Donald Lee Zeiders

Donald Lee Zeiders passed away Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2025, with family at his bedside transitioning peacefully to the extending arms of our precious Lord.
Donald was born Oct. 25, 1946, in Harrisburg, Pa. to Donald Leroy Zeiders and Pearl Morris Zeiders.
Donald grew up in Harrisburg, Pa., being raised by his grandparents. On Nov. 14, 1965, Don entered the United States Army. He had numerous tours overseas and stateside – to include two tours in Vietnam. Don had numerous job classifications in the Army – Vietnam Field Medic, Nuclear Weapons Specialist and maintenance support, Unit Supply Specialist, Medical Specialist, Operating Room Specialist, and Ammunition Storage Specialist.
Don was medically retired from the Army on July 15, 1985, and started his United States Postal Service career and retired from there with 20 years.
Donald met his future wife, Karen Jane Norwood, who was also in the Army in Italy and married June 14, 1979 – having 46 blissful years of marriage. Don proposed six times to Karen in St. Mark's Square – Venice, Italy, before she finally said yes. It was the most perfect part of their lives, backpacking in Europe every chance they got – enjoying the travel and meeting so many nice people in their travels. There were so many adventures, and all have their own unique funny stories. Don loved to hunt and fish. They retired in East Tawas, in 2005, enjoying the beauties of Michigan.
Don is survived by his wife, Karen J. Zeiders (Norwood); sister-in-law, Lisa Beth Smith; brothers-in-law, Jim Smith, Gary Norwood and David Enos; nephews, Jeremy Norwood and Jason Norwood; nieces, Vanessa Maxfield (Smith) and Brianna Lockwood (Smith); and many great nephews and a great niece.
Don belonged to organizations such as Audie Johnson American Legion Post 211, VFW Post 5678, DAV Chapter 130, Masonic Lodge, Shriners, and Knights of Columbus.
Per Don's wishes, cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held for Don at Holy Family Catholic Church in East Tawas, on Saturday, Nov. 1, at 11 a.m. The family will welcome the public for a time of visitation at the church from 10 to 11 a.m. Following the service, military honors will be rendered by the Tawas Area Honor Guard. A luncheon will then take place at the church immediately after honors as Don will be laid to rest in Greenwood Cemetery in the spring.
Please direct any memorial contributions in Don's name to the Iosco Animal Shelter in Tawas City.