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Pineapple Whip founder dies at 86

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Dan Fortner, the founder of Pineapple Whip, died May 10. He was 86, according to his obituary at GreenlawnFuneralHome.com.

A Springfield native, Fortner started selling the company’s signature pineapple-flavored frozen treat in the mid-1970s at the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds. His sons, Mike and Chris Fortner, officially organized the Pineapple Whip brand in 1987. Mike Fortner, who was co-owner with his brother, died in November 2014 at age 61 from complications with mantle cell lymphoma, according to past Springfield Business Journal reporting.

Pineapple Whip is organized under Five Way Concessionaires LLC, which is owned by Chris, Diana and Zachary Fortner, according to Missouri secretary of state records as of March 28. Diana is Dan Fortner’s daughter-in-law and Mike’s widow, and Zachary is Dan’s grandson, according to the obituary.

Pineapple Whip’s website lists three locations in Springfield.

Dan Fortner, who was retired, also previously worked for 12 years as general manager of the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds, owned A&W franchises, operated the Tall Tales Bass Boat Store and published Ozark’s Farmer, according to the obituary.  

Fortner’s visitation is scheduled 5-7 p.m. today at Greenlawn Funeral Home North, 3506 N. National Ave., followed by a 10 a.m. service tomorrow at Berean Baptist Church, 507 E. Norton Road. Graveside services will follow at Greenlawn’s cemetery.

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