Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Good 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

When I was a teenager on a camping trip in Northern Minnesota, Officer Zeismer helped me and two friends with a car problem. He even offered to let the three of us stay in his home that evening as all the car repair shops were closed. We couldn't make it to his home because of the car issue, so arranged for us to stay at a Fish and Game Research Station in Grand Marais. He found a mechanic who was willing to work on our car and mail the money afterwards. My dad was a Highway Patrolman and I attended his funeral after we learned of his death. Unfortunately, his death hit his family hard, and it later resulted in death of one of his daughters. He was a truly remarkable person, who was missed by everyone who knew him.

Lt. Michael Edwards, USN
friend

September 3, 2024

Trooper Zeismer,
On today, the 50th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just as a Law Enforcement Officer but for our Country as well when you served with the U.S. Navy during World War II and the Korean War. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

Fair Winds And Following Seas

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

October 15, 2023

Rest in peace Trooper Ziesmer.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 28, 2019

Good morning,

Over the weekend, Saturday marked the anniversary of Trooper Donald Zeismer’s death in the line of duty. He was fatally wounded by a suspect who opened fire on him while he was still seated in the squad car during a traffic stop on Highway 61 near Tofte. Trooper Zeismer was survived by his wife and three daughters.

Please keep the Zeismer family in your thoughts and prayers.



Sincerely,
Matt

Colonel Matt Langer
Chief, Minnesota State Patrol

Deborah,
An email from the Colonel to the entire state patrol, marking your fathers end of watch anniversary. Thought you might be interested that he is remembered for his service.

Trooper D.J. Weinrich
Minnesota State Patrol

October 21, 2016

Daddy - another "anniversary" coming up - you've been gone now almost as long as you were here. Thank you for teaching me well - "put your chin up, shoulders back and carry on". It has served me well through the years coping with the challenges life has presented. I miss you terribly, and often think of all the "could have beens". A granddaughter serving in child protection services and a grandson who would have been a fishing and hunting buddy. Oh that fatefull day. Thank you "Kind Bob" for relaying me home without a break - I am sorry I pushed you so hard. The pride, comfort, security and strength I felt walking up the church steps through the rows of State Troopers, PD, Border Patrol, County and OPP officers gave me the courage I needed to bury my dad. May God protect each and every one of you daily. Deborah Ziesmer Nied.

Deborah Ziesmer Nied
Daughter

October 1, 2016

IN HONORE CASORUM
Gone, but not forgotten.

Sgt. T. J. Jones
Greater Cleveland Transit APolice Department, Ohio

October 15, 2013

RIP Trooper

James Kotke
Civilian / Former Officer
WSF Park Police (Wi.)

October 15, 2012

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 36th anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya

Anonymous

October 15, 2009

"The Badge"
He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.
He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.
Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.
He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.
His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.
He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.
And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.
But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.
Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.
Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.
So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.
In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.
Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.
Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

November 28, 2007

Gone, but never forgotten, Rest easy now my Brother in Law, your watch on earth is over...

SGT. John L. Gulledge (Ret.)
Escambia County Sheriff's Office Pensacola FL.

November 1, 2007

We remember you today and thank you for your service

Pat Van Den Berghe, Manchester, NH
Neighbors for a Better Manchester, NH

October 12, 2007

Don - I have thought of you often over the years since 1973. I got to the scene, but too late to see you. Did get to your funeral service along with the governor of Minnesota and a large contingent of law enforcement officers. I want to thank you for your kindness towards me while we worked together in the Grand Marais, MN area. I just learned of this web site and want you to know I have never forgotten you. You are always in my memories. With my fondest regards, your friend, Ron Moore.

Ronald E. Moore, Major
U.S. Border Patrol (retired)

November 22, 2004

Trooper Ziesmer,

Today I learned of your murder from your friend, and mine, Ron Moore (U.S. Border Patrol, Ret.) He spoke very highly of you. Although I never met you personally, I consider you my brother. I honor you Don, I honor your name, your memory, and mostly, I honor you for the ultimate sacrifice you made protecting all of us. We all gave some, but you gave all. You are truly a hero . . . not necessarily for the way you died, but rather for the way you lived . . . for daring to walk the path of the warrior. Rest easy my brother, we'll take it from here . . . we'll cover your post on the thin blue line. With brotherly love and utmost respect, Jim Crotty (Former Richmond, VA Police Officer.)

Jim Crotty Special Agent (Ret.)
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms

November 19, 2004

God bless you, thank you for your sacrifice.

Anonymous