Wayne Edward Zieser

Wayne Edward Zieser

Washington

Wayne Edward Zieser, 77, of Washington, Iowa, passed away Friday, July 14, 2023, from injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident.

Celebration of life services will be held 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, July 25, at the United Presbyterian Church with Pastor Doug Tinnes officiating. Military honors will be accorded by Washington American Legion Post 29 at the end of the service. Visitation will begin 2 p.m. Monday, July 24, at the Jones & Eden Funeral Home, where the family will be present to receive friends from 4 to 7 p.m. Private family interment will take place at the Elm Grove Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established for the restoration of the Tall Corn Display at the Iowa State Fair and the Washington County Fair and for the Tall Corn Contest at the Washington County Fair. Online condolences may be sent for Wayne’s family at www.jonesfh.com.

Wayne was born June 5, 1946, in Walker, Iowa, the son of Lawrence and Flora (Hamling) Zieser. Wayne attended school in Walker, Iowa, graduated from Walker High School in 1964. He later attended Palmer Chiropractic College in Davenport, Iowa. Wayne served honorably in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam conflict, where he was stationed on the USS Midway. He was united in marriage to Julie Radda in June of 1977.

Wayne worked at International Harvester in Moline, Ill., prior to moving to Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where he worked for Rockwell Goss Company. He and Julie moved to the family farm near West Chester, Iowa, in 1981, where he farmed corn, soybeans and raised pigs. While farming, Wayne had a welding business and did custom cabinetry work. He later did custom farming and custom manure application.

The love of Wayne’s life was spending time with his children and grandchildren. He cherished the time spent with them, teaching them to hunt and fish and never missed the opportunity to attend their events. Wayne enjoyed riding his motorcycle and socializing with his friends. He always looked forward to the “Thirsty Thursday” outings. He enjoyed playing pickleball and built the nets at the City of Washington Pickleball Courts. He was passionate about continuing the legacy of the Tall Corn Contest. Wayne was an avid Chicago Cubs and Iowa Hawkeyes football and basketball fan.

He is survived by his son, David Zieser and wife Jill of Washington, Iowa; son, Brian Zieser of Marion, Iowa; daughter, Kelly Avis of Walker, Iowa; grandchildren, Ainsley, Dawson and Drew Zieser; life partner, Becky Renoux of Washington, Iowa; and brother, Larry Zieser of Ocala, Fla.

Those welcoming Wayne in heaven are his parents; wife, Julie, in 2016; and an infant sister, Flora Elizabeth Zieser.