Bernie Weber: 1938-2023
Bernard (Bernie) Fred Weber was born on May 3, 1938 on the Weber Homestead near Stanley Corner. Bernie was the “7th son of the 7th son” born to Bernard and Sue (Yontz) Weber. He attended St. Stephen’s grade school and graduated from Bridgewater High School in 1957. He served six years in the National Guard, and during that time married his “childhood and lifelong sweetheart” Rosalie Schwans and to the union added eight children.
While farming, Bernie started his career with trucks when he was about 16 years old. He drove for his father’s Weber Soft Water Service while in high school and then later Bernie owned the business. Bernie also owned his own NFO Milk route for several years before he started his career with Midwest Coast in 1973 and continued to work there for 47 years. While in his trucking career he logged over three million safe driving miles all over the nation. He proudly participated in the SD Truck Driving Championship every year until 2017 and won the championship three times. He was president of the Championship Club where he volunteered and helped those participating in the national competitions. He was a member of the “Highway Angels” and “Drivers Against Trafficking.”
Bernie had many hobbies that included spending time in the garage fixing and repairing whatever needs repairing, watching TV in his man cave, playing cards with family and friends, and he especially enjoyed penny ante poker. He was a very proud founder of the “Bridgewater SD History Did You Know” Facebook page where he enjoyed sharing and informing the community of his hometown. Bernie was a lifelong member of the St. Stephen’s catholic church and active in the Knights of Columbus.
Bernie took immense pride in the family that he and Rosalie built together, his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Bernie was known for his quick wit, big smile, and charming looks. He was known by all and never met a stranger.
Those who were blessed to share in his love are his devoted wife Rosalie of 65 years, children Brian (Cindy) Weber, Kimberly Bunger, Doug (Lisa) Weber, Ann (Carl) Nordwald, Keith Weber (Kathleen Sonleitner) Weber, Chad Weber (Dominique McNair); Grandchildren Natalie (Luke) Sweeney, Terry (Sam), and Maggie Weber, Austin (Shelbee) Bunger, Josh (Whitney Evans), Jesse (Lexi Cope), and Jalen Weber, Tyler (Miranda), Tyson(Ashton Oakland), and Tiana Kayser, Jade Jessica, Jewel, Jasmine Weber, Jade Rebecca Weber; great-grandchildren Jadyn Hoffman, Layla Sweeney, Vivee Bunger, Grayson Weber, Kenrick, Conalin, and Grayden Kayser, Beckett Kayser, and another due March 2024; Siblings Jerry Weber, Mary (Lloyd) Schallenkamp, Don Schwans, Dareld (Sandi) Schwans and many nieces and nephews.
He is proceeded in death by his parents, sons Bernard (stillborn) and Christopher, brothers Eugene, Ralph, John (Jack), Thomas, and Steve.
