Walter Weber, Sr.

Walter John Weber, Sr., 93, of Mansfield, died Tuesday, December 30, 2008 at his home. He was born November 9, 1915 in Cissna Park, Illinois to Arnold and Rose Boehning Weber. He married Helen Southward Weber on June 8, 1974. Walter lived in Mansfield most of his life, and attended Mansfield Schools. He worked for 39 years at Empire Detroit Steel, retiring in 1978. He was a member of Bricklayer's International Union of America, Pioneer Club of Empire Steel, and MBA Retirees. Walter served in WWII in the Army with the 101st Air Born Division in the European Theatre, fighting and landing in Normandy, the Battle of the Bulge and Bastone, and Burchess Garden. He was wounded many times and received the Purple Heart, Distinguished Unit Citation, and two Bronze Stars. Walter was a loving family man.

He is survived by his wife of 34 years, Helen Holzmiller Weber; two sons and daughters-in-law, Walter J. Weber, Jr., and Madolynn, and William S. Weber and Brenda, all of Mansfield; two daughters and son-in-law, Ron and Carolyn Gaumer, and Katherine Schacherer, all of Mansfield; two stepsons and their wives, David and Kathy Southward of Mansfield, and James and Linda Southward of Bellville; and brother and sister-in-law, John and Mildred Weber of Mansfield. Walter loved spending time with and spoiling his loving grandchildren, Walter J. Weber III, Keith Weber, Ryan Weber, Candy Weber, Mike Gaumer, Jeff Gaumer, Lori Miller, Larry Schacherer, Julie Weber, and Jason Weber; six step grandchildren, Mark Southward, Kim Pointer, Joyce Pifher, Christine Roberts, Lora Gray, and LeAnn Hogan-Southward; sixteen great-grandchildren; six step great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Elmer Weber; and two sisters, Martha Flood, and Lillian Summers.

Friends may call from 3 to 5 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, January 2, 2009 at the Diamond Street Home of Wappner Funeral Directors, 98 S. Diamond Street, Mansfield. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, January 3, 2009 at the Diamond Street Home of Wappner Funeral Directors conducted by Rev. Dr. Gary Wilson. Military graveside services conducted by the Richland County Joint Veteran's Burial Detail will follow in Mansfield Memorial Park. Memorial contributions may be made to Mayflower Congregational Church.