Don Zeller | 1947 - 2023

Don Zeller, 76, of Pierre, SD, passed away on December 7, 2023. Don’s family will greet visitors Thursday, December 14, 2023, 5:00-6:00 pm at Feigum Funeral Home, concluding with a Prayer Service at 6:00 pm. Memorial Mass will begin at 10:30 am, Friday, December 15, 2023, at Ss. Peter & Paul Catholic Church with Father Joe Holzhauser officiating. A reception will follow at the church.

Don was born to parents Charles Zeller and Teresa (Schaefer) Zeller, on June 8, 1947, in Miller, SD. He graduated from Miller High School in 1965. He went on to study at South Dakota State University and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics. Don met his wife Linda (Carrico) Zeller in 1965 at SDSU. They were married on June 14, 1969, in Lead, SD. Together they raised three children: Heidi, Sherri, and Katie.

A vast majority of Don’s professional career was with the State of South Dakota Department of Transportation and Bureau of Information and Technology as a computer programmer. After 35+ years of service, he retired in 2009.

Don had a reputation of pitching in, getting things done and initiating projects. He enjoyed spending time with family, especially grandkids, working on projects, and traveling. You would often find him seeking out the next place for a good meal or homemade pie. Some of his favorite times were spent sharing his love of the Pierre area with family, friends, and strangers through formal and informal tours. He truly cherished all the wonderful things about Pierre/Ft. Pierre.

Continuing with his passion for his community and helping others, Don volunteered in many ways including the SD Discovery Center, Capital Area Soccer Association, Pierre Petunia Project, Historical Preservation, Pierre Senior Center, Habitat for Humanity, and projects for people in need. He was recognized for his many contributions and was named Capital Journal’s Citizen of the Year in 2021.

He enjoyed participating in Toastmasters and SDSEO, playing volleyball, attending high school sporting events, and gatherings whether it was coffee groups or dinner with friends as long as it included fun stories and good food. When asked about wisdom, his advice was simple “surround yourself with good people”.

He was proud of raising three daughters that could troubleshoot any project with the tools he gifted them. With an adventurous spirit, he taught his daughters how to ski and live life to the fullest.

Don’s memory will be cherished by all especially his three daughters: Heidi Zeller-Crawford (Glen) of Aberdeen, SD; Sherri Zeller (Bobby) of Key Largo, FL; Katie Murphy (Brad) of Denver, CO; eight grandchildren: Garrett and Claire Crawford; Jaxon Zeller-Thorson, Ashley, Savanna and Ben Hanson; and Memphis and Cassius Murphy; four siblings: Bev Krause (Ken) of Oklahoma City, OK; Jerry (Barb) Zeller, Minneapolis, MN; Janice (Jim) Moore, Aberdeen, SD; and Mary (Dave) Roth, Brunswick, GA; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Linda Zeller, his parents, Charles Zeller and Teresa Zeller, and brother-in-law Ken Krause.

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In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Pierre Senior Center or Avera St. Mary’s Foundation specifying Avera At Home Hospice (Pierre). To share condolences online, visit Don’s obituary at www.feigumfh.com.