Gilbert L. “Gil” Weiss
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 4th 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. He 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. Paul Bosco 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 may be made online at www.rhielfuneralhome.com.
