Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Officer Zeiger,
On today, the 50th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of the state of Illinois. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy. There is no tougher job in Law Enforcement then that of a Corrections Officer.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

January 11, 2023

49 years ago today (January 11, 1973); our family was torn apart. We just lost our mom 5 years ago, and a brother almost 2 months ago. Daddy, I hope you know how much you were loved here on earth and how much you are missed. I hate that you never were able to walk your daughters down the aisle; to meet any of your 8 grandchildren; to hold and play with your 12 great-grandchildren. Please continue to watch over us and keep us safe as you did when you were alive and continue to do in heaven. We will meet again some day, Until then, always remember how much you are loved and missed by your family.

Linda Wells, daughter

January 11, 2022

Uncle Jim thinking about you as the 48th anniversary of your murder approaches. Remembering you and the "Daltons" and your "wanted poster, "the Daltons, wanted for country music" I think it said. Remembering the song grandpa used to love to hear you play, "Cool Water" and he would even sing a part.

Family was always so important. Every Sunday we would gather with grandma and grandpa, first at their home on Washtenaw, in good weather at Swallow Cliff, and finally the family gathered at Lake Will. And of course horseshoes, which grandpa loved so much. Good times, good memories.

I have seen your memorial plaque at Stateville as well as your name engraved on the police memorial wall in D.C. during several trips during police week when police and families gathered from around the nation.

You and your family have always been in my prayers.

Bob Lenihan CPD retired
nephew

December 9, 2020

Dad, I have been thinking about you a lot lately. With all the racial tension in this country now, I can't help but look back and remember the day we were told that you were murdered. It has been so hard to keep it together, but I do it for you, and mom. I miss you so much; you never got to see any of your 8 children became adults, never met your 8 grandchildren or your 11 great-grandbabies. They missed out on having a wonderful "poppa". So surreal knowing that I worked for the Department of Corrections for 21 years, 8 of them at Stateville, the very place you were killed. Daddy, I believe there are angels among us, thank you for watching over us the last 48 years. I love you

Linda Wells
Daughter

June 1, 2020

Rest in peace Correctional Officer Zeiger.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

November 13, 2019

Hi Daddy. After all this time, words can't describe the hurt and sadness of not having you in my life. I was 11 years old when you were taken from me. Luckily i had mom for 55 years before God called her home. I don't worry about her because i know she is with you. I know she is filling you in how all your children grew up but also your grandchildren and great grandchildren. We are making sure they know who you were and that your love for them is unconditional. I love you daddy and miss you so much. Please take of mom. Until we see each other again.

Your daughter
Karen

Karen Zeiger
Daughter

April 14, 2018

I can't believe it's been 45 years ago today that you were so tragically taken from us. I love you Daddy so much, and I know you know that because I tell you that everyday! Mom is now with you and I know you both will forever watch over your family! You are forever in our hearts and will never be forgotten . Love you your daughter Julie

Julie zeiger
Daughter

January 11, 2018

Missing you dad, so much. Needing yours and mom's strength right now to get through this tough time.

Linda Wells
daughter

August 16, 2017

Hello Officer Zeiger (grandpa),

I am Your grandson, Kevin zeiger's fiancé. And we are finally getting married next year in the spring. I've heard so many good things about you. From your family, and also from fellow officers where I volunteer for our local police department. Kevin and I take your great grandson, Dylan, to see you quite often and tell him story's of your bravery and huge heart. Next year I will also be Officer Zeiger working patrol for a nearby police department. I hope to make you proud. You are missed very much by your family, and for those of us who have not had the blessing to meet you, sure wish we could have.

Thank you so much for your service. We will all meet again in a better place.

Love you!
Amanda Crisman

Amanda Crisman - EMA Volunteer
Future grand daughter

January 11, 2015

Rest In Peace Officer Zeiger, your service and sacrifice is remembered. Our prayers are with your family and friends.
God Bless.

Sgt. Jarrod L. Wilson, K9 Officer
West Virginia Division of Corrections

January 11, 2015

Hi "Grandpa" Zeiger!

I'm Maggie, your grandson Jason's wife, I wanted to stop today to pay my respects, and thank you for your service. Jason and I have talked about you several times in the last few days.

You and Grandma Zeiger created such a wonderful family full of so many wonderful and caring people. You must be so proud. I know that I am more than proud to be a member of the Zeiger clan. They welcomed me with open arms from day one. Jason and I have heard so many wonderful stories about you and recently seen several pictures of you. Jason and I have been told several times that you passed on many of your wonderful traits and talents to Jason. I know that makes him so proud and it's special to him to know that and feel a connection to you. I often wish that I could have known you. I know all your grand kids feel the same. Having been so close with my own grandfather I can't imagine having never met him. Please know we all speak of you and think of you often. Your memory will most certainly live on for many years to come.

Love & Respect Always,

Maggie

Maggie Zeiger
Granddaughter In-Law

May 28, 2014

Dear Officer Zeiger,
I know you don't know me, nor do I know you. but I wanted to express my sincerest respect and admiration for the job and the sacrifice that you so bravely bestowed upon me and my fellow Correctional officers. If it hadn't been for men like you and the sacrifices that you laid down, then it would have been impossible for the changes within the department to happen that made it possible for men like me to actually be able to make this job a career and be able to retire! I will forever be in your debt! May the good lord always watch over your family and may your memory never be forgotten!

Lieutenant Randy W. Terry
Illinois Department of Corrections

April 17, 2014

I LOVE READING ALL THE VERY KIND AND HEART FELT WORDS. i KNOW MY DAD CAN SEE THESE WORDS TOO. I AM SURE HE IS PROUD AND AMAZED AT ALL THE KIND WORDS. I AM SO HAPPY AND PROUD TO SEE THAT HIS MEMORY LIVES ON EVEN AFTER 41 YEARS. I HOPE DADDY YOU ARE HAPPY AND PROUD THAT WE DID NOT LET YOUR MEMORY DIE WITH YOU, YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN.. I LOVE YOU SO MUCH. YOUR YOUNGEST DAUGHTER JULIE

Julie Sullivan
JULIE ZEIGER, YOUNGEST DAUGHTER

January 13, 2014

Boy I can see where the boys got there good looks from..Rip MR.ZEIGER I never got the honor to meet you, but you had some awesome children and a fabulous wife. RIP MOM ZEIGER. we all miss you!

tina wright. law (sister in law
sister in law

January 11, 2014

Hi Uncle Jim
I remember you visiting and playing the guitar with my dad. You, Uncle Bob and my father used to goof around and play those guitars like it was nothing. Listening to the post here with you and dad singing "Are you mine" made me cry like a baby, I miss those times sooo much!! Some of my best memories!! I remember when we all were at the lake, love the teasing, mumbly peg and arguing over horseshoes. I know you guys are watching down on us and I hope your as proud of us as Grandma and Grandpa are of you. Love and miss you always and forever.

Kathy Zeiger
Niece

January 11, 2014

I would like to thank everyone who has left a reflection and kind words about my dad. Many of you have never met him, and you missed out on knowing a wonderful man, husband and father. I love you, dad.

Linda (Zeiger) Wells
Daughter

January 11, 2014

hi mister zeiger, i,ll always remember you and your 2 german shepards (they scared the hell out of me ) rest in peace you are very much loved and missed.i was a neighbor lived on belmont ct.

debora skellenger fuller
friend to your family

January 11, 2014

It was hard to read what everyone wrote about Mr. Zeiger. I was a childhood friend of Joe Zeiger. I lived on Belmont court and I remember the pain that I could feel coming from Joe and his family members even though I was only 7 years old. I will never forget it.

I never met your dad, but his death has profoundly impacted my life even after all these years.

I wish you all peace,


Mark Kaiser
Phoenix, Az

Mark Kaiser
Childhood friend of Joe Zeiger

August 22, 2013

They say that time heals all wounds, that the pain lessens. Heals? No. Lessens? Maybe. With each passing day, know that you are never forgotten. Your family loves you and misses you each and every day and have kept your memories alive as you live on in your children, grandchildren, and now your great-grandchildren. Rest in peace, Dad. I love you.

Linda (Zeiger) Wells
Daughter

January 12, 2013

1/11/1973 you left this earth. Now here we are 40 years later, and the pain and wounds of your loss still is imbeded in the hearts. Just know how much your family loves and misses you terribly every day of our lives. Your grandson Jason will be getting married 1/12/13. I know you will be there in spirit and in the hearts of your now very large family. I will forever love you, Your daughter, Julie

Julie Zeiger-Sullivan
Daughter

January 11, 2013

Hi Daddy, it will soon be 40 years since you were taken from us and yet there is not a day that goes by that your name isn't mentoned or that you are being thought of. Your fifth and sixth great grand children were recently brought into this world and they are the most beautiful little girls. Two more that have been robbed of you. You would be so proud. We love you and miss you everyday. Please watch over us. I know you are because I can feel you. I love you Daddy.

Karen Zeiger
Daughter

October 30, 2012

Hi Daddy, it will soon be 40 years since you were taken from us and yet there is not a day that goes by that your name is isn't mentoned or that you are being thought of. Your fifth and sixth great grand children were recently brought into this world and they are the most beautiful little girls. Two more that have been robbed of you. You would be so proud. We love you and miss you everyday. Please watch over us. I know you are because I can feel you. I love you Daddy.

Karen Zeiger
Daughter

October 30, 2012

Rest in Peace, Correctional Officer Zeiger. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

June 3, 2012

I want to thank all the people who think and pray for my dad. I love you daddy. You are missed every day.

Joey
Son

February 12, 2012

Grandpa,
I wish I had the chance to meet you. I love hearing all the wonderful stories my dad tells me about you. You will always and forever be in my thoughts and prayers and I know that you are always watching down over us! We love you Grandpa!!!

Love always, Nikki

Nikki Zeiger-Jacksa
Granddaughter

January 11, 2012