Obituary of Donald Nichlas Zinterer

Watch recording of service at

https://video.ibm.com/embed/recorded/126936949

It is with deep sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Donald Zinterer on June 4th, 2020.  He passed away in the palliative care unit at St. Paul’s Hospital in Saskatoon, SK after a short battle with cancer. Don was born and raised in Humboldt, SK where his spent a lot of time helping his parents out in their locally owned greenhouse and landscaping company.  He left Humboldt shortly after high school and settled in Saskatoon, SK where he remained until his passing.  This is when he stumbled into the world of cooking, landing his first job at The Bessborough Hotel, preparing meals for the hotel guests.  This is also the time he met his future wife, Colette.  He spent time cooking at Hy’s Steakhouse where he met future business partners that led into the opening of Villy’s Fine Dining, located in the top floor of the then known “TD Building” in Saskatoon.  In the midst of these working adventures, Don and Colette began their family with the birth of Steven in 1973 and then Stephanie 6 years later. Don also spent 9 years being the executive chef at the renowned Saskatoon Club, hosting events and enjoying the relationships he built over the years with the members of the club.  Colette also worked by his side during this time, creating her delicious desserts.  He created lasting relationships with the people he met during this time.  His next working adventure brought him to The Saskatoon Golf & Country Club in 1994 where he spent the next 18 years as the Executive Chef.  Don cherished these years, made numerous friends while at the same time, being able to work side by side with his family.  Stephanie worked with him for 15 years and at a later time, were both joined by Steven who both manned his ship one winter so that he and Colette could enjoy a much deserved dream holiday to Italy. During his last year at the golf course, Don injured his shoulder and was unable to work for the next two years, his first time in many where he spent some time at home!  Determined to head back to the workforce, Don completed physiotherapy and slowly got back into the kitchen where he stayed until his retirement at the age of 65. Don and Colette celebrated 47 years of marriage together.   He is survived by his wife Colette (Schafer), son Steven (Michelle) and daughter Stephanie.  Don cherished the company of his two grandsons, William and Noah.  He is also survived by his sisters Maryanne, Barb, Joan, Vicki and brother Murray along with numerous nieces and nephews. Don was predeceased by both parents, Mary (Reis) and Joseph Zinterer who both lay in rest in Humboldt SK where he will soon be joining them in eternal peace. We would like to extend a sincere thank you to the doctors and nurses at the Palliative Care unit within St. Paul’s Hospital, they filled his last days with dignity, exceptional care and compassion.  A huge thank you to the support shown to his family as well during this time.  A private Celebration of Don’s Life will be held at Saskatoon Funeral Home. A come and go reception will be held from 5:00 - 7:00 pm Saturday June 13th.  Please contact the family for details. Donations can be made in Don’s name to the Canadian Cancer Society.