August 20, 1933 - June 16, 2026

Don Zebolsky was born August 20, 1933, to Anastasia and Harold K. Zebolsky in Chicago, and died June 16, 2026, in Omaha. He was preceded in death by his parents, his father’s second wife, Ellen, his older brother Hal, and his son-in-law David.

He is survived by his beloved wife of nearly 69 years, Mary Ann; his children: Paul and wife Virginia, Greg and wife Rhonda, Michael and wife Amy, Kirk, David, Donna and husband Mike, Gina, and Linda; his grandchildren: Justin and wife Rachel, Claire and husband Ryan, Adam and wife Cassie, Ben and wife Kaylee, Joe, Isabella, Jamie, and Jason; and his great-grandchildren: Eliza, John, Scarlett, Archer, Emerson, Colin, and Jacob. He is also survived by his sister-in-law ,Dolores.

Don earned an undergraduate degree from Northwestern, a Ph.D. from Kansas State, and he taught physical chemistry at Creighton University for 38 years, retiring in 2001.

Don dedicated his life to his family and community. He was a gentle, humble man who let others speak before himself, and chose words thoughtfully. He loved nature, taking his family camping and hiking in National Parks all over the country, and enjoying Fontenelle Forest here at home.

He planted many trees and gardens in his life, became a Master Gardener, and oversaw the gardens at Elmwood Tower for eight years with his wife Mary Ann, during the time they lived there.

Don loved classical music and the piano, studying the piano post-retirement for 21 years with his daughter Donna, a professional pianist. He became an accomplished pianist, performing in recitals regularly into his mid-eighties.

Don coached his sons’ baseball teams, led their Cub Scout dens, was involved with Bread For The World, the Benson Neighborhood Watch and OTOC. He believed strongly in his Catholic faith and the Resurrection, and he served in many capacities at Holy Family church, where he and Mary Ann attended for over 50 years.

After retirement, he volunteered for the Holy Family Door Ministry picking up food for food banks, and he also provided tax help for seniors.

Don had great discipline while also being good-humored, with his love for wordplay and puns inherited from his own father. He loved family gatherings, and travelling the world with Mary Ann. He loved the sound of cicadas, Creighton basketball, and listening to the chime of the grandfather clock he’d inherited from his grandfather and had grown up hearing. He was dearly loved and will be deeply missed, and he will always live in our hearts.

VIGIL: Sunday, June 21, 2026, 4:00 PM with VISITATION beginning at 2:00 PM at West Center Chapel, 7805 West Center Road, Omaha.

MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL:  Monday, June 22, 2026, 11:00 AM St. James Catholic Church, 4710 N. 90th St., Omaha.