Donald J. Zeigler

Donald Jay Zeigler, 71, of Virginia Beach, VA, passed away on March 4th, 2023, after being diagnosed with bladder cancer and follicular lymphoma in 2019. Don was born on November 26th, 1951, to Jonas and Kathryn Zeigler in Harrisburg, PA. After graduating from Cedar Cliff High School in Camp Hill, PA, in 1969, he went on to study at Shippensburg University where he earned a bachelor’s degree in geography. He then attended the University of Rhode Island and Michigan State University where he earned his master’s and PhD in geography. Don had a 37-year career as a professor of geography at Old Dominion University (ODU) in Norfolk, VA. He retired from ODU in the summer of 2016. During his career he worked with the Virginia Department of Education supporting teachers by teaching online geography professional development courses and helping to write the standards of learning for geography education. In 2006, he was the recipient of the Virginia Outstanding Faculty Award, the highest honor for higher education faculty members in Virginia. In addition, Don was also a founding member of the Virginia Geographic Alliance. While attending Shippensburg, Don met Deborah Kay Emminger through a mutual friend, and they were married in 1973. They enjoyed exploring Pennsylvania and were always in search of the next covered bridge. Don and Debbie went on to have two children, Robert, and Megan. Don was an active member of Heritage United Methodist Church in Virginia Beach, VA, for 43 years. He served as the head of the Pastor Parish Committee and enjoyed delivering Meals on Wheels across Hampton Roads. Don lived a life of exploration and adventure traveling to 75 countries in his lifetime. He was a lover of covered bridges, cemeteries, and welcome signs. He especially enjoyed “collecting” haircuts from across the globe and would use that time as an opportunity to meet people and hear their stories. His goal was to get a haircut from every state, a tradition that he passed down to his grandson, Alex. Don enjoyed spending time with all his grandkids and was always quick to share his love for geography with them. Donald is survived by his wife of 49 years Debbie, his brother-in-law Donald Emminger, his son, Robert (Hope) Zeigler, his daughter Megan (Jonathan) Bidanset, Grandchildren; Abigail Zeigler, Lucas Zeigler, Heidi Bidanset, Alexander Bidanset, Lorelei Bidanset, and Theodore Bidanset. A viewing will be held at Musselman Funeral Home on March 11th, 2023, from 09:00 AM to 10:00 AM, followed by a 10:30 AM graveside service at Mount Olivet Cemetery in New Cumberland, PA. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Shippensburg University Foundation/Zeigler Travel Fund and/or Heritage United Methodist Church in Virginia Beach, VA. Don documented his adventures on his numerous blog sites, which can be found at www.geoyours.com.

Donald J. Zeigler

November 26, 1951 - March 4, 2023