John Weishalla

John Weishalla, 96, of Staples, passed away Monday, July 22, 2013, at Lakewood Care Center in Staples. A Mass of Christian Burial will be on Saturday, July 27, 2013, at 1:00 PM at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, with Father Joseph Korf officiating. Visitation will be on Friday, July 26, 2013, from 5-8 PM at Brenny Funeral Chapel in Staples with prayer at 7:00 PM and rosary following. Visitation will also be one hour prior to services at Brenny Funeral Chapel in Staples. Interment will be at Evergreen Hill Cemetery, in Staples following the service.

John was born to Robert and Julia (Rowers) Weishalla on September 6, 1916 in Long Prairie, MN. He grew up and lived his entire life in the area. John was a WWII veteran, fighting on the front lines in the South Pacific while he was stationed in the Hawaiian Islands from 1942-1946. He was united in marriage to Dorothy Severynske, on September 16, 1946 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Staples. His work involved farming his whole life and worked at Sudusky welding in Staples. He was active at church, a member of the VFW and enjoyed gardening after retirement. John was a giving and very special person to everyone that knew him. John was very musical; he played the banjo and violin. He was also a member of a band and a band with his sisters.

He is survived by his children, Mary Olson of Grafton, Julie (John) Hoemberg of Staples, Ron (Brenda) Weishalla of Willmar, Gloria (James) Adamek of Long Prairie; sister, Pauline Page; special friend, Lorraine Wheeler; 15 grandchildren, 32 great-grandchildren, 5 great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy; son, John; granddaughter, Stefanie; son-in-law, Vern Olson; brothers, Robert Weishalla and Leo Weishalla; sisters, Gerty Ziegler, Anna Haavig, Barbara Weishalla, Edith Weishalla, Lillian Schultz, Leona Brabec and Lucile Miller.