In Loving Memory of Donald Paul Wieber
Donald Wieber, age 85, peacefully passed away on December 4, 2023, after a long but surprisingly slow progression of dementia. He was born on November 4, 1938, leaving behind a legacy of love, family, and unforgettable memories.
Don was the 3rd of 5 children (including Kenneth, Eileen, Eugene and Michael). He was raised in St. Cloud, MN, by his parents Sylvester and Hilda (Rieland) Wieber. As a boy, Don developed a deep love for fishing. He often recounted tales of playing hooky from school when the fish were biting.
After high school, Don joined the Navy, stationed in Rhode Island on the USS Leyte aircraft carrier. His service included extensive medical training, which he often put to great use raising his 3 very active boys.
Following his naval service, Don married Bette (Lang) at St. Mary’s Cathedral on October 21, 1961. They quickly started a family, welcoming three sons before their 4th anniversary: Todd, Brad, and Brian. They raised their family first in the suburbs of Minneapolis and later on the shores of Sugar Lake near Annandale, MN.
Don dedicated 16 years of his career to the United States Postal Service, where the Edina residents adored him. Later, he worked with special needs children in the Annandale school system until his well-earned retirement at the age of 61. Don and Bette embraced retirement, spending winters in Panama City Beach, Florida, and summers in St. Cloud, MN, always surrounded by family and friends.
Don was never an idle person, he had energy to burn and the passion to succeed at anything. He found great joy in hunting and fishing, creating lasting memories with his three boys and later with his grandchildren. One of his greatest joys was handicapping and betting on horse racing, often surrounded by family. A lover of blues and other music, he enjoyed attending the Bayfront Blues Festival in Duluth.
Don’s infectious sense of humor, engaging stories, reassuring words, and phrases like “Wie geht’s”, “BETTE!”, and “keep your stick on the ice”, will be deeply missed by his family and friends.
Don is survived by his devoted wife of 62 years, Bette, sons Todd (Kim), Brad (Carolyn) and Brian (Sonja), grandchildren Sarah (Brian) Lee, Derek (Katie) Wieber, Dylan Wieber, Stefanie Wieber, and Katy (fiancé Zach) Wieber, great grandchildren Abrianna, Lylian, and Cecilia Lee, along with his brother Michael (Rita) Wieber, and many beloved brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, and nephews.
The family would like to thank all of the wonderful caregivers at Moments Hospice, Country Manor, and Summit Ridge Place, where Don was a cherished resident for the past 6+ years. Even after dementia took Don’s short-term memory, he could still make the staff smile and laugh daily.
Please keep Don and his family in your prayers.
Memories and condolences of Don may be shared at rochestercremationservicesmn.com
My dad was a devoted family man, skilled teacher, reassuring mentor, and a best friend all wrapped into one person. He loved our mother and us 3 boys with all his heart. Fortunately, throughout my dad’s long illness he never lost the ability to recognize family members, recall long-term memories, and make you laugh with a witty comment. Even when I walked into his room with a Covid mask on, he would greet me a great big smile and say “Brian Johnny!”.
He took great pride in keeping his house, garage, cars and all his gear in tip-top shape. He also taught all 3 of boys how to maintain our gear with the same diligence. I have often been called a “MacGyver”, and I owe all of this skill to his dedicated teaching.
My dad and I shared a great bond with music. Growing up, we had a classic hi-fi phono stereo and his collection of records, which we would listen to together. Later I copied these songs to an MP3 player for him to listen to. Every spring he returned from Florida with a list of songs that I would download onto his MP3 player, and we both loved listening to them together. Jimmy Reed was one of his favorites, and would always get him on his feet dancing with his crooked finger in the air tapping to the beat.
When I was 15, he helped me get a 1965 Impala out of a junk yard and tow it 75 miles to get a new engine installed. Later, I brought my newborn daughter home form the hospital in that same car. A tiny example of how he was always there to help us 3 boys in any way he could.
Thankfully, my mind is jammed full of wonderful happy memories with my dad, fishing, hunting, dancing, laughing, fixing, handicapping, and actively living each day right down to the last possible second. Please ask me about my dad, and I will gladly share one of these great memories with you.
I love you Dad!!
Beautiful tribute to a fabulous father-in-law!