Donald Wiedenfeld

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. He was born on April 27, 1934, in Lone Rock, Wisconsin, 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, WI 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 for several years, all while raising their family of 8 children! After selling Hanson’s Tavern, Don worked in Sales & 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, as well as the outstanding doctors and nurses at the VA Hospital.

A Visitation will be held on Monday, May 19, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 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. To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com.