January 31, 1978 — May 8, 2024
Kiley Eugene Ziegler, a beloved husband, father, friend, and physician, passed away unexpectedly from cardiac arrest on May 8, 2024. With heavy hearts, his family bids farewell to this kind-hearted, soft-spoken, and gentle man.
Kiley was born on January 31, 1978, in Logan, Utah, to Alan and Sharron Ziegler, the youngest of four siblings: Lori, Jamison, and Nickole. He grew up in a loving family that instilled a strong work ethic and a love for the outdoors. Kiley attended Pinedale High School, where he participated in football, basketball, track, and even the marching/concert band. After high school, he began his college education at the University of Wyoming.
During 1997-1999, Kiley took a hiatus from his studies to serve a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Missouri Independence Mission, aiding the people of the greater Kansas City area.
Upon his return, Kiley resumed his education at the University of Wyoming, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Physiology and a Master’s degree in Kinesiology. It was during this time that he met Jamie Burke, a member of the UW volleyball team from Steamboat Springs, Colorado, who would become his cherished wife. Kiley and Jamie married in the Vernal Utah Temple on January 12, 2001, amidst a snowy, blustery day.
Kiley pursued a medical career at St. Louis University School of Medicine, where his children Brandin Eugene (born September 2002) and Tayler Avery (born August 2005) were welcomed into the world. He graduated in 2008 and subsequently completed an orthopedic residency at the University of Missouri at Kansas City (2008-2013), where they welcomed their third child, Alexis Ryann, in May 2010. Following his residency, Kiley specialized in hand surgery through a fellowship at the University of Louisville/Christine M. Kleinert Institute for Hand and Microvascular Surgery in Louisville, Kentucky, from 2013 to 2014.
Kiley’s professional journey led him to Grants Pass, Oregon, where he focused on raising his three children alongside Jamie while establishing his medical practice. Their shared passion for supporting their children’s athletic endeavors, from basketball to gymnastics, defined their family life.
Kiley dedicated much of his life to service within his family, church, and community, embodying the qualities of a devoted husband, father, sibling, son, and esteemed surgeon.
An avid outdoorsman, Kiley cherished hiking, fishing, running, and traveling with Jamie. Their shared love for Hawaii, particularly Kauai, led to memorable adventures exploring the Napali Coast. Kiley also treasured fishing trips to Alaska with family and friends, always equipped with the latest gear.
He found joy in basketball, both as a spectator and an official, and was known for his meticulous officiating. Kiley’s family affectionately recalls his passion for hiking and penchant for “dorky” selfies.
Kiley had an eye for fashion and athletic gear, often discovering trends on Instagram ahead of the curve. However, above all else, he valued quality time with family, leaving an indelible mark with his calm strength, warm demeanor, and unwavering kindness.
Kiley is survived by his wife Jamie; children Brandin (21), Tayler (18), and Alexis (14); parents Sharron and Alan Ziegler of Pinedale, WY; siblings Lori (Nathan) Emery of Belleair, Florida; Nickole (Travis) Tanner; and Jamison (Trisha) Ziegler of Pinedale, WY; along with numerous nieces and nephews.
A Memorial Service for Kiley will be held on May 16 at 7 PM at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (1969 Williams Hwy). A viewing will precede the service from 11 AM-1:00 PM at the same location. Funeral Services will take place on May 19 at 3:00 PM at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (221 East North Street, Pinedale, Wyoming), followed by interment at Pinedale Cemetery (73 Fremont Lake Road, Pinedale, Wyoming).
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the “Kiley Ziegler Children College Fund.”