Gilbert L. “Gil” Weiss, age 91 of Durand, died Monday, September 21, 2015 at the Heritage of Elmwood Nursing Home in Elmwood with his family by his side.

Gil was born on February 21, 1924 in Rock Falls. The son of Leo and Emma (Bauer) Weiss, he was the second of eight children and grew up in the Durand area. Gil attended the White Block Elementary School and graduated from Durand High School in 1942. After school, he worked on his Uncle Arnold and Aunt Ilma Weiss’s farm in Gilmanton. In 1945, Gil joined the U.S. Army he was stationed in Greenland as a tele-typist and was Honorably Discharged in 1947. Gil married Doris Brunner on May 10, 1948 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church-Lima. From 1947-1953, Gil worked for the Wrought Iron Range Company selling Home Comfort Stoves. He received high honors for selling 1300 stoves in five years. In 1954, Gil and Doris purchased the Alma Center Hardware Store which they ran for 10 years. In 1963, Gil and Doris returned to Durand with their family after purchasing the Welch Insurance Agency, later naming it Gil Weiss Insurance. In 1989, Gil’s son, Randy and wife Cheri, purchased the agency and Gil continued to work into his late 70’s.

Gil had a cheerful disposition and a ready smile for all, he enjoyed playing cards, golfing, bowling, playing guitar and watching professional wrestling. A devout Catholic, Gil was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church. He was a 4^th Degree Member of the Knights of Columbus and served as the Grand Knight of Durand Council #2422.

Gil is survived by his wife of 67 years; Doris, children; Kay Weiss of Apple Valley, MN, Steve of Kansas City, MO, Pam (Jim) Williams of Colfax, Randy (Cheri) of Durand, Scott (Diane) of Mondovi, Jeff (Jen) of Cottage Grove, MN and Becky (Al) Morrissey of Baldwin, 18 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren, two sisters; Dolly Bauer of Eau Claire and Darlene Bryan of Durand, one brother; Larry of South Milwaukee, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. His is preceded in death by his parents, one son; Curt, one sister; Lorena Brantner, four brothers; Vernie, Norman “Corky”, Jerry, and Phillip in infancy.

Funeral Mass will be at 11:30 AM Thursday, September 24, 2015 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Durand with Rev. Jerry Hoeser will officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4-8 PM Wednesday with a Knights of Columbus Rosary at 3:30 PM at the Rhiel Funeral Home in Durand and visitation one hour prior to services at the church on Thursday.

Rhiel Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Durand, is serving the family.

Condolences

1. dennis brantner October 14, 2015, at 3:03pm

   sorry to hear about your dad passing my condolences to you and your family.

2. Gregory P. Plutshack October 5, 2015, at 2:24am

   To the family of Gil Weiss. I was sorry to hear of Gil's passing. He was a fine man and loved his family dearly. I remember chatting with Gil and Doris often when I played softball with Steve, Randy and Scott. Time seems to have slipped away as it always does. I wish you all the best and I will always remember Gil for the great person he surely was! Take care and God bless all of the Weiss family!

3. Crystal Dow September 29, 2015, at 10:39am

   Doris, Randy and Family-and all: Your dad was such a great business person, and good friend to all he touched. Many good times at the golf club, dinners, cards, and all. He'll certainly be missed by many people. He's resting now, and in a great spot! Crystal

4. Patti Blount September 26, 2015, at 10:24am

   I'm sorry to hear about the passing of Gil. Sympathy to the family during this difficult time.

   Patti Blount

5. John & Susan Loomis September 24, 2015, at 7:45am

   We have such great memories with Gil. He was our insurance agent from our beginnings in business. He took very good care of us.

   Our sympathies to all of his family,

6. NSSF September 24, 2015, at 6:22am

   Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.

7. Toni Kremer Lippert September 23, 2015, at 4:54pm

   My thoughts and prayers are with your family during this difficult time. May Gil rest in peace.

8. John Knutson September 23, 2015, at 10:06am

   To Scott (Lefty!) and the Weiss family,
   On behalf of your old back-yard neighbors, the Knutson's and our whole family, you have our deepest sympathy and condolences. Having lost both parents within the last few years, we know it can be a difficult time. Gil was a great guy and a constant business fixture in Durand. His greatest legacy will be all of you kids. With our thoughts and prayers, God Bless all of you.

   John Knutson

9. Jacob and Mary (Lecheler) Ginsbach September 22, 2015, at 9:14pm

   Sorry to hear about your loss. Thoughts and prayers to all of you.

10. Dean Tabor September 22, 2015, at 7:31pm

    So sorry about the passing of Gil, a good friend to all of us. I'm hoping to be there but my back is out and I have the flu/cold. If I don't make you know be there in spirit. God bless all of you. My deepest sympathy.

11. Bonnie and Don Miller September 22, 2015, at 6:10pm

    Our sincere and deepest sympathy in the loss of your loved one, Gil. You all are in our thoughts and prayers. RIP Gil!

12. Lisa and Pete Skorseth September 22, 2015, at 5:22pm

    Becky, Al, Justin, Josh, Jess;
    We are deeply sorry for your loss. We hope memories of time spent together will carry through your time of sorrow.
    Love,
    Pete, Lisa, and Paige

13. Beth Knutson-Kolodzne September 22, 2015, at 4:23pm

    My sympathies are with you all at this time. It is difficult to lose our loved ones. I pray that you are all sharing many joyful memories of Gil during this time.

    Best,
    Beth

14. Rick Fahnel September 22, 2015, at 12:07pm

    My sympathy to you Pam, and your family. My remembrance of your Dad when I was living in Durand was that he always had a smile on his face. Too bad there weren't more people like him.

15. Dot Colon September 22, 2015, at 12:06pm

    My condolences to Doris and the entire Weiss family. Gil was a great person and he will be missed. He was a wonderful person and a true family man. Rest in peace Gil!

16. Anita (King) Haskins September 22, 2015, at 7:26am

    Condolences to the family!
    Anita & Bruce Haskins

17. Janice Schuller September 22, 2015, at 6:45am

    He will be looking down and smiling at all of you. You are in my prayers.

18. Dennis H Brunner September 22, 2015, at 12:53am

    Our deepest sympathy to the whole family. Gil was a great man & friend. I will always remember our trips to Pro Westling matches in the Twin Cities. He would get so excited.

19. THOMAS & JUDITH WEISS September 21, 2015, at 10:11pm

    REALLY EHJOYED THE YEARS OF BOWLING AND KC TOURNAMENT BOWLINGAND PLAYG CARDS HE WAS ALWAYS IN A JOYFULL AND TELLING JOKES. TO FAMILY WILL HAVE GIL AND USE IN MY THOUFGTS AND PRAYERS

20. Bev Forster September 21, 2015, at 8:44pm

    Thinking of you, Doris, and all your family at this time. My prayers for Gil.

    Love you,
    Bev

21. Sandy Kennedy September 21, 2015, at 7:50pm

    So very sorry for your loss.

22. Sheri (Hayden) Rohde September 21, 2015, at 7:15pm

    My condolences Weiss family. My thoughts are with you.

23. Nora Meadows September 21, 2015, at 6:02pm

    Sorry for your loss Jeff.

24. John judy parr September 21, 2015, at 5:48pm

    Our sympathy is with you

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