Roger J Weaver

Roger J. Weaver, 74 of Winona, died Friday, May 10, 2013 at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center in La Crosse, WI, with family present.Roger was born July 10, 1938 in Arcadia, WI to Theodore and Edna (Hesch) Weaver. He served three years with the Army National Guard, Arcadia chapter before enlisting in the U.S Navy upon graduation from Arcadia High School. Roger served most of his eight years on the Pacific Rim, traveling through Japan, the Philippines and Hawaii. He received the Vietnam War Service Medal and an Honorable discharge in 1964, then immediately enlisted in the U.S. Merchant Marines, stationed in the Mediterranean. Prior to returning to the area to assume his position on the Dredge W.A. Thompson, where he worked his way to Chief Engineer, he spent one year on the iron and ore ships on the Great Lakes. After retiring from the dredge in 1993, he continued his public service by driving the Winona Transit Bus.On August 15, 1970, Roger married Mary Dittrich in Winona where they settled and raised two children together. He enjoyed antique tractors and trains, American history, genealogy and was an avid sports fan, he especially loved the Green Bay Packers and discussions with the Hardee's coffee group. He loved to travel, making it to all 50 states, attending annual Navy reunions, and spending the winters in Florida with Mary. He was always ready for new places and new faces and enjoyed every minute he got to spend with his grandson. He was also a member of the U.S. Navy Memorial, American Legion Post 9, Elks Lodge 327, Veteran of Foreign Wars, Defenders of Wildlife and numerous historical and nature preservation organizations.He is survived by his wife, Mary; children Chad (Lisa) Weaver of Winona and Cara of Washington, D.C.; grandchildren Brenden of Winona and Bryan Zannotti of Austin, TX; and brother Francis "Frank" Weaver of Nelson, WI. He was preceded in death by his parents.A Funeral Mass will be 12:30 p.m., Wednesday, May 15 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Winona with the Reverend James Berning officiating. Visitation will be 4-7p.m., Tuesday at Hoff Celebration of Life Center in Goodview with a prayer service at 7p.m. Visitation will continue from 11:30a.m. until mass in the commons area at St. Mary's parish. Burial will follow at St. Boniface Cemetery in Waumandee, WI.The family sends heartfelt thanks to the staff at Winona Health and Gundersen Lutheran for their professional and kind care for Roger over the years.Please share a memory of Roger, sign his guest book and view his video tribute when it becomes available at www.hofffuneral.com.
Tribute video can be found at: videos.lifetributes.com/396745