Donald Zielinski Obituary

Donald “Don” Bruce Zielinski passed away on January 17, 2026, in Stayton, Oregon, leaving behind a legacy of service, laughter, and deep love for his family and community.

Don was born on August 19, 1962, in Cottage Grove, Oregon, to Gerald Homer Zielinski and Lois Marie Pierce. He spent his life rooted in the Willamette Valley, a place that shaped both his work ethic and his devotion to community. He graduated from Sacred Heart Catholic School in 1980.

Throughout his career, Don was known for his reliability, dedication, and willingness to help others. He worked as a semi-truck driver and did sales at Sunbelt Rentals, and most recently as a low boy driver for K & E Excavating. In addition to his professional life, Don proudly served for several years as a volunteer firefighter with Marion County Fire District, where he rose to the rank of Captain and at one point was honored as Fireman of the Year in 2003. Those who served alongside him often said Don was “not just a mentor, but also a father figure.”

In March of 2008, Don met Robin Smith, at a pancake breakfast in Brooks. They were married on August 8, 2009, and built a life grounded in faith, laughter, and partnership. Together, they attended Keizer Christian Church and later Foothills Church after settling in Stayton, where they spent the last ten years of their lives.

When Don wasn’t working or serving others, he was fully enjoying life. He loved golfing, camping, four-wheeling, fishing and hunting. He took pride in a well-kept yard and never minded the effort it took to make it just right. Don loved karaoke machine and had several favorite go-to songs, he loved music.

Don loved to laugh and had a gift for teasing the people he cared about most. Above all else, Don was a devoted father and husband, and he was overjoyed to experience the blessing of becoming a grandfather for the first time.

Don is survived by his loving wife, Robin A. Smith; his children, Zachary Zielinski, Lindsay (Matt) Clark, Jordan Zielinski, Nathan Bailey, and Isabel Smith; his grandson, George Clark; and his siblings, Dan (Tara) Zielinski and Theresa Speis. He was preceded in death by his father, Gerald Homer Zielinski, his mother, Lois Marie Zielinski, and his brother, Bill Zielinski.

A celebration of Don’s life will be held on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Foothills Church with an open house reception to follow at North Third Restaurant from 1pm to 3pm. Private urn placement will take place at Lone Oak Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Don’s name to Foothills Church.