Donald E. Zeiler, 68
Don was born in Columbus, Mont., to Robert and Dorothy (Black) Zeiler in February 1944. The family later moved to Billings, Mont., where Don went to school and graduated from Senior High School in Billings.
He met and married Mary Officer and did a lot of ranch work in his early working years. That union resulted in three children, Robert Zeiler of Wasilla, Alaska, Tracy Sandon of Billings, Mont., and Donna Theil of Kent, Wash.
Don started working in the electrical field and became a journeyman electrician. He worked at several jobs in the Pacific Northwest.
He soon met and married Nita Smith, one son was born of this union, Jeff Zeiler of Topeka, Kansas. They moved from Havre, Mont., to Bremerton, Wash.
He later moved to Texas where he met and married Donna Mayhue. He continued in the electrical field for a short time, then started driving truck locally at the same time he had a small farm and raised livestock.
At this time they decided to purchase their own truck and put many miles driving team across country.
In their travels they purchased land in Athol and that became their home base. A short time later a terrible accident occurred claiming the life of Donna. Don then retired from the trucking business.
Don and Leah Schneider met some time later and married and lived at the Athol residence where Don passed very peacefully at home with Leah at his side.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Dorothy Zeiler of Billings.
He is survived by one sister, Sharon Heddon of Billings and one brother, James Zeiler and wife Pam of Dallas, Texas.
A son, Robert Zeiler and wife Linda of Wasilla; daughter Tracy Sandon and husband Steve of Billings; a daughter, Donna Theil and husband Tod of Kent; a son, Jeffery Zeiler and wife Janelle of Topeka, Kansas. Also numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren survive.
As hobbies, he liked to hunt and fish as time allowed.
Visitation will be held from noon to 1:45 p.m. Friday, Oct. 26, 2012, at Yates Funeral Home, Hayden Chapel, with graveside funeral services following at 2 p.m. Friday, Oct. 26, 2012, at Coeur d’Alene Memorial Gardens, Coeur d’Alene.
Yates Funeral Home has been entrusted with the care of final arrangements. Please visit Don’s online memorial at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com and sign his guest book.