Donald J. “Boo” Splinter, 83, of Dubuque, passed away peacefully at home on September 17, 2026, surrounded by his family.

Family and friends may visit from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 20, 2026, at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road. A funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, September 21, 2026, at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery with military honors accorded by the Dubuque Marine Corps League.

Born on July 20, 1943, in Dubuque, Iowa, Boo was a twin son of Clarence and Mary (Young) Splinter. On January 11, 1969, he married Joyce Van Zile at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Dubuque.

Boo was owner/operator of Splinter Crane Service, a career he truly enjoyed every day. In addition to operating the cranes, he had the keen ability to find a solution to jobsite issues and could fix nearly anything, even if it involved some “Mcgyvering” along the way.

Boo most enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, hunting, fishing, attending NASCAR races, and tinkering/welding in his shop (and “occasionally” having a cold one at the end of the day).

He was a United States Navy veteran, serving on the U.S.S. Amphion repair ship.

Those left to honor his memory include his wife Joyce; his children, Joe (Kari) Splinter, and Travis Splinter; his grandchildren, Nick, Addie, Owen, Wade, and Keira; his siblings, Irma Matous, Jan (Howie) Schonhoff; sister-in-law Mary Splinter; and several brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, and nephews.

Boo was preceded in death by his parents, his twin brother Del Splinter, brother Ken Splinter, and sister Kay Splinter in infancy.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to Hospice of Dubuque, friends, family, neighbors, and to all of those who helped and supported Boo during his courageous navigation of Alzheimer’s over the past number of years.

In lieu of flowers, a Don Splinter memorial fund has been established.

As a great crane operator always says, “keep your boom up and hold your load.”