Donald Zundel

1954 - 2025

Donald Zundel Jr., 71, Bismarck, died September 8, 2025, at home surrounded by his loving family, after living two years with ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease).
Don was born in 1954 to Donald and Kathleen Zundel in Pensacola, Florida. He was raised and educated in Redfield, South Dakota, and earned his Eagle Scout. Don graduated from Jamestown College in 1976 with a degree in education, where he also competed in track and cross country. Don earned a master's degree in technology in education from Columbia University in 1984.
Don taught elementary education from 1976-1984, worked for the Sonoma County Office of Education from 1987-1995, and Apple Computer, Inc, from 1995-2010. He was an integral part of integrating computers into classrooms, and his passion for technology and its impact on learning left an indelible mark on the lives of many students and educators. He served as assistant cross-country coach, and track coach, at Comstock Middle School and Piner High School from 1994-2004.
Don's loving family includes his mother Kathleen Zundel, Mandan, ND; his wife of 49 years, ReNay (Vander Vorst); daughter Erica (Corey) Hager and their children Kya, Gavin, Andrew, Brendan, and Jobe, Mandan; and daughter Caitlyn (Charles) Hager and their children Mason, Issac, and Caroline, Mandan.
Don was a loving husband, father, and grandfather, whose warmth, sense of humor, and deep love for his family will be remembered by all who knew him.
Mass of Christian burial will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, September 13, at Saint Joseph Catholic Church in Mandan, with Father Joshua Waltz celebrating. Fellowship and food in the Saint Joseph School cafeteria following Mass. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to the ALS Association. In Don's memory we invite you to live with love, intention, and generosity; showing up and being present for those you care about.