal customers to join us on April 30, 2017 at Wild Bills Nostalgia, 1003 Newfield St, Middletown, CT 06457 for a memorial event to celebrate the life of this amazing man and local celebrity.

For more information and to leave online condolences, visit Biega Funeral Home here.