Donald Spink

Donald L. Spink, 88, of Rewey, died of a heart failure on Tuesday, October 20, 2015 at Upland Hills Hospital, Dodgeville. Funeral services will be at 12:00 p.m. (Noon), Saturday, October 31, 2015 at the Livingston United Methodist Church. Chapel Military rites will be accorded by American Legion Post 42 and VFW Post 5274. Burial will be at Big Patch Cemetery, Smelser Township, at a later date. Friends may call from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service at the church. The Melby Funeral Home & Crematory, Platteville, is serving the family. Online condolences can be made at www.melbyfh.com.

Donald was born on February 9, 1927 in Smelser Township son of Leslie and Gretta (Thomas) Spink. Donald attended Big Patch rural school and graduated from Platteville High School. He worked as a farm hand for Herbert Hines in rural Belmont and later for Clifford Bourette in rural Livingston. Later Donald worked for Merrill Schambow before he purchased the Scott farm East of Livingston where he farmed, raising cattle, hogs and crops until his retirement. After retirement he moved to the town of Rewey.

He served in the 32nd Division of the National Guard for 20 years. He was called up to active duty in 1961 during the Cuban Missile Crisis. He retired with rank of Master Sergeant.

For many years he was the assessor of Mifflin Twp. Iowa County until 1991, and for years after enjoyed keeping track of land and building values.

Donald and his brother, Gordon, as young men went on a mission trip to Guatemala. This is something that continued as he was older through the Gideon's, where he went on numerous mission trips to assist others in need. He was a supporter of helping children with disabilities, and assorted missionary organizations. He was a long time member of the United Methodist Church, Livingston, and of the Gideon's. His work and relationship with God was predominant in his life. He enjoyed visiting relatives and friends immensely; he traveled extensively in order to see people. Gardening and cooking were part of his past times.

He is survived by one sister, Esther Schaaf of Manitowoc, WI; one brother, David (Karen) Spink of Platteville; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters, Florence Pruett, Alice Bichel, Shirley Spink, Carol Hutchinson, Ruth Kay, and Myrtle Pewitt; brothers, Gordon and Joseph Spink; nieces, Linette Spink and Laurie Bichel.