Don E. Splinter, 88, a former resident of Park Ridge, IL and residing at 136 Alabama Street, Sturgeon Bay, WI, 54235 since 1980, passed away on Thursday, Jan. 15, 2004 at the Lake Forest Place in Lake Forest, IL. He was born March 25, 1915 and raised in Edgebrook, IL, where he attended Carl Schurz High School. He served in the Army Air Corps in WWII and after the War was an insurance aviation consultant before founding the Don Splinter Agency (currently the Splinter Group of Park Ridge, IL). He retired to his current home in Sturgeon Bay to enjoy his love of the outdoors and water. Don’s lifelong passion was Native American culture and archeology. He was skilled in the art of flint knapping and taught this lost art to Native Americans and others. He gave numerous programs as a recognized authority on Native American archeology. Don was active in the Edison Park Kiwanis Club, loved to fish, hunt, sail, golf and play guitar. He was also a loving and devoted husband and father. He was counted as a close friend by many and will be remembered as a warm, caring, honest and humble man who made lasting friendships, and will be greatly missed by his family and friends. Don leaves behind his wife of 58 years, Mary I. Splinter; his son, Dr. Scott Splinter of Grand Junction, CO; son and daughter-in-law, Craig and Jackie Splinter of Libertyville and their four children, Laura, Dane, Wade and Casey; and his daughter and son-in-law, Beth and Dick Gochnauer of Winnetka and their two children, Grant and Meg. Services will be held at 1 p.m. Monday, Jan. 19 at the First Presbyterian Church, Maple and Douglas Avenues, Libertyville. Interment will be in Sturgeon Bay, WI. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, Greater Wisconsin Chapter, 2900 Curry Lane, Suite A, Green Bay, WI 54311. Arrangements are by the BurnettDane Funeral Home in Libertyville. Info, 847-362-3009 .
