David R. Lindner, II

Encircled in multigenerational love, we lost our hero, David Robert Lindner II on Saturday, October 29th. David was born on August 9th, 1922 in Dayton, Ohio to David Robert Lindner and Johannah Eliza Reichen Lindner, a first generation German immigrant. "Dave" or affectionately known as our "Po", was one of the good guys that lead one exceptional life. He is survived by his loving wife, Elizabeth whom he had known for over ninety years and shared sixty-six years of marriage, sheltering one another with steadfast love. Together they created a legacy of love with two remarkable daughters, Deborah Lindner Williams and Karen Elizabeth Lindner, five grandchildren, David Craig Wooten (Kelly), Erin Lindner Uber (Matt), Elizabeth Ann Lujan (Tony), Adam Lindner Funk, and Ellen Elizabeth Greiner (Brandon). He is also survived by one sister, Marian Olbina. Amongst his greatest joys in recent years were is great-grandchildren, his "babies", Joel, Emma, Nora, Eliza, Georgia, Trevor, Audrey, Avery, Owen and two on the way. And somehow he made each of us feel like we were his "best buddy"! From childhood, David was a perseverer, and life-long learner. As an undiagnosed dyslexic child, h...[more]

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truggled in traditional school, however hungered for understanding of everything from how to fix an air conditioner to how to build a successful business. For fifty plus years he continued his education in classes on leadership, creative problem solving and ice cream manufacturing. From an early age he understood that "sometimes you've got to try and fail before you can try and succeed". In WWII, Dave served as a glider pilot, flying troops into combat and rescuing concentration survivors out of Buchenwald. After seeing men and woman drop their final worldly possessions and shoes at the steps of the plane to make weight, he "decided he would never have another bad day again", and he never did. Dave was a business visionary. Upon return from the war, he rejoined his mother, Hannah, and brother, Bill, in the operations of Lindner Brothers, Inc. He served as president and owner of forty two Lindner Stores. The Lindner stores, while beloved for their high quality, award winning ice cream (every long time Indianapolis resident has a favorite, such as raspberry salad or a pecan ball) also introduced the concept of convenience stores and drive thru windows to the state of Indiana. His strategies of "Ready, Fire, Aim" balanced with his motto of "always find someone smarter than you to ask for advice...then take it" resulted in both business success as well as becoming established as a well-respected and trusted community leader. To know Dave was to love him. He enjoyed forty-four years of membership and friendship through The Junto Club of Indianapolis. As a young man, Dave was involved in The Scottish Rite and The Shrine International. Dave was an active member of Young President's Organization (YPO) and served as a founding member and president of Indiana President's Organization. Additionally he served as president of the National Ice Cream Retailers Association as well as the Downtown Optimist Club. He served on the boards of Community Hospital (instrumental in obtaining property for Community North), Franklin College, Junior Achievement, Wright's Institute of Otology. United Way, and The Children's Museum. Too, he acted as a senior advisor and consultant for Lindner Learning Center, Inc. Upon selling the Lindner's chain in 1982 David enjoyed several years of successful international consulting for businesses such as Old Fairmont Dairy group and Chiquita. In these years he also invested in the education and future of his grandchildren; offering both opportunities of experience and family travel as well as "get smart" business lessons. It was important for him to provide mentorship in how to invest in the stock market, read a Morningstar report and develop positive financial practices. He introduced us to the valuable concepts of "compound interest-the 8th wonder of the world", how to "make our money work for us", and "how to work smarter, not harder". In retirement, he shared his talents through his work with Stephen's Ministry. Throughout the years Dave and Elizabeth enjoyed membership, adventure and friendship to the Naples Cruise Club, Royal Palm Country Club, The Vineyards, and Harbor Trees Golf Club. Dave loved a beautiful day on the golf course, a nice long swim in warm water, a bowl of chocolate chip ice cream, or puttering around in his various boats throughout the years. He and Elizabeth enjoyed long hours boating throughout the gulf-Dave captaining the boat and Elizabeth scouring the shoreline for her prized shells. Too, he enjoyed wonderful adventure through travel, enduring friendships and, most of all, spending time as a family. Dave believed in miracles. He believed he was just one of the luckiest guys in the world. He believed in the power of positive thinking. David was the strongest of leaders and the most enthusiastic of encouragers. He claimed he had a good life, and infinite blessings. A celebration of Thanksgiving will be held Tuesday, November 22nd, 2016. We welcome visitors from 2:30-4:30 at 20926 Edgewater Drive, Noblesville, IN 46062. A celebration of life service will follow at 5:00. To honor Dave's life and legacy, in lieu of flowers, please consider spreading joy, investing in a youth's future, embracing knowledge, committing to family, thinking the best of others, or demonstrating acts of generosity and random kindness in a way most meaningful to you. Then, grab a dip of your favorite flavor in honor of him. Organizations that embrace Po's values include Indiana Honor Flight, Junior Achievement, Heartland Hospice and SCORE (business mentorship). We would like to extend our appreciation to Dr. Walter Beaver and staff for their exceptional care of our beloved Po.