Obituary of Donald Anthony Zuck

Don’s Story.. Donald Anthony Zuck went home to the Lord on Monday March 15, 2021 after a brief illness. Don was born in Twin Falls on January 29, 1952, to Don and Betty Zuck. He attended St. Edward’s Catholic School through 8th grade, then transferred to Robert Stuart Junior High School. Don graduated from Twin Falls High School in 1970 and attended College of Southern Idaho before transferring to University of Idaho. He worked construction to pay his way through school. He graduated with a B.S. in Civil Engineering in 1979. Don then worked at Omark Industries in Lewiston Idaho as a Ballistics Engineer in the primer department. He loved the work and the family he had at work. While working for Omark Industries Don received 2 patents # 5767433 and # 5719348 as the inventor of a component holder for cartridge reloading, in Europe and U.S. He was justifiably proud of the patents. In 1997 he made the move back to Twin Falls, worked for SOLO Cup for a short time, then went back to the College of Southern Idaho and earned an Associate Degree in CAD drafting. He then worked for Hatfield Manufacturing as a solid works drafter/designer until his retirement in 2017. After returning to Twin Falls, Don enjoyed singing in St. Edward’s choir for many years. Don’s love of shooting, hunting, and fishing began as a young boy. He reminisced about the time his Uncle John decided to try out his 30-06 reload, loading his rifle and aiming at a concrete silo on his farm. Don watched in rapt attention as his Uncle pulled the trigger and the projectile from a reloaded cartridge knocked a chunk out of that silo. Don was hooked! He enjoyed regaling his family with stories of pheasant drives, waterfowl, and deer hunting with family and friends. As an adult, Don tried his hand at Silhouette shooting. He continued to enjoy deer/elk hunting, upland bird and waterfowl hunting. He was a member of Lewiston Gun Club and Twin Falls Gun Club, enjoying shooting skeet and trap. He was a big fan of sporting clays. He passed his enjoyment of shooting to his eldest son Chris. Don and his brother David shared many adventures. They hunted and fished together, reloaded their own ammunition and tied their own flies. Don reminisced about a fishing expedition they had where they climbed down into the canyon by Hansen bridge, caught some beautiful fish then had to climb out. I believe their parents did not approve! One of Don’s favorite trips was fishing in Alaska with his brother David and sister-in-law Mary, where he caught a 65 lb. Halibut on light line and landed it. After that trip fishing for planted trout did not pique his interest. On January 27, 1979, Don married Donna Obendorf from Parma. In 1984 they welcomed their son Christopher, and in 1987 their son Daniel. They supported their sons’ soccer teams and led a cub scout den. Don was frequently assisting to construct Pinewood Derby race cars and boats, a push racing cart, and rockets among other activities. As their interests developed, he took them shooting. With the political climate of the mid 2000’s, Don got involved in politics. He ran for Republican precinct committeeman and won, working with the Twin Falls County Republicans. He was elected as the State Committeeman representing Twin Falls County. In 2018 he served as campaign manager for his friend Mike McFadyen during Mike’s race for the Legislature in District 26. Although Mike’s bid was unsuccessful, Don learned a great deal. In 2019, Don received the Outstanding Precinct Committeeman award for the State of Idaho. Don was involved in raising funds for youth and women’s shooting sports, and development of ranges through his work with the Friends of NRA. He was also involved in the Snake River Canyons Park project for Jerome County. His interest was protecting shooting access north of the Canyon. He was working on a shooting range project north of the park at the time of his death. Don liked to say he was busier in his retirement than he was while working full time. Don was predeceased by his parents. He is survived by his loving wife and life partner, Donna, his 2 sons Christopher and Daniel, his brother David and sister-in-law Mary, his Aunt Harlene and cousins Tawny, Julie (Jeff), and Karla (Charlie). Donations may be made in Don's memory to the Friends of the NRA or to St. Jude's.