Chad Ziegler

Ta'sunka Sa'

"Red Horse"

Chad journeyed to the Wichahpi Oyate at the age of 54 in Lower Brule, SD, at the home of his Uncle Lambert DeShequette.  Ta'sunka Sa' (Red Horse) was born August 4, 1971, in Chamberlain, SD, to Allen B. Ziegler and Helen R. Thompson.  Chad grew up in Lower Brule and Albuquerque, NM, attended St. Joes in Chamberlain and graduated from Rio Grande High school in Albuquerque.  After high school, Chad met Jennifer Silva and the two were married for over 28 years.

Most recently living the last 16 years in Loveland, CO, he was a heavy equipment operator in New Mexico and Colorado. He loved operating heavy equipment, moving dirt, and building.  He also spent part of his work career as a carpenter and framer in Rapid City, SD. Chad discovered his talent for drawing and painting later in his life. His specialty was charcoal, portraits, and black and white.  He was able to look at portraits of chiefs and draw them from memory.

Chad's life was blessed with two sons, C. Tuff and E'Hake Mani Ziegler, and five daughters:  Krystina Jo, Hailey Rose, Grace Helen, Vivyenne Belle, and Olowan Ruby, along with one granddaughter Promise Leeann born in December 2025.

Special uncles and aunts in his life were Roy Ziegler, Rocky Thompson, Ben Thompson, Leroy Cook, David Herron, Larry Herron, Larry Weddell, Sr., along with aunties Jill Fallis, EllaRae Stone, Joyce Cook, Anna M. Thompson, Elaine Thompson, Cathy Thompson, Tracy Shields, Mary Ellen Pease, Martha Thompson Coleman, Wilma Wilson, and Lisa Carlow.

Grateful to have shared in his life are his mother, Helen R. Thompson, long-time partner, Keva Herman, children - C. Tuff and E'Hake Mani Ziegler, daughters: - Krystina Jo, Hailey Rose, Grace Helen, Vivyenne Belle, and Olowan Ruby, stepchildren Koytel, Kodreis, and Kingston, and one special granddaughter Promise Leeann. Brothers - Cory and Shane, Zane, Jordan, Jameson, Zachary, Jonathan, Stephen, Victor Jr., Craig Goodlow, and Ben James Thompson . Sisters include Lynnell, Kelly, Bobbie Jean, Tiffany, Sammi Jo, Anna, Rocki Lea, Sara, Pam, Holly, Rory, Kristen, Courtney, Aimee, Alexis, Shiela, and Barbara. Along with many aunties, uncles, cousins, and friends.

Chad did not have the chance to grow up with his dad, Allen "Tuffy" Ziegler who preceded him in death in 1972. Other family that journeyed ahead were his paternal grandparents, Elmer Ziegler, Nadine Like Him, Ted DeShequette, and Uncle Larry Weddell Sr..   Maternal grandparents, Ben W. Thompson and Cecelia (Cissy) LaRoche, along with great- grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Chad's wish was to be buried by his grandpa Melvin Duane LaRoche (Snoz) who he was especially close to all his life.

Memorial services will be 1:30 p.m., Monday, March 30, 2026 at the Lower Brule Community Center at Lower Brule, SD. Wake will begin at 4:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday with services at 7:00 p.m., at the Lower Brule Community Center in Lower Brule, SD.  Burial of the ashes will be in St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery at Lower Brule SD.

Thank you to all relatives and friends for joining us in the celebration of Chad's life.

You are invited to share a meal with our family at the community center after the committal at St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery.