Where Caring Is A Family Tradition
Where Caring Is A Family Tradition
Don Zarling, age 71, of Omro died as a result of an accident on his farm on Wednesday Aug 16, 2017. He was born on March 29, 1946, the son of Bernard and Mabel (Horne) Zarling. Don graduated from Omro High School in 1965. He was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1965, and proudly served his country in Vietnam in the years 1966-67, as a soldier in Company C, 3rd Battalion, 8th Infantry, 4th Infantry Division. Company C shipped out on the USS Gordon after completing training in Ft. Lewis, WA. The transport journey from Puget Sound to C Company's destination in Tuy Hoa on the eastern coast of Vietnam along the South China Sea, took 28 days. Over the past 50 years this band of brothers has joined together with their families every 2 to 5 years in reunions all across the country. In August 2016 C Company held a reunion recognizing the 50th anniversary of their deployment.
Don married Barbara Kratz on December 9, 1967, and they would have celebrated their 50th anniversary this December. They resided on his family farm in Rushford his entire life. Don was a dairy farmer for 20 years, did concrete work with his twin brother Doug, and later drove truck for Nercon Engineering where he was recognized for over a million safe driving miles before his retirement in 2012.
This past June he went on the Old Glory Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. which he said, was one of the best days of his life.
Don's greatest joy was spending time with his family and friends. He and his family enjoyed camping trips in the summer and taking his 1967 Dodge Power Wagon to car shows. Don was fond of going to coffee with the guys. Since retiring Don and Barb spent three months each winter in Arizona where they met many new friends and enjoyed their times together.
Don is survived by his wife, Barb, of Omro; one son and daughter-in-law, Darrick and Sue Zarling, of Vadnais Heights, MN; two daughters and one son-in-law, Kim Zarling, of Beloit, WI; Kandi and Merrick Sohm, of Omro, WI; six grandchildren, Alexandra Zarling, Donny and Gavin Sohm, Aaron, Andrew, and Allison Zarling; three sisters, Doris and Leo Esch, Winneconne, WI; Jan Voss, Oshkosh, WI; Gloria and Mike Coonen, Oshkosh, WI; sister-in-law, Lorna Zarling, Omro, WI. He is also survived by four brothers-in-law, Jeff Kratz, Omro, WI; Dave and Rita Kratz, Springfield, OH; Kevin and Barb Kratz, Waukesha, WI; Rob and Teresa Kratz, Fresno, CA; sister-in-law, Kathy Straveler, Neenah, WI; as well as many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.
Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Barbara; and twin brother, Doug.
Our husband, father, and grandfather taught us to embrace family, friends, and life. He was a joy to all and will be dearly missed.
A visitation for family and friends will be on Tuesday, August 22, 2017, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Mueller Funeral Home 904 E. Main St. Winneconne. Visitation will continue on Wednesday, August 23 from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. at Grace Lutheran Church 720 Jackson Ave. Omro. A funeral service will be held on Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. at the church with Pastor Richard Bartholomew officiating. Burial with military honors will follow in the Oak Hill Cemetery, town of Poygan.
In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established for the Old Glory Honor Flight.
Don's family wishes to thank Leon Lemke, the Omro-Rushford First Responders, and the paramedics who assisted at his time of need.
If you wish please submit online condolences to muellerfuneralhomeinc.com.
John Kell wrote on August 24, 2017
I served after Don in C/3/8 4th Infantry Division. He was and always will be my brother. You will be missed but never forgotten. Amherst WI
Theresa /Jim Richter wrote on August 22, 2017
So sorry to get this sad news. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Glad we got to know you in AZ.
Merwyn Heuer wrote on August 22, 2017
Don and I served in Vietnam together along with several other Omro/Winneconne men. Don was very well liked by all of us and we will miss his sense of humor. My condolences to his dear wife Barbara and his son/daughters. Rest in peace Don!
Daryl Fokken & Linda Bartsch wrote on August 22, 2017
We are so saddened to hear of the loss of Don. We only knew you for a few years but thought of you as friends & thought highly of you both. He will be missed at Lost Dutchman. Prayers for Barb & your family.
Cheryl Kidder (Luckjohn) wrote on August 22, 2017
Barb, As you know we were neighbors to Don and his family. I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Sending blessings and prayers to you and your family. I live in Peoria AZ now for 8 years. If you come back this way at some point give us a call. 920-268-5090
Julie Verburgt Carter wrote on August 22, 2017
I'm so sorry to hear about Don. My thoughts and prayera are with your family.
Merle & Karen Schwickerath wrote on August 22, 2017
Barb and family, We are so sorry to hear of Don's accident. We send our deepest sympathy and
prayers to you and your families. We will not be able to make the funeral but will be in contact with you later. Don was such an enjoyable man and will be missed by many. Your friends, Merle & Karen
Paul & diane Albright wrote on August 21, 2017
Barb, Our deepest sympathy to you and your family. Our prayers and thoughts are with you.
Mary Craig wrote on August 21, 2017
I am so sorry for your loss. I last saw Don at the 1965 high school reunion
Carol Smith Curler wrote on August 21, 2017
From the families of Mavis and Gerald Smith: Our condolences to Barb and the Zarling families. We all have fond memories of growing up in the rural school and farm communities of Omro. "Mrs. Smith" told many a story of the 'Zarling boys', all with a fondness/grin, from her one room schoolhouse teaching days and a connection to their parents and family as a neighbor/friend. Thanks for memories. May your memories bring comfort to you.
Greg Moller wrote on August 20, 2017
My mother advised me of her friend's passing. Thus I came to read this obit. My mother always spoke very highly of Don (and Barb). Quite an impressive life/story. Clearly a fine man. My Thanks to him for his service to our country. And my sympathies and condolences to his family. Greg Moller (Morristown, NJ)
Sally Kieckhafer Billington wrote on August 20, 2017
Barb, I am sorry about your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. God Bless.
Sherry and George wrote on August 20, 2017
Love and care to your family at this very sad time.
Christine Dicus wrote on August 19, 2017
Barb my prayers are with you and your family at this time.
Danielle Zarling wrote on August 19, 2017
I am so sorry for your loss. You forgot to add Jean Kautza as a sister in law.
Tom Winters wrote on August 19, 2017
Very sad to here of Don's passing, thinking of you.
Carol Kaufmann wrote on August 19, 2017
Barb, I'm so sorry for you and your family. My prayers go out to you and your family
Karen (Besaw) Schell wrote on August 18, 2017
My deepest heart felt sympathy to all of you. I am so saddened by this news. I regret that I won't be able to attend the services do to fact I am currently in cancer treatment in Rochester MN but my heart and blessings go out to all of you during this sad time.