Former KFIZ Owner, Entrepreneurial Pioneer Don Jones Passes Away

The KFIZ family is saddened to announce the passing of one of its own, former longtime owner Donald “Don” G. Jones at the age of 79. Jones purchased KFIZ in 1970 and led the station during its golden age, with legendary on-air personalities Joe Goeser, Ron Harvey, Doug McGrath and Steve Peterson. Under Jones’ leadership, KFIZ became the one Fond du Lac area residents depended on for news, weather, sports, entertainment and information. Don sold KFIZ in the mid 1990s to his business partner Randy Hopper. Jones was an entrepreneurial pioneer. He is credited with bringing cable television to Fond du Lac and coined the popular term “cablevision” which would be used worldwide.

We send our deepest condolences to the family of Don Jones. May he rest in peace. We’ll pass along any funeral arrangements once we learn of them.

In late 2022 Don Jones was featured as part of the special series “Inside the Studio: KFIZ @ 100” in honor of the station’s historic 100^th birthday. Below are links to Don’s profile piece as well as his full interview with host and producer Shawn Kiser.