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As received from the Erickson Crowley Peterson Funeral Home:
Donald F. Zappa, 91, a resident of Mohawk for his entire lifetime, except for a little more than a year when he resided in Jerome, Arizona, passed away at UP Health System-Marquette on Sunday December 15, 2019.
He was born on July 12, 1928 in Mohawk, a son fo the late Wilbur “Bill” Zappa and Lillie Zappa.
He attended Calumet High School, graduating with the Class of 1945. He also graduated from LaSalle University, School of Accounting.
He served with the U.S. Army from 1950-1952, during the Korean Conflict, being honorably discharged with the rank of Sergeant.
After his discharge, Donald was employed by the Armstrong-Thielman Lumber Co. from 1953-1963. He then was employed by the Keweenaw County Road Commission as an accountant from 1963 until the time of his retirement in 1990.
Donald was very active in sports, participating in high school track and basketball. He was also active in baseball with various Mohawk and Keweenaw teams as a long time third baseman. He participated in junior, intermediate and senior hockey with Keweenaw and Calumet teams. He was an avid Chicago Cubs fan since childhood.
On June 5, 1954 he married the former Enid Kytta and they made their home in Mohawk for the past 65 years. He was a former member of the Mohawk Methodist Church and a current member of the Laurium Shining Light Church. He was active as a lay speaker in various churches for a number of years.
Don served as a member of both the Allouez Township School Board as well as the C-L-K School Board for a period of 21 years, fifteen as Treasurer and the final six as President. He was preceded in death by his parents and his beloved dog, Belle. He is survived by his wife, Enid of Mohawk, a son, Roger (Natalie) Zappa of Marquette, a daughter, Nancy (James) Moore of Hancock, three grandchildren Luke and Matthew Zappa and Emily Moore, and 2 great grandchildren, Bearen and Hayden.
A visitation will be held on Thursday December 19, 2019 from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at the Erickson Crowley Peterson Funeral Home. Funeral services for Mr. Zappa will be held at the Erickson Crowley Peterson Funeral Home on Friday December 20, 2019 at 1:00 pm with Pastor Jay Weidner to officiate.
Burial with military honors conducted by the Copper Country Veterans Association will take place in the Lake View Cemetery in the spring.
Online condolences for the family may be left at www.ericksoncrowleypeterson.com
The Erickson Crowley Peterson Funeral Home in Calumet is assisting the family with the arrangements.
