Don Zook

Don Zook, 81, of Great Falls, retired co-owner of Zook Brothers Construction, died of natural causes Tuesday at Peace Hospice.
At his request, no services are planned. Schnider Funeral Home is handling arrangements.
Don was born in Chinook, Mont., on April 25, 1929, to George O. and Hazel (Taylor) Zook. He was raised on the family ranch in Turner, Mont., until moving to Flathead Lake in 1944. Don graduated from Polson High School in 1947. He married his high school sweetheart, Louise Belknap, on Sept. 16, 1950. They had five daughters.
Don first worked as "cat skinner" for F&S Construction in the Polson area. In 1956, he purchased his first piece of equipment, an International TD2 bulldozer. Shortly after, he and his brother Glenn started their own construction company, Zook Brothers Construction. It was a humble start that grew the company into one of the largest highway contractors in the state of Montana.
Don traveled the state every week, supervising the numerous job sites. He had a keen memory and could tell you where any town was located, what work they performed there and the names of the Zook crewmembers on the job.
Don served as the president of the Associated General Contractors in 1975, was a member of the Elks Lodge and served many years on the board of directors for the First Security Bank of Helena. He was proud of his accomplishments and loved to share the stories of his travels with his family and friends.
Don also was very proud of his family and, after his retirement, was able to spend more time with his wife, daughters and grandchildren. He loved to spend many hours working in his shop pursuing his various hobbies.
Don will be remembered as a fair and honest man, and will be missed by all.
He is survived by his wife, Louise; daughters Linda (Darrell) Peterson, Bette Zook, Joyce Thares and Carol (Brian) Boettcher, all of Great Falls, and Donna (Terry) Campbell of Helena; and grandchildren Brian Peterson of Missoula, Andrew Peterson of Great Falls, Dylan Campbell of Helena, Peter and Jake Thares of Great Falls, and Stephanie (Jon) Elliott of London, England.
He was preceded in death by siblings Vivian Miller, Raymond Zook, Glenn Zook and Walter Zook.
Memorials in Don's name may be made to Peace Hospice, who provided loving care in his last days, at 1101 26th St. S., Great Falls, MT 59405.
Condolences may be posted online at www.schniderfuneralhome.com and/or www.gftribune.com/obituaries.