Donald 'Don' Clarence Ziegler, 95

After 95 adventurous years, Donald Clarence Ziegler, finally laid down to rest on Oct. 12, 2023. Don, as he was known to his family, and "Zig" to his good buds, was born to Clarence and Elsie Ziegler of Grand Coulee, Wash., on Sept. 6, 1928, in Spokane, Wash. He was the oldest of three, big brother to two younger sisters, Patricia and Margaret. He was also father, grandfather, great-grandfather, great-great-grandfather, loyal friend and, most importantly, devoted husband to his “good-lookin’ Tootie,” Laveda (Jordan) Ziegler, for 75 wonderful years!

Early on, Don worked in construction on such projects as the Grand Coulee Dam and Cabinet Gorge Dam. Following his construction years, he had numerous other jobs that had them traveling all over the West but, most notably, worked for 18 years as a Department Manager at various Northwest locations of Montgomery Ward. His latter years were spent in the property management of places like condos in Lake Tahoe, a local motel, and a large apartment complex in Spokane, Wash. As most everything he did, this was done alongside his better half, Veda.

Don and Veda retired in 1994 and kicked off retirement with their dream trip — over 100 days and 13,000 miles roundtrip to Alaska in their truck and trailer — a favorite way to spend their free time. Don enjoyed being behind the wheel of his diesel, pulling his travel trailer with his bride by his side. They also were snowbirds in Arizona for nine years. They traveled to many places with their family and friends, including five cruises, a three-week trip to Europe and a 40th-anniversary trip to Puerto Rico and Venezuela.

Twenty-one summers, post-retirement, were spent at the family property up the North Fork of the Cd'A River on Beaver Creek. Don spent his time at Zigs Digs as the “head maintenance man,” with repairs and improvement projects that kept him busy tinkering. He also enjoyed delegating to his kids and grandkids from his prominent chair at the head of the campfire and getting beat by his family at cribbage on the deck under the big cedar trees. As part of his love of the outdoors, Don was an avid dirtbike rider and had a tight circle of friends with whom he rode many miles. It was a Ziegler family requirement to learn to ride the dirtbike when your toes could touch the ground!

He was a two-time Idaho State Senior Bowling Champion in his age division. He even played a little Wii Bowling when it came time to put away the 16-pound balls.

Don and Veda moved to Orchard Ridge Assisted Living Facility in 2020. They celebrated their 75th wedding anniversary in September 2023 with a grand party and 70+ family and friends. His health began to decline the last few years and, though he held on for their big diamond anniversary, he passed away at Schneidmiller Hospice House of North Idaho, with his loving family and devoted wife surrounding him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Elsie Ziegler, and younger sister, Patricia Quinlan of Tucson, Ariz. Don is survived by his sister, Margaret Squire of Edmonds, Wash.; and his lifelong love, Veda; along with his four children: Doneda, Craig (Darlene), Kristy and Gail. He also leaves behind a grand legacy of 10 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren and 17 great-great-grandchildren, who all love and will miss him very much.

The family wishes to express their profound gratitude to the staff at The Garden at Orchard Ridge, who have lovingly taken such good care of our parents, and also Hospice of North Idaho, who helped make Dad’s last weeks and days comfortable and caring. In lieu of flowers, we are asking donations be made in Don’s name to Orchard Ridge Assisted Living Facility (www.theorchardcda.org) and/or to Schneidmiller Hospice House of North Idaho (www.hospiceofnorthidaho.org).

Don’s funeral will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2023, at Yates Funeral Home, Hayden Chapel, 373 E. Hayden Ave., Hayden, ID, with a viewing before the funeral starting at noon. A reception will follow the service.

Yates Funeral Home is entrusted with final arrangements. Please visit Don’s online memorial and sign his guestbook at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.