Donald Sherman Zordel

Donald S. Zordel, 81, of South Haven died Sunday, November 11 at South Haven Community Hospital.

He was born July 12 1926 in Niles, Michigan to Alfred and Florence (Brown) Zordel. Don graduated from Niles High School in 1943. After graduation he joined the U.S. Army Air Corps. and served for 1 ½ years. Don attended Michigan State University and graduated from Olivet College in 1948. He then graduated from Michigan State Police Academy in 1951. Don spent a year serving in Marquette and a year in Centerline, Michigan. Donald came to South Haven to work in 1953 and retired from the State Police after 10 years of service due to an injury on the job. Donald then worked for Canonie Construction Company as their Personal and Safety Director for 5 years. He started his own business in South Haven called Lake Safety Supply Equipment which he operated until 1970. He also worked for the City of South Haven from 1970 – 1989 where he retired as building inspector. Donald was instrumental in getting the Michigan Maritime Museum started in South Haven and the remodeling and clean up of the Field House at Ratcliffe Field. Donald enjoyed bowling for many years on different leagues. He was a member of the South Haven Lions Club. Don was a talented baseball and football player. Don played during the summer of 1944 -1948 with the American Legion baseball team in Niles, Michigan as a catcher. He also played on the Michigan City Cubs baseball team. He played basketball for the American Legion team as a forward and late on with the Fort Wayne Pistons. Donald played all sports at Olivet College.

He is preceded in death by his parents – Alfred and Florence Zordel.

He is survived by his wife – Polly Zordel of South Haven, who he married December 10, 1955 at the First Congregational Church in South Haven, Michigan. One son – Michael (Chris) Zordel and one daughter – Shelly (Joe) Aleman both of South Haven, Michigan. Seven grandchildren – Michael Aleman, Christopher Aleman, Amanda (Justin) Zordel Phillips, Amber (Brad) Larson, Jayme (Miranda) Bowles, Matthew Bowles and Caitlin Bowles. One great granddaughter – Alexis Bowles. One sister – Mary (James) Campbell of Lawton, Michigan. One sister-in-law – Ellie Forsythe also survives.

Visitation will be Thursday, November 15 from 6 – 8 P.M. at the Filbrandt Family Funeral Home. Memorial services will be Friday at 11:00 A.M. at the Peace Evangelical Lutheran Church with Rev. Robert Linstrom officiating. Military Honors will be presented by the American Legion and VFW Honor Guard. Memorial contributions can be made to South Haven Ram Boosters. Kindly share your thoughts and memories on the family’s online guest book at www.FilbrandtFFH.com.

The family is being helped by the Filbrandt Family Funeral Home of South Haven 637-0333.