Don Reese

Forward Mutual

1955 - 2018

Donald Reese served as a director for Forward Mutual Insurance Company from 2001 to his unexpected death on December 10, 2018. Don was elected Secretary/Treasurer of the Board in 2007. He helped to guide the company through the successful merger of Ixonia Mutual and Watertown Mutual on January 1, 2010. He was instrumental in setting the path for the future conversion from a Chapter 612 town mutual to a non-assessable mutual insurance company under Chapter 611 on January 1, 2020. Don also served as a Loss Control Specialist for Forward Mutual. Don believed in advocacy and served on the WAMIC Legislative Committee and represented the membership at the Congressional Contact Program in Washington D.C.

In 2017 Don participated as an "annoying" director on the WAMIC Convention Mock Board Meeting panel discussion/presentation. Dedicated to furthering his education to best provide for the policyholders, Don completed his NAMIC Farm Mutual Director Certification in 2012. Participation at WAMIC and NAMIC events was important to Don as it was part of his core philosophy in building strong leadership through networking with others.

Don dedicated his life to a commitment of service to his community. He was the current Town of Farmington chairman and served as a town supervisor for many years. He also served as a Jefferson County Board supervisor since 2002 and was a member of the Wisconsin Towns Association. He was a faithful member and servant of St. Peter's Lutheran Church and served on many of its boards. He owned and operated a carpentry business and was the warm-hearted, full-of-fun bartender at Donny's Girl Supper Club in Pipersville. Don was always willing to share his smile with anyone who spent a little time with him.