Hundreds pay final respects to Iraq War veteran Tyler Ziegel

[Ban Hammer 13,340]

METAMORA —

The crowd stretched to the sidewalk at Mason Funeral Home by the time Tyler Ziegel's visitation began at noon Sunday, and guests continued to arrive.

Within the hour, hundreds stood in the slow-moving line as visitors took their time to pay respects to the former Marine's family and say farewell to the hometown hero.

Some had known Ziegel his whole life. Others might have met him only a few times but knew his family, his story or his struggle.

Ziegel was on a tour in Iraq when a suicide bomber blew up near his truck. He lost his left hand and fingers on his right, fractured his skull and suffered severe burns in a blast on Christmas Eve 2004.

After numerous surgeries, he returned to Metamora in 2006 as a hero. He died after falling on ice early Wednesday morning.

Those who knew Ziegel remembered him for his resilience and upbeat attitude.

Family friends Phil and Renee Schertz of Metamora recalled how their young children were frightened when they saw him after the explosion.

"Ty told them not to be afraid and told them what happened," she said. "By the time he got done talking to them, they weren't scared anymore."

Ziegel had many friends before his deployment. After his injuries, it was his unbreakable spirit people remember more than his scars.

"We knew Ty since he was a little one. He grew up to be a great man and served his country, faced many struggles," said Phil Schertz. "Nobody felt sorry. It wasn't pity. It was love."

While Ziegel became known as a war hero, his family earned the respect of the community. Many attendees came to support parents Rebecca and Jeffrey and brother Zachary, who is also a Marine.

"We didn't get to know Ty real well. We knew his family," Mike Staley of Peoria said. "Great family, and I'm proud to know them."

Nearly 2,000 flags lined the streets of Metamora for miles in memory of the former soldier.

"It's so important that we make it as impressive as possible. As long as they remember the flags, they'll remember Tyler," said Larry Eckhardt, a Little York man who provides flags for military funerals. "It's an honor to be allowed to do it."

Ziegel's funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Monday at Mason Funeral Home, 219 E. Partridge St. in Metamora.

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[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

May he rest in peace.