Donald Zornes

Donald H. Zornes, age 83, formerly of Columbus died Thursday, December 1, 2022 in Gretna, Nebraska.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, December 7, 2022 at St. Bonaventure Catholic Church in Columbus. Visitation is 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. Tuesday with a 7:00 p.m. Vigil Service at McKown Funeral Home. Visitation continues Wednesday morning from 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. at St. Bonaventure Church. Interment is in All Saints Cemetery. The family encourages memorials to the Columbus Community Hospital Foundation in lieu of plants and flowers.

Donald H. Zornes was born September 8, 1939 in Minneapolis, MN, only child of Vern S and Carrie O (Kvam) Zornes. He grew up in Minneapolis where he attended Patrick Henry High School and went on to the University of Minnesota where he earned his Bachelor's and Master's Degrees. Don began his career in St. Paul, MN at Charles T. Miller Hospital before moving to Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore. In October of 1968 he moved to Lincoln where he was involved in the completion of the current location of St. Elizabeth Hospital. In 1979 Don moved to Columbus where he served as the CEO of Columbus Community Hospital until his retirement in 2002. He oversaw the significant expansion of the old hospital and later the development and completion of the new hospital.

Don married Clarissa A Caron on October 26, 1963 in Faribault, MN.

Don was a member of the Nebraska and American Hospital Association, Chamber of Commerce Archway Award recipient, J.G.Elliott Award recipient from UNMC given for his work for supporting rural hospitals and medical care.

Don was a avid golfer and sports enthusiast. He loved the Huskers and the Golden Gophers.

Don is survived by:
Wife Clarisse Zornes of Lincoln
Daughter Diane Semrad of Lincoln
Son Ronald Zornes of New Orleans, LA
2 Grandchildren Dillon (Emma) Semrad of Wilber, NE and Tabitha (Fiance' Luke Nielsen) Semrad of Omaha, NE

He is preceded in death by his parents.