Weiler, Stanley P. 1921-2008

WEILER, NIEHUS, PLAYER

Posted By: Mary Holub, volunteer (email)
Date: 9/29/2008 at 22:27:52

From: Le Mars Daily Sentinel, September 29, 2008

Stanley P. "Stan" Weiler, 87 of Le Mars, died Saturday Sept. 27, 2008, at the Plymouth Manor Care Center in Le Mars.

Stanley was born March 27, 1921, on the family farm near Oyens, the son of John and Rose (Niehus) Weiler. He attended school at Remsen St. Mary's.

Stan was a farm boy and proud of it. He grew up a good son and brother with a mischievous twinkle in his eye. He took these gifts and moved through life with a sunny smile and was a friend to everyone.

Stan joined the United States Marine Corps in January 1942 and saw action in World War II as a sergeant and fought on those Pacific islands with the strange names like Iwo Jima, Guadalcanal and Saipan. He was honorably discharged from the Marine Corp in January 1946.

He met the love of his life, Ernestine Player, in Philadelphia after his overseas duty. They married on Oct. 18, 1947, at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Philadelphia, Pa., and he brought his new bride to Iowa from the big city to start their lives together. Stan worked hard, for a few years with John Deere in Dubuque and then moved to Le Mars where he worked for Culligan and Wells' Dairy. He moved up at Wells', as his leadership, winning personality, and dedication to his job were recognized. He retired after working at Wells' for 40 years. They had three daughters, Florine, Peggy and Susan.

Stan lost his beloved Ernestine on May 27, 2005, and shortly afterward moved into Plymouth Manor, where he was noted for helping other residents with everything from pushing a fellow resident's wheelchair to setting the table for dinner.

He was a member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Le Mars, the American Legion, Wasmer Post #241 and also a member of the WWII Last Man's Club.

Stan was a unique individual who loved his life with his family. He loved working on cars, and was talented in fixing most anything mechanical. Stan was someone you could count on if you needed help with anything.

He lived a good life and will be missed. We hope to live up to your example.

Love ya, Dad!

Survivors include his three daughters: Florine and her husband Murdo Smith of Naples, Fla., Peggy Hayden of Austin, Texas, and Sue and her husband Al Heuton of Brookings, S.D.; eight grandchildren: Jeff Owens, Kevin Smith, Eric Heuton, Amy Owens, Kristen Smith, Jessica Enlow, Carmen Poulsen, and Cheryl Heuton; seven great-grandchildren: Kobe Griffen, Brennan Owens, Donavon Keller, Kaleb Fullerton, Brylee Enlow, Madison Owens, and Dylan Poulsen; two sisters, Ellen Hatz and her husband Dick of Remsen and LaVonne Hart of Bayfield, Wis.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Ernestine "Ernie" Weiler; two brothers, Duane Weiler and Alan "Bud" Weiler and his wife Doris; and a sister Gail Kellen and her husband Robert.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Le Mars, with the Rev. Kevin Richter officiating. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery in Le Mars. Military honors will be provided by the American Legion, Wasmer Post #241.

Visitation will be anytime after 3 p.m. Tuesday at the Feuerstein Funeral Home in Le Mars, where there will be a parish rosary at 4 p.m. and a Scriptural Wake Service at 7 p.m.

Pallbearers will be Murdo Smith, Al Heuton, Kevin Smith, Eric Heuton, Matt Poulsen, and Travis Enlow.