Mention the name Don Peerenboom to anyone who knew him, and watch as a smile lights up their face. Then watch their eyes light up, and listen to the stories they have to tell. Kids and adults alike can’t help but remember Don’s gentle demeanor and positive attitude. Friends and acquaintances might recount his lasting loyalty and dedication to each and every project he was involved in. And perhaps nowhere will you find better examples of these fond memories than at the place where Don gave so much of his time; Janesville Youth Baseball Park.
For years, Don Peerenboom served on the Board of Directors for Janesville Youth Baseball. He was involved in numerous projects and filled many roles over that period. For much of that time, Don was in charge of the program’s annual candy sale. According to Steve Ellis, another long-time board member and a close friend of Don’s, it was because of Don Peerenboom’s personality that the candy sale was such a successful fundraiser. “Don had a special relationship with our vendor,” Ellis said. “Because of him, each year’s sale was a success.”
Kathi Braun, another devoted board member who worked with Don on the candy sale, remembers his dedication and caring more than anything else. “Don was a person who was just very dedicated to the program and who was always looking to do the best thing possible for the kids and for Janesville Youth Baseball,” she said. “He always thought things through and his decisions were always based on what was best for kids and for the program. I always admired that about Don.”
Like many volunteers, Don had a vested interest in Janesville Youth Baseball; his sons, Matt, Curt and Tim, were all standouts in the program. But Don didn’t fade into the sunset when his three sons outgrew their little league uniforms. Instead, he stayed involved and played an integral role in the program’s continued success.
“The last few years, Don was our Safety Director,” said Ellis. “As usual he went above and beyond by developing a manual and a program so that each year we received a discount on our insurance policy.” As a result of his longevity with the program, Don served as one of a few “old-school” board members and his opinions always held certain esteem with the rest of the board.
“Don, like myself, stayed dedicated to Janesville Youth Baseball long after his boys left the program,” commented Ellis. “He and I often shared old-school views when it came to making decisions involving the program. I will always remember Don as having a calming effect when things would get heated,” he added. “He was always able to sit back and sort through all of the opinions and be a voice of reason for the rest of us.”
Paul Aurit, an honorary board member who also considered Don a close friend, echoed Ellis’s sentiments. “Don was one of the most even-keeled and level-headed individuals I’ve ever known,” Aurit said. “Every decision he made was based on the well-being of the kids and Janesville Youth Baseball. Don saw the best in everything.”
Maybe it was Don’s dedication to Janesville Youth Baseball, or his ability to offer reason into a heated discussion. Or maybe it was his trademark mustache, or the smile that seemed to have a permanent home underneath it. Whatever it was, Don Peerenboom left a lasting legacy with everyone who had the good fortune of knowing him. Without a doubt, Janesville Youth Baseball is a better program because of Don Peerenboom. It is safe to say that the entire community is a better place because of him too.
On Sunday, August 27, Janesville Youth Baseball will host the 1st annual Don Peerenboom Fun Run & Walk to memorialize Don Peerenboom for his years of service to the program and the community. Details about the run and sponsorship opportunities can be found on Janesville Youth Baseball’s home page.
