Dr. Donald M. Reed
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Age 73, passed away on March 27, 2021 after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.
He was born in Milwaukee on March 25, 1948 to Earl and Marion (Mason) Reed. The family followed Earl's career as an engineer for the Space Program, living in Kansas, California and Florida. Don attended junior high and high school in Eau Gallie, FL. He came back to Milwaukee for college, earning a B.S. Degree in Biology and Geography from Carroll University, a M.S. Degree in Botany/Zoology and a Ph.D. in Biological Sciences from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. He was united in marriage to the former Linda Evenson in 1995.
He started out in medical school, but decided he wanted to be "outdoors" instead. Preserving the environment became his passion. Don developed the Biology program at the Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission, where he worked from 1972 until his retirement in 2014. He became a renowned expert in the identification and delineation of wetlands, woodlands, and natural and environmental areas. He co-authored a book, "Wetland Plants and Plant Communities of Minnesota and Wisconsin", published by the US Army Corps of Engineers.
Don was proud of his Norwegian heritage. He and Linda enjoyed participating in Sons of Norway and other cultural activities.
He is survived by his wife, Linda, of New Berlin, WI; his mother, Marion Reed and brothers Robert and James Reed of Melbourne, FL; sister Ruth Reed of Freeport, FL; brother David (Evelyn) Reed of Barstow, CA; Mother-in-law Ruth Johnson and Brother-in-law Ted (Allene) Evenson of Sparta, WI, and many beloved nieces and nephews. He was pre-deceased by his father, Earl Reed; sister Janet Eldred; an infant brother, Eric, and his brother-in-law, Arvid Glover.
Services were held. Memorials may be designated for the Kettle Moraine Natural History Association, the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network or a charity of your choice.