Surnames: Steinhilber

----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI.) April 15, 2009

Steinhilber, Lee (2009)

MAN HITS BLOOD DONATION MILESTONE - Wisconsin Rapids resident Lee Steinhilber has been donating blood for more than 50 years, helping to save lives. Over the years he has donated more than 200 times and recently hit the 30-gallon mark at the Riverview Hospital Blood Bank.

Steinhilber, 70, is the son of Neillsville resident, Lucy Steinhilber. He grew up in Neillsville and began donating blood when he was 17.

"My mom and dad did it, so it was no big deal," said Steinhilber. His son, David, 45, of Wisconsin Rapids, also began donating at age 17 and has already reached 21 gallons.

Steinhilber encourages others to give blood. "Less than five percent of the people who are eligible to donate do so," he said. "And once you’ve donated the first time, the initial fear and peer pressure is off."

I started donating on a regular basis in 1974," said Steinhilber. "And I intend to continue as long as I enjoy good health. It’s just a good thing to do, and it makes you feel good, too."

(Transcriber note: Lee attended and graduated from Neillsville High School with the class of 1957.)