Donald Zachow

Donald James Zachow, 86 of Gaylord, died peacefully, April 2, 2018 at home.

Donald was born March 22, 1932 in Milford, the son of Herbert and Ethel (Shear) Zachow and proudly joined the US Army after graduation, serving during the Korean War.

On Aug. 26, 1952 in Alba, he married the love of his life, Laweeta Francis.  Together they moved south to Highland and Donald went to work for GM Proving Grounds, retiring after 30 years of dedicated service.  Upon retirement they moved back to Gaylord. They enjoyed traveling all over in their travel trailer “I’ve seen everything” and spend many winters at their second home in Phoenix, AZ.

Donald loved cars and restoring tractors.  He also enjoyed working with his hands, tinkering in his garage and collecting rocks. He especially enjoyed spending time with his family.

Surviving Donald is his wife of 64 years, their children Donald Judson Zachow of Gaylord, Sally Ann (Lawrence) Reed of Traverse City, grandchildren Colene Reed, Jessica (Patrick) Holtcamp, Kate Reed, James Zachow, John Reed, great grandchildren Ethan, Amelia, and Payten Holtcamp, Jordan Zachow, and sister in-law Twilla Lee Coon of Alba.

Funeral services with Military Honors will be held Thursday, April 12th at 6 p.m. at the Mancelona Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes with Pastor Mark Hoult officiating.  The family will receive friends from 3 to 6 p.m.  Private graveside services will be held in Star Township, Alba.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Gaylord Church of the Nazarene, 1399 Wilkerson Rd, Gaylord, MI 49735 or Ralph Holewinski VFW Post 1518, PO BOX 1826, Gaylord, MI 49734.

Arrangements have been handled by the Mancelona Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes.  Please sign his online guestbook www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com.