Richard J. Weyenberg

Age 73, passed away at his home on September 20 after a brief battle with cancer. Dick was born in Grand Chute on March 27, 1930, son of the late Frank and Kate (De Groot) Weyenberg. On March 5, 1957 he married the former Elizabeth (Betty) Van Lieshout, (nee Meulemans) who preceded him in death on November 4, 1996. Dick left St. John’s High School, Little Chute in 1946 and enlisted in the Navy. He spent over 4 years of his 5-year tour in sea service on the Submarine Cusk. He was very proud of his service in the Navy especially of being a submariner and recently celebrated his 52nd year of continuous membership with the American Legion, Jacob Coppus post #258. During his tour the Cusk became the first submarine to fire a guided missile from its deck and Dick learned his trade for life-being a steamfitter.

After the service Dick spent a number of years on the Great Lakes freighters. After marriage he was employed as a steamfitter/foreman by a number of Valley contractors most notably Azco, and Piping Service, Inc. He was very proud of the knowledge and art of his trade which he passed on to the many men he trained in this area.

Besides his love for Betty, Dick had many passions in life, the least not being for bowling. This began early in his life as his father owned and operated one of the first bowling lanes in the Valley. He had a number of 300 games but as with many passions this also ran its course reaching its nadir on a wintry night when, after a truly miserable game, his bowling equipment took a dive off the Kimberly-Little Chute Bridge. It is said that the authorities still drag the river on occasion for that bowling ball. Later Dick became a dedicated horseshoe player with his friends at Silver Spur campgrounds in Gresham and Kamps Kovered Courts, Combined Locks.

Survivors include four sons: David (Connie) Van Lieshout of Ashwaubenon; Michael (JoEllyn) Van Lieshout of Merrill; James (Barbara) Van Lieshout of Jefferson, WI; and P.J. (Patti) Weyenberg of Algoma; two daughters: JoAnne (Stephen) Celgelski of DePere and Julie Jabobson, Schofield, (Steve of Wausau); thirteen grandchildren: Lisa and Aaron Van Lieshout; John and Becca Van Lieshout; Elizabeth, James “J.J.”, and Marie Van Lieshout, Justina and Suzanne Cegelski; Thomas and Katrina Jacobson; Anna Weyenberg; Katie (Craig) Papke; one great-grandchild, Harper Joy Papke; a sister: Betty Grafmeier of Kimberly; and a sister-in-law, Germaine Weyenberg of Darboy; his faithful dog, Max; and many friends including Doug and Amy Verkuilen, the Third Street neighborhood, and the gang at Jerry Kamp’s.

Dick was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Betty; daughters Mary Beth Goodwin (nee Van Lieshout) and Suellen Van Lieshout; a sister, Frannie Baker; a brother, Gene; a brother-in-law, Jack Grafmeier, and a grandson, Jeffrey David Van Lieshout.

A memorial service for Dick will be held at 7:00 PM Wednesday at the funeral home chapel. Friends may call on Wednesday from 4:00 PM until the hour of the service. In keeping with Dick’s wishes the family requests that in lieu of flowers a donation be made to the Richard Weyenberg Memorial Fund.

Jansen Fargo Funeral Home
204 E. Kimberly Avenue
Kimberly, WI 54136
920-788-6202