John Henry Weiland

John Henry Weiland, 88, of Onalaska, Wis., passed away on Tuesday, October 11, 2016, after living with Alzheimer's disease the past few years. He was born in La Crosse, on July 9, 1928, to John and Minnie (Strasser) Weiland. He married Carol Poellinger (daughter of Herman and Rena Poellinger) at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, La Crosse, on October 3, 1953.
In addition to his wife, Carol, of 63 years, he is survived by his children, Tim Weiland of La Crosse, Cindy Mettille of Onalaska, and Terry (Karla) Weiland of Onalaska; his grandchildren, Jen (Brian) Pinnow, Andy (Katie) Mettille, Erik Mettille, Melissa (Adam) Aspenson, and Danielle Weiland; and his great-grandchildren, Jordan, Logan, Nolan, Evie, Lilly, Chloe, Kalli, Ezlie, Kylie, and Teagan. He is also survived by sisters-in-law, Patricia Kirchner of Sparta; Dorothy Weiland of La Crosse and a brother-in-law, Martin Miller of La Crescent; and many nieces and nephews.
John graduated from Holy Trinity Grade School where he had a short walk to school (just across the street), and he graduated from Aquinas High School in 1947. John started his carpentry trade working with his father. He joined the Carpenters Local 1143 in June, 1948, from which he earned a 65 year pin. John obtained his Apprenticeship and Journeyman's certificates in 1951. He was employed by several local companies and worked on many commercial buildings in the La Crosse and surrounding area including; the old Mary E. Sawyer Auditorium, Civic Center, Trane Company, Lutheran Hospital, City Hall, State Bank, Dairyland Power, Target, and a Menards just south of the Twin Cities.
John built the home in rural Onalaska that he and Carol lived in for over 52 years from the finished basement through multiple expansions over the years. Later they moved into the city of Onalaska to a new home built by their son, Terry.
John loved talking to everyone and anyone; he always had a story and a joke or two to share. He liked puzzles of all kinds especially the Rubic Cube. His hobbies over the years included trapping, hunting, turtling, fishing, bowling, and gardening especially growing Kossak Kohlrabies. He was an avid Green Bay Packer and Milwaukee Brewer fan. John was also a bee keeper for over 25 years and took pleasure in taking his honey to the farmer's market. In retirement, he and Carol enjoyed travelling and spending winter months in Florida, Texas, and Arizona. His favorite places to visit in his later years were the Onalaska Library and Menards in Onalaska. His motto was 'You gotta have fun'.
John was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Rueben Weiland, Edward Weiland, Robert (Doris) Weiland; and his sisters, Rose Oliver, Eleanor (George) Schild, Beatrice Miller, and Rita Weiland.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, October 18th, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Onalaska, where John had been a member for 63 years. Rev. Delbert Malin will officiate and burial will follow the mass in the Catholic Cemetery, La Crosse. Family and friends may call at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of mass. Memorials are suggested to St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Onalaska, Mayo Hospice of La Crosse, and the Alzheimer's Association.
The family would like to thank Mayo Hospice of La Crosse and Sparta Rolling Hills for their kindness and support. Schumacher-Kish Funeral and Cremation Services of La Crosse is assisting the family.