Donald E.

Zirkelbach

Donald E. Zirkelbach passed away on November 5, 2026, in Gallup, New Mexico while mountain biking. He was born on August 18, 1956, in Waukegan, Illinois to Radolph and Dorothy (Drone) Zirkelbach.

He is survived by his wife, Jacqueline. He also leaves behind his son, Zachary and his wife Corey; his daughter, Brenda Hodges and her husband Freddie; and his grandson, Neal Hodges. Donald is also survived by his brothers, Jerry and Pat and wife Meg, as well as his sister-in-law, Dawn Spencer, and his brother-in-law, Bob Thomas. 

He will be deeply missed by his family and by the many friends and relatives who shared in his life. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Ranny, Mike, & Tom; and his sisters, Mary Ann Maki and husband Mel, Rachel Lee and husband Huey, Judy Thomas, and infant twins Nora and Dora.

Don graduated from Waukegan East High School in 1974 and later earned his MBA from the Lake Forest School of Management. He spent 28 years with Johns-Manville before retiring from ADCO Products in 2016. Hardworking and dedicated, Don took pride in his work, but it was the friendships he made along the way that meant the most to him. He had a quick wit, dry sense of humor, and a knack for giving those closest to him a hard time. Beneath that humor was a generous and caring man who could always be counted on to show up when someone needed him. 

Don and Jackie shared a love of the outdoors and a life filled with travel, adventure, and lasting friendships. Whether biking, hiking, skiing, kayaking, living the van life, or exploring a new country, they found their greatest enjoyment in experiencing new places and sharing those moments with others. Don wasn't concerned with being the fastest or reaching the highest summit; he simply appreciated the fresh air, beautiful scenery, and good company along the way. An active member of Seniors Outdoors in Durango, he treasured the friendships formed through their many outings and the welcoming community he and Jackie found there. 

Becoming a grandfather brought Don tremendous joy. Whether shooting baskets with Neal or sharing his love of biking he cherished every opportunity to spend time with his grandson. 

Services will be held on November 14, 2026. A viewing will be held at 9:00 a.m. and Mass at 10:00 a.m. at St. Columba Catholic Church, 215 E. 18th St., Durango, Colorado 81301. A luncheon will follow at 11:30 a.m. in The Pullman Room at the Strater Hotel.

His family offers their heartfelt thanks to their relatives and friends for their continued love and support during this time. Donald will be remembered with love for his kindness, his humor, and the steady care he gave to the people in his life.