Donald Henry Zielke

Donald (Don) was born in Aurora, IL to Henry and Emily Zielke. He quietly departed this life on August 9, 2021 at Seton Hospital. He graduated from Valparaiso University with a B.A. He furthered his education by earning his Masters and then his Doctorate in Math Education from The University of Texas at Austin. His teaching career spanned 7 decades where he taught at Long Island Lutheran High School (Long Island, NY), Porter Junior High School (Austin, TX) and Concordia University Texas (Austin, TX), where he spent the last 54 years.

Don’s siblings include his brother Dave and his late sister Marilyn and late brother Norman. He had a long and blessed marriage to his wife Dorothy (1965-2008). They were blessed with four children: Jonathan (Cindy), Deborah (Jon), Cynthia (Dan) and Daryl (Marzella). He also had 9 grandchildren: Cameron, Justin, Spencer, Allie, Alina, Briana, Angela, Seth and Carlos.

He was a lifelong Chicago White Sox, and long-time Texas Longhorns and Dallas Cowboys fan. He loved the outdoors spending countless hours working in his yard, his flowerbeds and his garden. Later in life he loved traveling and going on family vacations. He also loved playing bridge, Pinochle, 42, working puzzles, suduko puzzles and playing games with his grandkids.

He was an active member of Redeemer Lutheran Church serving in many areas including singing in the choir, teaching Bible class, and serving at different times as Chairman of the Board of Education and the Salary Committee as well as a member of the Adult Education Board.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM on Friday August 13, at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 1500 West Anderson Lane, Austin TX. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Redeemer Lutheran Church in Austin, TX or to Concordia University Texas.