Donald Forrest Hunter

Hunter, Donald Forrest of Eden Prairie, passed away January 24, 2016. Donald was born on January 30, 1934. He attended Anoka Public Schools, graduated with honors in history at the University of Minnesota and was a 1963 graduate of the University's Law School. Following law school, Donald was employed by the law firm Gislason and Reim of New Ulm, MN as an Associate Attorney. In 1970 he became a partner in the firm and is remembered for his representation of a company of MN Reservists in litigation that took him to the Circuit Court of Appeals and to the US Supreme Court. In 1976 he left the firm to join the Wirtz Corporation Group of Companies in Chicago, where he was employed as Counsel and as Executive Vice President of Ice Follies, Holiday on Ice, and related entertainment ventures. In 1978 he was appointed to and then elected a director of the Chicago Milwaukee Corporation, owner of the Railroad of the same name, and in 1979 was elected Chairman of the Board. In 1981 Donald returned to the practice of law. He founded the Mpls Office of Gislason and Reim Law Firm which would later be renamed Gislason and Hunter. He remained with the firm practicing in various business related areas until his retirement. He hired and mentored many of the attorneys at the firm, and taught them to fight the good fight in pursuit of the best interest of their clients, while maintaining respect for opponents, the courts and the law itself. He served as a member of the boards of over 50 companies, including state and national banks, the 2010, 2013 and 2015 NHL Stanley Cup Champion Chicago Blackhawks Hockey Team, and was involved in real estate and beverage operation in MN, NV and other states. He was a member of the MN State Bar Association, President of its Fifth District, and in 1986 was elected a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers. He was also repeatedly selected to the "Best Lawyers" List in MN. Donald was preceded in death by his parents, Earl Harvey Hunter & Ruby Lagerson Hunter; a brother, Lawrence Earl Hunter; and a sister, Betty Jean Benson. He is survived by his loving wife of over 60 years, Marlys Ann Hunter; children, Jeffrey (Claudia) Hunter of Plymouth, Cheri (Brad) Wivell of Eden Prairie, Kathryn (Shawn) Coombs of Spokane, WA; grandchildren, Jonathan and Kristen Wivell, Sarah and Brian Hunter, Samuel Briggs and Kelly (Brett) Wittner; and the Wittner great-grandchildren, Noel, Simon and Lucy. Memorial service Monday, February 1, 11 AM with visitation 1 hour prior to at Washburn-McReavy Eden Prairie Chapel. Interment Forest Hill Cemetery, Anoka, MN. Memorials preferred to MS Society, 200 12th Ave S, Mpls, MN 55416 or American Cancer Society, 950 Blue Gentian Road, #100, Eagan, MN 55121. Washburn-McReavy.com Eden Prairie Chapel 952-975-0400 7625 Mitchell Rd. (1 blk. N. of Hwy 5)

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Donald Forrest Hunter

January 24, 2016

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