DONALD WEBER

Donald Lee Weber, age 98, was called home to the Lord on Monday March 11th. Don was born in St. Louis, Mo, April 26, 1925, to Mabel and Julius Weber.  He was preceded in death by his parents, beloved wife Pat, and his two brothers (Warren and Kent).  Don married Bernice (Pat) Wachter on October 17, 1947 and were devoted to each other for 69 years.  Don and Pat were blessed with 3 children, 7 grandchildren, and 8 great grandchildren.

The Great Depression hit in the summer of 1929.  Don was 4 at the time. Grandparents and Uncles would be living with them at various times over the next ten years.   When Don's Mother's younger sister passed early (31 years old), her daughter Grace Vienfurt came to live in the Weber extended family household when Don was ~6.  Her presence, along with all the relatives, was warmly enjoyed.

Though there was little money during the 30s quality character and relationships were formed during that time. Resultingly, as with many that survived those years, Don was quite competitive, ambitious, hard working, and yearned for the heroic without being self-centered. After high school, Don had joined the Navy reserve unit and started college, ultimately ending up in aviation school, where he learned to fly (in a bi-plane), (one of his most prized accomplishments). V-J day ended as he was completing Naval aviator flight training.

With the end of the war, he considered medicine, seminary, professional baseball, and art as career options.  Having shown early proficiency in art and having a girlfriend he was looking to marry, the last option was pursued.

After leaving the Navy, he graduated from Washington University in St. Louis, receiving a degree in graphic art. He then became employed by Marathon Corp. (American Can Co.), as a commercial artist in Neenah.  Son Steve was born there.  By 1953 he was transferred to St. Louis, where daughter Sue was born. Around 1955 the family was on to Kansas City where son Mark was born.  In 1964 the family returned to Neenah. Later Don worked for Ling Packaging (Products) and ultimately retired from O.E.C. Graphics supporting design and sales.

Church involvement was prioritized in the Weber home.  Don was active in the Presbyterian church for nearly 70 years, where everyone was always welcome. He served as Sunday School teacher, youth leader, deacon, elder, Happy Friends helper, mission trip participant, and even singing in the choir.  He always enjoyed having fun with the children and being actively involved in their activities.  He strove, as best as possible, to live a quality Christian life.  He was helpful and kind to everyone. 

Don deeply enjoyed the activities and people of “The Brigade” organization.  Contributing in roles from group leader to Captain.  At “Onaway” he was a camp Director and active through the Rough Craftsmen project group.  He also represented the Brigade at three different international Brigade camps.

He relished playing all hand-eye coordination sports involving a bat, racquet, or paddle.  He was skilled at baseball, stickball, fastpitch softball, racquetball, paddleball, and tennis.   He was a lifeguard in his youth, active on his high school swim team, and swam into his mid 90s.  Having been an Eagle Scout, and later, a Scout Master he developed a great love for doing active things outdoors like fishing, canoeing, and camping.  He also found pleasure in painting, and greatly enjoyed his nightly ice cream.

Don is survived by his children: Steve Weber, Sue Jacobson, and Mark (Ann) Weber; grandchildren: Brett (Erica) Weber, Brian (Katie) Weber, Stephanie (Nathan) Boelter, Jesse Jacobson, Janice (Mark) Diestler, Isaiah Weber, and Catherine Weber; great grandchildren: Jacob, Jillian, Nicklas, Caroline, Frederick, Calvin, Peyton, and Troy

The funeral service for Don will be held at 11:30 A.M. on Saturday, March 16, 2024 at First Presbyterian Church, 200 Church St., Neenah, with Rev. Kimbrel Johnson officiating. A visitation will be held at church from 9:30 A.M. until the hour of service. Don will join Pat at Greenlawn Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, please consider doing a nice deed for someone in need.