Donald Vernon Zeiss, Jr.

Donald Vernon Zeiss Jr., age 83, of Wayne, NE, passed away peacefully on Friday, August 28, 2026 surrounded by the family he loved so deeply. He was known to generations of students, colleagues, and friends as a teacher, principal, and supervisor. Donald's life was defined by an unwavering belief in the power of education to change lives. Donald was born on September 16, 1942, at St. Elizabeth's Hospital in Lincoln, Nebraska to Donald Vernon Zeiss Sr. and Genevieve Kathryn (Knippel) Zeiss. He grew up in Crete, Nebraska, graduating from Crete High School in 1960. Donald went on to earn all three of his degrees from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln: a Bachelor of Science in Education (biological science and physical education) in 1964, a Master’s of Education in 1969, an Education Specialist Degree in 1972, and his Doctor of Education in 1978. Donald devoted more than 40 years of service to the Nebraska public education system. He spent 6 years in the classroom, where he also taught driver's education and coached. He went on to spend 34 years in administration as a principal at Weeping Water from 1970 to 1972, at Tecumseh from 1972 to 1974, and at Wayne High School from 1974 until his retirement in 2004, a tenure of 30 years. Additionally, after retirement, Don worked for Wayne State College and supervised area student teachers to provide guidance, evaluation, and knowledge to prepare them for their educational journeys. From 1993 to 1994 he also served in a leadership role with the Nebraska State Secondary School Principals. Among his honors Donald was named Nebraska Principal of the Year in 1993, and received the Nebraska State Band Masters Association Outstanding Administrator Award in 2001. Former students and colleagues remember him as an educator who believed in every child, had high expectations for all, andnever gave up on a struggling student.

Beyond the classroom and the front office, Donald and Janice were also longtime, generous supporters of Wayne High School's Spring Sprints program which benefitted special education students. He believed that education didn't end at the schoolhouse door, and he carried that same spirit of teaching, encouraging, and building people up into every part of his life.

Donald met the love of his life, Janice Steiner, at Crete High School in 1957. They shared a true love story and were each other’s best friends. They married on February 16, 1961, and together raised three children, Jeff, Jill, and Jess, whom they loved dearly and were incredibly proud of.

On February 16, 2026, Donald and his beloved wife, Janice, celebrated 65 years of marriage. Janice was Don’s whole world. Donald is survived by his loving wife, Janice Zeiss; his children, Jeff, Jill Caspers (Mark), and Jess (Dana); his grandchildren, Jason (Audrey) Parks, Jacob (Elisa), Alex Saunders (Johnny), Jalyn Adams (Braxton), Dylan Mathers, Morgan Mathers (Austin), and Lexi Zeiss; his great-grandchildren, Kyler, Cash, Jet, Reggie, Knox, Sutton, and Clayton, sister Debbie Shaw, and three nieces. His grandchildren who knew him as Grandpa/Papa will always remember the trips to Kearney, storytelling, tennis shoe shopping, sense of humor, and unwavering pride at every school program and event.

He was preceded in death by his daughter-in-law Jacki Zeiss, his great grandson Christian Parks, his parents, Step-Mother Annie Zeiss, Father and Mother in-Law Alvin and Pauline Steiner, brother in-laws Harold Steiner, Richard Steiner, Edward Shaw, sister-in-law Bonnie Steiner, niece Danette Mclain, his nephew Tim Steiner, and his beloved grandparents Monte and Kathryn Kinipple.

A celebration of life will be held on September 18th, 2026 at 10:30 a.m. at Thanksgiving Church in Bellevue, Nebraska (3702 370th Plaza Ave, Bellevue, NE 68123). Visitation will proceed the service starting at 9:30 a.m. There will be a luncheon reception immediately following the service.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that memorial donations be directed to Bank First in Wayne to the “Don Zeiss Memorial Fund.” Donations will be directed towards a planned memorial at Wayne High School.

Dr. Zeiss loved the Wayne Blue Devils and the Nebraska Cornhuskers. If you choose to honor him in that way, feel free to wear either of their apparel to the service.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” — 2 Timothy 4:7