Last Updated on August 16, 2023 by Kroeger Funeral Home
Donald A. Zinsmaster, Jr., age 67, Rochester, passed away on August 15, 2023, peacefully at home, surrounded by his family following a three-year battle with cancer.
Born August 13, 1956, in Logansport, he was the son of Josephine and Donald A. Zinsmaster, Sr., both who preceded him in death.
Don graduated from Logansport High School in 1975 and pursued his passion for football at St. Joseph College and Marshalltown Community College. Post college, he moved to California, continuing to play football at the semi-professional level and working a variety of jobs. He eventually moved back to Logansport and began a career in the mining industry as a heavy equipment operator and specialized in safety. The highlight of his career was the last few years he spent at West Plains Mines in Wabash, IN, retiring in 2021 due to his illness.
Don loved watching, coaching, and participating in sports. He played center for many semi-professional teams including the Southern California Rhinos, Logansport Lancers, and Kokomo Mustangs until age 52. He coached youth league, middle school, and high school football.
Don inherited his love of music from his father, who was an avid jazz listener. He picked up playing guitar by watching his friends perform live music. Don loved live music, a cigar, and a shot of tequila. Don was also an exceptional cook, with Italian food being his specialty.
Don met Venetia Faulkenberg in 2011. They made Lake Manitou in Rochester their home in 2017 and they were married there in 2022. Their lake home became the gathering place for family and friends where cherished memories were created.
Don was extremely proud of his children and their accomplishments, also finding great joy in spending time with his grandsons. He was very proud of his daughter’s teaching career, and living in close proximity allowed them to maintain a strong and tight-knit bond. Additionally, he took great pride in his son’s athletic pursuits; his presence and support further strengthened the bond they shared.
Don is survived by his wife, Venetia, Rochester; daughter, Hayley Zinsmaster, Logansport; son, Luke (Rachel) Zinsmaster, Fishers; stepdaughter Lindsay (Josh) Scott, Indianapolis; stepson, Ross (Keeley) Faulkenberg, Portland, OR; and grandsons, Lincoln and Cole Zinsmaster, Fishers.
Surviving siblings are Donna Young and Stevie Zinsmaster.
The family would like to extend their appreciation to Gentiva Hospice for their outstanding care and support.
Visitation will be from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. Friday, August 18, 2023, at Kroeger Funeral Home.
The funeral service is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. Saturday, also at the funeral home.
Burial will be in Mount Hope Cemetery.
Due to Don’s love of sports, donations may be made in his honor to the Chad Lambert Youth Athletic Fund.
Messages of condolence may be posted at www.kroegerfuneralhome.com.
Kroeger Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.