Don graduated from River Valley in 1973. He had a love for farming and enjoyed working in agriculture. He was the proud owner of Don's Produce, a business he and wife, Mary, built together with love and hard work. Through selling produce at the Dane County Farmer's Market and Westside Community Market for over forty five years, he made friendships and enjoyed conversations with his customers, and his customers and vendors truly appreciated his knowledge. He loved working the land and was always anxious to plant the next crop.
Don married the love of his life and best friend, Mary Kay Austin, on February 5, 1977 at Saint Francis in Cross Plains. He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, fishing, and traveling. His favorite past time was cheering and "coaching" the Badgers and Hawkeyes in football, basketball and volleyball. He was so proud of his children and grandchildren, and loved watching them enjoy themselves in their favorite activities. He loved spending time with them on the farm, and giving them tractor rides and fishing alongside them in the ponds. Don was a member of Knights of Columbus, belonged to Local 464, and worked for Gables & Intercon Construction for seventeen years all while farming.
Left to honor his memory is his wife of 46 years, son, Joe (Maggie) Uselman, daughter, Jillian (Scott) Deitle; grandson, Soren and granddaughter, Greta; siblings, Mary (Clay) Beck, Fran (Dale) Crawford; siblings-in-law, Bette Jo Uselman, Julie Uselman, Michael (Mary) Austin, Don (Susan) Austin, Patt Collins, Raymond Austin, Darlene Austin; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents; in-laws, Joseph & Otilia Austin; brothers, Richard, Dennis, and David; brothers-in-law, Rodney Austin and Ben Collins.
A Celebration of Life visitation will be held on Saturday, March 18, 2023 from 1-5pm at Hooverson Funeral Home in Mazomanie (702 Emily Road). His family would like to thank the staff at UW Carbone Center and Agrace Hospice Care for their kindness.
