Sigfreid R Weiss Jr.
Sigfreid R Weiss Jr. gained his wings on February 8th at home surrounded by his family and was once again reunited with the love of his life Denise.
Sig was born at home in the Town of Albany on June 16, 1935 to Sigfreid and Louise (Pichler) Weiss Sr. He attended the one room Pleasant Hill School for 8 years. At a young age Sig lost his mother and therefore had to pitch in at home to help out. Sig started his career as a mechanic at Mondovi Implement at the age of 16 by working on his father’s 2 cylinder crank tractor.
In 1954 at the age of 19 Sig joined the Air Force where the next four years were spent at Lackland Airforce Base in San Antonio TX, West Palm Beach Florida and Tulle Greenland and McLelond Air Force Base in California. While stationed at McLelond, Sig gained his love for flying, as a WWII Vet took Sig on a flight in a vintage B-24 Bomber. After returning from the Air Force, Sig went back to work at Mondovi Implement and met the love of his life Denise Schlosser. They were married on Sept 10, 1960 and moved to Durand where they continued to raise their family until their passing from this earth.
In 1959 Sig became the owner and manager of Durand Implement, which has continued to flourish over
the years and has now become Tractor Central with 10 locations. Sig received his pilot license (along with his wife Denise) around 1975 and together they would travel to “fly in’s” with their own plane and many other places taking along their daughters for some family fun. Sig was very active in the community for the Durand area, having been involved in many Durand Fun Fest Queen Pageants, Tractor Pulls, St. Mary’s Parish activities. Sig was also part of the Durand Little Ole’ Opry where Sig would perform with his great voice along while emceeing the shows.
Sig was a family man to his core. He and Denise were always there to make sure their girls had many experiences in their lives that were priceless, from family trips to mowing the lawn (to Sig’s approval) along with teaching them a strong work ethic. Also, hosting a foreign exchange student from Finland. Grandchildren were the true essence of Sig and Denise. Never missing a chance to have them at their home for days of fun, taking them all on summer trips and teaching them the lessons of life. In retirement from Tractor Central Sig continued to farm with his son-in-law. His bulldozer was his pride and joy. He spent many countless hours playing in the dirt. He also spent countless hours in his woodworking shop.
Sig is survived by his three daughters, Michelle (Tom) Heath of Plum City, Laure (Bill) Stokke of Menomonie; Jackie (Paul) Seipel of Eau Galle; eight grandchildren, Jennifer (Brian) Mathison, Rebecca Heath, Andrew (Sarah) Heath, Mathew (Kellie) Heath, James (Allie) Stokke, Kimberly (Tyler) Goettl, Brandyn (Hayley)Seipel, Justen (Shaina)Seipel; 13 great grandchildren; Majia Paunio (Foreign exchange daughter from Finland) siblings, Thomas Weiss Sr. He is preceded in death by his wife Denise, parents, Stepmother, siblings Eileen Butler, Rosina Brand, Laura Berger, Roland, Bill, and several brother and sister in laws.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
His daughters would like to thank St. Croix Hospice and Cornerstone Caregiving for the amazing care they have provided for Sig.
Rhiel Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Durand, is serving the family.