Gerald F Weigel

Gerald F. Weigel, 84, passed away peacefully on Friday, August 16, 2013.

He was born April 26, 1929 in La Crosse to Albion and Lucille (Olsen) Weigel. He attended Holy Trinity Grade School where he was a member of the Holy Trinity Boys Choir. He graduated in 1947 from St. Thomas Aquinas High School. He served in the Navy from 1948 until 1952 on the USS Wisconsin during the Korean War. After the War he returned back to La Crosse and completed his electrical apprenticeship from 1956 to 1960 in the employment of Neumann Electric Company. He worked as an electrician his whole life until his retirement in 1991, and was a 55-year member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. He was an usher for many years at St. Joseph the Workman Cathedral, a member of the American Legion for over 20 years, a Bronze member of the Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame, and a lifelong member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles.

He married Lois (Risberg) Weigel in 1958, the one and only love of his life. Their union created a family consisting of 4 children, 10 grandchildren, and 1 great grandchild. His early days were filled with work, raising kids, his Bohemian Hall and Eagles friends, Packer Games, Brewer games, and being with the Weigel extended family. He spent the majority of his free time in La Crosse on the Mississippi River and took dozens of friends and relatives fishing on his boat. Over 45 years ago he started an annual tradition with his family of going to Hayward, Wisconsin. In a little cabin on a lake, his children and grandchildren have some of their fondest memories including fishing, swimming, skiing, horseback riding, playing cards, mini-golf, fish fry. a tradition that still exists today. He loved nature and also enjoyed long walks around La Crosse almost every day.

The last 25 years of his life were spent attending literally hundreds of events for his 10 grandchildren: baptisms, first communions, graduations, birthday parties, football games, wrestling matches, basketball tournaments, dance recitals, high school musicals, the list goes on and on. You could always count on him to be there if he was invited.

Even though Gerald was a lifelong La Crosse resident, Chanhassen, Minnesota became his home away from home. He participated in many events there with his grandchildren and their friends and became their biggest fan. He was welcomed and loved by the parishioners of St. Huberts church. His proudest moment came when his granddaughter was accepted into the University of Notre Dame. He couldnt believe this humble little electrician had a granddaughter at this legendary institution. Truth is, it was just as much his victory as hers since he gave her a solid foundation of discipline and hard work.

Jerry was the quintessential ole geezer, what you see is what you get. He had a lifelong love affair with pie, ice cream, and beer. His favorite pastimes included watching anything on MSNBC, Fox News, WGN, and ESPN. He knew every current event around the world, followed most every sports team, and loved to talk about politicians. He never had a credit card and taught us well, if you didnt have the cash in your pocket, dont buy it. Before it was even trendy to live simply and minimally, he did it, thats what he was comfortable with. He was proud he wore the same clothes for 25 years because that meant he was staying in shape.

Jerry was part of the greatest generation any society has ever produced. He was an ordinary man whose life was laced with the markings of greatness. Being born during the Great Depression and a teenager during the Second World War was instrumental in forming him into a man who stayed true his whole life to the values of honesty, respect, commitment, and personal responsibility. At an early age he learned the meaning of a famous four letter word WORK. He never liked to draw attention to himself, doing a job well and living life honorably were their own rewards. We are so proud that this ordinary man was OUR extraordinary father, grandfather, and brother.

He is survived by his children and grandchildren; Wayne Weigel of Bloomer, Wis., Jenny; Janet Amaral of La Crosse, Hollie and Kelli (Cainon) and great granddaughter Kenlee; Judy Stoffel (James) of Chanhassen, Minn. and Paul, Sam, Rachel, Ellen, Greg; David(Nancy) Weigel of La Crescent, Minn., Brandon, Dylan. He is also survived by brothers, Thomas (Carol) Weigel of Birchwood, Wis. and James Weigel of Valencia, Cal.; sisters, Lorraine (Pete) Rau of Vero Beach, Fla. and Patricia Goyette of Appleton, Wis.; and many loved nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Albion and Lucille Weigel; brother and sister in law, Robert and Bonnie Weigel; and wife, Lois Weigel.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, August 24th, at 10:30 am in the Marian Chapel at Cathedral of St. Joseph the Workman, 530 Main St., in La Crosse. Monsignor Charles Stoetzel will officiate. Entombment, with military honors, will follow in the Chapel of Devotion Mausoleum in Woodlawn Cemetery, La Crosse. Friends may call at Schumacher-Kish Funeral and Cremation Services of La Crosse, located at 200 West Ave. So., prior to the Mass from 8:30 to 10:00 am.