Bruce Martin Weber (71) of Teutopolis

The man, the myth, the legend, Bruce Martin Weber was born February 1, 1950 and piloted his final flight on September 28, 2021.

Bruce was born to Donald "Duck" and Dorothy "Mickey" Weber. He was the 3rd of 11 children. Rumor has it that he was the favorite child (but let’s just keep that between us). He was fortunate to have not only been brought up in an amazing family, but also a wonderful community. He prided himself on coming from a Catholic family and always emphasized the importance of family. There were so many qualities that Bruce was known for, but the most outstanding were his generosity and kindness towards others, his ability to be consistent in defying the odds, and his way of delivering an insult through sarcasm while still making you want to stick around. He was the type of person that never based his life on what he had, but what he did. Whether it was delivering meals on wheels or visiting those in the nursing homes or attending prayer services at the hospital, he loved spending his time helping others. We will never forget the time he even gave our truck away to a stranger who needed a vehicle. While mom thought differently at the time when he came home without a vehicle, he was absolutely a true angel.

He was always consistent in defying the odds. Between moving across the U.S. to pursue his dream, raising 8 children (somewhat successfully), and surviving a plane crash, he truly was a superhero. In January 2021, Bruce was told that he didn’t have much time, however, he had other plans. Fast forward to now and once again he proved to be as stubborn and tough as anyone around. I cannot think of anything that he wanted to do that he could not achieve. To paraphrase something someone once told us: ”Your dad is one of the greatest people I have ever known. He was the type of person that you would cross the street to say hello to.” That was such a proud moment.

Bruce graduated Teutopolis High School in 1968 and was an amazing tennis player, gifted academically, and a great friend to many. After graduating he went on to study at the University of Illinois. Soon after he left to join the U.S. Army and was stationed in Turkey. He served in the military from 1969-1971. He continued after serving at The University of Illinois. He graduated with both an Aviation and Bachelor of Science Degree. After graduating, he moved back to his home town where he worked the family store (Weber’s Jewelry) until taking his dream job with the U.S. Border Patrol. Dad remained in the Border Patrol from 1982-1986 with great success until his plane accident which forced him to medically retire at the young age of 37.

Although he took pride in all of his accomplishments, his children and wife were his most treasured of all. Bruce and Karen started dating in 1971 and married in 1975. Both showed us what a true marriage is made of. The respect and love that they showed for each other is something that most people dream of. Some of his others loves were milkshakes, all you can eat buffets, swimming, lake/ beach days, smoking cigarettes, an of course flying.

Bruce leaves behind his best friend and wife Karen (Esker) Weber and 8 children: Neil (Michele), Nicole (Manny) Trupiano, Dean (Danielle), Dawn (Tim) Countryman, Brent (Melissa), Jason (Ellie), Bryce (Mallory) and Kayla (Corey) McMahan. He will be sorely missed by his 23 grandchildren. He also leaves behind his beautiful mother, Dorothy (Mickey) Weber, and 10 siblings: Don (Debbie), Richard (Patricia, deceased), Susie (Rob) Bothwell, Kurt (Pat), Kevin (Debbie), Jim (Meino), Keith (Barb), Carol (George) Cohorst, Ted (Cindy), Todd (Kim).

He was preceded in death by Emma Kralman and his father Donald C. (Duck) Weber.

We will be having a private family service at St. Francis Church on Thursday morning to celebrate his life and appreciate all your thoughts & prayers during this painful time.

In lieu of flowers please donate to one of Bruce’s charities: C.E.F.S, HSHS Hospice or Community Support Systems (C.S.S).

Fly High Dad. We will miss your smile, big heart and mostly having you here to hold near. We were so blessed to have you as our Dad and will hold you close to our hearts for the rest of our lives.