Donald Allen Slininger, 61, of Mahnomen, MN, died on May 22nd 2014 at University of Minnesota Medical Center, Fairview in Minneapolis, MN.


Don was born November 19th 1952 in Ada, MN to Burton & Laurena (Warnsholz) Slininger. He was baptized in Christ and confirmed his faith at St. John's Lutheran Church in rural Ada. Don grew up in rural Twin Valley, MN where he worked on the family dairy farm until adulthood. In his youth, he was very active in 4H as well as the Ada Chapter of the FFA. Don graduated from Ada High School in 1971 and then attended University of Minnesota-Crookston where he studied Dairy Science. On July 6th 1974, Don was joined in marriage with Lynelle Sue Thompson and they lived on the farm that they owned and operated with his parents until 1999. They then moved to rural Mahnomen where Don worked on Steinmetz Farms as well as at TEAM Industries. After retiring in 2005, he loved spending time and visiting with his family and grandchildren.


Don was very passionate about his interests in the dairy industry and was an integral contributor to the development of dairy genetics in the early 70's. In many ways he was considered a pioneer in breeding cattle and his efforts led him to become one of the founders of the Minnesota Select Sires Chapter and also served on the National Select Sires board for 2 years. Don also was involved politically and ran for Minnesota State Representative in 1979, as a member of the Democratic Party.


While remaining active locally, Don maintained his affiliations with 4H & FFA as well as judging & showing dairy cattle with his children at the Norman County and Minnesota State Fairs. He was also a member of the Toastmasters club out of Ada. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and bowling with his family and friends during his leisure time. Don was always able to open a conversation with anyone and more than willing to grab a cup of coffee to talk.


Don was survived by his wife, Lynelle; two sons, Brad (Laura) Slininger of Pleasant Hill, CA, and Charles (Natalie) Slininger of Rosemount, MN; two daughters, Kristin (Sam) Wendt of Raeford, NC, and Sarah (Michael Johnson - fiancé) Slininger of Williston, ND; his father, Burton Slininger of Twin Valley; three sisters, Diane Peterson of Ada, Joyce Zak of East Grand Forks, MN, and Judy Fugleberg of Twin Valley; and seven grandchildren Christopher, Jack, Kelsey, Amanda, Addison, Ryan and JoLynn. He was preceded in death by his mother, Laurena Slininger and a son, Mitchell Slininger.


Funeral services were held Thursday, May 29th at 11:00am in the St. John's Lutheran Church, rural Ada, MN. Visitation was Wednesday from 5:00pm until 7:00pm with a prayer service at 6:00pm all at the church.