Richard Jay "Dick" Ziebell

Richard Jay "Dick" Ziebell of Battle Creek, MI and Hernando, Florida and formerly of
Ipswich, Massachusetts,

Dick, age 88, got his angels wings on Monday, December 28, 2015.

Dick was born June 27,1927 in Battle Creek to Rena B. (Hart) and John Franklin Ziebell. He graduated from Battle Creek Central High School in 1945 and from Western Michigan University with a Chemical Engineering Degree specializing in glass. He served his country honorably and nobly in the United States Navy.

Dick married his wife of 60 years , Elizabeth Ann (nee:Cooper) Hullinger, on December 24,1955 in Angola, Indiana and she survives. Dick is also survived by his children, Linda (Steven) Newburn and Lou Ann (Gary) Duff, both of Battle Creek and James (Teresa Phillips) Ziebell of Battle Creek and Dunnellon, FL; grandchildren: Justin (Erin) Duff, Laura Duff, Amelia Harris, Chris Fridella, Daniel (Cathy Riker) Fridella, Chad Newburn and Christine Newburn; a great granddaughter, Vivienne Duff and former son-in-law, Fred Harris. Dick was preceded in death by his parents and a granddaughter, Rena Harris.

Richard led a very adventurous and fulfilling life, he had a passion for learning and especially sharing his knowledge with others. After his career as a chemical engineer, he pursued a lifelong career as an Antiquarian Horologist, his most rewarding passion for antique clocks and watches. In his golden years, he and his wife ran a wholesale airbrush supply business retiring in 2010. He was an avid sports fan always following his Detroit teams and a collector of sports memorabilia.

Richard was a member of the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors, Polish National Alliance, American Legion and VFW. He loved spending time with his family and on his farm here in Battle Creek, where he has resided off and on since 1938. In the summer time, you could usually find him on one of his many mowers or tractors keeping his fields and yard preened.

A Memorial Gathering to celebrate Dick's his life will be held on Saturday, January 9, 2016 at the Polish National Alliance Club, 13 Clair Street, Battle Creek, MI 49014 beginning at 1:00 p.m. As per his wishes, cremation has taken place and final interment will held at a later date. The Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care, Battle Creek (269-962-5527) is assisting Dick's family with the arrangements.