Lillie Ziegler

Inducted 2005

Lillie Ziegler has been a favorite of KBEW listeners in southern Minnesota and northern Iowa ever since the Blue Earth station's inception in 1963.

Born in Kossuth County, Iowa, and raised in Elmore, Minnesota, Lillie Ziegler hoped to be a writer, sending articles to farm magazines and newsletters, and attracting the attention of radio personality Annabel Webb, who invited her to substitute on her program on KSUM Radio in Fairmont. Ziegler came to KSUM in 1949 and stayed for 14 years, helping with the morning show and newscasting. In 1963, she joined the staff of KBEW, and her "Information Please" program, with local news and events, interviews, and recipes has been going strong ever since. She even carries her tape recorder in her purse, ready to record an impromptu interview.

Always active in community and charitable affairs, she helped found the home-delivered meals program in her hometown of Elmore and was named Minnesota Mother of the Year in 1976.

Lillie Ziegler passed away May 4, 2010 in Bue Earth, Minnesota, at the age of 93. She was an outstanding example of broadcasting's connection to the community.