Donald Zanto

Donald K. Zanto, 62, passed away from natural causes at the Montana Veterans' Home in Columbia Falls on July 29, 2009.

He was born May 7, 1947, to Kenneth and Marguerite Zanto. He was one of six kids. He graduated from high school in Highwood. Then because of his love of school Donald went on to University of Montana-Western. He graduated with his Bachelor of Science in 1969, with emphasizes in math, business and industrial arts.

After he graduated the country was enforcing the draft, so he signed up with the Air Force, and had a tour of duty in Germany. When he got back to the United States, he taught at two different schools, one in Dickinson, N.D., and the other at Jud, N.D.

Donald had a love of just watching sports, such as football. He also enjoyed spending time at family gatherings at his sister, Ellen Opalka's home. He was always very consistent in his church attendance at St. Richard's on Saturday evening mass.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth and Marguerite Zanto; and his brother, Thomas Zanto.

He is survived by his sister Ellen Opalka; sister Judy Caldwell and her husband Butch of Great Falls; Jerry Zanto and wife Patricia of Helena; brother John Zanto and wife Susie; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be Thursday, Aug. 6, from 5 to 7 p.m. with rosary at 7 p.m. at Columbia Mortuary in Columbia Falls. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Aug. 7 at St. Richard's Catholic Church with Father John Miller officiating. The interment will take place with full military honors at St. Richard's Cemetery.