Rest in Peace, Grandpa

Grandpa went to heaven this week.

As I'm sure it is for many, a core part of my childhood memories centered around my grandparents. Grandma Edie and Grandpa Arnie were at every recital, concert, birthday party, graduation, and special occasion of my entire life. Even as an adult, they made the 4+ hour journey to watch me conduct my first concerts and the 3 hour treks to celebrate birthday milestones with my kids. The gift of their presence will always be treasured.

I remember our visits to Florida, being proudly paraded around Lily Lake Resort, "convincing" them to go on the Space Mountain ride at Disney World because it "really wasn't very fast ", and leaving Grandpa at the Pinocchio tavern when he got a little fussy.

I remember the time we had a sleepover over at the farm, and Grandpa asked Lucas and I to help pick nightcrawlers for fishing. Grandma let me use her rubber kitchen gloves because worms are disgusting.

I remember Decembers of helping out at the Christmas tree farm, passing out candy canes to all the customers.

There were countless family dinners and holidays, all which are treasured memories, with Grandpa attempting some grand speech and Grandma prefering to hide under a rock. (I can relate to Grandma more on this one.)

Ultimately, I feel so very blessed to have been part of these generations of love and will treasure the memories of my grandparents forever.

Rest easy, Grandpa.

On the cold, winter night of January 16, Arnold Sylvester Weisenbeck was welcomed into the arms of his Father. He didn’t really want to leave, as he enjoyed nothing more than to be surrounded by his family, telling stories, praying the rosary, and singing hymns. Yet, he also knew from his faith, that something even more wonderful awaited him in heaven.

Arnold, “Arnie” was born on June 1, 1935, on the Weisenbeck family farm of Matson and Lucy (Weber) Weisenbeck, in the town of Maxville. This is where he grew up, and learned alongside his dad, of the devotion of being a farmer. He graduated from Sacred Heart School in Lima, and then married his all- time sweetheart, Edith “Edie” Gasteyer. Together, they assumed ownership of the Weisenbeck family farm, and raised six children there.

Arnie had a special interest in the cooperative world, first serving on the local Durand Cooperatives Board of Directors as President, and then became a Regional Cenex Director, which he continued until he retired.  He was a natural leader, and these roles allowed him to exercise those skills. He and Edie traveled far and wide, serving in this role.

Arnie was a man of great faith and charity. As a lifelong member of St. Mary’s Assumption Parish in Durand, he had the gift of bringing people together to fund and support big projects for improvements in the parish. In joining the Knights of Columbus, he served in the role of Grand Knight in the 3^rd degree and then, Faithful Navigator in the 4^th Degree Knights of Columbus. He participated in many fundraisers and events for charitable causes. He lived the Knights’ motto of “In service to one, in service to all.” Praying the rosary in devotion to Mary, the Mother of God, was a regular ritual for him, that he continued until his death.

He was a smart businessman, and building one of the first modern milking parlors and slatted floor barns in the area was something he took great pride in. When he wasn’t working the farm, he enjoyed fishing, hunting, golfing, playing cribbage and cards, and growing Christmas trees, which were enjoyed by so many families. The annual fishing trip to Canada and the annual deer hunt were highlights for him, right up until last year. The hunting cabin on the home farm was built with his own two hands, along with fellow hunters, and it continues to provide a wonderful gathering place today.

He was persistent in all that he attempted to do in life, and the phrase, “I ‘can’t’ means that you don’t want to,” was taught to his children. He always said that if you weren’t sure what to do, to just “get started,” and the rest would follow.  If it didn’t work out, you’d just try again.

Arnie was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Edie, to whom he was married to for 64 years, cherished great grandson, Ethan Whitwam, his parents, Matson and Lucy Weisenbeck, brother, Darrell Weisenbeck, brother, Father Jude Weisenbeck, sisters-in-law, Mary Lou Weisenbeck, Carol Hartung, and Thelma Weisenbeck, brothers-in-law Larry Hei and Jim Hartung.

He is survived by family members, Michelle Lusis, Terry and Sharon (Brunner) Weisenbeck, Chris and Roxane (Lurndal) Weisenbeck, Marcia and (Jim) Danzinger, Curt and Denise (Sabelko) Weisenbeck, Todd and Wendy (Buechner) Weisenbeck, foster son Dave O’Keefe, grandchildren Kristin and Michael Lusis, Jennifer (Chad) Whitwam, Nicole (Paul) Callahan, Rachel (Curt) Patnode, Erin (Jonathan) Siemback, Jared (Stephanie Gabbey) Weisenbeck, Justin Weisenbeck, Tiffanie (Eric) Ory, Lucas (Annalyse Novak) Danzinger, Jon (Amanda Wolf) Weisenbeck, Nate Weisenbeck, and great grandchildren, Isaiah (Hannah Prissel) Whitwam, Eli Whitwam, Ian and Kathryn Callahan, Maddex and Romen Patnode, Luca and Ayla Siemback, Lyle Weisenbeck, Nolan, Olivia, and Simon Ory, Everett and Leo Danzinger, and Charlee and Averie Weisenbeck. He is also survived by his brother Larry Weisenbeck, FSPA Sisters Marlene and Joan Weisenbeck, sister Rita (Earl) Hetrick, sister LuAnn (Bruce) Kaatz and sisters-in-law Cathy (Joe) Schaeve, and Marge (Jim) Schiefelbein.

Arnie will be missed by so many; his family, his friends at his second home at Lily Lake in Florida, his church family, neighbors, business friends and his hunting, fishing, and golfing buddies. The family wishes to thank all of the staff from The Home Place in Durand, Heritage Assisted Living and St. Croix Hospice who treated him like someone special. The family will be forever grateful for the joy and loving care they brought to him in these last few years of life. He truly felt cared for and loved by all of you.

Visitation will take place at the Rhiel Funeral Home in Durand on Monday, January 22 from 4-7 pm.  The funeral mass will take place at St. Mary’s Assumption Church in Durand on January 23 at 11:30 am with visitation at the church one hour prior to the service. 

Memorials in Arnie’s name may be made to St. Mary’s Assumption School or area food pantries are suggested.

Rhiel Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Durand, is serving the family.