Obituary of Kathryn G. Ziese
Kathryn G. Ziese passed away peacefully with her loving family by her side on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 in Mount Olive Township. She had shared 83 years of unconditional love, infectious laughter, priceless wisdom, and unforgettable memories with family and friends.
Born and raised in Union City to the late Emma (Schreiber) and Henry Goldbach, Kathryn graduated from Emerson High School, Class of 1960. She married her best friend and soulmate, Robert Julius Ziese on June 8, 1963. They settled into Rockaway Township and raised a family of their own. As a young mother of two, Kathryn attended night school and earned her Associate’s and then Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting. She started her own business, Kathryn G Ziese, Financial Services in Rockaway which she owned and operated for over 40 years. She only retired in 2023, when her beloved husband passed away. She was brilliant and a hard and dedicated worker.
Kathryn was a talented and creative seamstress; she made clothes for herself, her children, and grandchildren. She didn’t go to the clothing store, she went to a fabric store and made her dress. She was so gifted, she was able to stitch on the beads and lace for her daughter’s wedding dress! Kathryn loved taking trips to the casino to play penny slots. She also adored the many cats she has had throughout the years.
Kathryn was a devout member of First Presbyterian Church of Rockaway. She always had a positive outlook on life. She never wanted to impose on anyone. She was genuine, kind and trustworthy. Kathryn was an incredible woman, a loyal wife, an attentive mother, and a doting grandmother.
Kathryn and Robert spent many hours ballroom dancing together. We hope they are dancing together in Heaven now.
Her legacy will live on in the hearts of her treasured children, Donna (Martin) Ertl of Flanders, NJ and Kevin (Nancy) Ziese of Laurel Springs, NC; her cherished grandchildren, Timothy Ertl, Kaitlyn (Daniel) Bausch, Joseph Ertl, Nathan Ziese, and Sarah Ziese; her caring cousin, Virginia Ernst; her loving sister-in-law, Gail (Brian) Feeney; her faithful cat, Ruby; and many dear extended family and friends.
Relatives and friends are welcome to join in celebrating Kathryn on Sunday, December 7th from 2 – 4 pm at Norman Dean Home for Services, 16 Righter Avenue, Denville. Kathryn will be laid to rest privately with her husband in Rockaway Presbyterian Church Cemetery. Memorial Donations are being accepted in her memory to St. Hubert's Animal Welfare Center by way of www.inmemof.org to ensure receipt of your donation. Please leave a condolence, share a memory, or add a gesture here on normandean.com to continue to honor her life and let her light shine!
