James R. Weister, 77, Marshfield, passed away on Sunday, November 7, 2021 on his and Bev’s 51st wedding anniversary with family at his side at Wells Nature View Assisted Living.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 am on Saturday, November 13, 2021 at St. John’s Catholic Church, Marshfield, with Rev. James Weighner officiating. The service will be live streamed at www.facebook.com/rembsfuneralhomes. Burial will be in Gate of Heaven Cemetery. A visitation will be from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm on Friday at Rembs Funeral Home and from 9:30 am until service time on Saturday at St. John’s Catholic Church. The Knights of Columbus will recite the rosary at 6:30 pm on Friday at the funeral home.
Jim was born on April 10, 1944, in Marshfield, to Frederick “Fritz” and Loretta (Greiner) Weister. He attended St. John’s Parochial School and was an altar boy at St. John’s Catholic Church. He was an alumni of Columbus High School class of 1963 and had many lifelong high school friends. Jim then attended St. Mary’s College in Winona, MN, graduating in 1967. He later received his Masters Degree from the University of Wisconsin, Superior. He began teaching and coaching at St. John’s School in 1967 and became principal in 1987. He often said those were the best years and enjoyed seeing former students and their families. During summers he got his tools out and worked small construction projects with his friend Ron, including odd jobs with Altmann Builders. Instead of retiring in 2005 he became a consultant and trainer for 10 years at A & B Process Systems in Stratford. He liked the challenge of setting up welding education and training with employees and students.
Jim and Beverly L. Ketelhut were united in marriage on November 7, 1970 at St. John’s Catholic Church, Marshfield.
Jim’s greatest legacy was his family. Jim and Bev purchased a cottage in 1972 on Lake Esadore in Medford next to his father and mother-in-law. In 1987 he built a new cabin with the help of family and friends. This was the go-to-spot for summers and extended family times. “Papa” was most happy spending time with his grandchildren, building things for them and taking them fishing and hunting.
Jim was a lifelong member of the Knights of Columbus John Eisen Council #1799, the Esadore Area Lake Association and Esadore Rod and Gun Club (family and friends group).
Jim is survived by his wife, Bev and their children, Tom (Chris) Weister of Greenville, WI, Wendy (Terry) Eichsteadt of Pittsville and Mike (Alicia) Weister of Sioux Falls, SD. He is also survived by six grandchildren, Jackson, Claudia, Josie, Sadie, Mac and Miles. He is further survived by a sister-in-law, Cheryl Ketelhut, brothers-in-law, Larry (Diann) Ketelhut, Jack (Sally) Ketelhut, and Scott (April Schwartz) Ketelhut and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother and sisters-in-law, Donald Weister and Carol and Diane Weister, a sister and brother-in-law, Mary (Steve) Vayda, a niece, Christine Weister, a nephew, Keith Weister, and his father and mother-in-law, Les and Harriet Ketelhut.
The family would like to thank the staff at Wells Nature View, 2711 S. Apple Av. and Heartland Hospice for the wonderful care given to Jim the past five months as he coped with the effects of Progressive Aphasia.
Memorials may be designated to St. John the Baptist Catholic Church and School, Columbus High School or Esadore Area Lake Association.
Condolences may be sent online to www.rembsfh.com.
