Carl Paschal Weissert, age 82, of Fairview Heights, IL, born on March 19, 1942 in Belleville, IL, passed away peacefully on December 6, 2024 at his home.
Raised on the family farm, later named Green Acres Farm, Carl spent his entire life working on the land that he loved. He took over operation of the farm from his parents, a responsibility he embraced with pride and dedication. Together with his wife Janet, he raised six children and expanded the family farm into a diversified, thriving business, all along the way teaching the importance of hard work, responsibility, and above all, family.
After Janet’s passing, Carl married his second wife, (Marilyn) Sue, on May 16, 2009, finding companionship and love for them both in their later years. They enjoyed traveling throughout the United States and the Caribbean together, exploring and embarking on new adventures.
In his younger years, Carl was active in the Vegetable Growers Association, Illinois Horseradish Growers Association, St. Clair County Farm Bureau, and various other farm-related organizations. He was also a member of Knights of Columbus, Council #6996. His leadership and passion for farming were evident in the roles he held in these organizations and numerous connections and friendships he established.
Upon retirement from farming in 2018, Carl continued to pursue his passions, including his love of antique tractors, particularly John Deere and those once used on the farm. He found great joy in adding to his collection and restoring these timeless machines. Carl also loved old country music, especially steel guitar pieces, and enjoyed listening to local bands with Sue and friends.
A man with a quick wit and even quicker pun, Carl could always bring a smile to anyone’s face. His humor and joy for life will be remembered fondly by all who had the pleasure of knowing him. Carl took pride in his nine grandchildren and enjoyed their visits even in his last days. He leaves a legacy for his children and grandchildren – and all who knew him – of keeping family close and celebrating both big and small accomplishments in life.
Carl was preceded in death by his wife of 34 years, Janet, nee Hoskins, Weissert, whom he married on September 5, 1966, and who died on February 14, 2001; his parents, Cy and Lucy, nee Schwaegel, Weissert; and his nephew, Chris Wottowa.
He is survived by his wife, Marilyn Sue, nee Wood, Weissert; his six children with Janet, Lorie Weissert, Lisa (Kent) Ahlers, Vicki (Jason) Thurman, Angie (Kris) Keller, Bill (Lauren) Weissert, and Elizabeth Weissert; his beloved grandchildren, Macy (fiancé, Charlie), Dustin (fiancé, Alyssa), Madelyn, Gabriela, Logan, Jenna, Owen, Ethan, Annalise, and his four legged grandkid, Petey; and his dear sister, Carolyn (Ralph) Wottowa.
He also leaves behind his bonus family through Sue, including Bill, Maria (Martin), and Angie along with his additional grandchildren, Tony, BJ (Jordan), Nyssa (Scott), Topher, Kassie (Matt), and Alyssa, as well as his great-granddaughter Kai-Lyn. Carl was loved by and is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews, cousins by the dozens, and friends, as well as his and Sue’s sweet fur baby, Ava.
Our family would like to thank the doctors and staff at Siteman Cancer Center and the amazing nurses at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis for giving us extra time with Carl. We also thank Family Hospice for their comfort and care in Carl’s final days.
Memorials may be made to Siteman Cancer Center or Family Hospice.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, December 10, 2024, from 4 to 8 p.m. at Kassly Mortuary, Ltd., Fairview Heights, IL.
Visitation will also be held on Wednesday, December 11, 2024 from 10 to 11 a.m. at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Fairview Heights, IL.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, December 11, 2024 at Carl’s parish, Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Fairview Heights, IL. Interment will be at Holy Cross Cemetery, Fairview Heights, IL.
We will miss you, Dad. You leave behind a legacy of love, laughter, and hard work. Your spirit will live on through the many lessons you taught us and our cherished memories, especially your unwavering reminder of the importance of family connection above all else.
