Donald Wilbur Reinicke, 94 of Stone Lake, WI passed away on Tuesday, July 8, 2025 at Cedar Crest Senior Living in Janesville, WI.

Donald was born on July 12, 1930 in Wausau, WI to Wilbur and Viola (Guthu) Reinicke. He grew up in Wisconsin Rapids and graduated from Lincoln High School. He was an all-state football player. He received his bachelor’s degree from Lawrence University where he played football and wrestled. Donald served his country in the United States Army. Following his service Donald became a high school teacher in Montana and North Dakota before returning to Wisconsin where he taught and coached at Webb High School in Reedsburg. It was there that he met his future wife, Alice Casberg. They were married in June, 1960. Donald then took a teaching position and coached at Madison Memorial High School. He went on to become the Assistant Principal at Madison Memorial High School. During this time, Donald also went to graduate school at the University of Wisconsin and Lehigh University. They moved to Milton, WI in 1974 and he became the Assistant Superintendent for Milton Public Schools. Donald and Alice moved to Platteville, WI where he was appointed Superintendent of Platteville Public Schools. They then moved to Stone Lake, WI and he became Superintendent of Schools for Hayward. After retirement, Donald served as interim director of the Dyno-American Birkebeiner Ski Race.

Donald loved the outdoors, restoring classic cars and following his grandchildren’s academic, athletic and career pursuits. He spent many years volunteering for the Birkebeiner Ski Race where he served as Race Chief. He also volunteered for the Paralympic Nordic Skiing. He was a founding board member for the Hayward Foundation for Educational Enrichment and a founding member of the Rollo Jamison Museum in Platteville, WI.  Donald restored antique snowmobiles and was a member of the Relic Riders.

He is survived by his children, Alan (Kari) Reinicke, Janesville, WI, Christina Schilling, Pewaukee, WI, Eric (Erin) Reinicke, Platteville, WI, Lisa Chapon, Evanston, IL; 8 grandchildren; sisters Bette Kroeber, Green Bay, WI, and Barbara (Pat) Mahoney, Seal Beach, CA; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceeded in death by his wife, Alice; his parents, Wilbur and Viola Reinicke; and his siblings: Elroy Reinicke, Beverly Corbin and Ken Reinicke.

Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, July 17, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at Bratley-Nelson Funeral Home, 15571 CTY Hwy B, Hayward, WI 54843. Burial will follow in Evergreen Cemetery, Stone Lake, WI. Friends may call at the funeral home on Thursday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service.

Last Update: Jul 11, 2025 7:10 am CDT