Wednesday, October 16, 2024
Don Z. Reinertsen was born on April 25, 1926, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and he passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 2, 2024. He was 98 years old. Don was the oldest of three children. His parents, Don and Irene, raised him in Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin. As a child, Don loved adventure, candy, and fun. Because he happened to turn 18 in his final year of high school, he
was drafted in 1944 and served in the Army during World War II. He returned to Wisconsin a veteran, finished his high school degree, and then enrolled at the University of Wisconsin in Madison, Wisconsin. There, he further matured into an experienced, reliable, and fun fraternity brother. He was also lucky enough to get set up on a blind date with a young woman named
Genevieve, the future and forever love of his life. They met at Liz Waters Dormitory and later parted at the same location—it was Genny’s first of two dates that night, a common occurrence in those days we’ve been assured. But Don made a winning impression that night, and they fell deeply in love and married on February 23,1951—a marriage that thrived for 67 years.
He was blessed with two beautiful and wonderfully unique daughters, Cindy and Pam—he called them his lucky pennies. He taught his daughters the art of enjoying life, embracing change, learning new things, and always looking forward to what comes next. Don loved to talk, loved to listen, and loved people, and he transformed those passions into a long and successful
career as trusted insurance agent and, eventually, an insurance agency owner—a business he co-ran with his wife for several successful decades. When he turned 73, he was finally convinced, to the delight of his family, to sell his agency. He had a full Rolodex of loyal clients and, even at 98, was still receiving small commission checks.
Don loved to throw parties (indoor, outdoor, garage, basement, or barn), grill meats, tent camp, pop-up camp, and camper camp. He also loved to learn and try new things. He tried the keyboard, a few languages, puppeteering, preaching, a variety of interesting exercise routines, anything edible and appetizing, and probably 100 other things most people are afraid or too
busy to spend a few minutes or months trying to learn.
Later in life, for instance, he discovered how thrilling it was to fly an airplane, and he decided he needed to buy one. Somehow, he found a way to co-own a small airplane, and he enjoyed flying from Milwaukee to the farm in Dunbar on the weekends. He even became a regular at the annual Experimental Aircraft Association gatherings in Oshkosh, an experience he treasured
and shared with multiple generations of his family.
Don was an extraordinary, sincere, funny, kind, and giving man who lived an extraordinary, love- filled, and full life. He prized his family, made friends everywhere he went, and inspired everyone fortunate enough to meet him with his unusually generous and light spirit. His wife, Genevieve, sister, Gale, and son-in-law, Tom Schneider, passed before him, but Don’s joy and curiosity is carried on by his daughter Cindy Pinera and son-in-law, Carlos; his daughter, Pam Schneider; his granddaughter, Lauren, her partner, Paul, and great-grandsons, Drew and Leon; his grandson, Jon, grand-daughter-in-law, Catherine, and great-grandchildren, Amelia, Hayden, and Weston; his sister, Holly, and brother-in-law, Fred.
Visitation will be on Thursday October 10, 2024 at Northwoods Chapel W8046 Aspen Ln, Pembine, from 10:00 A.M. until the time of his funeral service at 11:00 A.M. Burial will be in Pine Hill Cemetery in Armstrong Creek.
Roubal Funeral Home of Wausaukee is assisting Don’s family with arrangements.
