Donald F. Race, Sr.

Donald F. Race Sr., of Saukville, passed away Tuesday morning, June 17, 2014 at Lawliss Family Hospice in Mequon. He suffered and died from congestive heart failure and pneumonia. He was 90 years old. Don Sr., was born in Saukville where he lived his 90 yrs. He was born on the Race Homestead. Don Race Sr., worked for Bolens in Port Washington for 1 year, later worked for the Chair Factory for 10 years in the machine shop where he learned his tool and die skills. From the Chair factory he went to Mercury Marine in Cedarburg where he worked for 26 years as a Tool and Die maker. Later he became a foreman in charge of 30 employees 3 years prior to the Cedarburg plant closing and moving to Fond Du Lac, Wis. He was labeled the “mad scientist” by his sons for his gifts of creating, and putting together his own inventions that assisted them in the family business. Don Race Sr. was the initial owner of Race’s Nursery, in Saukville. A successful business that sold home grown nursery stock. Mr. Race was a member and past president of St. Peter’s United Church of Christ in Saukville. He was instrumental in the building, renovation, and addition of the new section of the church. He was Treasurer of the Cedar Creek Snowmobile Club from Cedarburg in the early 70’s. He dearly loved going polka dancing and listening to his favorite bands in person and on the radio station. He immensely enjoyed going to Antique Tractor shows all over the state of Wisconsin. He was a collector of hit and miss engines, he purchased and restored a 1940 Model-H- John Deere Tractor which he loved driving at tractor shows and in Saukville’s 4th of July parade. He built and attached a sulky to his tractor so that his wife Winnie could ride in it. Don Race Sr. was preceded in death by his wife Winnie Kirmse Race, granddaughter, Wendy Ballbach, great grandson Zachary Ballbach, siblings Edward, Marvin, Miland “Butch”, Hazel Luedtke, Elva Seyfert and Audrey Dommer & step-brother Elmer Race. He is survived by his three children: Donna (Bill) Ballbach of Cedarburg, Wis., Donald E. (Mary Ellen) Race Jr., and Daniel M. (Marla) Race, both of Saukville. Grandchildren: Donald Ballbach, Tammy Wendtland, Marc Ballbach, Ryan Ballbach, Michelle Earney, Donnie W. Race III, Lee Race, Curtis Race and Evan Race, and great grandchildren. He left behind his dear friend, Fran Scherff of Lasata Crossings.