Donald grew up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and received his undergraduate degree from the University of Wisconsin- Madison and his PhD from UCLA. He taught for several years at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls, where he met Susan West. They were married in 1970. They moved to Lincoln where he taught at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln as a Professor of Horticulture. At the University he established the Festival of Color yard and garden demonstration show. He was well known as a longtime panelist on Nebraska Public Media’s Backyard Farmer.
Donald was known as an amateur chef, baker, and lover of fine wine. After retirement he devoted himself to the cultivation of orchids and served as an officer for the Greater Omaha Orchid Society. He was a member of the St. Mark’s on the Campus Episcopal Church. In addition, to being a wonderful husband and father, he loved tending to his garden and numerous pets.
Family members include his wife Susan; daughters Cathleen Steinegger, Toronto, Ontario, CA, and Carolmarie Steinegger (Tom Kelley), Minneapolis, MN; step-grandchildren Bryce, Mya, Anna, and Emily. Preceded in death by his parents and sisters Bernice Brekke, Betty Pritzlaff, and Marion Schreihart.
Memorial Service: 11:00 am Tuesday (3-21-23) St. Mark’s on the Campus Episcopal Church, 1309 R Street, Lincoln, Nebraska.
Memorials to St. Mark’s on the Campus Episcopal Church or Alzheimer’s Association.