John W. Weiss Jr., age 93 of Durand, died Saturday, August 8, 2020 at his home in Durand with his family by his side.

John was born on May 15, 1927, on the home farm in the Town of Lima, rural Durand. He was the son of John W. and Anna (Hayden) Weiss Sr. John grew up on the family farm and attended school at Sacred Heart in Lima. John met the love of his life, Callista Forster in the first grade. They were married June 5, 1947 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church-Lima. After marriage they farmed in the Township of Lima and raised their family of 14 children. In 1985, they retired from farming and then they both worked at Holy Rosary Church until 1998.  John and Callista have never lived anymore the two miles from the church.

John is survived by his 14 children; Susan Lokker of Anoka, MN, twins, Janice (Brent) Lamm of Mondovi, and Jane (Russell) Johnson of Eau Claire; Barbara (Thomas) Thoen of Prescott, Gregory (Debbie) of Durand, Anton “Tony” (Kathy) of Onalaska, John III (fiancé, Lois) of Athens, Daniel (Janet) of Bruce, Christine (Brent) King of Arkansaw, Teresa (Bryan) Brunner of Arkansaw, Donald (Colette) of Durand, Lori (Ed) Auth of Fall Creek, Amy (Matthew) Wayne of Eau Galle, Jason (Karla) of Forest City, IA; 39 grandchildren, 56 great grandchildren and two great-great granddaughters, one brother; Hubert (Marge) Weiss of Durand, one sister-in-law; Goldene Weiss of Durand, numerous step grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews other relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, wife; Callista, two stillborn daughters, a son Michael, son-in-law, Donald Lokker, grandson-in-law; Jeffrey Nedland, siblings; Edmund J. Weiss, Marion Weissinger, Blanche Prissel and Marcella “Sally” Weber.

A private Funeral Mass will be held Thursday, August 13, 2020 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church-Lima. A public viewing will be held from 10:00AM-11:00AM Thursday at the church, due to COVID-19, no family members will be present at the viewing.

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

Condolences

1. Kathy Bunning August 16, 2020, at 10:42am

   It is never easy to lose a loved one but what a rich blessed life he gave to many. Our condolences to family and friends.

2. Kathy Tanner August 13, 2020, at 2:56pm

   When I saw John's picture I recognized him immediately but it was from years ago. I want to say he worked at Randalls grocery in Eau Claire. Where ever it was I remember him as a very happy, kind, and gentle man. I have actually thought of him over the years and am happy to learn that he had a long and fulling life!

3. Sara Mack August 13, 2020, at 1:31pm

   My apologies to those who I saw in person and did not extend my sympathy. Johnny and Callista are 2 people I have always admired. I remember as a child they would stop on the road on their way home from working at the Church and school to "give us a hard time" when we were playing outside. I could always count on Johnny for a smile and good laugh. I greatly respect Johnny and Callista for their constant display of the virtues of Faith, Hope, and Love. I feel very blessed for all the Weiss family has given to Holy Rosary parish and school. Thank you! I pray that John and Callista's legacy will inspire many to love and trust in God as they did. May you find comfort in God's love during this difficult time.

4. Donna Bauer & Ed Bauer August 13, 2020, at 9:27am

   Our sincere sympathy to the family

5. Amy Forster Layne August 13, 2020, at 7:08am

   My condolences to your whole family. I was a classmate of Lori's and have great memories of riding the bus together. I liked the fact that John and Callista moved into my grandparents house. Although I don't know how John and my Dad (Boss) ever got any work done, because it seemed like it was all jokes, all day! I think of John every year on Jan. 2 because he and one of his boys fixed the broken organ in time for my wedding day!

6. Chuck & Rosanne Reckin August 12, 2020, at 4:37pm

   Our deepest sympathy and prayers to Johnny's family. He was quick with a smile and a hearty laugh. He leaves a huge legacy with Holy Rosary from all of his work and prayers there.

7. Sharon & Henry Gingras August 12, 2020, at 10:24am

   So sorry to hear of Johnny's passing. We never met him when there wasn't a smile, a joke or a laugh. His pleasant personality and kindness will be missed.

   J. Henry and Sharon Gingras

8. Shelly Hanson August 11, 2020, at 11:11am

   May God wrap his loving arms around you and give you peace and comfort during this difficult time. May the wonderful memories you have, be held close to your heart. I am sorry for your loss! Prayers and hugs to everyone!

9. Fr Bosco, India August 10, 2020, at 11:58pm

   One Saturday after the vigil Mass we had a Holy Hour in Lima. Only 3 of us are there for whole hour (John Weiss, Patty Bauer and myself ) We were singing Down in Adoration falling, we 3 of us sang 3 tone, after we finished we looked each and laughed and than I gave the blessings. I always remembered when I think of John. Very nice man and strong in his Faith. Regular for the Sunday Mass and all the more become for the Rosary. Praying for him and his family.Rest In Peace, Condolences to the Family. Offer a Mass for him Thursday.

10. Scott & Karen Brunner August 10, 2020, at 8:43pm

    We are so sorry for your loss. Sympathy and prayers for your family.

11. ED NELSON August 10, 2020, at 8:28pm

    Sorry for your loss! Our Deepest Sympathy to all the Family!!

12. Nick and Sue Sperger August 10, 2020, at 8:28pm

    Sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.

13. Paula August 10, 2020, at 3:05pm

    Brayan and Theresa so sorry for you loss hope your memories of the loss get you though each day I'll keep your family and you both in my prayers

    Paula. Smith

14. Paul and Amanda Glaus August 10, 2020, at 10:30am

    Sorry to hear of the loss of one that you love so dear. Thinking of and praying for all of you at this difficult time. With deepest sympathy.

15. Robert and Maria Forster August 10, 2020, at 10:22am

    Uncle Johnny always lit up the room when he was around. We will miss that light, and that light will certainly be missed by those closest to him. To them I ask that they please be consoled by the myriad of happy memories they have of him and his beloved Callista. RIP, together again.

16. Colleen & Tom Garnevicus August 10, 2020, at 9:23am

    Uncle Johnny was a funny, kind, and joyful uncle to us. He was always ready to talk and joke, but always there when we needed him, too. We will all miss him, but especially you--his kids and grandkids--who were deeply loved by him. He is in heaven with your mom now.

17. Patricia A Rosenberg August 9, 2020, at 10:38pm

    I have never known such a gentle, smart, courageous, God loving and friendly man as Johnny. May he be rewarded for his many prosperous years on this earth. My sympathy and prayers to his big family!❤️

18. Robert and Janet Bellows August 9, 2020, at 10:04pm

    You have our Deepest Sympathies.
    I only met John once but made me feel very welcome. He had a wonderful personality, such a great smile and laugh.

19. Marvin and Glenda Bauer August 9, 2020, at 9:32pm

    Our love and prayers to all the family. John always had time to talk to everyone.

20. Jane August 9, 2020, at 9:21pm

    As my wise twin once said....”don’t cry as it is over, was rather smile because it (He) happened”.....he and Callisto live on in all of you ????

21. Bob & Angie Kondrasuk August 9, 2020, at 8:42pm

    So sorry to hear of your dad’s passing, but what a heavenly blessing for him to be reunited with the love of his life!

22. Michelle and Brad Olsen August 9, 2020, at 8:21pm

    Thinking of you all during this difficult time. So sorry for your loss.

23. Lisa Slinde August 9, 2020, at 8:09pm

    Johnny was one of the great ones! He will be missed by so many. Our sympathy to you all. Big hugs to you Teresa????????.

24. Joe and Jan Drier August 9, 2020, at 8:04pm

    So sorry for your loss! Our Deepest Sympathy to all the Family!!

25. Gary &Sherri Saxe August 9, 2020, at 7:14pm

    Always enjoyed saying hi and talking farming with John. You have our deepest sympathy!
    God Bless to all.

26. Nancy Bauer August 9, 2020, at 7:03pm

    Deepest sympathy to all. Johnny was one in a million!!!!!

27. Gloria and George Welk August 9, 2020, at 6:32pm

    Dear Greg and Debbie,
    We are saddened to hear of the passing of your father.
    May God welcome him to paradise and bless your and everyone in his family. Hope to see you again on a future mission trip.

28. Pam Weiss August 9, 2020, at 5:05pm

    Uncle John brought laughter and joy to all of us over the years! May your memories help lighten your heavy hearts????
    Rod & Pam(Prissel) Weiss

29. John and Patty Wayne August 9, 2020, at 5:00pm

    Sorry for the loss of your dad, Our Sympathy going out to your family.

30. Mike&Rita Hayden August 9, 2020, at 4:51pm

    Sympathy to the Weiss family! He will be missed. Memories were made to remember forever!

31. Mike&Rita Hayden August 9, 2020, at 4:51pm

    Sympathy to the Weiss family! He will be missed. Memories were made to remember forever!

32. Barbara Abraham he August 9, 2020, at 4:06pm

    Hugs to all. I loved working with John and Callista. What a wonderful couple! I know Johnny is happy to be back together with her! My sympathy to all of you!

33. Rick and Carol Richardson August 9, 2020, at 3:09pm

    Sympathy to all.Fond memories of this gentleman. Peace.

34. Joanne Hovey August 9, 2020, at 1:53pm

    What a treasure you had. Think of the good times, smiles and laughs. God Bless

35. Susan Zuberbuehler August 9, 2020, at 1:03pm

    It is always hard to say good bye, he will be missed.

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