Russell Paul Weikle, age 91 passed away on Sunday, January 10, 2021 at home. He was born in Morrill Kansas on March 24, 1929, to his parents Dennie Lee and Ruby Viola (Eisenbise) Weikle. He was raised during the great depression. His father worked as a share cropper on a farm in Kansas, where he and his five brothers and one sister helped with the chores. When he was 12 years old his family moved to California.
In 1947, at age 17, he entered the U.S. Army, as WWII was coming to an end. He was stationed in Pennsylvania where on a trip to Boston was introduced to the love of his life Jean Marie McCormack. They were married in Dorchester, Massachusetts on May 29th, 1948. In May of 2020 they celebrated 72 years of marriage.
When Russ was honorably discharged from the Army he went to work with the Animal Rescue League in Boston. Russ served with the Boston Police Department from 1953 to 1956. In 1956 Russ, Jean and her parents moved their family to California to be closer to Russ’s family, where they raised their six children.
Russ worked for the Hanford Police Department from 1956 to 1959. In 1959 he graduated from the California Highway Patrol Academy as valedictorian of his class. He served in Santa Barbara, Kings, Fresno, and Mariposa Counties until he retired from Fresno County in July 1986.
Russ was a self-made man, Mr. fix-it, and an innovator who loved building. He loved creating and tinkering in his work shop. He taught himself carpentry, plumbing, electrical, masonry, and woodworking so he could build projects on his own and help his family.
Russ enjoyed golfing in a senior league and with others, landscape painting, baking, BBQing, reading, and traveling. His love for maps and planning encouraged him to travel with his wife in their RV through 49 states. They planned other trips together including Hawaii, Canada, Mexico and an occasional cruise. Most of all he loved spending time with his wife and family, one on one and at large family gatherings.
Russ was a private, hard working man with a good work ethic which he instilled in his children and inspired others. He demonstrated love for his country by proudly flying the American flag every day.
Russ was a devoted husband, loving father and cherished by his family. He was a real gentleman and well-liked by everyone that knew him.
He was preceded in death by his daughter Sandra Murphy, great grandchild Justin “Chloe” Lacey, and 5 brothers (Henry, Dale, Earl, Kenneth, and Warren).
He is survived by his wife Jean Weikle, and his children; Russell Weikle, Jr. (wife Debbie) of Rocklin, Karen Essig (husband Lonnie) of Auburn, Cynthia Stoddard (husband Richard) of Concord, Steven Weikle of Lodi, and David Weikle of Clovis.
He was an adoring Papa to fifteen grandchildren; Michael Murphy, Allison Murphy, Ryan Murphy, Sean Murphy, Robert Weikle, Joshua Weikle, James Essig, Julie (Essig) Winkel, Jennifer (Stoddard) Duncan, Jason Stoddard, Emily Weikle, Elisabeth Weikle, Ryan Bridge, Tyler Bridge, Katie Weikle, and nine great-grandchildren; Madison Murphy, Sawyer Winkel, Sophia Murphy, Jase Winkel, Grace Murphy, Oliver Murphy, Annabelle Duncan, Mackenzie Duncan, Isaac Duncan; his sister Melva (Weikle) Horton; many nieces and nephews. He will be cherished and loved by all.
Serving as Honorary Pallbearers are Mike Murphy, James Essig, Robert Weikle, Ryan Murphy, Josh Weikle, Sean Murphy, Jason Stoddard, Ryan Bridge and Tyler Bridge.
Visitation
Boice Funeral Home
308 Pollasky, Clovis, CA 93612
Monday, February 8, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
COVID-19 Restrictions apply
Church Mass
Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church
333 Eighth Avenue, Clovis CA 93612
Tuesday, February 9, 2021 at 1:00 p.m.
Due to COVID-19 Restrictions, Limited Capacity only
Internment
Clovis Cemetery District
305 North Villa Avenue, Clovis, CA 93612
“Private - Immediate family only”
Church service and Internment will be available via Youtube
https://youtube.com/channel/UCwbo3YMgxudG5T7UfM6e2vA
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.boicefuneralhome.com for the Weikle family
