WAUNKEE – Helen Ballweg, age 86, a devoted wife and mother passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 22, 2025 at Waunakee Valley Nursing Home. She was born on December 27, 1938, in Baraboo, WI to John and Regina Eckstein. She married Donald Ballweg on April 24, 1958. Helen loved life, cherished her family, and worked at providing a home for our family as well as working many years until her retirement for John Deere. She loved planting and caring for her flowers, playing cards and dominoes with many groups of friends, as well as gambling. She always wanted to be busy, going somewhere or keeping active. Mom was known for her smile, her wit, and her sass by all the staff at Waunakee Valley and friends at Canary Row and anyone she knew. Overwhelming comments of mom being a spitfire her and speaking her mind, having a contagious smile and laughter are being shared. Her great grandchildren called her “Grandma Shorty”, which she loved! She is now finally able to spend her anniversary with dad, April 24. As she was failing, it was discussed that as humans, we didn’t get to decide when we would pass, and she told us, “Just watch me!”
Helen is survived by her daughter Carrie (Bob) Zoladz, four sons, Rick (Paula), Steve (Janet), Rod (Janet) and Scott (Laura); 16 grandchildren, Brandon (Sebrina), Kirsten (Kevin), Ted (Karen), Joe (Sarah), Robby (Kara), Bridget (Mark), Nick, Keith (Rachel), Allen (Nicole), Justin (Ashley), Chris (Laura), Ryan (Trevor), Matt (fiancé-Samantha), Samantha (Ben), Austin and Tanner; 17 great grandchildren, Bryce, Brooke, Owen, Oliver, Sophia, Olivia, Kelsea, Theo, Rayan, Jack, Huckley, Kaden, Thomas, Colette, Eveie, Brexlee and Preslynn; sisters, Mary Ann Lybek and Dorothy (Jerry) Pertzborn. She was preceded in death by her husband Don, her parents John and Regina Eckstein, in-laws, Joe and Mary Ballweg, brother, Willie Eckstein, brother in-law Jerome Ballweg (Carrie).
The family would like to thank Waunakee Valley for the loving care they provided to our mom over the last few months, and Agrace Hospice for their care and compassion in her last few weeks. We have been “stronger together” and the support for mom from the spouses of the siblings was immense and appreciated. The family would also like to thank Rev. Brian Dulli for his words of comfort to mom and to Dad over the years.
Mom spent over 28 years caring for Dad, while he had Parkinson’s, with great compassion and love, we still don’t know how she was able to manage that care, while having some health struggles of her own.
A mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Peters Catholic Church, 7121 Co. Trunk K, Ashton at 11:00 am on May 2, 2025 with Rev. Brian Dulli officiating. Friends may call on Thursday May 1, 2025 from 5:00 to 7:00 pm at Winn-Cress Funeral home, Waunakee, WI and also from 9:30 am until the time of services on May 2 at St. Peters Catholic Church. A luncheon and celebration of Helen’s life will follow at Whippoorwill Hawks Nest, 7914 Hwy 19, Dane, where friends and family can gather to share memories and stories.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Agrace Hospice or the Parkinson’s Foundation.
God saw you were getting tired and a cure was not to be, so He put His arms around you and whispered, “Come to Me”. With tearful eyes we watched you and saw you pass away. Although we love you dearly, we could not make you stay. A golden heart stopped beating, hard working hands at rest. God broke our hearts to prove to us; He only takes the best.
Please share your memories at www.cressfuneralservice.com
Winn-Cress Funeral & Cremation Service
5785 Hwy Q, Waunakee
(608) 849-4513
Make a donation to one of the following charities in remembrance of Helen Ballweg
