Donald C Ballweg

MADISON - Donald C. “Don” Ballweg, also known as Mort Posely, joined several loved ones on Thursday, Jan. 20, 2022.  He left this world the same way he lived it: determined. His last lesson to us was proving how strong mind over matter was!

Don was born in rural Waunakee, a community he forever felt he belonged and one he gave so much back to.  In high school, he was a proud member of the 1961 football team that finished the season undefeated, allowing zero points scored by opponents.  Don was active in Waunakee Jaycees and was instrumental in helping build the signs that anchor each entrance into Waunakee.  He traveled with his young family to many Jaycee conventions across the country, making sure everyone of us was decked out in the traditional Jaycee attire.  He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus Clowns, along with some of his brothers and close friends.  They loved to entertain crowds all over, sporting their fun and crazy clown antics in parades.

Don was a man that lived his life fully and was not defined by boundaries. His creative ways fueled his ambition and he was an entrepreneur most of his working career.  At the start of his career path, he worked for General Beverage, selling Pabst beer. He was notorious for achieving salesman of the year several years over, winning many trips and recognitions.  As that job nourished his love of sales, he decided to start his own business on Nov. 14, 1982.  He joined with a good friend, Zack, and they started Don and Zack’s Draft Cleaning Service.  They built a large clientele base and were favored by many establishments for their hard work and good service.  During this time, Don realized many places could benefit from having food on site and started Jerk Distributing, starting with beef jerky and expanding to just about anything you could want, from chips to cigars to anything pickled.  Both of these businesses brought in his two sons to partner with him, and they carry on his work ethic and determination to this day.  One not to leave out any of his kids, he also found time to entice his daughter into a real estate class with him, thus providing her with an entrepreneurial career as well.  Don tried several other side businesses during this time as well, including Host carpet cleaning, owning a hat machine and making hats with just about any saying you wanted.

Don and Jeanne have a love like no other!  After 18 years together, they were married Jan. 1, 2001 (01/01/01), in the State Capital.  She is his perfect match and has always let Don be himself fully.  They enjoyed many adventures together. He loved her completely which was apparent to all everyday.  Jeanne’s love for Don shines always, but certainly was brighter as she lovingly and selflessly cared for him.

Don was always full of ideas and surprises, including a time Jeanne was working at Pleasant Company one Christmas season and he decided to fill his time with an acting class.  Always excited to stretch himself beyond his comfort zone and learn!

Don was notorious for sharing his big heart with not only family and friends, but also strangers.  Whether it was buying them a drink or coffee, inviting them to join him at his table at dinner when the restaurant was full, or simply striking up a worthwhile conversation.

Here’s to you Dad, Donald, Grandpa, Friend!

Love you, Triple Dog!

Don is survived by his loving wife, Jeanne; children, Bob Ballweg, Craig (Sally) Ballweg, Tania (Steve) Black and Eric (Dawn) Edge; grandchildren, Carley (Brad) Pertzborn, Ruthie Ballweg, Caitlyn Ballweg, Allison (Kyle) Hamilton, Kwon Black, Molly Black, Blake Edge and Brayden Edge; siblings, Roger (Rosie) and Billy (Jackie) Ballweg, David (Barb) Rewey, Dennis (Barb) Rewey, Edward (Janice) Rewey and Hannah Rewey; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, Norbert Ballweg and Irene (Keichinger); siblings, Daniel, Raphael, Florine Ring, Sylvia Bernards, Carol Murray, James, Norbert Jr., and Peter Ballweg; father and mother-in-law, John and Eleanor Rewey; and brother-in-law, Jeffrey Rewey.

A funeral service will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 28, 2022. Friends and family who wish to view services via LIVE STREAM may visit Don’s obituary page at www.gundersonfh.com and click on the Live Webcast Link at 11 a.m. on Friday. Burial will be at Highland Memory Gardens. A visitation will be held at the funeral home from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service on Friday.

We would like to recognize the amazing nurses, doctors and staff at UW-American Center 4th floor, as well as the main welcome desk ambassadors who warm-heartedly greeted us everyday!   You became like family to us these last few weeks.  To the wonderful people at Fresenius Kidney Care on American Parkway, thank you all for your love, support and care for Don!

In lieu of flowers or plants, please consider donating to your local humane society or in the spirit of Don’s giving nature, find a way to “pay it forward” or provide an act of kindness to a stranger.

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420