A 26-year-old ISU student died Feb. 8 as the result of a snowmobiling accident along the West Des Moines River.

Donald Zitterich, senior in agricultural studies, was snowmobiling with three of his brothers near their hometown of Graettinger. Donald’s father, Robert, said his son’s snowmobile passed by a tree, where a stick slid into his son’s leg and punctured an artery.

Robert said he believes Donald bled to death as a result of the tree limb puncturing his leg. Because none of the brothers saw the accident occur, there is some uncertainty as to exactly what happened.

Donald’s sudden death has left a void in the hearts and minds of his parents, Robert and Joyce, and his six siblings, Danny, Darin, Darvin, Dawn, Debbie and Dylan.

Donald’s family described him as a highly motivated young man who had numerous ambitions in the field of agriculture.

“He was a farmer,” Robert said. “He’s always been a farmer and liked tractors, livestock and dealing with the ground.”

Donald attended Iowa Lakes Community College in Estherville before transferring to Iowa State.

“He decided he wanted to take higher ag classes,” Robert said.

Robert said his son was specifically interested in agricultural equipment and machinery, as opposed to livestock or crops.

“He had been sending resumes and stuff around and had a job offer with John Deere,” he said.

Donald was scheduled to graduate from Iowa State in May.

The Zitterich family has since been spending time together and reflecting on Donald’s life.

“He had a wonderful personality,” said Donald’s sister, Dawn. “He always kept us laughing.”

Dawn said the family is coping with Donald’s death together. “It’s hard, but we do lean on each other a lot,” she said.

One of Donald’s brothers, Darvin, is a sophomore at Iowa State in agricultural studies. Darvin and Donald had lived together in Ames.

Robert said Donald’s girlfriend, Tasha Grebenick, is attending graduate school in Minnesota. “They were talking about taking the big step,” Robert said. Dawn said her brother was an overachiever who lived each day to the fullest.

“I think he would want people to set some goals and try hard to achieve them,” she said.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday. Cards, letters and memorials may be sent to Donald’s parents at 304 S. Elder St., Graettinger, Iowa, 51342.