Donald Francis Reisdorf

VERONA/PINE BLUFF - Donald F. "Red" Reisdorf, age 77, passed away peacefully after a very brief illness on Wednesday, July 20, 2016 at Meriter Hospital while surrounded by his wife, sister, children and grandchildren.  Don was born February 2, 1939, to William and Clare (Morgan) Reisdorf. He grew up in Klevenville and attended grade school at St. Marys Catholic School in Pine Bluff and Mt. Horeb High School. While in high school Don thoroughly enjoyed and excelled in athletics. Although Don stayed very humble, his children and grandchildren love hearing his friends tell them how he dominated in football and baseball which earned him many accolades. Immediately following graduation in 1957, Don entered the U.S. Army Reserves in which he was active for 8 years. Don also earned his accounting degree from Madison Business College. Don married the love of his life, Louan (Kalscheur), at St. Marys Catholic Church in Pine Bluff on September 19, 1961. Don and Louan were blessed with just shy of 55 loving years together. During these years not only did they enjoy raising three children, they also were able to create countless memories with incredible friends. Together they really knew how to live life to the fullest. Their children and grandchildren want to emulate this priceless quality they so easily modeled throughout the years. Don first used his accounting degree at Hult's Capital Garage. Then for many years he was a partner at UW Provisions. Don continued to expand his education getting his Real Estate Broker Licenses and spent a couple years in this occupation selling investment real estate. His defining investment was his decision to purchase Top Promotions, Inc. in 1985. He would continue to run this business with his family at his side up until very recently. T-shirts became a family passion that took them to some great places – Badger Bowl games, Wisconsin State Fair, Cranberry Fest, and ultimately, Lake Wisconsin.  Don was an active member and served on the board and held multiple positions on the Middleton Chamber of Commerce and Middleton Optimist Club. He took great pleasure in serving his community and formed many of his lifelong friends through these organizations. In 1993, Don was honored with "Business Man of the Year". One of Don's greatest passions continued to be athletics. He enjoyed playing baseball, golfing, racquetball, water and snow skiing. Don and Louan had season football ticket for the Badger games for over 30 years and he was an active member of the UW Mendota Club. Top Promotions was a perfect fit for Don, because it weaved together his professional life with his love of sports and the UW Badgers. He took great pride in servicing the University of Wisconsin athletic programs.  A major highlight in Don's life were his trips with family and friends accredited to his brother-in-law, Jim Kalscheur. Don had the opportunity to really see the world; throughout the years, he took trips to many countries in Europe, Asia and Africa.  Don enjoyed spending time at their family cabin on Lake Wisconsin. For many years, weekends were spent at the cabin with the entire family. Don was the captain of the pontoon. He enjoyed watching the grandchildren grow up on "The Lake". Don and Louan eventually built a home next to the cabin so they could spend every day at the place they loved.  Don loved his grandchildren. He attended their sporting and 4H events, and helped create some priceless memories through family vacations to Florida, Nashville and Hawaii. He was so proud of their accomplishments. In the recent years, he enjoyed watching his grandchildren marry and start families of their own.  Don is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Louan; their children, Craig (Julie) Reisdorf, Renee (Brian) Bjugstad, and Chad Reisdorf; a sister, Betty Krantz. His in-laws include Paul Kalscheur, Sr. Eileen Kalscheur OSF; Jim (Joyce) Kalscheur, Rosie (Robert) Farrell, Lois (Ken Johnson) O'Connell; grandchildren Whitney (Branden) Mauger, Tanya (Peter) Docken, Jacqueline (Jeremy) Kronabetter, Tom (Lauren Janes) Bjugstad, & Maria Bjugstad; great-grandchildren Claire and Lucille Mauger, Hudson Kronabetter, and Baby Docken; along with many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, mother and father-in-law, Lawrence and Marie Kalscheur; sister, Pat Kalscheur; brother-in-laws, Ray O'Connell and Herald Krantz; nephews Bill Krantz and Doug Kalscheur.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. MARY'S OF PINE BLUFF, 3673 Cty. Tk P, Cross Plains, at 11 a.m. on Monday, July 25, 2016. Visitation will be held at the church from 3-7 on Sunday, July 24, 2016, and prior to service on Monday from 9:30-10:45. A time of fellowship and catered meal will be served immediately following services at KALSCHEUR PARK. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested in his name. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.