Donald “Don” Ray Zeuske, age 84 of the Town of Matteson, Waupaca County, left his earthly home on the morning of August 19, 2017 at Care Partners in Clintonville.
on was the youngest of five children born to Max and Ethel (Hanson) Zeuske. He graduated from Clintonville High School at the age of 16, thanks to Lorraine Morris, his country grade school teacher and his sister Joyce who had taught him everything she had learned in school. Don served his country in the U.S. Army from 1952 to 1954 where he manned an anti-aircraft gun intended to protect Chicago. He bowled for many years maintaining an average over 200, and had a style similar to Anthony Earl; SMOOTH. Don was a good custodian of the land he farmed. He took excellent care of the cows, cats, Mitzi, and all the birds that gathered at the feeders. Upon retiring from dairy farming, Don became a produce farmer. His sweet corn will long be remembered for its size and sweetness. He grew thousands of green onions, selling them to individuals, the Bear’s Den, and the Pine Tree Supper Club. A majority of the profits from the Pine Tree went to a tasty meal and beverage. He planted, picked, and canned hundreds of pickles and beets. Some were sold, others were donated for various church functions like the community meal. Don and Judy continued the tradition of cherry picking in Door County. There were always plenty to share with those unable to pick their own as they often agreed to pick four pails but came home with 12 to 16 pails. He loved all of his nieces and nephews. Bradd was like a son to him, working and living on the farm for nine years. Don and Jon spent hours “researching” for the perfect margarita. He cherished his friendship with John and Jackie Fandrey and their family. Don loved ice cream, juicy steaks, Manhattans, popcorn, grilled cheddar cheese sandwiches, and ice cold Coke. He enjoyed all genres of music and often sang along with them. He “blasted out” the song G-L-O-R-I-A whenever it came on in the barn. His broccoli salad was a favorite at family get togethers or funeral luncheons. Don also made excellent blueberry/walnut muffins, chili, and succulent hamburgers. He was a loyal fan of Brett Favre and even cheered for the Minnesota Vikings when No. 4 played for them against his beloved Green Bay Packers; causing quite a rift in the Zeuske household! Don enjoyed watching all types of sports; especially the Brewers, Packers, K.C. Royals, Badgers, Olympics, bowling, golf, and the Clintonville Truckers. He watched ESPN and especially enjoyed “Mike and Mike”. Don was married to Judy Borchardt on November 11, 1979. Always patiently waiting, he chauffeured Judy to various town meetings, church, dining out, and shopping for cards. Don was a faithful member of the United Methodist Church in Clintonville.
Don is survived by: his wife of 37 years, Judy; brothers and sisters: Eugene (Vi) Zeuske, Duane (Mabel) Zeuske, and Joyce Geiger; in-laws: Jim (Janet) Borchardt and Mary Lynn Borchardt. Also by many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Judy’s parents, Clarence and Georgiana (Dahm) Borchardt; a brother, Dennis (Dorothy) Zeuske, and his brothers-in-law, Russ Geiger and Robert “Bob” Borchardt.
A message from Judy: Bubbs – “I so adored your smile and your beautiful blue eyes. Over the years we’ve had our share of medical issues but we also had plenty of laughs. We were blessed with good friends and family. You were so generous in sharing your produce of cherries, pickles and beets. You were giving with your time as you plowed snow for the neighbors with an open cab tractor. I enjoyed competing with you at bowling, shooting pool, pickle recipes, and Jeopardy. Thank you for allowing me to plant glads in the garden even though they weren’t edible! You took good care of your mom and me. I miss you already. SO BE IT. Love, your Honey Bunny.”
Don’s memorial service will be held Thursday, August 24, 2017 at 11 a.m. at the United Methodist Church in Clintonville with Rev. Ann Bullis officiating. Military honors performed by members of the American Legion Post #63, VFW Post #664, and American Legion Auxiliary Unit #63 of Clintonville outside of the church following the service. Inurnment will be at Graceland Cemetery in Clintonville. Friends may call at the church on Thursday from 9 a.m. until the time of the service. In lieu of flowers a memorial fund will be established by Don’s family. The Eberhardt-Stevenson Funeral Home & Crematory of Clintonville is entrusted with his arrangements. An online guestbook can be found at www.eberhardtstevenson.com. Also Don’s family would like to extend their sincerest appreciation to the staff at Greentree, Care Partners, and Heartland Hospice for the wonderful care Don received during his stay.