Donald Zeilinger

August 11, 1918 - May 25, 2011

Donald G. Zeilinger, 92, of David City died Wednesday May 25, 2011 at Butler County Health Care Center in David City. Funeral Services will be on Saturday May 28, 2011 at 10:30 AM at Redeemer Lutheran Church in David City with Pastor David Palomaki officiating. Interment will follow at David City Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 PM on Friday at Chermok Funeral Home in David City and will resume at 9:30 AM Saturday at church. In lieu of flowers, memorials have been suggested to the family in Don’s name. Donald George Zeilinger was born August 11, 1918 in the David City Hospital to Renea Alma and George Ralph Zeilinger. He attended country school through eighth grade leaving school to help his father farm. Don along with his brothers Earl, Eugene and Vern became involved in 4-H at an early age raising sheep and calves. Their livestock was shown at county and state fairs, AKSARBEN, and The American Royal in Kansas City, Missouri. In October, 1943, Ralph and his four sons won the W.G. Skelly Award for Superior Achievement in Agriculture. Don married Opal Irene Morgan on March 6, 1945. To them was born a son, Gary, twin daughters- Karen and Kathie- and Cindy. Don farmed all his life in Butler County. He attended two years at the University of Nebraska in Lincoln with the Farm Op course keeping in touch with many of the other classmates throughout the years. Don semi-retired in 2004 but continued to provide support and guidance to his son Gary as he assumed the farming responsibilities. Don enjoyed attending farm auctions and acquiring antique farm equipment. He attended many horse and equipment sales in Waverly, Iowa. He also enjoyed trail rides, buggy rides, team penning, rodeos and other horse events. Don always had horses and still has his favorite mule, Judy ( who is at least 34 years old) which he rode when he was 85 years. He and Opal also enjoyed bowling for 21 years. Don was a member of Redeemer Lutheran Church. He was on the Butler County Fair board and attended the county fair almost every year of his life. The Zeilingers have been a close family throughout the years with many picnics, Christmas get-togethers, anniversary celebrations and numerous other occasions. Don and Opal’s 66th wedding anniversary was celebrated with immediate family attending in March. Don is survived by: wife: Opal Zeilinger of David City, NE; son: Gary Zeilinger and Marilyn of David City, NE; daughters: Karen Wohler and Everette of Missouri Valley, Iowa; Kathie Hackney and Jim of Columbus, NE & Cindy Kopecky and John of Springfield, MO; sister: Lucille Aldrich of David City, NE; brothers Earl Zeilinger of Fremont, NE & Gene Zeilinger and Orletha of David City, NE; sister-in-law: Margaret Zeilinger of David City, NE; half- brother: Keith Zeilinger and Peggy of Kailua, Hawaii; half-sister: Susan Lynd and Rex of Fort Collins, Colorado; 9 Grandchildren; 8 Great grandchildren & many nieces and nephews Don was preceded in death by his parents and a brother Vern.