Donald James Zepnick

Donald James Zepnick of Green Bay passed away peacefully on Monday morning, December 2, 2024, at his home. He was 88 years old. Don was born on March 6, 1936, in Oneida, Wisconsin to parents Alfred and Marie (Van Laanen) Zepnick. He was baptized on March 8th at St. Joseph’s Church in Oneida. He grew up and went to school in Oneida.

On November 12, 1958 Don and Jeanne celebrated the sacrament of marriage and began their journey of 66 years together. They were blessed with ten children, James, John, Jeff, Joe, Jerry, Jody, Julie, Sarah, Sonia and Jay, twenty-nine grandchildren, and twenty-nine great grandchildren.

Don was in the army for two years traveling to Germany. He provided for his family and others by working in home construction all his life. He started working with his brothers, then for other contractors before running his own successful construction business for over 45 years. Several of his children got involved in the business over the years. The entrepreneurial spirit, family focus, strong work ethic and dedication instilled in his children are still fueling his descendants. Don was very talented in executing the most complex framing and building structures in very elaborate houses. He appreciated his employees, customers and suppliers, forming business friendships that lasted his lifetime. 

He enjoyed doing woodworking projects and spending time outdoors, hunting, fishing and camping with his children and grandchildren and instilling a love of God’s wonderful creation. Don even deer hunted until he was 84. Before joining St John the Baptist in Howard the last several years, Don and Jeanne were members of SS Edward and Isidore in Flintville for many years, serving on committees and volunteering countless hours of service and resources to the parish.

In addition to his parents, Don was preceded in death by his siblings: Florence (Robert) Leininger, Rita (Larry) Barrette, Robert Zepnick, Delores (Patrick) Thorton, Vernon Zepnick, Evelyn (Orville) Hendricks, Elizabeth (Robert) Haynes and Edwin (Jean Ann) Zepnick.

He will be deeply missed by his wife Jeanne; children; James Zepnick, John (Ginny) Zepnick, Jeff (Heather) Zepnick, Joe (Jody) Zepnick, Jerry (Bonnie) Zepnick, Jody (Christine) Zepnick, Julie Zepnick, Sarah Zepnick, Sonia (Matt) Cushing, Jay (Jamie) Zepnick; Grandchildren, Jayme, Jesse, Tavie, Amy (Tyler), Michael, Kristen (Bryan), Nathan (Kristin), Nicholas (Kendra), Brooke, Joshua, Luke (Stacey), Tim (Stephanie), Brianna (Brody), Alex, Jordan (Carissa), Kaden, Josie, Mason, Charlotte, Isaac, Maggie, Sawyer, Lincoln, Theo, Kait and Joseph; Step Grandchildren Noah (Alayna), Joel (Clarice) and Josh (Emily); Great grandchildren Audrick, Avenley, Mason, Miles, Rylee, Jackson, Cameron, Maisy, Noah, Poppy, Solomon and Blake, Burke, Sullivan, Louise, Edith, two on the way (Nick and Kendra), (Jordan and Carissa), (plus James’ eight grandchildren). Step great grandchildren Saylor, Elio and Maylie. Don’s siblings; Sally (Mike) Wassenberg; Jerry (Judy) Zepnick, and Richard Zepnick; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and numerous friends.

Don's family extends a special thank you to the Unity Hospice and Caretta Senior Living Nurses and Staff for his compassionate care the last several months.

Visitation will be held from 10:30 am - 12:00 pm followed by the Funeral Mass at 12:00 pm on Monday, December 9, 2024, at St John the Baptist Church (2597 Glendale Ave, Green Bay, WI 54313)

A private interment will be held on Tuesday, December 10th at St John the Baptist Cemetery.

Memorials are preferred in lieu of flowers to St. John the Baptist church.