William Paul Weber passed away at home on August 8th. Bill was born and raised in Michigan City, leaving only for a stint in the US Navy from 1966-1968. Bill had a lot of passions, but his main love was his family, especially his high-school sweetheart and wife of 54 years, Kathy (neé Kienitz). He frequently noted that she was the only reason he was still alive, and truly none could argue that. Together they had three children - Chrissy, Jill, and Anna - who he adored and of whom he was always incredibly proud. He absolutely loved his six grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren.
After his family, Bill’s loves were the Navy, model railroads, Howdy Doody, and old-time radio shows - he was very easy to buy presents for! If not tinkering with his trains or marionettes, one could find him listening to a radio show AND watching an afternoon Cubs’ game or a good soap opera, or maybe Bonanza or a Bela Lugosi film. When socializing, Bill’s greatest pleasure was to brag about his daughters, or to regale family, friends - or strangers sitting nearby - with stories of his Navy adventures on the aircraft carrier USS Essex.
Bill grew up in his father’s business - Weber Sign Service - before taking over in 1981 and moving to 8th Street 2 years later. He made many friends among the thousands of customers for whom he made signs. He always loved meeting new people and creating signs for local businesses and churches. Some of his favorite accounts included Coca-Cola, Howard Johnson, and McDonald’s. He was a life-long “sign man”. Even after developing tremors in his arms later in life, he lettered straight when he held a brush and mahlstick in his hands. The loss of his building through eminent domain was something from which he never truly recovered.
He was friendly, loyal, a great “girl dad”, and honest to a fault (no really, sometimes he was too honest!). He would help anyone, and frequently actually gave his last $20 to aid someone in need.
Bill had an endearing and enduring sense of humor, especially when dealing with his numerous medical issues (remember the “un-cola”? He was the “un-colon”). He maintained that humor until the end.
Bill was pre-deceased by his parents William E. and Evelyn (Dadlow) Weber, his sister Darren Paquin, his son-in-law Barry Pearson, his great granddaughter Lucy, and his best dog, Pointer. He is survived by his wife Kathy, daughters Chrissy (Andrew Ennis), Jill (Evan Malone), and Anna (Dave Santelik), grandchildren Zachary, Kayla, Kelsey, Ali, Adi, and Geri, great grandchildren Molly, Grayson, Oakley, Kinsley, and Avery.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 am, Thursday, August 17th, 2023 at Queen of All Saints Catholic Church, 606 S. Woodland Ave., Michigan City, IN with Rev. Jordan Fetcko officiating. Visitation will be from 4:00 pm -7:00 pm, Wednesday at the Ott/Haverstock Funeral Chapel, 418 Washington St., Michigan City, IN and from 9:00 am - 10:00 am Thursday at the Queen of All Saints Catholic Church Legacy Center.
Contributions may be made to the Salvation Army Food Pantry, 1201 Franklin St., Michigan City, IN 46360 or to the Share Foundation for the Handicapped, P.O. Box 400, Rolling Prairie, IN 46371.
To sign a guest book and leave condolences online visit www.otthaverstock.com.
