Albert "Al" Zeman

On November 14, 2025, our beloved father and friend, Albert “Al” Zeman went home to be with his Lord Jesus. We celebrate his life — a life well-lived, devoted to family, faith and service. Born July 11, 1932, in Niles, Michigan, Al was the third and youngest child of Albert George and Margaret Andrews Zeman. Affectionately called “Bert” in his youth, he spent his early years moving often, before his family settled in Laguna Beach, California, where he attended high school and was named Captain of the football team.

Al was awarded an athletic scholarship to play football at the University of Colorado, from where he graduated in 1956, earning Bachelor’s degrees in electrical engineering and business, along with additional credits toward a Master’s degree. While in school, he met the love of his life, Donna Lien, and they married on June 14, 1955. He also served as Chapter President of the Sigma Nu fraternity.

After graduation, Al served in the Army Reserve and began his career with General Electric as a design engineer, before moving into management. Later in his career, he went on to work for Public Service of New Mexico, and finally Iowa Power and Light before retiring.

At 40, Al took up competitive running and completed numerous marathons, enjoying the camaraderie of new friends. In retirement, he devoted himself to volunteer work — serving in his church, mentoring troubled youth, and helping victims of Hurricane Katrina. A lifelong master woodworker, he crafted beautiful furniture as well as other fine pieces. In addition, he took up cycling which he embraced with the same enthusiasm as he approached everything in life and became a welcome contender among his cycling buddies.

Al and Donna raised three daughters and lived in many states before ultimately returning to New Mexico, where Donna—his wife of nearly 68 years—passed away. Wishing to be closer to family, Al moved to Montrose, Colorado, where he spent his final months. He lived life to the fullest and was deeply loved and admired.

One of his favorite verses was Proverbs 3:5-6. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight.”

Al is survived by his daughters, Linda Zeman, Julie Arthur and Susan Bruss; his two sons in-law, Bill Arthur and Ron Bruss; ten grandchildren; and ten great-grandchildren.