Donald Wayne Garlinger, age 87, a long-time resident of Winfield, IL passed away peacefully Sunday, December 5, 2021.

Don was born April 8, 1934, in Oak Park, IL to Selwyn Wayne and Catherine (Grall) Garlinger. The oldest of three, he spent summers as a child at the Grall family farm in Ohio. He was an avid baseball fan and history buff, keenly aware of the second World War during which he was living and that would shape his fascination for its study. He graduated from Oak Park River Forest HS with honors and went to college at DePauw University, where he met his wife, Barbara. A member of Sigma Chi fraternity on campus, he pinned his sweetheart, a Tri Delt in the early spring of 1956 and they wed in Pittsburgh, PA the next year. A honeymoon in the picturesque Blue Ridge mountains followed.

He was accepted to law school at the University of Michigan, only to be drafted by the US Army. He served his stint near Baltimore, MD, later grousing about peeling potatoes during KP. After fulfilling his duty with the Army, he and his bride moved to Ann Arbor to complete his J.D. in law. He then went to work at the law firm of Hinshaw, Culbertson in Chicago, eventually becoming a Senior Partner.

When the firm opened a branch office in Wheaton, he jumped at the opportunity, choosing to settle in a budding Village of Winfield. In 1968, after overseeing the construction, they moved into their new house on Blair Street where they raised four children and lived over 50 years. Practical, not frugal, he would drive home weekdays to have lunch at home. Soon came membership at the swim and tennis club Wyncliff where he would pick up the game, routinely hitting balls before work, much to the delight of the neighbor's dog who insisted on greeting him as he passed by.

Don was so very fond of the years in Winfield. Neighbors were kind, especially the Lees with whom the families shared carpool duties, bike rides down the Prairie Path, trips to Northside Park, Thanksgiving dinners and even a toboggan. He got involved with the PTA, Village meetings, church committees and later, was a volunteer at ESSE reading to the elderly (including many not much older than him). Don became the village attorney, work he was so proud to provide. Perhaps more importantly, he served for years as a Little League coach for his son in baseball and two daughters in softball.

Gary (Memorial) United Methodist Church became more than a place of worship for the past half century. It became Don and Barbara's extended family. He relished theatrical roles at Gary. He annually played Joseph at the stable in Bethlehem Marketplace, an apostle in the Living Last Supper and once the voice of God from the balcony during a church service that still resonates to this day. Don indeed had a booming voice.

On a whim, Barbara asked Don if he would be willing to go on vacation to Cape Cod, where an old high school friend of hers had a cottage. The two were smitten. Summer vacation to Chatham quickly became "the tradition" where he took up sailing and caught any summer baseball league game he could.

Don was very much a traditionalist. When he found something he liked, he preferred repeating to trying something new, perhaps best exemplified by the children's grace offered while holding hands that he would recite before every dinner. Of course, holiday or vacation meals became tradition. Christmas turkey, New Year's ham, Easter lamb and Mother's Day at the Golden Ox. At the Cape it was Thompson's Clam Bar and the Impudent Oyster. Patronage of local and small business was innate. If Wheaton Meat had a customer Hall of Fame, Don would be enshrined.

As life advanced, he became disheartened by the business of law though not its merits. He left the firm early and kept himself occupied providing legal service to the community, largely for free. He was a man with immense integrity and a sense of humor to match. He could often be seen at the dinner table with his silent but hysterical laughter over the children's antics leaving his wife alone to restore order.

His gregarious nature drew people into his orbit through commentary, comfortable at teasing friends or engaging strangers. He was a giving father not only by providing beyond necessity with the good things in life but by always being there with comfort or advice. He was an astute fan of the White Sox and the Wolverines. Seldom a man of tears, witnessing in person the final game at old Comiskey Park and Michigan's National Championship at the Rose Bowl were two such occasions.

He is survived by his wife of 64 years Barbara; children Peter (Audrey) Garlinger, Martha (Gayne) Underwood, Sarah (Anita) Garlinger and Amy Garlinger; grandchildren Patrick Underwood, Katherine Underwood; sisters Norma (Arlen) Godshall and Janet (Tim) Walsh and 12 nieces and nephews.

Due to the current COVID concerns, a private memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 8 at 11:00 a.m.  Friends may view the live stream here: Livestream.

The family has created a memorial photo board here: https://www.kudoboard.com/boards/xJgoxXy8 Please add your photos or memories.  Thank you.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that any donations should be made to: Gary United Methodist Church , 224 Main St., Wheaton, IL 60187 or ESSE, 515 S. Wheaton Ave., Wheaton, IL 60187 .