Clinton Clarence Zinter, 87, of Sioux City died Saturday, Jan. 19, 2008, at his home.
Memorial services will be 11 a.m. Tuesday at Morningside Lutheran Church in Sioux City. A private committal service will be in Albion Township, N.D. Visitation will be 3 to 8 p.m. today, with the family present 6 to 8 p.m., at Christy-Smith Morningside Chapel.
Born in Ellendale, N.D., on March 9, 1920, into a farming family, Clint understood the notion of an honest day's work. To attend high school at Fredrick, S.D., he boarded with an uncle and graduated in 1938. Clint's father encouraged him to enroll at South Dakota State University, completing three years of school before his education was interrupted by World War II. Clint was one of a generation of brave Americans who came of age during the Great Depression and went off to fight for freedom. Serving three years in the Army Medical Corp, Clint was assigned to the 104th Evacuation Hospital in Europe as a medical supply officer and then as a det. commander.
Clint returned to South Dakota after the war to finish his college education, graduating with a bachelor of science degree in animal husbandry in 1947. His first job was as a county extension agent in Milbank, S.D. He was later offered a job in Minneapolis, where he was employed for 30 years with Peavey Company, a major grain handler and flour-milling firm whose origins began in Sioux City.
While at South Dakota State University, Clint met his future spouse, Inez Eidsness of Lake Preston, S.D. They were married in Brookings, S.D., in 1948. A generous man with an easy smile, Clint was a good husband, friend and father. His religious faith and military background forged a firm foundation that would serve him throughout his life. His willingness to lend a helping hand is witnessed by his years of service with his church, Meals on Wheels, literacy programs and a "10 Gallon Donor" to the Red Cross.
Survivors include his wife, Inez Zinter; children, Steve and Sandy Zinter of Pierre, S.D., Gary and Nancy Zinter of Plymouth, Minn., Janet Zinter and Mark Anagnostopulos of Brattleboro, Vt., Joan Zinter and Linda Kawer of West Shokan, N.Y.; a sister, Nina Hart of Wright, Minn.; and six loving grandchildren, Kari Zinter Borders, Aaron Zinter, Matt Zinter, Sarah Zinter, Kelly Zinter and Claire Anagnostopulos.
He was preceded in death by his brothers, Verland Zinter of Ellendale, N.D. and Owen Zinter of Portland, Ore.; and a sister, Myrna Hiebel of Leola, S.D.
Memorials can be directed in his name to Morningside Lutheran Church.