Kenneth “Ken” Weis of rural Highland died on August 29, 2024, at his home surrounded by family.
Ken was born July 3, 1958, the oldest son of Cyril and Dolores (Huelsmann) Weis. Growing up north of Pierron, IL, on the family farm, he attended Immaculate Conception Grade School, “Pierron University” until 4th grade before transferring to Highland Community Schools. During the last two years of high school, before graduating in 1976, he attended the Collinsville Area Trade School and learned the construction trade. Pursuing his passion, he spent his high school summers employed by Alberternst Construction, Aviston, IL and worked for the organization for the next 12 years.
On Friday, December 28, 1984, he married Lynn M. Weis, nee Lewis, at St. Paul Catholic Church, Highland, IL in a double wedding ceremony along with their siblings, Rich Weis and Margaret Weis, nee Lewis.
In 1988, along with his brother, Rich and friend, Lloyd Schrage, they established Weis-Schrage Construction Company. Over the next 36 years, the company built residential homes, farm and light commercial buildings in southwestern Illinois and Missouri. Interested in encouraging others to learn the construction trade, the company employed many local youth over the years. He enjoyed remodeling projects over new construction because of the challenge. In addition to his professional interest in building, Ken spent his free time in the barn (wood shop) building and refurbishing furniture and serving as a mentor for 4-H members and others interested in woodworking. Each piece he made was “one of a kind”. Ken was always willing to share his knowledge, space and equipment with others. No matter what the project; quality of work and integrity were most important.
Ken had five passions in life – hunting, fishing, golf, woodworking and his wife, Lynn. A lifelong hunter, he enjoyed rabbit, squirrel, quail and pheasant hunting. For 26 years he, his brothers, father and friends would pheasant hunt in northwest Iowa. Ken and his son, Terry enjoyed training bird dogs and raised quail for field trials and training purposes. Later in life, you could find Ken and the rest of the “Dawn Patrol” at Oak Brook Golf Course in the early morning. In addition to participating in Ken’s above-mentioned interests, Ken, Lynn and Terry loved to explore the backroads of America. Each trip was an adventure, and the journey was always more important than the destination.
Although Ken did not formally join organizations, he helped when asked and preferred not to be acknowledged for his generous spirit. During his lifetime, he participated in softball, golfing, skeet, pool and bowling leagues. He liked puzzles, playing euchre and enjoyed butchering. His Autumn Apple Cheesecake and Grandma Kate’s coffee cake was requested often by family and friends.
Survivors include:
- Wife – Lynn (Lewis) Weis, Highland, IL
- Son – Terry (Angela) Weis, St. Louis, MO
- Sister – Diane (Richard) Boeser, Highland, IL
- Brother – Richard (Margaret) Weis, Highland, IL
- Sister – Joyce (Duane) Schlemper, Pocahontas, IL
- Brother – Gerald (Geralyn) Weis, Pocahontas, IL
- Sister – Doris (David) Eilers, Pocahontas, IL
- Brother – David (Tricia) Weis, Aviston, IL
- Sister – Brenda Knackstedt, Alhambra, IL
- Mother-In-Law – Dorothy (Geiger) Lewis, Highland, IL
- Sister-In-Law – Mary (J.D.) Beil, Highland, IL
- Numerous nieces, nephews and grand nieces and nephews
He was preceded in death by:
- Father – Cyril “Cy” Weis
- Mother – Dolores S. Weis, nee Huelsmann
- Father In-Law- Glenn Lewis
- Brother In-Law – Allen Flamm
- Brother In- Law – Perry Knackstedt
Arrangements are being handled by Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home in Highland, IL.
Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. on Friday, September 6, 2024, at Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home in Highland, IL and from 8 to 8:45 a.m. on Saturday, September 7, 2024, at Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home in Highland, IL.
Funeral Mass will be at 9 a.m. on Saturday, September 7, 2024, at St . Paul Catholic Church in Highland, IL.
Interment will be at Saint Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Highland, IL.
Memorial contributions may be made to Bond County Hospice; or Madison County Extension Education Foundation for a Woodworking Award.
