October 28, 2019 - Issue: Vol. 165, No. 170 — Daily Edition116th Congress (2019 - 2020) - 1st Session

[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1350]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            RECOGNIZING ZIGGY AND STELLA ZIEGLER OF BILLINGS

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                          HON. GREG GIANFORTE

                               of montana

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, October 28, 2019

  Mr. GIANFORTE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Ziggy and Stella 
Ziegler of Billings for their decades of selflessly helping people find 
a second chance in life.
   For more than 40 years, Ziggy and Stella owned and operated Stella's 
Kitchen and Bakery in Billings. Their establishment created a downtown 
buzz where every weekend you can find a line out the door of people 
waiting to eat a delicious breakfast. Their restaurant won a 2018 
Billings Gazette Readers' Choice for Best Breakfast and Best Bakery.
   Recently retired, Ziggy and Stella were honored with this year's 
Billings Chamber Legacy Award for their dedication to the city. While 
their business success is well documented, it's the Zieglers' work in 
their community that sets them apart.
   In 1973, when Ziggy was young, his father was murdered. Instead of 
reacting in anger, Ziggy used that tragedy to fuel his passion for 
serving others. He dedicated his life to helping prisoners find 
fruitful, meaningful lives during and after incarceration.
   For the last 40 years, Ziggy has traveled to prisons and halfway 
houses throughout Montana. In those cell blocks and rehabilitation 
rooms, Ziggy offers spiritual guidance, be it a passage of scripture or 
a prayer. He also helps those incarcerated or formerly incarcerated 
develop their self-esteem, encouraging them realize their worth. Ziggy 
has helped hundreds of men and women find a plan for life after 
incarceration.
   That's where Stella stepped in to complete the ministry. Stella 
oversaw the day-to-day operations of the Ziegler's bakery, including 
hiring workers. Collaborating with the prison ministry, Stella filled 
many of open jobs with former inmates. The employment provided those 
reentering society with structure and a community.
   Stella's reach goes beyond her bakery. She was instrumental in 
building the new St. Francis Catholic Elementary School and remodeling 
St. Patrick's Co-Cathedral in Billings. Even after retiring, Stella 
continues to help her community as she serves on boards and leadership 
committees.
   Madam Speaker, for their business successes and ministerial impact 
to help build a better path for those reentering society, I recognize 
Ziggy and Stella Ziegler of Billings for their Spirit of Montana.

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