Raphael Ballweg

Waunakee - It is with great sadness we announce the peaceful passing of Raphael J. (Ray) Ballweg on Wednesday, February 7, 2018 at the age 87. Ray was born in Roxbury, WI on February 1, 1931 to Norbert and Irene (Keicheiger). Ray married Anita Ring, the love of his life, on April 11, 1953 and enjoyed a wonderful 65 years together.

Ray worked for the beer industry for many years, getting his start with Fauberbach in Madison, before moving on to General Beverage. In 1974 Ray moved with his family to Eau Claire to become General Manager of General Beverage (Pabst) Distributors. Ray and his family made Eau Claire home and would live there for the next 40 years. In 1984 Ray opened the Tip Top Bar in Chippewa Falls with his son Mick and where they were able to share many Packer and UW sporting events with both new and old friends, many who still visit today. Ray and Anita enjoyed travel, with their favorite trips being their trip to Norway, and the 1999 Rose Bowl. Ray loved the northern woods, fishing on the river, camping, gardening, cooking, reading, crossword puzzles, playing solitaire on his computer and enjoying a competitive game of cribbage. His home was always open to gatherings and celebrations for many. Ray also enjoyed spending time with his children and was very proud of his nine grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. We will miss his strong German heritage and quick wit of humor. No matter what our family faced, he was our strength and support. Ray was a loving father, husband, grandfather and friend to all.

Ray is survived by his wife, Anita; his four children, Vicki (Michael) Schmieding, Mark (Janean) Ballweg, Michael "Mick" (Michelle) Ballweg of Eau Claire and Lynn Markowski of Michigan; his grandchildren, Shawn (Kathryn) Schmieding and their son, River, Danielle (Dennis) Kalscheur and their children, Regin and Collins, Jason (Joanna) Schmieding, Breanne (Dennis) Flint and their daughters, Trinity and Syndey, Alex (Anne) Ballweg and their daughter Nora, Kristi (Logan) Griedl, Ryan Markowski, Jordan Markowski and Cole Ballweg; his siblings, Dan (Mabel) Ballweg, Florine Ring, Carol (Gary) Murray, James (Betty) Ballweg, Roger (Rosie) Ballweg, Donald (Jeanne) Ballweg, and William (Jackie) Ballweg and many loving nieces and
nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his siblings, Peter, Norbert Jr. and Sylvia Bernards, his son-in-law, Rodney Markowski; and his brother-in-law, Donald Ring

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, February 13, 2018 at ST JOHN THE BAPTIST CATHOLIC CHURCH, 209 South Street in Waunakee, with Msgr. James L. Gunn presiding. A visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Dane County Humane Society, 5132 Voges Road, Madison, WI 53718.

Winn-Cress Funeral Home
5785 HWY Q, Waunakee
608-849-4513