John R. Weis

He was born in Springfield, Illinois, on September 13, 1936, the son of Florian and Emma (Heldt) Weis. John married Antoinette “Toni” McCaskey on September 1, 1962. She preceded him in death.

John grew up in Springfield, surrounded by a large, extended family. He spent many summers working on his uncle’s and grandmother’s farms. After graduating from Cathedral High School in 1954, he later earned an associate’s degree from Springfield Junior College, and his bachelor’s degree from the University of Illinois in 1963. A long career in public accounting and finance took him from Springfield to Milwaukee, Chicago, Cleveland, Chicago again, and finally back to Springfield. He was also responsible for running a recruiting and audit support team for a major firm in Chicago. During retirement, his business experience led to a second act as a volunteer finance manager for the Diocese of Springfield and several Catholic parishes in the area. John was a devoted member of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church and retired as their business manager in 2007. In his free time, he loved antiquing and attending flea markets with Toni, collecting antique toy fire trucks, Lionel trains, vintage tools, and cameras. His haven, of course, was “the cottage” on Wilcox Lake near Chandlerville, where he enjoyed hunting and fishing. He was a member of Pheasants Forever and stayed active as a competitive trap shooter for many years. John loved big band and classical music with an impressive record collection—rivaled only by his collection of books about Theodore Roosevelt. He was an avid U of I football and St. Louis Cardinals fan, a lifelong Chicago Bears fan, and was well-known for his immaculate cars and lawn. John was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather.

He was also preceded in death by his parents; sister, Barbara Gatton; and cousins, Rosemary Schlosser, Jean Todd, and Carole Jester.

John is survived by his son, John (Laura) Weis of Savoy; daughter, Karen Weis of Champaign; grandsons, Mason and Spencer Weis; and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation and Mass of Christian Burial: Family will receive friends from 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. on Friday, December 6, 2024, at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 1725 S. Walnut, Springfield, followed by the Mass at 11:30 a.m. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church.

The family is being served by Butler Funeral Home - Springfield, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield.