Donald A. "Don" Huinker

 Donald A. "Don" Huinker, age 86 of Baraboo passed away peacefully and joined the love of his life, Dorothy, on Sunday, Jan. 1, 2017 at St. Clare Hospital. Donald, son of Alfred and Louise (Rausch) Huinker was born June 27, 1930. He graduated from Monona High School, Class of 1948. He was voted All-State Catcher and also a member of the State Championship Baseball Team in 1948. On Aug. 21, 1948 he was united in marriage to Dorothy Fishel at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Kansas City; she preceded him in death on Dec. 31, 2015.Don enlisted in the United States Army on Sept. 13, 1948 and served in Korea until his honorable discharged on Sept. 29, 1951. During his time in the service, Don received two Bronze Stars. Don and Dorothy returned to Monona, Iowa after his honorable discharge. During his employment, Don was co-owner of Huinker Chevrolet for 30 years. Don served as Legion Commander of Monona American Legion and volunteered on the Monona Fire Department. He was a Board Member of the M-F-L School District. During their time in Monona Dorothy and Don were active participants of the ARC and continued after they moved to Baraboo in 1978. Once in Baraboo he worked for the local Chevrolet dealership as well as P & B Auto Parts. Don finished his working career at the Baraboo School District as a custodian, retiring after over 10 years of service at the age of 70. Throughout his life he enjoyed hobbies including square dancing with Dorothy, woodworking, and raising tropical fish. Family was the most important thing to Don. Since moving to Baraboo he was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church and North Freedom American Legion Post 172.He is survived by his children, Don L. (Donna) Huinker of Baraboo, Mike (Judy) Huinker of Baraboo, Connie Huinker of Monona, IA, Claudia (Russ) Wright of Monona, IA, Cathy (Rick) Grove of Monona, IA, Mark Huinker of Baraboo, Joe (Renae) Huinker of Baraboo, Clare (Mike) Benzing of Monona, IA, Carol (Dan Fosdick) Prothero of Waunakee, Celeste (Arlan) Neuman of Baraboo; 18 grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; his sister, Alice Shea of Fennimore; brother-in-law, Robert Fishel; sisters-in-law, Estelle Huinker, Delores (Chuck) Wakeland, Marilyn Lamker, Rose Marie Knight and Patricia Zach as well as special friend, Jim Higgins and his Wednesday Beer Buddies at the Square Tavern.He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Dorothy; siblings, Irvin Huinker, Wilmarie (Ronnie) Schultz, Adrian (Marydel) Huinker, infant brother, Joseph; and brother-in-law, Jerry Shea.A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Church on Saturday, Jan. 7, 2017 at 12, noon with Father Jay Poster officiating. Visitation will be held at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of mass. Military Rites will be conducted at the church following the mass. Per their wishes, Don and Dorothy's ashes will be inurned together at a later date at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family to be used toward a local charitable organization. The Redlin Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.The family would like to extend a special thank you to Meadow Ridge Assisted Living for the wonderful care shown to Dad.