DALE R. WEIR

Dale R. Weir, age 78, of Maple Park, IL, passed away peacefully on the evening of Sunday, January 16, 2022, surrounded by the love and prayers of his family.

He was born on April 22, 1943, in Euclid, OH, to proud and loving parents, Ralph and Katherine Weir.

Dale grew up in Euclid and Chardon, OH. He graduated from Chardon High School in 1961, where he participated in the drama club, garnering “star status” as the lead in South Pacific.

Dale earned a bachelor’s degree from Ohio State. But the most important event in his academic career happened when he was set up on a blind date with Kay Oberst. The two recognized each other as soul mates. They were married on October 9, 1965 in Kay’s hometown, Summit, NJ.

The couple began their new life in Butler, PA, before bouncing around the country as “corporate nomads.” Along the way they were blessed with three children.

Dale worked as a sales manager, eventually retiring as a product manager for BASF. Though retired, he didn’t slow down. He went back to school to complete an MBA from Keller Graduate School of Management. Later, he spent a decade driving a school bus for Kaneland District 302. After hanging up his bus keys, Dale got behind the wheel for his most rewarding job, volunteering for the DeKalb County Veterans Association. He drove veterans to medical appointments in Maywood, IL, Madison, WI, and various destinations in Iowa.

Dale was a member of the Chicago Feed Club and a past member of the Maple Park Lions Club, and the Jaycees in both Ohio and Arkansas.

Dale’s passion for trains of all sizes built bonds between generations, as well as an impressive model train layout. His other hobbies included water skiing, boating, and bicycling. In more recent years, golf was king. He and Kay loved traveling to God’s generous creation at our national parks. Dale became a “boy scout” as an adult, mentoring not only his sons, but grandsons as well. His help with merit badges and Eagle Scout projects was deeply appreciated. Dale sang in church choirs and was cantor for several parishes as the family moved across the county. Locally he filled the sanctuary with his voice at both St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Geneva and St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Maple Park, IL. As a younger man, he was a member of the Christian folk group, The Second Collection, who made a name for themselves, including several televised appearances in Philadelphia.

He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Kay Weir; three children: Amy (Ken) Wendt, Drew (Risé) Weir, and Alan (Michele) Weir; nine grandchildren: Kenny, Greg, Kathryn, and Andrew Wendt, Duncan and Jules Weir, and Ian, Nate, and Lainey Weir; one sister-in-law, Jean Weir; many nieces, nephews, cousins, and a community of friends who will miss him dearly.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Katherine Weir and brother Gary Weir.

A memorial Mass to celebrate his faith will be held at St. Gall Catholic Church, Elburn, on Saturday, January 29, 2022, at 11 a.m. Private family burial will follow at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association at diabetes.org or to Friends of Scouting within your local Scouts BSA Council. Memories and tributes may be left on the Conley Funeral Home Facebook Page, or at www.conleycare.com.

A memorial Mass to celebrate his faith will be held at St. Gall Catholic Church, Elburn, on Saturday, January 29, 2022 at 11 a.m. Private family burial will follow at a later date.