Donald J. "Don" Zuern passed away Monday, August 18, 2014, at the age of 75, after battling pancreatic cancer. Don was born on May 2, 1939 in Slinger to Louis "Ludy" (Irene) Zuern.

Don and his wife, Jan, treasured working side by side and building a family together for 52 years. Don was known as a very kind and generous man who always put his family first. His passions included his business, Zuern Building Products, trees, trains, gnomes,"Charles Karaulting", and storytelling.

He was fascinated by trains and their history because they were always a part of his business and life. Don developed an interest in gnomes because they created a pathway into many fun stories told to his grandchildren and anyone who would listen. He even created a garden on his property called "Gnome Cove" where he would often take his grandchildren to tell them magical stories. He also created quite the story about a "crabby tree" who lived within the woods near his home. Each walk to this tree created a new story.

One of his favorite pastimes was "Charles Karaulting" based on the traveler/author who traveled the country telling stories and experiencing new places. He and his friends went on many such adventures.

Following the example of St. Francis Assisi's devotion to nature, (his favorite saint) he loved feeding, watching his birds and building them houses. Every spring, he went on the hunt for the elusive morel mushroom. Having bought and sold wood products, he loved and knew much about trees. He enjoyed planting them and was always pruning, watering and caring for them. Every year he made a point to plant new trees.

Don, along with his brothers Bob and Joe, had built the foundation of Zuern Building Products beginning in Allenton in 1970. Today the company has grown to 3 additional locations in Watertown, Cedarburg and Franklin. Don always believed that the success of the company was due in large part to the dedicated employees who were considered to be part of the family. Don will always be remembered for his entrepreneurial spirit, passion for his business and the lumber industry. But foremost he will be remembered for his creativity, his generosity, and his kind heart.

Don is survived by his wife Janice, children David (Anne), Julie (John) Jaskolski, Annette (Michael) Sobczak, James (Bobbie Jo), and Greg (Jenny). He is further survived by his 16 grandchildren, one future great grandchild, brothers Bob (Mary), Joe (Sue), sister Mary (Ray) Staral, nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. Preceded in death by his parents and sister Judi Walter.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Don will be at 10:00 am on Friday, August 22, 2014 at Resurrection Catholic Church of Allenton with Father Richard J. Stoffel presiding. Interment will follow the Mass on Friday, August 22 at Sacred Heart Cemetery in Allenton. Visitation will be from 2:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Thursday, August 21 at the Phillip Funeral Home Chapel of West Bend with a Vigil at 7:00pm. In lieu of flowers, memorials are appreciated to St. Peter's Catholic School in Slinger.