Donald Wiedenfeld
April 27, 1934 - May 13, 2025
Obituary
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.
Events
Visitation
Mon May 19, 2025 @ 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM CDT
Ryan Funeral Home • 2418 N. Sherman Avenue, Madison, WI 53704
Funeral Service
Mon May 19, 2025 @ 11:00 AM CDT
Ryan Funeral Home • 2418 N. Sherman Avenue, Madison, WI 53704
Photos
Memories
M
MikeShivers
Friend •
Having delivered newspapers to the Wiedenfeld family in the late 'forties, I have known and respected their family since our old days in the 'Eken Park neighborhood. don and his familly have been greart givers, and providers to the legacy of we eastsiders have done so much for our grweat east side of Madison. I, and many other eastsiders will miss Don. Mike Shives
VW
Virginia Wiedenfeld
Family •
I didn't know Don and Dan very well but had met them a few times. They both had z personality like their uncle john Olson My sympathy to Don's family
LO
Lisa Olson
Family •
Whenever I phoned cousin Don, I would always feels uplifted and in a good mood. We usually for only 2-3 minutes, and that's all it took. I will miss him greatly and am thinking of you all.. Love, Lisa
JG
Jim Gotzion
Friend •
We brought 3 cars from your dad and never had a bad one. I also drank more than 3 beers with your and never had one I didn't remember.
TF
Tom & Linda Fleming
Family •
What a gift to have Don in our lives! From his unwavering positivity, immense pride in his family, and kind concern about others; Don was always inspiring to be with. Our world was better with Don in it.
JC
Jane Clark
Friend •
My dad will miss playing euchre with Don at Home Again. He was his partner this past year. Hugs to your family.