Weimer, J. Donald

J. Donald Weimer was born May 25, 1919, in Kingisher, Okla., and died Oct. 6, 2011.

His family moved to Newton, Iowa in 1923 and he graduated from Newton High School in 1937. He attended Coe College in Cedar Rapids until 1941. While at Coe he met his future wife, Leone Engberg, who he married on Dec. 24, 1941. At this time he also joined a Naval Aviation Cadet Program in the Naval Reserve, then left college and was a naval aviator during World War II. After the war, he flew for TWA, then was a pilot and flight instructor in Cedar Rapids. In 1948, he began a career in the financial sector, retiring from First National Bank of Marion, where he was vice president in charge of commercial loans.

Mr. Weimer was active in the Democratic Party and served as Linn County chairman, was a member of the 2nd Congressional District Central Committee, and was active in the campaigns of Harold Hughes, John Culver, and Dick Clark. He also served in the Iowa State Senate.

After retirement, Mr. Weimer dabbled in rare books, cake decorating, antiques, and sough to perfect the lemon meringue pie.

In his 80s, Mr. Weimer engaged in karaoke and was a soloist at Unity Church. He had a very lovely baritone voice and often surprised people with his singing. He also had a brief stint as a standup comedian and performed for Liars Theatre.

Throughout his life Mr. Weimer was an avid fisherman, duck hunter, and poker player, engaging in these activities with a lifelong group of buddies.

Mr. Weimer was preceded in death by two sisters, Matha and Melba; his wife, Leone; and a grandson, Jesse Michael.

He is survived by two children, Mary Weimer of Lansing, Mich., and Mark of Austin, Texas; three grandchildren, Chris and Libbie of Austin, Texas and David of Cambridge, Mass.; Chris' wife, Gina; and a great-grandson, Victor Marcelo.

A memorial service will be held at Unity Center later this month.

Published Oct. 8, 2011, in The Gazette