Minnesota State Patrol, Minnesota
End of Watch Monday, October 15, 1973
Add to My HeroesDonald Bert Ziesmer
Trooper Donald Ziesmer was shot and killed while making a traffic stop of a van on Highway 61 near Tofte.
One of the occupants exited the van and opened fire with a .22 caliber rifle, striking Trooper Ziesmer while he was still sitting in his patrol car. The man then committed suicide.
Trooper Ziesmer was a United States Navy veteran and had served with the Minnesota State Patrol for 13 years. He was survived by his wife and three daughters.
Bio
- Age 46
- Tour 13 years
- Badge 180
- Military Veteran
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Rifle; .22 caliber
- Offender Committed suicide
Most Recent Reflection
View all 15 ReflectionsGood morning Daddy,
It's strange to think you've been gone so long. As you know, I am the only one of your daughters left now. It's a little odd. There's not many left of our extended family that knew you, either.
I think of you all there together with The Lord and am happy for that . I know Mama missed Cathy and Kendall so much, and Deb missed you all so much, too.
I'm doing well. It was a long, hard haul, but I'm in a pretty good place now all the way around. I'm looking forward to this new, exciting ( a little scary but I'm not alone!), and really blessed time in my life, as you know... Forgetting the past and pressing on to the high calling of God for my life, whatever that may be, lol.
Thanks for being the best father you knew how to be. Love you much. Say hi to everyone for me. See you later.
Love Jo
JoAnn Ziesmer Gunderson
October 15, 2024