Donald F. Zaun, of New Prague, passed away on August 1, 2015 at the age of 72. A Celebration of Life Service is Friday, August 7, 2015 at 11:00 AM with visitation from 9:30 – 11:00 AM at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Jordan. Reverend Jeremy Glowicki will preside. Pall bearers for Donald are Larry Haferman, Joe Haferman, Roger Zaun, Duane Zaun, David Petreka and Bruce Deutsch. Donald will be laid to rest at Spirit Hill Cemetery in Jordan.
On May 22, 1943, Elmer and Ethel (Kerkow) Zaun celebrated the birth of their son, Donald Francis Zaun. He was born in New Prague, and grew up on the family farm with his parents and two brothers, Richard and Kenneth. Donald was baptized and confirmed at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Jordan. He attended New Prague Public Schools and graduated in 1961.
After high school, Donald pursued a college education at Mankato State College. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Education in 1966 with concentrations in History, English and Library Science. Soon after graduation, Donald completed his teaching practicum at Sleepy Eye High School.
His first official teaching job was at Lake Benton High School. He worked there for two years before getting a job with Trimont High School in southern Minnesota. Donald taught Shorthand, Typewriting and Business Classes to the Trimont area students. He also acted as the faculty advisor for the school newspaper. Donald worked at Trimont High School from 1968 until 1985 when he retired. Donald was a wonderful teacher and a great inspiration to many of his students.
After retiring from teaching, Donald returned to the family farm in New Prague where he was able to pursue some of his lifelong passions. Donald loved gardening and caring for the animals on the farm. He also enjoyed filling the bird feeders and watching the birds as they’d eat and bathe in the bird baths.
Donald was an avid coin and stamp collector. He also had an impressive number of snow globes. Donald love to keep his mind sharp doing jig-saw puzzles and word searches. He was also the family historian keeping the family tree updated for both the Kerkow and Buss families. When Donald had some time to himself, he loved to cheer for his favorite sports team…the Green Bay Packers.
Donald was a kind man who valued his family and faith. He will be missed deeply and remembered always by his loving brothers, Richard R. Zaun, Kenneth E. (Carol) Zaun; two nieces and one nephew; six great-nieces and one great-nephew; godchildren, Tracy Price and Candace Peris; many cousins and friends.
There to greet Donald in Heaven are his parents, Elmer and Ethel Zaun; infant sister, Sharon Zaun; grandparents, George and Emma (Madera) Zaun, Reinholt and Minnie (Buss) Kerkow.
The Zaun family is served with honor, care and compassion by Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation.
