Donald Weigel Obituary
Donald Weigel, 72, passed away on February 5, 2025, after a long battle with cancer. He was born on September 21, 1952, in Chicago, IL, to Lois (Richerme) and Weldon Weigel. Donnie attended Kelvyn Park High School in Chicago and went on to become an over-the-road truck driver. For many years, he crisscrossed the country, hauling produce, car parts, and more, covering an untold number of miles. After retiring from driving, and while living in South Dakota, Donnie helped on a farm, driving a combine and hauling grain. He was so happy working on that farm, it was an enjoyable time in his life.
Don also enjoyed fishing whenever he had the chance, as well as spending time with his beloved and spoiled cats, Rascal and Dusty. His deep affection for animals was clear to all who knew him—dogs, cats, and even small creatures were drawn to his kindness – a true animal magnetism.
He had an insatiable sweet tooth, especially for chocolate. Don also loved White Castle (a trait not passed to his children!) and Chicago Italian beef sandwiches. Donnie's charismatic nature made him a joy to hang around with. His family and friends will always remember him as the one who made any event brighter just by being there. He was quick witted, sarcastic, and eventually earned the nickname F'ing Donnie. Don could look at something once and remember it, a useful (and sometimes annoying) talent. He may not have gone to college, but Donnie was intelligent, sharp, and could speak knowledgeably about many subjects.
He was a proud father to his daughters, Tracy (née Weigel) Fitzgerald and Julie (Kevin) Wokeck. The true light of his life was his only grandchild, Aidan Schulte – he loved Aidan with his whole heart. He is also survived by his siblings: Jean Butera of Crystal Lake, IL, Patty (Dale) Zedeck of Lawton, MI, Janet (Tim) Kindel of Paw Paw, MI, Bob Weigel of Lawton, MI, and Mike (Yvette) Weigel of Lawton, MI. He was so happy to be Uncle Donnie to his many nieces and nephews, great nieces and great nephews, and those special little ones who weren't blood relations, but family nonetheless.
Don was preceded in death by his mother, Lois Schnabel; stepfather, Roger Schnabel; sisters Elaine Weigel and Sue Nole; brothers Stephen and William Weigel; father Weldon Weigel; and ex-wife Debbie Weigel.
