Wiese, Loyal John "Buzzy" 1918-2014

WIESE, BURKETT, OLSON, CLARK, PROSSER

Posted By: Ruth Maring - Volunteer
Date: 1/12/2015 at 09:26:00

Loyal John "Buzzy" Wiese, 96, of DeWitt, Iowa, formerly of Welton, died Sunday evening, December 28, 2014, at Westwing Place, DeWitt.

He was born May 7, 1918, to Emil and Evelyn (Burkett) Wiese in Andrew, Iowa, where he lived until age 12. He had one sister, Vanita "Bip". The family moved to Elwood, and then to Welton, where he helped his dad with farming when he wasn't working in construction. Buzzy was a natural builder, understanding architecture without any training. He was always building something to resolve a problem, whether it was farm or construction related.

He met and married Esther Olson in 1938 and they had five children over eighteen years. They lived in Clinton County their entire married life. Buzzy worked as a contractor, but always kept farming. They finally settled on a farm north of Welton, where their youngest child was born. Over the years he built many barns, spillways, and even a house or two.

His wife Esther preceded him in death on August 2, 1972. Buzzy later married Melba Clark. They had many good years together and finally semi-retired to Arizona. However, they always came back to Iowa. Melba died in 2008.

Surviving are sons, Jack (Carolyn) of DeWitt, Gary (Karen) and Jim (Margo) of Lakeland, Florida, and Jerry "Buzzy" Jr. (Lisa) of Welton; a daughter, Karen (Tim) of Prosser, Washington; 8 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.

Preceding Buzzy in death in addition to his wife, Esther, were his parents, his sister and two great-granddaughters.

The family will receive relatives and friends at Schultz Funeral Home, DeWitt, from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. Friday, January 2, 2015. A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, January 3, 2015, in the funeral home with the Rev. Jeff Wartgow officiating. Burial will follow at Elmwood Cemetery, DeWitt. Memorials are suggested to Maggie's House, Westwing Place Activity Department or the Welton Fire Department.

Pallbearers will be John Derrick, Charlie Derrick, David Wiese, Rick Wiese, Eric Wiese, Josh Wiese, Kristin Olsen and Tiffany Wiese.

Condolences may be expressed and a photo tribute viewed at www.schultzfuneralhomes.com.