Donald Paul `Don` Flentje
Donald Paul `Don` Flentje , Age 70
Donald Paul "Don" Flentje was taken too soon, but passed away peacefully surrounded by his family at UW Hospital Madison on November 21, 2024.
Don was born in Merrimac, WI on October 12, 1954 and was united in marriage on May 14, 1977 to Stephanee Schlender at United Methodist Church in Baraboo, WI. Don and Stephanee lived in Baraboo their entire life, raising four beautiful children.
Don dedicated his entire work career to Baraboo Sysco Foods for 45 Years where he received awards for his safety and long attendance records. Don was a man of few words but had the biggest heart that made up for his silence. As a husband, dad, grandpa, brother, and friend, he was as genuine as they come. Always putting his loved ones’ wants and needs before his own, every time without thinking twice and never wanted or asked for any help.
Don was a work horse his entire life. After a full day’s work at Sysco, he would fill the evenings running to his kids’ sporting events and activities, fixing horse fence, filling the barn with hay or mowing the yard. Horses were not his first or second passion, but he made sure Stephanee always had more than enough to choose from to keep her happy and busy with riding lessons. If you needed to find Don on a summer weekend, just find out where his girls’ horse show was, and he would be there. He was dedicated to selflessly providing for his family to make sure we could all chase our dreams. Over the last couple years, he found the greatest joy in his grandchildren.
When he did have some free time, he enjoyed hunting and fishing, and over the last few years spent a lot of time tending to his very large garden. He was an avid WI sports fan and in true Wisconsin fashion, he always cheered them on with a Korbel in hand. Don was the king of the kitchen and always made sure he had a feast prepared for every holiday and family gathering.
Don is survived by his wife Stephanee, his 4 children Kara (Ben) Shortreed, Gina Flentje, Chad (Taylor) Flentje, and Mya Flentje; 3 grandchildren- Ellie, Donnie and Landon; sisters, Ruth Ann Beck, Linda (Harley) Bruenig, Melvina Meyer, Betty (Al) Deming; and sister-in-law, Virginia Flentje.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Melvin and Mary (Smokovitz) Flentje; in – laws, Stuart and Elizabth Schlender; sister, Janette Kirschtein; brothers, Russel Flentje and Gerald Flentje, brothers – law, Burdette Beck and Llyod Meyer.
A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, November 26, 2024 at 11:00am at Redlin-Ertz Funeral Home. Visitation will occur Monday, November 25, 2024 from 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm at the funeral home, as well as 10:00 am until the time of the service on Tuesday.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Vogt and the UW Hospital TLC team for their compassionate care given to Don and his family. In addition to Jeff Schlender who has always stepped up in countless ways to help around the farm, especially in these last few weeks.
As well as a huge thank you to his children who have always been there for him and for Stephanee.
Condolences
Connie Harrison November 22, 2024
Friend Baraboo , Wisconsin
Dear Stephanee, I was so shocked and sorry to read this.!! When I was at the Food Shows at Sysco I always enjoyed my conversations with Don. He was a WONDERFUL MAN !! Hugs to you amd your family
Kim November 22, 2024
Friend Baraboo , Wisconsin
We are so sorry to hear of the passing of Don.. our loving thoughts are with you and your whole family
Janie November 23, 2024
Cousin-in-law Deforest , Wisconsin
Stephanee and children. Condolences and love for your loss. With a heart as big as his, you will see him again in Heaven. May the memories carry you until you are reuinted. Jeff and Janie Alsmo
Judi Case November 23, 2024
Cousin Butte , Montana
Dear Stephanee and family, I am so very sorry to hear of your loss. Don was such a gentle soul. He will be missed by many. May our good Lord hold you close today and always as you go through this difficult time. Love, Judi and Todd
Dennis and Penny Quandt November 23, 2024
Friend Dothan , AL
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this most difficult time .He was a great person and friend. Den and him had some great times together ..Love Den and Penny
Debbie Black November 23, 2024
Friend Scottsdale , Arizona
Stephanee, I am so sad to hear of Don's passing. So many fond memories of seeing him when the girls and I were over for lessons or just a visit. Such a beautiful family you raised together that will continue to be a tribute to Don.
Theresa Jensen-Hendricks November 23, 2024
Old neighbors Baraboo , Wisconsin
Stephanee condolences from the entire Jensen family on your loss. It was wonderful to see you at Don and Dorothy Ziemke's wedding anniversary last year. We are thinking of you as grieve.
Dorothy (Senger) & Dennis Imwold November 23, 2024
Friend Merrimac , Wisconsin
Dear Stephanee and Family, We are so shocked and saddened to learn of the loss of dear Don. We grew up together in Merrimac, attended school together and a small group of us enjoyed doing things together in high school. I had not seen Don in many years, but I have only the fondest memories of this gentle and good friend. Our hearts go out to you and we pray you will find comfort in your loving memories of Don. He was such a good person. With sincere condolences, Dorothy (Senger) and Dennis Imwold
Terry Spencer November 23, 2024
Friends Baraboo , Wisconsin
Our sincerest condolences to Stephanee and the family. May God’s grace ease the pain of sorrow for you all. Don was a great guy and will be missed dearly. Terry and Jackie Spencer
Robbin November 24, 2024
Friend Spring Green, WI 53588
Dear Stephanee and kids, We are so sorry to hear about Don's passing. Even sadder that we couldn't make it the surprise birthday party. Unfortunately I had just been released from the hospital on Friday. Don was a wonderful husband and father. I can't say how many times we met at some horse function that the girls were involved in. Marnie and I loved being around your amazing kids. Definitely the influence you both had on them. I'm sure he will be sadly missed by all who knew him. Sending love and hugs to you all, Dennis and Robbin Polivka
Dave krunnfusz November 24, 2024
Friend Naperville , Illinois
I’m so sorry to hear of this. Thinking of Stephanee and the family at this time.
Brenda Prettyman November 24, 2024
Neice Hampstead , North Carolina
Our families have both lost great men (brothers) in these last few months. Loving, caring, hard working and would help there children no matter what. They left behind two strong wives who will carry on. When dad died I spoke with Tori and we both thought, Russel is showing dad where to fish and have a cold beer. I imagine they greeted Donald with opened arms and where the fish are biting. All are gone but never forgotten! Love to all of you!
William Guthrie November 24, 2024
Friend Portage , Wisconsin
So sorry for your loss. He was one of the good old boys.
Ruda family November 24, 2024
Friend Merrimac , Wisconsin
Bob and I are so sorry to hear of Donald's passing, such fond memories at the spa tavern. Pattie
Randy and Diane Puttkamer and family November 25, 2024
Neighbors Baraboo , Wisconsin
Sorry to hear of Don's passing. A great guy taken way to soon. Our thoughts and prayers for all of the family.
Paula Hartman November 25, 2024
Friend/Co-Worker Baraboo , Wisconsin
I am very sorry to hear that Don has passed away.. I am very glad that I meet him years ago at Sysco. I don’t think there was a time that we saw each other and didn’t have a quick visit. I can only imagine the great memories you have of Don. My condolences.
Jim Barnhart November 25, 2024
Friend from the past BEVERLY HILLS , Florida
Our condolences. Don was one of the nicest guys I ever met. Lots of find memories from LaMasney softball.
Cindy Hackett November 26, 2024
Friend Baraboo , Wisconsin
Sorry Steph and family for your loss.
Steve Porter November 28, 2024
Friends Waupun , Wisconsin
I'm so surprised and sorry to read about Don's passing Stephanie. As you know Don and I made Sysco our lifetime careers and I enjoyed my time working with him. Nancy and I send our condolences. Steve & Nancy Porter