Deacon Denis Zaun was born and raised in North Dakota attending Catholic grade and high school there. He received his BS in Business and an MBA Degree from North Dakota universities, and served as a Finance Officer in Germany with the US Army. He returned to North Dakota and began his career in aerospace manufacturing working in North Dakota, Wisconsin and California.

In 2001, Denis left aerospace and accepted a paid position with the Society of St. Vincent de Paul in Orange County as their Development Director, and was promoted to Executive Director two years later. Also in 2001, he began the formation program leading to ordination as Deacon in April 2005.

Denis and his wife Peggy live in Yorba Linda and have been members of St. Martin de Porres Church for over 20 years. Their two grown children and grandchildren also live in Yorba Linda.