John Joseph Ziesenheim

John Joseph Ziesenheim, 77, passed from this life to eternal grace on December 10, 2025, in his home surrounded by his loving family, the treasures of a life well-lived.

He was born January 7, 1948, to the late John Oliver and Kathleen Gunnison Ziesenheim, he lived, and farmed, his whole life at Fairplain Farm in Lake City on the land he loved, as his forefathers had. A master farmer, John nurtured the land that brought forth not only yields but his reverence for nature’s dignity, abundance, and solace. A simple man, true of spirit, he belonged to the breath of the land that also nurtured him and provided a spiritual and timeless connection to the natural world.

John graduated from Rice Avenue Union High School in 1966 and from Penn State University in 1969 with a degree in agriculture.

He was a devoted family man who protected and provided for those he loved, and raised his children with integrity, honor, and dedication to hard work, the principles that guided his life.

John was a man of many passions and talents: avid cyclist, runner, technical skier, hunter, and woodworker who loved to build and restore antique farm furniture. He was an accomplished fly-tyer and angler, mechanical genius on the farm and at our camp in the Allegheny National Forest. He was an ardent collector and rebuilder of antique hit-and-miss engines.

He is survived by his loving partner Sharon Estok; his children Heidi, Erik, Kate, and Andrew and their mother Jennifer; his siblings Trill, Chris, and stepsister Char. His eight grandchildren, Nathan, Karly, Jordan, Kasey, Molly, Anna, Dawson, and Silas.

John, all these years we’ve learned from the principles that have guided your life: modesty, walking tall and confidently forward, expressing joy and gratitude, and unwavering love for family and friends. Your humility and pure spirit have created a legacy of love and laughter that has enriched all who knew you. You will be in our hearts and memories forever.

Visiting hours will be Sunday, December 14, 2025, at Lake Shore Country Club from noon until the time of the Celebration of Life at 3:00 pm.

Arrangements entrusted to Burton Funeral Home, Girard.

Memorials may be directed to the Second Harvest Food Bank, 1507 Grimm Drive Erie, PA 16501, NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness), 1611 Peach Street, Suite 218, Erie, PA 16501, or WQLN, 8425 Peach Street Erie, PA 16509.

Send condolences at www.BurtonQuinnScott.com