Donald Joseph "Don" Ziegler, age 78, passed away on Friday, July 24, 2015 at his home in Wichita, Kansas. He was born May 17, 1937 in Hoxie to Leonard Antone and Theresa Rosina (Kruse) Ziegler. He was a retired florist.

Preceded in death by his parents and friend, Rex Gray. Survivors include his brother, Leroy (Joan) Ziegler of Colby, sister, Irene (Al) Huelsman of Wichita, and many nieces, nephews, and beloved friends.

Graveside service: 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, July 28, 2015 at St. Joseph's Catholic Cemetery, Oakley with Fr. Peter O'Donnell officiating. Visitation: 8:30 a.m. Tuesday at Kennedy-Koster Funeral Home. Memorials: Sweet Emergency Fund c/o KU Wichita Medical Practice Association in care of the funeral home, PO Box 221, Oakley 67748. www.kennedykosterfh.com

Don was raised on a farm five miles south of Oakley, KS. He attended a country school named Mt. Pleasant until his district was consolidated into the Oakley school system. He finished school in Oakley, both grade and high schools.

After school he attended several trade schools involving floriculture and horticulture and the business of catering. He worked on the Country Club Plaza in Kansas City, MO. He attended the American School of Floral Artistry in Chicago, as well as a floral school in Dallas, TX. Don returned to Wichita via Kansas City, MO. He was working for a school and caterer on the Country Club Plaza in Kansas City when he was hired to come to Wichita to work for a florist there. Soon after a year, he owned a floral company, Flowers by Donn. He sold his stores after 18 years. Still, however, he never retired; he worked for Dillons grocery stores in their floral department, and was a bookkeeper for a business in Wichita.

"We, the friends of Don, are shocked and very saddened by the news of his sudden passing.

He will be remembered for his laughter, his dry yet eccentric quick wit, his exuberance, his kindnesses, his hat, and his willingness to show off his half-finger (always in funNichae). One never left his presence without a smile or a lightness of heart.

The warmth and friendliness Don possessed comforted a great many people, many of whom considered him a friend.

His friendship and his contribution to our lives will be missed most of all.

Thank you, Don, for being you. We miss you."

From the Wichita friends of Don Ziegler.