Don Lintereur

Donald John Lintereur, age 85, 617 Charles Ave., Tomahawk, died peacefully at home on November 22, 2012, surrounded by his family and under the care of Ministry Hospice. Don was born on September 13, 1927, in Two Rivers, Wisconsin to Marie and Fred Lintereur. He joined the Navy at age 17 and traveled the world during World War II. At the end of the war, Don attended UW Madison, graduating with education degrees in Botany and Zoology. He married Miriam Clayton on April 19, 1952, and together they raised 8 children. His wife preceded him in death in May, 2010. In 1955, Don accepted a teaching position in Tomahawk, Wisconsin, and was a well-loved teacher there until his retirement in 1988. He stayed involved in the schools even after his retirement; attending his grandkids' school functions, speaking to history classes and helping young athletes. Education issues continued to be a priority for Don throughout his life. Don was an avid reader and loved to share his knowledge with young and old alike. He was a lifelong learner, always striving to keep his mind young. His stories about "the olden days" were enjoyed by many. Don's other hobbies were woodworking, studying the Civil War and World War II, fishing, politics, and singing with children's groups. He was known as "Grandpa Don" to many children throughout Tomahawk. Don was able to participate in the Never Forgotten Honor flight in October, 2011 and continued to fundraise for this wonderful group. Exercise was extremely important to Don. He opened up the High School weight room every day at 5:00 AM and spent countless hours assisting others (of all age groups) with their exercise regimens. He lifted weights daily and rode his bike often. He even purchased a tandem tricycle that he rode with Miriam in their later years. Don was an avid runner whose greatest accomplishment was competing in the Boston Marathon at age 77. His last race was the Pow Wow 5K on July 4th, 2012, when he participated with some of his grandchildren. In 2011, he received the Wisconsin Athletic Service Award from WIAA for helping young athletes. Don's greatest passion was music. He spent countless hours in his workshop making musical instruments, from balalaikas to harpsichords. His family's biweekly campfire music sessions were filled with singing and guitar playing. After his children grew up, he and Miriam started a campfire song group held at the library. Don was able to play many instruments and his ukulele rendition of "Happy Birthday" will be greatly missed. In addition to his wife, Don was preceded in death by his mother and father, his siblings; LeRoy, Marian, Ruth and Bernice. He leaves his 8 children; Jim (Patty) Lintereur, Dave (Sharon) Lintereur, Joe (Carolyn) Lintereur, Michael Lintereur, Mary (John)Graettinger, Fred (Lynn) Lintereur, Anne (Mike) Merryfield and Sarah (Tom) Galloy. He is also survived by 18 grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren, 2 great- great grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, sisters-in-law Jean and Ethel, his running group , his Civil War roundtable and his numerous friends. As per Don's wishes, no services will be held. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be sent to the Tomahawk Public Library or to The Never Forgotten Honor Flight.