George Newton Zigelhofer, 88, a resident of Parkville, MO and member of St. Therese Parish passed away Thursday, March 9, 2023. He was born July 14, 1934 in Marshfield, MO to John George and Christine Elizabeth (Willis) Zigelhofer.
George graduated from Marshfield High School and then enlisted in the United States Air Force, where he served for 11 years as a fighter pilot. Following his active duty career, he served an additional 13 years in the reserves, where he retired earning the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. George’s love for flying landed him a long and successful 26 year career with TWA, where he retired as a Captain in 1992. George cherished the friendships that were made during his time in the Air Force and with TWA, and he stayed in close contact with most of those friends until the time of his death.
George was devoted to his Lord, his country, his family and his friends. He was a long-time member of St. Therese Catholic Church, near Parkville. In his spare time he enjoyed fishing and entertaining others at his home.
He married Dorthey Belle Baker on October 19, 1957 in Marshfield. In addition to Dorthey, survivors include two daughters, Cameon ”Cammie” Webb and husband Charles of Independence, MO and Catherine Wollbrinck and husband, Edward of Moscow Mills, MO; four grandchildren: Edward, Eliana, Natalie and Alivia; one great grandchild, Penny; a brother, Ralph Zigelhofer and wife, Betty; a sister, Judy Luttrell; a sister-in-law Shirley Bearce and husband Elvin. He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Mary Griffin.
The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11:00 a.m; Thursday, March 16, 2023, at St. Therese Catholic Church. Rev. Randolph Sly presiding. Visitation 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., prior to the Mass. Committal Service with military honors will follow at the Walnut Grove Cemetery Parkville, MO. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry at St. Therese.
“TO HONOR A VERY SPECIAL VETERAN”
Thank you so much George for your service to our country. Because of your service you have given each and everyone of us our freedom.
God bless you George for taking care of our country with “LOVE PRIDE AND HONOR” and for all the sacrifices you have made for our country for me and for all of us.
LINDA PETERSON
WIFE OF A (DECEASED) UNITED STATES ARMY VETERAN
I flew combat missions over North Vietnam with Ziggy in 1965 in the F-105 Thunderchief. Then we both went with TWA as pilots. Ziggy was an exceptional pilot, and exceptional employee and an exceptional man with values I greatly admired. It was an honor just to be his friend and exchange emails.
What a truly great person and wonderful individual… always enjoyed being with George .
Always loved fling with George! There was always a smile on his face! RIP!
Thank you “Ziggy” for sharing your life, your fellowship, and aviation stories with us – your fellow Quiet Birdmen, Kansas City Hangar. You will always be remembered.
Praying for Cammie and Catherine and Aunt Dorthey in the time of loss of my Uncle George. I have so many great memories as I grew up of Uncle George and Aunt Dorthey! May all of you find peace in this time and cherish your memories to the fullest!
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May God comfort you and your family now and in the days ahead.
Your friend,
Jane Hopkins-Seems
Truly a Gentleman and friend.Flew with Ziggy on the B-727(also a great pilot). RIP SIR !
I flew C-130’s with Ziggy out at R-G for 12 years and with him at TWA. In addition to the F-105 in Viet Nam he flew the F-104, one of the hottest fighters ever. George was the complete package an exceptional pilot and leader, a fun guy to drink with and true family man. He made us all just a little bit better. RIP
George was a great friend and always a class act. I flew with him on the 727 and he had many stories of dangerous F-105 missions. God Bless him.
GREAT GUY! GREAT FRIEND! WILL REALLY BE MISSED BY ALL HIS FRIENDS AND FAMILY!
It is special to read all these beautiful memories above from people who knew George well.
It never worked where I was able to meet George in person, but I felt I knew him well sharing a beautiful friendship with his daughter, Cammie and son-in-law, Chip.
It is obvious his many many talents will be used wisely in heaven, as he flies above us, free of pain, free of worries, and sending love to all through prayer who knew him.
My heart is sad, but we live on in their memory.❤️ God be with each of you who knew him and especially to his dear family and grandchildren. A Big embrace for his widow Dorthey
Rest in Peace George and my condolences to your family. I salute you sir, both for your military service and your career with TWA, all done with loyalty, respect and dedication, traits that earned the respect of your peers.
George was an amazing gentleman, neighbor and friend. He will be missed, but my sons and I have great memories of him, Dorthey and family. He and Sam served together at R-G and TWA . May Gods bless his family with comfort and peace.
In September of 1962 I met George and Dorthey in Germany since George was Jim’s sponsor. This began a life long friendship over the years as we moved to KC and were next door neighbors. Words cannot convey the strength of the bonds we shared over the years. We’ve been there for each other in good times and bad. George was an honorable, decent, caring lifelong friend and will be truly missed
Mr. Zigelhofer will be dearly missed. I greatly enjoyed our conversations and the times we met. A true gentleman! I have very fond memories of him.
My deepest condolences to Dot and the family.
Zig and I were room mates when we were Aviation Cadets in Primary flight training at Graham AB, FL flying the T-34 and T-28. Our instructor was Mr. Mossteller who was the holy terror on the base. We once again were room mates during Basic Jet Pilot training at Laughlin AB, TX. We graduated with the coveted silver wings and gold bars April 27, 1957. We both went to F-86F and F-100 gunnery before parting career directions, but we have kept in touch until a few weeks ago. He was always one of my closest friends, and I will always treasure his friendship.