Jerome Peter Weiler, passed away peacefully on August 30, 2024, at the age of 83. Born on May 27, 1941, to Peter and Marie (Eckert) Weiler in Athens, township of Bern. Jerome spent his early years on the family farm in Edgar before moving to Colby when he was in the third grade. He attended St. Mary’s School and graduated from Colby High School in 1959.
Jerome pursued higher education at Northland College in Ashland, where he played football for a year before going to work at American Motors in Kenosha. On May 26, 1962, Jerome married the love of his life, Sally Hardrath. The couple initially settled in Kenosha but soon after, in 1964, they purchased a farm near Owen, where they raised their five sons.
While running the family farm, Jerome also worked at Mandel and Hoernke Cheese Factories and served as a milk inspector. Jerome was actively involved in his sons activities, serving as a Cubmaster for many years and running little league at the Atwood ball diamond which he helped to build in 1975. Additionally, he coached 8th-grade boys’ basketball, sharing his passion for sports with the younger generation. Jerome was an avid basketball and softball player and found great joy in watching his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren play sports over the years. He cherished the conversations he had with fellow fans during and after the games.
Jerome was known for his playful nature and love for a good laugh. He was a jokester at heart, always goofing around and finding fun in most every situation. His playful banter extended to his wife, Sally, whom he enjoyed teasing as well. The two of them shared a very special bond, filled with love and laughter, and anyone who knew them could see the deep affection they had for one another.
Jerome had a special fondness for his apple trees and took great pride in them. He also had a deep love for his Allis Chalmers tractors, spending countless hours tinkering with them and adding them to his collection. In addition to his tractor collection, Jerome was an avid collector of cards and sports memorabilia, a hobby he nurtured for many years. He even dedicated a room in his home to store his collection. Jerome loved going to card shows, where he was a pro at making good deals and bartering with other collectors.
Jerome was a Farm Bureau member and school board participant, contributing to the community when he could. After selling the cows, Jerome built a new home on one of their forties and then enjoyed retirement with Sally by his side. The two of them enjoyed traveling across the United States on bus tours and spent countless hours playing cards, one of Jerome’s favorite pastimes.
Jerome is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years, Sally; their five children: Paul (Katherine) of Neenah, John (Ramona) of Owen, Steve (Jill) of Marshfield, Greg (Rhonda) of Owen, and Russ of Owen; 10 grandchildren: Tanya (Ben) Gruetzmacher, Krista (Greg) Kistler, Brad (Kylie) Weiler, Jena (Ryan) Moertel, Hailey (Nick) Weiler, Trent Weiler, Karlie Weiler, Samantha Weiler, Hayden Weiler, and Kendall Weiler; eight great-grandchildren; his siblings Koni Kreuger, Glen Weiler, Joan (Dave) Romens; and sister-in-law Sharon Weiler.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Pete and Marie Weiler, and his brothers, Kenny (Jane) Weiler and Gary Weiler.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Paul’s Green Grove Lutheran Church in Colby or to Camp Luther in Three Lakes.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, September 22, 2024, at the Atwood Softball Diamond, W3370 County Highway N, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., with a short program at 11:30 a.m.
Family and friends may express condolences online at www.maurinaschilling.com.
