Donald D. Zamzow

On May 24, 2026, Donald Dale Zamzow went to meet his Savior at the age of 90. His family is saddened to announce his passing.

Don was born on July 23, 1935, in Merrill to Herbert and Mildred (Utech) Zamzow.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 68 years, Lou Ann; his four children, Michael Zamzow, Laurie Rufledt (James), Jayne Theo (Andrew), and Thomas Zamzow (Brenda); and his cherished grandchildren, Benjamin (Marina), Samuel (Julie), Hannah (Dennis), Emily (Robert), Rebekah (River), Molly (Garret), Katarina (William), Arianna (Dean), Steven, Geena (Gene), and Julia. He is also survived by his ten great-grandchildren, whom he loved very much, Otto, Ivana, Adeline, Rowan, Harrison, Houston, Bode, Archer, and two on the way. Don also leaves behind his brother, DuWayne Zamzow; sisters-in-law, Marlene Pruss and Bonita Buttke; brothers-in-law, Roger Tepe and Allen Buttke; along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Herbert and Mildred (Utech) Zamzow; his sister, Judith Tepe; sisters-in-law, Gladys Zamzow, Elaine Oelke, and Karen Buttke; and brothers-in-law, Glenn Oelke and Merlin Pruss.

Don married his high school sweetheart, Lou Ann, on October 26, 1957. In 1957, he joined the United States Army Reserves. Their story began on a school bus and blossomed into a lifetime of love, faith, and devotion. Together, they raised four children and created countless treasured memories through family gatherings, summer vacations at Little Spider Lake, and annual Thanksgiving sausage-making traditions that became beloved family events.

Don and Lou Ann were devoted Green Bay Packers season ticket holders since 1963 and rarely missed a game. One of their favorite memories was attending the historic Ice Bowl. They also faithfully supported their children through many school sporting events, musicals, and concerts over the years.

Raised on a dairy farm, Don developed a strong work ethic and lifelong interests through his involvement in 4-H. He graduated from Wausau High School in 1953 and later attended the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where he proudly played tuba in the UW Marching Band.

Don carried a deep passion for his Pomeranian heritage and worked tirelessly to preserve the Plattdeutsch (“Low German”) language and traditions. In 1994, he became the founding president of the Pommerscher Verein of Central Wisconsin and also served on the board of the Max Kade Institute. He organized heritage trips to northern Germany (formerly Pomerania), helping many reconnect with their roots. One of his most meaningful experiences was standing on the exact land from which his ancestors emigrated.

The love of music was a big part of Don’s life. Inspired by his mother, who played organ in church, and his father, who performed in a polka band, Don began playing music with friends during high school noon-hour polka dances. He later played tuba with the Jerry Goetsch Orchestra for 42 years. Their Sunday morning television shows on Channel 7 gained a devoted following and eventually led to the creation of Polka Productions, a successful travel company that took musicians and travelers around the world. Don especially loved attending the Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany.

In 2012, Don was inducted into the Polka Hall of Fame. He also played with the Wausau City Band for an extraordinary 70 years. Sharing his love of music with the community, he founded the Bull Falls Blasmusikanten and Tuba Christmas performances enjoyed by many at Bull Falls Brewery. He also directed the Brass Choir at St. Peter Lutheran Church for many years.

Don faithfully served his community through his involvement with the Wausau Noon Optimist. Professionally, he worked as an IT specialist at Drott Manufacturing in the data processing department before founding his own software company, Government & Industry Technologies (GIT), later joined by his son, Michael. Together, they also founded Bull Falls Brewery, known for its German-style craft beers. Don was also a proud supporter of the Never Forgotten Honor Flight.

Don found comfort and strength in God’s promise: “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me, that you also may be where I am.” — John 14:3

Faith was always central to Don’s life. He served the Lord with gladness and touched countless lives through his kindness, music, heritage, and unwavering devotion to family and community.

Don had a way of seeing the good in everyone.

He will be deeply missed by his family and all who knew and loved him.

Funeral service will be held at 12:00 Noon on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at St. Peter Ev. Lutheran Church, 1351 S. Grand Avenue, Schofield. Pastor Jeffrey Mahnke and Grandson, Pastor Benjamin Zamzow, will officiate. Visitation will be held from 9:00 AM until the time of service at the church. Interment will be in St. Paul's Lutheran Cemetery, Naugart. A reception of family and friends will follow at the Town of Berlin Community Center. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the His Children Our Mission Fund for the expansion of St. Peter Lutheran School.

Ascend Funeral Home & Cremation Care of Weston is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences may be shared at www.ascendweston.org.