Donald Albert ZechMay 1, 1927 - March 3, 2008Donald Albert Zech died peacefully Monday at home. He was born to Delthy and Mildred (Wise) Zech in St. Paul, Minnesota. In 1937, the family moved to Gresham, where he grew up. At 16, too young to join the military, he joined the forestry service.Don served in World War II as a staff sergeant and was in charge of a medical troop train that delivered the wounded from San Francisco to their home hospitals throughout the country. He traveled over 100,000 miles in that single train car. After World War II, he was in the Air Force Reserves. During the Korean Conflict, he was a staff sergeant and served in Japan. He issued medical supplies that served field hospitals in Korea.After honorable discharge from the service, Don worked at Reynold's Aluminum in Troutdale for 38 years, retiring in 1983.Don was baptized and became a member of the Albany Mennonite Church in 1981.Don married Ruth Wittrig on October 24, 1981. They enjoyed many years of fishing all the way from Alaska to Maine. North Twin Lake in Central Oregon was always a special place to find the big ones (which Ruth usually caught). They also liked to spend winters in Yuma and Why, Arizona.Don is survived by his wife, Ruth; stepchildren LaVerne Van Horn and husband Ron, Margo Keiry and husband Dave, Jack Wittrig and wife Sue, Tim Wittrig and wife Jenee; step-granddaughters Nicole McCullough, Alison Castellijos, Melissa Keiry and Ali Wittrig and step great-grandson Tyler McCullough.He was preceded in death by his parents; brother John, who was killed in the Korean War; and sister Joyce Mussetter.At his request a private service was held. Memorial contributions may be made in Don's name to Samaritan Evergreen Hospice. AAsum-Dufour Funeral Home is handling the arrangements ( www.aasum-dufour.com ).