Rest in Peace, Josh Ziegler- Born 12/20/1989 and passed 1/3/2025

Josh Ziegler was a Grizzly Bear of a man. He was a father, son, friend, teacher, fishing guide, mentor, story teller, writer, and one hell of a great guy. Josh passed away in the Bozeman Deaconess hospital on the morning of Jan 3, 2025. His body was taken over by Sarcoma. He had no idea. He drove himself to the hospital on December 27 thinking he had a slipped disc in his back. He was excited to be the new 6th grade English teacher in Livingston at Sleeping Giant Middle School. 7 days later he passed. He was 35 years old. 

Rowan Ziegler, guide in training.

I can hear his loud, joyous laughter now. Josh wasn’t just a fishing guide on the water. When you were in his boat, he was a teacher. A true professional of his craft.  His enthusiasm and joy for life was contagious. He guided first time anglers and turned them into fly-fishing enthusiasts. Kids learned how to cast, drift, and set the hook with Josh cheering them on. Old guys loved Josh’s intimate knowledge of the river’s hatches. Fellow guides looked forward to being on the water with him. He knew the fish. Most importantly, as a keen student of the human condition, he knew people and how to connect.  When you were lucky enough to step into Josh’s boat, you didn’t just get a fishing guide. You got a good friend. 

Josh had so much love for the rivers he floated. He loved the challenge. He loved the laughs. He loved making people happy and connecting them with what he loved. He was the toughest person I have ever met. He was too tough. His laughter and positive attitude was infectious. He left us way too soon.

If you knew Josh Ziegler, you have your own stories of how he touched you. He was incredibly loyal to his friends and family. He was a skilled English teacher and writer. He loved the MSU Bobcats. He loved and was completely dedicated to his son, Rowan, and his partner, Jaimee. He was the kindest and most thankful person. He was our Grizzly Bear.

Josh is survived by his son, Rowan, his parents, Terri and Chris, his partner, Jaimee, Rowan’s mom, Korin, and the countless people he touched as an educator,guide, and friend.

A GoFundMe has been set up for Josh’s end of life costs and Rowan’s future education. You can help Josh and his family here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-joshua-zieglers-family-with-funeral-and-future-costs