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BORN
1934
DIED
2025
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Donald Wiedenfeld Obituary
April 27, 1934 - May 13, 2025
Donald "Don" Wiedenfeld, also known as the "Chairman of the Board", age 91, passed away peacefully, on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, at the VA Hospital in Madison, Wis. He was born on April 27, 1934, in Lone Rock, Wis., to parents Myron and Dorothy Wiedenfeld. When celebrating his birthday a few weeks ago, once again, he boasted how he still had his full set of teeth and full head of hair at 91!
Don met Katherine "Kay" O'Brien at The Kollege Klub in Madison, and immediately fell in love. They married on September 4, 1954, at St. Bernards Catholic Church, with their wedding reception held at the Esquire Club. Don proudly served in the United States Army. He and Kay owned Hanson's Tavern in Westport, Wis. for several years, all while raising their family of eight children! After selling Hanson's Tavern, Don worked in Sales and Management at various car dealerships in the Madison area.
Don was an avid fan of big band music. He was also a loyal fan to the Brewers, Badgers and Green Bay Packers and he regularly attended Badger tailgate parties, where he could often be seen socializing over cigars and beer. Don will always be remembered for his welcoming personality, making everyone he met feel like family. He was a "Class Act", encouraging everyone he met to "Keep it Positive"!
Don is survived by his children, Bob Sr. (Debbie), Jeff (Mora), Kim (TD), Todd (Kelly), Lisa (Sean), Anne (Doug), and Mark (Jen). He was a proud grandfather to 11 grandchildren, Bobby Jr. (Kyleigh), Brian, Eaven, Brianna (Kigen), Hunter, Addie, Carson, Colton, Marissa, Morgan and Cameron. He is also survived by his nephew, Steve (Debbie) and his four legged friend, Brutus. Don was preceded in death by his parents, Myron and Dorothy; wife, Kay; son, David; and his identical twin brother, Dan.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to the loving staff at Home Again Assisted Living, Waunakee, Wis., as well as the outstanding doctors and nurses at the VA Hospital.
A Visitation will be held on Monday, May 19, 2025, from 9 to 11 a.m., at Ryan Funeral Home, 2418 N Sherman Ave, Madison, with a service immediately following. A private burial will be held at St. Killian's Cemetery in Bear Valley, Wis. To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com.
Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services
2418 N Sherman Ave
Madison, WI
608-249-8257
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Donald Wiedenfeld
Sponsored by Ryan Funeral Home - North Side Chapel - Madison.
Chelle (peck) sailing
May 18, 2025
I remember him from years ago. He worked with my dad. I. Sorry to hear this. God bless the family.
Tom & Linda Fleming
May 17, 2025
What a gift to have had Don in our lives! From his unwavering positivity, immense pride in his family, and kind concern about others; Don was just an inspiring guy. Our world was better with Don in it.
Laura Wheeler
May 16, 2025
I´ve always enjoyed waiting on Don and his family through out the years. Don will be missed tremendously.
Theresa L Higgins
May 16, 2025
So sorry to hear of your Dad´s passing. Hopefully, he and my dad are wheeling and dealing together! My sympathies to all of you.
Stan skupien
May 15, 2025
Don was a good friend and will never be forgotten rest in peace my friend
Janet Wagner klock
May 15, 2025
Fond memories of don as a young girl when he worked at Buick with my dad eddy wagner
Charles and Lisa Pigneri
May 15, 2025
Don, thank you for making us feel like a part of your family when we lived in Madison and were so far away from our families. You,Kay and your entire family were so wonderful to us and that´s a reflection on you and Kay! Thank you.
Pamela Dudley
May 15, 2025
Don was always such a sweet man, always a pleasure to talk to
..he loved his family with all of his heart..he will be surely missed.
Ed Haferman
May 15, 2025
Hi Jeff. He had a good run..
Kris Tudor
May 15, 2025
Each and every time I spoke with Don he had a genuine interest in asking about me. I loved his stories. A family man all the way and you can see that with his loving children. Say hi to all our loved ones. See you when it´s our time to go home.
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Ryan Funeral Home - North Side Chapel - Madison2418 N. Sherman Ave., Madison, WI 53704
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