Jean Zigrang

Jean Zigrang, 51, of Clarion, passed away Monday, August 21, 2023.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Jean Zigrang will be held at 10:30 AM, on Monday, September 4, 2023, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 204 South Jackson Avenue, in Eagle Grove with Father Jerry Blake and Deacon Dr. Michael Whitters officiating. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Eagle Grove.

Visitation will be held from 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM on Sunday, September 3, 2023, with a Rosary and Scriptural Wake Service beginning at 1:30 PM, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Eagle Grove. Visitation will continue one hour prior to Mass at the church on Monday.

Jean Paul Zigrang was born August 1, 1972 in Seoul, South Korea. At the age of 4, he was adopted, along with two biological sisters, by Jim and Jackie (Sadler) Zigrang, becoming the youngest in a family of ten children. He was raised and educated in Eagle Grove, graduating from Eagle Grove High School with the Class of 1991. He attended Iowa Central Community College for a time, and served with the Army National Guard.

Jean was united in marriage to Becky Jessen on September 2, 2000, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Eagle Grove, and were later blessed with the birth of their son, Brandon Lee Zigrang. The family made their home in Clarion.

Jean was employed at AGP in Eagle Grove for 28 years, and was most recently the Elevator Superintendent. He also worked as a flooring installer for a number of years, a craft he took great pride in, and eventually it became a family affair with Becky and Brandon working alongside one another.

During his high school years, Jean was a gifted track athlete, running high hurdles. He began coaching Brandon and shared his knowledge with 7th and 8th grade runners as well. He was also active as a Boy Scout leader and enjoyed running, bike riding, camping and fishing in his free time, or just spending time with Becky and Brandon, watching movies or doing other activities together. He and Brandon were inseparable.

In the year since Brandon’s death, Jean and Becky were strong advocates for mental health awareness and suicide prevention.

Jean will be lovingly remembered for his love of others, his dedication to his family and faith, and for his willingness to help anyone in need.

Jean is survived by his wife, Becky Zigrang, of Clarion; his mother, Jackie Zigrang, of Eagle Grove; siblings Denis (Jenny) Zigrang of Eagle Grove, Denise (Craig) Nelsen of Webster City, Therese (Doug) Martin of Goldfield, Robert (Lisa) Zigrang of Eagle Grove, Mary (Al) Brunkhorst of Des Moines, Nikki (David) Wanger of Arizona and Margi (Kevin) Koeller of Des Moines; siblings-in-law, Sara (Ryan) Ell of Eagle Grove, Megan (Jason) Morris of Drayton, North Dakota, and Holly Jessen of Des Moines; along with numerous nieces and nephews, other extended family members and friends.

Jean was preceded in death by his son, Brandon Zigrang; his father, Jim Zigrang; his sister, Sue Zigrang; his brother, Jay Zigrang; his niece, Grace Brunkhorst; and his parents-in-law, Bob and Kay Jessen.

In lieu of flowers and other customary remembrances, please consider making memorial contributions payable to Becky, sent to her attention c/o Ewing Funeral Home, P.O. Box 363, Clarion, Iowa, 50525.