Growing up, Don spent treasured days with his grandfather Vladimir on the family farm near Crete, NE. Back in Lincoln he applied a charming smile and a natural talent for salesmanship to sell some of the farm produce door-to-door in his neighborhood.
Don had a lifelong love of the outdoors. He was an avid Boy Scout who built his own canoe and spent numerous trips on Nebraska rivers and Minnesota lakes. He was especially proud to become an Eagle Scout a few days after his fifteenth birthday. He also took flying lessons and earned his pilot’s license at a young age.
Don graduated from Lincoln Northeast High School in 1966, having combined academic achievement with competition in swimming, baseball and football. His enjoyment of music also led to participation in dance band, orchestra and performances in the annual Rocket Review.
Following high school, Don studied at Nebraska Wesleyan University for two years. He then transferred to the University of Nebraska, where he fulfilled his love of football as a Husker walk-on and nurtured a burgeoning talent for math. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and a master’s degree in Mathematics and Actuarial Science. His interest in mathematics and actuarial science then led him to the insurance industry, where he served many years as an executive officer at Security Mutual Life Insurance Company. He became a Chartered Life Underwriter and was a member of the American Academy of Actuaries. Eventually, this led to a second career as a successful investment advisor proudly working with fellow advisors at A.G. Edwards & Sons, Wachovia Securities, Wells Fargo Advisors and RBC Wealth Management.
Don’s devotion to his clients was only exceeded by his devotion to his family and friends. He was active in civic organizations throughout his life, including Lincoln Literacy, Lincoln Rotary Club 14, Worknet, Lincoln Lancaster Drug Project (now CenterPointe), Junior Achievement and the Board of Deacons of First Plymouth Congregational Church. He met his dear wife, Molly, while serving on one of these boards, and with their combined families they raised three sons through college. After Molly sadly passed away, he began a new chapter of life in marriage to Beverly Austin, who brought a fourth son to the family.
Don and Bev loved to travel, visiting countries from Tanzania to Portugal, but Don’s favorite place remained a cabin on 10-Mile Lake in Walker, Minnesota. Each summer for years, he and his friends “the Kens” (Ken Stadler and Ken Jenkins) spent countless hours fishing for walleye, playing cards or golf, and enjoying the occasional glass of scotch.
Don’s life was one of kindness, curiosity, and connection. His quiet humor, generosity of spirit, and deep commitment to family and community leave a legacy that will continue to inspire those who were fortunate to know him. His memory will live on through the many lives he touched and the love he gave so freely.
Don is survived by wife Beverly Austin; sons, Marco Spinar (Claire Brown), New York City, NY, David Spinar (Anne Perlman), Lincoln, Brent Spinar, Eagan, MN, and Zachary Blume (Jody), San Diego, CA, his grandchildren, Noah and Dylan, and Will, Ava and Marco; and his nieces, Kristin and Kari. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Alice “Molly” Dow; sister, Virginia White; and brother, Dave Spinar.
Memorial service: 1:00 pm November 15, 2025, First Plymouth Church, 2000 D Street.
Memorials to First Plymouth Church, Lincoln Literacy or Food Bank of Lincoln.