Roger W. Ballweg

Roger W. Ballweg left this world on Wednesday, May 28, 2025 and was reunited with many of his cherished family members who had gone before him. His life’s journey ended as it began, with unyielding spirit and an unbreakable will, reminding & inspiring us to push forward.

Roger was born into a large family on October 12, 1942, in rural Waunakee, to the late Norbert & Irene (Keichinger) Ballweg. Growing up and working the family farm not only taught Roger valuable skills but also forged strong sibling bonds that lasted a lifetime and instilled in him the importance of family – values he would later pass on to his own children.

Roger served his county from April 1966 to January 1968 as an Army Supply Specialist stationed at Camp Red Cloud in South Korea. After Roger returned to the States, what began as a simple gesture - offering Rose Ziegler a ride home after a night out with friends - marked the beginning of something far more meaningful. They were married on January 18, 1969, at St Peter’s Catholic Church in Ashton, WI. Over the next 56 years together, they would endure the chaos of raising two delightfully mediocre children, travel the country with friends and family, celebrate life’s highs, and hold on to each other through the lows.

After briefly returning to work on the family farm following his service, Roger joined the Middleton Water Utility, where he dedicated the next 36 years of his career, until his retirement.

Roger participated in many activities. He pulled in tug-o-war competitions for the Ashton Tigers and played in a local horseshoe league. Alongside his brother and close friends, he was a beloved member of the Knights of Columbus Clowns, delighting crowds across Wisconsin with their colorful costumes and whimsical bikes in parades. Roger also served as the group’s business manager for many years. A true outdoorsman, he enjoyed hunting during the fall and winter months and tended a large, thriving garden in the summer. He also cherished his time in bowling leagues with his brothers and his wife, earning numerous trophies that adorned the family fireplace.

Roger was a lifelong fan of all things Wisconsin sports. He was a big Brewers fan – though he never quite forgave the Braves for leaving Milwaukee in 1966. A die-hard Packers supporter, Roger was able to listen to the famous Ice Bowl while stationed in South Korea and had the chance to see several games in Lambeau Field. Roger was also a devoted Wisconsin Badgers football fan. He and Rose traveled to six bowl games together, including two back-to-back Rose Bowls.

On April 20, 2019, just over 50 years after his service, Roger was selected to participate in the Badger Honor Flight to see the memorials honoring serviceman and women and to receive the welcome home and gratitude they so richly earned.

Roger adored his three granddaughters and cherished the special one on one time he spent with them on Saturdays when they were young, lovingly calling it “Saturday with my girls”. These treasured days often ended with lunch at Rocky’s and became a favorite for all of them.

“How lucky are we to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard”

Roger is survived by his loving wife, Rose; children, Brent Ballweg and Brigitt (Dean Jasper) Capps; his three granddaughters, Julia Capps, Josie Capps & Jordan Capps; brother, Bill (Jackie) Ballweg and sisters-in-law; Jeanne Ballweg, Bonnie Nyki and Barb Ziegler, and many nieces & nephews and friends.

Roger was preceded in death by his parents, Norbert & Irene Ballweg; siblings, Daniel (Mable), Raphael (Anita), Florine Ring (Don), Sylvia Bernards (Andy), Carol Murray (Gary), James (Mary / Betty), Don Ballweg, and Norbert Jr and Peter; father and mother-in-law, Paul & Marie Zieger, brother-in-law, Ralph Ziegler (Mary), Vern Zieger and David Ziegler (Dolores).

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, June 7, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at St John’s Catholic Church 209 South St., Waunakee. Friends may call on Friday, June 6, 2025, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Winn-Cress Funeral Home 5785 Hwy Q, Waunakee. Friends may also call at the church on Saturday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of services. Burial will take place in the church cemetery

The family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to Four Winds for the compassionate care provided to Roger over the past nine months, and to Agrace Hospice for their support during his final days.

Winn-Cress Funeral Home

5785 Hwy Q

Waunakee, WI