Clifford J. Zieser

Clifford J. Zieser

Independence

Clifford J. Zieser, 96, of Independence, Iowa, passed away on Monday, Feb. 13, 2023. at ABCM Rehabilitation Center-West Campus in Independence, Iowa.

Clifford was born on May 11, 1926, in Walker, Iowa, the son of Herman F. and Mary (Kleitsch) Zieser. On Aug. 3, 1945, he joined the U.S. Army and served during the end of World War II. He returned to Iowa and started farming on his own in 1948. On June 7, 1949, Clifford married Elizabeth (Betty) C. Sheeley in Masonville, Iowa, in a double wedding with Don and Doris (Sheeley) Smith.

Clifford was a child during the depression and learned many life skills as a result. As a dairy farmer, every day was filled with chores tending to the land and livestock. After the farm work was finished, he built his retirement home and then built or worked on many homes for the family. He never thought twice about helping a neighbor or friends with various projects. His faith was evident in his lifetime commitment to St John’s parish. His lifetime love for his wife Betty was visible through his never-ending devotion to keeping her comfortable and at home despite medical challenges.

Throughout the years, Cliff proudly served on many boards in and around Buchanan County, including Dairy Farmers of America. He was also a Crow’s Seed dealer and a member of the Knights of Columbus for many years.

Clifford is survived by his wife, Betty (Sheeley) Zieser, Independence, Iowa; and six children, Teresa Fabert, Kathy (Rick) Vaughn, Paul (Becky)Zieser, Jane Zieser, Kevin (Ann) Zieser and Kyle (Sarah) Zieser; daughter-in-law, Sharon Zieser; 12 grandchildren and12 great-grandchildren with two more on the way; a sister-in-law, Delores Zieser; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Herman and Mary Zieser; two sons, Craig and Kenny Zieser; a son-in-law, Gary Fabert; a granddaughter, Amanda Faith Zieser; four sisters, Edna Takes, Pauline Hosch, Eleanor Hosch and Dora Mae Coleman; and three brothers, Don, Carl and Bob Zieser.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to St. John's Catholic Church, Independence, Iowa.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 18, at St. John’s Catholic Church, Independence, with the Rev. David Beckman Officiating. Burial will be held at St. John’s Cemetery in Independence. Visitation will be held from 4 to 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 17, at the Reiff Family Center-Funeral Home & Crematory in Independence. A rosary will be said at 3:45 p.m. led by the Knights of Columbus, and a parish vigil service will be held at 7:30 p.m. Friday.

To leave an online condolence please go to www.reifffamilycenter.com under obituaries.