Today he is breathing, running, swimming, laughing with joy and ease in his new, perfect body in the immediate presence of his Heavenly Father.
David was born on Friday, July 13, 1951 in Corriganville, Maryland to Frederick and Lenora and older brother Robert. He grew up in the Appalachian Mountains playing in the creek, exploring with his many cousins, and enjoying all the fun of childhood with his close-knit community.
He attended Mt. Savage School from 1st-12th grade, graduated with honors in 1969 and went on to Frostburg State University where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics and Economics. While working at Camp Pioneer in Western New York, David worked closely with the staff of the Eastern District of the LCMS, and met and married Cathleen Graf in September 1974. David accepted a job in youth ministry at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in North Tonawanda, New York where he and Cathy started their family. Kyle David was born in 1977, and the following year the three moved across the country to Mount Olive Lutheran Church in La Mirada, California. Emily Cathleen arrived in 1980 and the family was complete. In 1983, he accepted a call to Trinity Lutheran Church in Simi Valley, California, and served the congregation as DCE for 10 years. In 1985, David earned his colloquy from Christ College (now Concordia University) in Irvine. During this time, David began volunteering with the National Youth Gathering, and took on more and more responsibility until the LCMS Department of Youth Ministry called him to St. Louis to serve as Gathering Director in 1993 where he served until 2001. After serving the following year as Administrator at Faith Lutheran Church in Oakville, Missouri, David and Cathleen (now empty-nesters) moved to Orlando when David was called to serve as Executive Director of Congregational Services for the Florida-Georgia District in 2002. David enjoyed his last few years of ministry with the team in the District Office before retiring in 2014.
David was called to minister to youth, and he fulfilled his calling in countless ways. We still know Jesus today because His story was told, kept, and cherished, but also because it lived through the original people who knew Him as a human, and they passed Him on through generations of acts of kindness, love, and faith. Like Jesus taught him, David brought people together. He was called for something much bigger than his family or a specific role in a church. He was called and created specifically to bring people closer to Jesus. Many will recognize his influence and presence in their lives readily. They’ll think of a way he counseled them, or held a hand at the loss of a loved one, how he visited during a hospital stay, or how he inspired a family member to come to church. His family wishes for everyone to think of how so many people who attended a youth gathering or went to school with someone who did; or work and share community with all of us; carry him with them without even knowing who he is. There’s power in that. The endless and timeless power of Jesus.
David is survived by his loving family; former wife Cathleen Graf, son Kyle Weidner and daughter-in-law Sophia Durning, daughter Emily Harkins and son-in-law Don Harkins, grandchildren Donny and Daisy Harkins, brother Robert Weidner and sister-in-law Susan Weidner, nephew Geoffrey (Bree-Ann) Weidner, and nieces Valerie (Neil) Pratt, and Laura Weidner (Mike Lajczok). Greeting David in Heaven are his parents, Frederick and Lenora Weidner, and many other family members, friends, and colleagues.
Arrangements entrusted to Baldwin Fairchild Funeral Home, Oviedo Chapel.
So many people have held our hands and our hearts tenderly as we said this long goodbye. Our family truly appreciates your grace, kindness, and love during the past few years as David’s health declined and he began his journey to Heaven. Thank you all for your letters to David, your prayers, texts, calls, and encouragement.
Memorial Donations may be made to the following:
Baskets of Hope Children’s Cancer Ministry - St. Louis
Mission Haiti
AdventHealth Hospice Care of Central Florida
Lutheran Haven Foundation
St. Luke’s Lutheran Church Acts of Hope
On Saturday, July 13, we’ll get together as family and friends at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church in Oviedo, Florida to celebrate the life of David Weidner, and commemorate his first Heavenly birthday. 11:00am Worship in the Sanctuary, 12:15pm light lunch, cake, and fellowship in the Family Life Center. Please do not feel obligated to wear funeral attire…it’s hot here so be comfortable and enjoy the day reminiscing and remembering David.
If you’re coming from out of town and need a place to stay, our friend Cindy Hammerstrom arranged a discounted rate at a local hotel. Please email [email protected] for details.
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