Obituary for Donald James Haynes
Donald James Haynes, Professor Emeritus of American History (UW), passed away on May 6,2023 of mesothelioma cancer.
Don served two tours in the Army in Viet Nam from 1968-1970. Following his military service, he obtained a BA and an MA in History from UW-Oshkosh. Don completed his doctorate in American History at the University of North Dakota in 1979. Don developed and taught a wide variety of courses and seminars at the University level. He was a gifted teacher who was respected and loved by his students. Don was an avid reader and a lifelong learner. He also enjoyed playing basketball in his youth and followed many sports.
Don is survived by his long-time partner (and former college sweetheart) Rebecca Laird of Appleton and helped raise her two sons Alex and Zak Laird Metalsky. Don is also survived by his beloved sister Cindy (Pete) Froehlich of Oshkosh and their daughter April, and his adored brother Greg (Becky) Haynes of Tennessee and Greg's children Brian, Laura, Stephanie and Matthew.
Don is also survived by two special friends, Rob Czarnecki of Alaska and Lance Larson of Oshkosh. He was preceded in death by his parents Lester and Leone (Boden) Haynes. It was Don's wish to be cremated. A private family service will be held.
Our heartfelt thanks to the wonderful Ascension oncology staff and the amazing workers at Compassus Hospice Care. Those who wish can donate in memory of Donald Haynes to the Compassus Living Foundation through Compassus.com.
Don served two tours in the Army in Viet Nam from 1968-1970. Following his military service, he obtained a BA and an MA in History from UW-Oshkosh. Don completed his doctorate in American History at the University of North Dakota in 1979. Don developed and taught a wide variety of courses and seminars at the University level. He was a gifted teacher who was respected and loved by his students. Don was an avid reader and a lifelong learner. He also enjoyed playing basketball in his youth and followed many sports.
Don is survived by his long-time partner (and former college sweetheart) Rebecca Laird of Appleton and helped raise her two sons Alex and Zak Laird Metalsky. Don is also survived by his beloved sister Cindy (Pete) Froehlich of Oshkosh and their daughter April, and his adored brother Greg (Becky) Haynes of Tennessee and Greg's children Brian, Laura, Stephanie and Matthew.
Don is also survived by two special friends, Rob Czarnecki of Alaska and Lance Larson of Oshkosh. He was preceded in death by his parents Lester and Leone (Boden) Haynes. It was Don's wish to be cremated. A private family service will be held.
Our heartfelt thanks to the wonderful Ascension oncology staff and the amazing workers at Compassus Hospice Care. Those who wish can donate in memory of Donald Haynes to the Compassus Living Foundation through Compassus.com.