Daryl Ballweg

Daryl Ballweg, born on March 21, 1941, in Lima, Ohio, passed away on April 14, 2025, in Mesa, Arizona at the age of 84. Daryl was a proud graduate of St. Joseph High School, class of 1959. His passion for education and athletics led him to pursue a degree in education from Ohio Northern University. This foundation launched a distinguished career spanning over three decades as a teacher, coach, and athletic director at both St. Joseph High School and Wapakoneta High School in Wapakoneta, Ohio. Daryl’s dedication to students and athletes left an enduring impact on the school communities he served. Even after retirement, Daryl remained deeply connected to sports. He continued playing softball and golf well into his seventies—a testament to his lifelong love of physical activity and camaraderie. Daryl enjoyed spending time at their camper at Kozy Campgrounds, creating lasting memories with friends and family. Winters were spent in Mesa, Arizona, where he embraced the warmth and community of retirement life. Family was central to Daryl’s life. He is lovingly remembered by his son, Rick (Melissa) Ballweg of Acworth, Georgia; daughter, Deb (Mike) Wildermuth of Jackson Center, Ohio; Stepchildren, Gayle Hardin, Joe Hardin, and John Hardin. Grandchildren: Brittney (Brooks) Wallace of Jackson Center; Gavin (Natalie) Wildermuth of Westerville, Ohio; Brady (Lauren) Wildermuth of Perrysburg, Ohio; and Olivia Ballweg of Acworth, Georgia. as well as great-grandchildren Addyson, Beckem, and Brinkley. Daryl is also remembered by his siblings: brother, Joe (Edie) Ballweg of Kansas City, Missouri; sister Marlene Ballweg and her friend, Joe Morgan, of Wapakoneta; and brother-in-law, Larry “Tub” Horman. Many nieces and nephews also held a special place in Daryl’s heart. He was preceded in death by wife, MaryAnn (Zinkiewicz) Ballweg; companion, Donna Hardin; sister, Mary Ann (Ballweg) Horman; and parents, Fredrick “Fritz” E. Ballweg and Luella “Dutch” A. (Ruppert) Ballweg. Among Daryl’s greatest joys was watching his grandchildren participate in sports—cheering from the sidelines with pride and enthusiasm and watching the Reds, Bengals and Buckeyes. A Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Wapakoneta, with Rev. Ethan Hoying officiating. Burial will be at a later date on the St. Joseph Cemetery, Wapakoneta. The family will receive family and friends 5-8 p.m., Monday, May 19, 2025, and 9-10 a.m., Tuesday, at the Eley Funeral Home & Crematory, St. Rt. 501, Wapakoneta. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Wapakoneta City Schools Athletic Department. Condolences may be expressed at www.eleyfuneralhomeandcrematory.com.

Daryl Ballweg

March 21, 1941 - April 14, 2025