Donald William Linder

Donald W. Linder, 86, Marathon, died Tuesday, September 17, 2024, under hospice care at Pride TLC, Weston, with his four children at his side.

He was born December 11, 1937, in Marathon to Irvin and Ruth (Kutchenreuter) Linder. On October 7, 1961, he married Janice Mary Lemanski at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Cassel. She preceded him in death on December 18, 2020.

Donald worked many jobs early in his life – farming, hauling gravel, before beginning his career at Marathon Cheese. He worked several different jobs there before landing his dream job as an over-the-road truck driver, delivering bulk packaged cheese to several states including Minnesota and Mississippi. After more than a decade driving with a spotless record, he switched careers and opened Linder Vending, having machines in factories and businesses in Marathon, Lincoln and Taylor counties for more than 10 years. Not to be coasting later in life, Don again switched careers and worked until retirement for Menzner Lumber.

Don loved to fish! From early on in life, he spent many summers days fishing with family and friends on Post Lake, Spirit Flowage, the Rib, Hultman, Eau Pleine and many others. He was an amazing storyteller, endearing the hearts of everyone who had the chance to get to know him.

Survivors include his three daughters, Julie (David) Sittler, Gwendolyn (Kevin) Zuleger, and Debra (Robert) Linder-Mohr; son, Nathan (Sarah) Linder; grandchildren, Nicholas Baumann, Theodore (Jessica Storzbach) Baumann, Maris (Cody) Pernsteiner, and Rhianna (Braden) Schmidt; great-granddaughter, Zaelyn; and great-grandson, Riggin. He is further survived by two sisters, Virginia Springer and Ruth (Jerome) Warner; brother, Robert Linder; bothers-in-law, sisters in-law, many nieces and nephews, and good friends, Marilyn Hack, Ronnie Berres and Gertie Guralski.

He was preceded in death by his parents; parents-in-law, Casimir and Eulalia Lemanski; brother, Frederick Linder; brother-in-law, Paul Springer; sister-in-law, Paulette Linder; granddaughter, Hailey Zuleger; and many other family members.

Visitation will take place Sunday, September 22, 2024 from 12:30 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church, Marathon, with a funeral Mass to follow at 3:00 p.m.  Rev. Msgr. Joseph Diermeier will preside.  Burial will be at St. Mary Cemetery, Marathon.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to his direct caregivers at Pride TLC whom he loved dearly and Aspirus Hospice Nurse Carla M. for her guidance and care during dad’s final days. A special thank you to Debbie Marzynski for taking excellent care of dad, taking him on little outings and adventures, it was the highlight of his week.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to St. Mary Catholic Church and School, Marathon.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com