George A. Zieg, 92, of White Sulphur Springs passed away on Friday, December 22, 2023 at Mountainview Memorial Nursing Home in White Sulphur Springs.
George was born on July 27th, 1931, to George and Florence (Hopper) Zieg at their home near Little Birch Creek. He developed a fondness for good horses as he grew up helping on his parents’ ranch and neighboring ranches. He graduated from White Sulphur Springs High School in 1949 and joined the U.S. Air Force in December of 1950. He served in the Korean conflict, where he received two bronze stars. He left the service in October of 1953 and returned to working on Meagher County ranches.
George married Janet Lois Cameron on March 9th, 1953. They had one son, Gerald Allen on June 4th, 1955. He tried working at the lumber mill at White Sulphur Springs for a year, and then worked for the Montana State Highway Department for another year. These experiences convinced him he was best suited for ranch life. He leased, and later purchased, the Songster place on the Smith River. He worked hard to improve the ranch from where he and Janet also ran and outfitting and summer guest business. During this time, he served president of the Montana Outfitters Association.
By 1984, he had greatly improved the quality of the ranch. Seeing there wasn’t much more challenge there, he sold the portion on the Smith River. He and Janet divorced in 1986. He moved back to his parents’ ranch on Little Birch Creek.
George married Janey McAfee on December 3rd, 1988 and she joined him on the ranch. In 2005, he and Janey moved to their final home together near White Sulphur Springs. George was a member of Diamond City Lodge #7 of the Masonic Order and Martha Chapter #11 Order of Eastern Star. George very much enjoyed his life ranching in the Smith River valley, and above all, all the people and family in his life. During his last years, he enjoyed visits from his many friends near and far. His last and greatest advice to his family was ‘keep it on the sunny side’.
George is survived by his wife Janey, his son Gerald (Susan) of White Sulphur Springs, his sister Judy Jean McCullough of Palm Springs, California, granddaughter Anna Katherine Zieg of Spokane, grandson Ian Zieg of Portland, Oregon, Ann Burk (Mike) and family, Patrick Bergan and family, nieces, and nephews.
A Viewing will start at 12:00 p.m. at the Yoked Parish followed by a Funeral Service at 2:00 p.m., Friday, Dec. 29, 2023 at the Yoked Parish in White Sulphur Springs. Burial with Military Honors will follow the service at the Mayn Cemetery in White Sulphur Springs. A reception will follow the burial at the Yoked Parish in White Sulphur Springs.
Service Schedule
Viewing
12:00 p.m.
Friday December 29, 2023
Yoked Parish
411 Jefferson
White Sulphur Springs, Montana 59645
Funeral Service
2:00 p.m.
Friday December 29, 2023
Yoked Parish
411 Jefferson
White Sulphur Springs, Montana 59645
Burial with Military Honors
Following the service
Friday December 29, 2023
Mayn Cemetery
White Sulphur Springs, Montana 59645
Reception
Following the burial
Friday December 29, 2023
Yoked Parish
411 Jefferson
White Sulphur Springs, Montana 59645
Service Schedule
Viewing
12:00 p.m.
Friday December 29, 2023
Yoked Parish
411 Jefferson
White Sulphur Springs, Montana 59645
Funeral Service
2:00 p.m.
Friday December 29, 2023
Yoked Parish
411 Jefferson
White Sulphur Springs, Montana 59645
Burial with Military Honors
Following the service
Friday December 29, 2023
Mayn Cemetery
White Sulphur Springs, Montana 59645
Reception
Following the burial
Friday December 29, 2023
Yoked Parish
411 Jefferson
White Sulphur Springs, Montana 59645
Share
Yvonne Kostelecky says
Janey, Jerry & family,
I am so very sorry for your loss of George. I’m so very glad we were able to come visit George when we did and I am thankful for the times that Marvin and George got to visit together and I know that they are watching over both of us now and forever . You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Love
Yvonne Kostelecky
Rick Ellison says
The Smith River Valley lost a true gentleman rancher with the passing of George Zieg. My memories of George will never fade because they were all good. He let me fish my beloved Smith River on his property anytime I asked. The twinkle in his eyes just before he told a story was priceless. We will all miss him. My prayers go out to Jerry, Susan, Janey & family.
Donna Malec Demko says
The years I spent on the Zieg ranch in the 1970s were truly life altering and incredibly wonderful. George was a very kind, caring person with a great sense of humor. Yes, so true that the twinkle in his eyes, just before he told a story was priceless. How was that I was so blessed to be included in his friendship? He so loved his family, land, horses, dogs and his beloved Montana. He meant alot to so many of us. My heartfelt condolences go out to Janey, Jerry, Susan and all his family and friends.
Joanne & Bill Cummins says
George was a favorite of ours with his wonderful stories telling the history of Meagher County. He was so kind, loving and enjoyed life. He will be missed and remembered by everyone.
Ken & Bren Sage says
Janey,
Thinking of your family
During this time.
Ken & Brenda Sage
Wendy McIntosh says
My 2nd cousin – my mother brought me and my daughter to the ranch two or three years in a row. Always had a wonderful time. So sad to loose another family member.
My thought and condolences to Jerry and his family.
Wendy Loreman McIntosh