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Donald Ray Kanzleiter, longtime resident of the Yakima Valley passed peacefully in Nespelem Washington, on Friday, September 2, 2016, surrounded by loving sisters, nieces, nephews and family. His loving sister, Diana Rieker, spent hundreds of hours making sure his last days were filled with love, comfort and care.

Donald was born on May 12, 1956, to Ray and Iva (Simpson) Kanzleiter.

Donald was a protective big brother, uncle, and loving friend to many.

He served in the United States Army, was a paratrooper and part of the Green Beret.

He studied law enforcement and eventually worked at Walla Walla State Penitentiary as a guard. He also worked as a CNA for the Colville Tribe Convalescent Center.

Donald loved all of his nieces and nephews more than anyone could ever know. They meant the world to him and he showed it. Whether that was with loving hugs, or a whack with his cane! He was always anxious to see his nieces and nephews whenever they got a chance to visit.

He loved his cousins from near and far and would remember the fun times on the Colville Indian Reservation and in the Seattle area with cousins on both sides of the state.

Donald lived strong until the end, defying the odds and holding on so everyone could see his wonderful strength that his family knows so well. 

Donald is survived by his Auntie Mabel Jake, sister Diana (Ron) Rieker, brother Bill (Lurae) Kanzleiter, Bryan Kanzleiter, Laurie (Mark) Sison, Brenda Kanzleiter, Darlene Kanzleiter and Marlene (Mike) Kanzleiter, numerous nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews, as well as cousins, friends and family across the state and country. 

Heaven has called upon you today, leaving so many words left to say.

But now it's too late, for your time has come, words unspoken; I am sure everybody has some.

Regrets and wishes are probably there too, but lasting forever are memories of you.

I was there when you needed a place to stay,

just like you would be there for me night or day.

There have been many times that we disagreed,

but we were there for each other in time of need.

Now it's time for me to say Good-Bye, until we meet again in heaven to fly.

Dressing services were held Saturday, September 3, 2016. Burial was held Tuesday, September 6, 2016, at Simpson Family Cemetery.

Please sign Donald's online register book at http://www.stratefuneralhome.com. Strate Funeral Home of Grand Coulee, WA is honored to be serving Donald's family.