Dr. Michael Grant "Dr. Z" Zeigler

Dr. Michael Grant Zeigler, beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away peacefully on Friday, December 26, 2014. He was born September 24, 1934 in Dayton, Ohio. The youngest of three children, Mike spent his early years in the Philippines with his father, who served in the Army Air Corp. Mike attended the Manlius School in Syracuse, New York. He then received an appointment to the United States Military Academy in West Point, New York where he played football. He served in the 82nd Airborne Division and was an Army Ranger. Mike was among the first USMA graduates to go to medical school through the Army’s program. He attended Cornell University Medical School in New York City. Following internship and residency at Walter Reed, Mike served in Vietnam at the 12th Evacuation Hospital in Cu Chi, Vietnam. He earned the Bronze Star and the Legion of Merit.

Mike served as Chief of General Surgery at Brook Army Medical Center and after 22 years of service in the Army, he retired as a Colonel to begin private practice. He later joined General Surgical Associates in San Antonio and retired in 1999.

A man of honor and integrity, Mike or “Dr. Z” as he became known, was liked and respected by everyone who knew him. He was compassionate and caring with his patients. He was a devoted husband, father of three, and grandfather of six. He was a faithful member of John Calvin Presbyterian Church, active in Sunday School and the Building & Grounds Ministry. Dr. Z was a history buff and enjoyed reading and participating in book clubs with his wife Ann. He loved hiking, especially in Colorado. Most of all, Dr. Z loved his family. Of all his titles, “Pa-Pa” was his most cherished, given to him by his grandkids.

Dr. Zeigler was preceded in death by his brother, Richard Morse, his father Francis Marion Zeigler, his mother Mildred Van Ausdal Zeigler and his sister Jackie Morse Griffith. He is survived by his wife Ann Ferguson Zeigler, his daughter Elizabeth Ward and son-in-law Carey Ward, daughter Laurie Portman and son-in-law Steven Portman, son Robert Zeigler and daughter-in-law Jennifer Zeigler, grand children Evan Ward, Meredith Ward, Rylee Portman, Lexi Portman, Mckenna Zeigler, and Hayden Zeigler.

The family would like to thank caregivers Rose Tisdell and especially Mary Ann Saenz, Nikki Robinson, and the staff and families of Colonial Gardens Alzheimer’s Facility (where Dr. Z was known for his winning smile). Their compassionate care and support during our Alzheimer’s journey is deeply appreciated. Thank you also to the John Calvin Church family for their prayers, love, and support. They have truly been a blessing to us.

There will be a private burial at Fort Sam Houston. A public memorial service will be held at John Calvin Presbyterian Church at 8102 Midcrown Drive in San Antonio this Wednesday, January 7th at 11:00 AM. A reception will follow. At the family’s request, in lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Alzheimer’s Association, San Antonio & South Texas, 7400 Louis Pasteur Dr. Ste. 200, San Antonio, Texas 78229 or The Christian Education Ministry at John Calvin Presbyterian Church, 8102 Midcrown Drive, Windcrest, Texas 78239.