Born in Two Rivers, Wisconsin, Zander studied civil engineering at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, then worked as a draftsman.
Three years later, he returned to the university and completed a master's degree in town planning, followed by a PhD in public administration.
[1][2] Zander began working for the Wisconsin Civil Service Department as an examiner, then later became the state personnel administrator.
In 1936, the union became the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, and Zander was elected as its president.
However, after that point, many union members felt that it made little further progress, and in 1964, Zander was defeated for re-election by Jerry Wurf, becoming honorary president.