Joseph C. Weis

Macken Funeral Home Memorial Photo
Date of Birth:
Friday, February 12, 1932
Date of Death:
Sunday, January 31, 2021
Age:
88 years old

Burial

Location: Calvary Cemetery [ view map ]

Notes

Private Memorial Service at the Co-Cathedral of St. John The Evangelist

Macken Funeral Home Memorial Photo
Date of Birth:
Friday, February 12, 1932
Date of Death:
Sunday, January 31, 2021
Age:
88 years old
Macken Funeral Home Memorial Photo
Date of Birth:
Friday, February 12, 1932
Date of Death:
Sunday, January 31, 2021
Age:
88 years old

Joseph C. Weis

Joseph Charles Weis, 88, of Rochester, MN passed away peacefully January 31, 2021 with family by his side.

Joe was born February 12, 1932 in Rochester, MN to John and Cecilia (Mueller) Weis. After graduating from Lourdes High School in Rochester, he completed the Architectural Drafting and Estimating course at Dunwoody Institute in Minneapolis.

Joe’s father started a modest cabinet shop in 1939 called John Weis & Sons.  In 1952, Joe and his brother Eugene took over the cabinet shop and in 1960 changed the name to Weis Builders Inc.

In 1971, Joe built his first Affordable Housing project and his passion for Affordable Housing continued for the remainder of his life. After this first project, he formed Joseph Development Company which continued his passion for Affordable Housing. He always said, “I want to die with my boots on”, and that is what he did. At age 88, he was still working on Affordable Housing projects.

From early on, the community was especially important to Joe. He was active in Civic Associations, Trade Associations, and the Republican Party. He served as President of the Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce, the Rochester Area Builders, the Minnesota Multi-Housing Association, and the Associated General Contractors of Minnesota, just to name a few.

Because of all the work Joe did with these organizations, his list of awards is lengthy and just a few are mentioned here: Entrepreneur of the Year from Dunwoody, Lifetime Achievement Award from the Rochester Area Builders, Lifetime Achievement Awards from the Builders Association of Minnesota and the AGC of Minnesota, and the “Medal of Honor” from the Mayor of Rochester.

Joe built a lifetime of relationships who will remember his one-of-a-kind personality and his big cigars.

Joe is survived by his wife of 67 years, Darlene; his sons, Erik (Cathy) and Jay (Terri); his sister, Helen Gathje; seven grandchildren, Chad Weis, Bradley Weis, Chris Stokka, Jenny Jo Stokka, Haley Weis, Hunter Weis, and Grant Weis; two great grandchildren, Teddy Jo Weis and Joseph Stokka; and ex-daughter, in-law Sue Weis; and sister in-law, Opal Weis. He was preceded in death by three sisters; Clara Yerke, Mary Huinker, and Joan Carlisle; two brothers, Leo Weis and Eugene Weis; his daughter, Mary Jo Stokka (Weis); and his grandson, John Weis.

A family only private funeral service will be held, February 5, 2021 in the chapel at the Co-Cathedral of St. John The Evangelist in Rochester with Rev. Msgr. Gerald A. Mahon officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Mayo Clinic online at https://philanthropy.mayoclinic.org/donate MC or mailed to Department of Development, Mayo Clinic, 200 First St. SW, Rochester, MN 55905.

On line condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com

Condolences

The family of Joseph C. Weis has received the following condolences.

Our deepest sympathy and prayers to Darlene and the entire Weis family on the loss of this giant of a man.  Always a dedicated public servant, a man whose few words were always so full of advice and kindness and someone who truly cared for others, Joe will be greatly missed.  This community is a better place because of the life and legacy of Joe.  May your sorrows be comforted and may your faith see you through your loss.

My sympathies to your family at Joe’s passing.


I remember my parents, Willard and Vi Jahn taking us to a Weis family gathering at Joe’s house when I was very young. I was thrilled that we got to swim in the pool while the adults “did their thing.”


May memories help you during this difficult time. 

Thoughts and Prayers to the whole Weis family.  I had only met Joe in the last few years, but in that short time, really came to admire his larger than life personality, his sense of humor, and his stories.  It was a great pleasure to spend many afternoons in the past 2 years playing cards with Joe and other friends.  Rest in Peace, Joe.


Dave Trotter

Sending our sympathy to the Joe Weis family from the Red Thompson family.  John, Eugene and Joe gave our father a start in the cabinet making business.  John Weis & Sons will always have an important place in the history of Rochester.  Joe and Dar attended our father's funeral and it meant so much that they were there.  Wish the pandemic was over and we could reciprocate to say our goodbyes to Joe.   


 



J.C. Weis,

 

We miss you already. Thank you for your kindness, your trust, and your wisdom. 

 

When we just met recently, you told me you were worried about Dar, but no idea there was anything going on with you? You worried about others first, never yourself. 

 

Thank you your time on different projects; You were a great mentor, and like a grand pop to me. I will forever be grateful for the opportunity to have known and spent time with you. 

 

I will miss seeing you; in the caddy, driving to your office with the cigar in tow, complete with your suit coat on and of course the fabulous frames....(always told you you’re so stylish!:) Loved your dedication to the betterment of this great city! You will be missed by so many. 

 

Rest In Peace Joe, your work on this earth is finished. 

 

Much love to you, Dar and family. 

 

Praying for peace for you all, 

 

Melissa Niichel

Dar and Family,


Blessings to you as you bid farewell to Joe.  I always enjoyed visiting with you on my visits to Waters on Mayowood.  May his memory be a blessing.


Fr. Michael Cronin

With heartfelt sympathy to the Weis family.  Our thoughts and prayers are with you.


Ron and Judy Yaggy   

To the Weis families:


I was so sorry to hear of Joe’s passing.


I worked with Joe & Jay & Company on several projects in Worthington, MN, Rochester, MN & Northern Iowa. 
They were always honest & kind to everyone around them!


I’m sure Joe would appreciate a toast to his new home in heaven!


Cheers to Mr. Joe Weis & Weis Builders for all of their great work & a wonderful legacy here on Earth!


We’ll miss you, Joe!


Deb Lien Bierbaum

Darlene and Eric andJay, Just wanted to offer our deepest sympathies to you all. We certainly always enjoyed Joe. Darlene, I enjoyed our talks when we had a chance to talk at some of the Weis Builders functions. Our prayers are with you all. Wish it was different time and be able to see you all. Love and prayers, Bill and Marge.

Just last week I was thinking of calling Joe to see if they were coming to California on their winter trip. So sorry Darlene for your and our loss, please give our condolences to your family. After High School Joe and I went to Minneapolis to check out Dunwoody together,  Joe enrolled and I joined the Navy, he made a good choice and from there he went on to be the man he was, with the help of Darlene of course. I’m going to miss him a lot, may he Rest In Peace.  Dick and Pat Hauser

Dar, Jay, Eric and family, 


I just want you all to know how much I’ll miss Joe.  I really got to know him even more these past few years while he was at the Waters.  I always enjoyed our meals together and just catching up.  Just know I’ve been thinking of you all this week 


On a side note as I sit here with our mom, Joe’s sister, your aunt, and sister in law, I truly feel that mom and Joe had a closeness that was not always visible but was there.   I want to share what I heard a few weeks ago when mom called Joe while he was in the hospital.  As they were about to hang up Joe said I love you to mom and she in turn said I love you too.  I think they both knew it was going to be their time to take their journey to heaven.  May God bless you all   Hugs from me


Donna


 

Dear Friends,


We have fond memories of Joe and his community building work.  A big man with huge heart for the Rochester area.  Our kindest sympathies are with you at this difficult time.

he was a


wonderful caring man--always kind to his sisters friends--my very best to his family

 


We mourn the loss of our fellow Republican – Joe.  We know how much his leadership has meant to the Republican Party.  Joe’s work in affordable housing was a model for others to follow.  His work will provide thousands of people affordable housing for years to come.


 


We are so sorry to hear of Joe’s passing. He played such a huge part in our professional lives so we are ever thankful to have known him. We will miss him!!

Dar


My deepest sympathy to and the family at your loss of Joe.


You are in my thoughts and prayers.


with love and caring


Cheri Brinson 

Dear Dar, Jay, Eric and families, We are so sorry to hear of Joe's death. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. We feel blessed to have been such close (inches) neighbors and shared many memories (good, loving and sag) together.


God is with you and holds you all in his loving arms ?❤️?❤️


Frank and Karen Taylor

Dear Darlene and family.


You may not recognize my name but the Buset family have been Joe’s business partner in the Chanhassen Town Sq. for many years.  I was so saddened to hear of Joe’s passing.


On the occasions that I met him , I was impressed with his kind spirit and infinite and vast array of knowledge.


I wish to extend sympathy on behalf of our family and assure you that we will keep Joe in our thoughts and prayers.


Dennis Buset and Family.


 


 


 


 

My deepest sympathy to the Weis family.  Joe Weis has touched the lives of so many of us in hugely positive ways.  We will miss his humor, unique character, wisdom, and kind spirit.  Heaven has gained an extraordinary builder of people and places.  I feel blessed to count Joe as a dear, highly respected friend.  Rest in peace, Joe.

Dear Aunt Darlene, cousins Jay and Eric,


My heart goes out to you and I share in your grief. It's hard to believe my "larger than life" Uncle is gone.


I take comfort in the thought that he will be welcomed with open arms by his loving family that has gone before him.


He will be missed by so many.


My sincere sympathies to you.


Love, Joanie Flaherty

Dear Dar and family,


I was the dog sitter for Joe and Dar for years and often helped with the cleaning in their various homes)  


I will miss his towering presence, his cigars, his jigsaw puzzles, and his sweet personality masked at times by by gruffness.  He is leaving behind a great legacy and wonderful family. 
I pray that God will comfort you all in the days ahead  I know his absence will leave a large hole in your lives.  
Blessed be his memory  


Susan Lee


 


 

On several occasions - some 40+ years ago - I had the pleasure and privilege of working with Joe on Republic Party events.  Joe was always respectful and fair, but what I enjoyed most was his wry sense of humor.  It was obvious that he took great pleasure in working with others.  He brought out the best in me.  I am so glad I knew him.


God bless, and know that he shared his gifts of sincerity, decency, trust, and mutual respect.  He will be missed.


 

Dar and Family:


Joe was a great role model for anyone looking to make Rochester a better place to live, work, learn and play.  I so looked forward to attending any (and many) meetings and events knowing that Joe would be present.  Joe's willingness to speak up, ask difficult questions, share his political perspective and tell a story or two always made for a good time.  His long-standing commitment to affordable housing permanently changed the face and livability of this city he so dearly loved.  Thank you for sharing him with us...he will be missed.  In thoughts, prayers and sympathy.


Don & Stephanie Supalla

Darlene, Erik and Jay,, extending my deepest sympathy!! Always loved working with Joe. Through Mayo, the Waters on Maywood and most recently the Berkman project, I have always enjoyed working with Weis Builders.

Darlene, sons and families  my thoughts. Love and prayers are with you as you grieve the passing from this life of your beloved husband. father snd grandpa.   I am very thankful that I had the honor to meet you, Dar, with Joe at dinner in Rochester last summer.  Gene was excited for me to meet “this fabulous couple” he had cherished as friends for many years!   May the love of Jesus fill the void in your hearts today and always.   My beloved Gene must be so happy to have his friend Joe by his side in Heaven today!


With blessings,


sandra Waldemar


 

Condolences to the Joe and Dar Weis family Joe was a very good friend of my Dad ( Paul Pappas ) and I remember many good times at the Cabin in Webb Lake and later at cabin in Pepin Wisconsin many times Joe and Dar would stop over on a summer Holiday to play 31 which was always entertaining to listen to Joe's wit and his take on the politics whether it be city, state or National. Joe was truly a asset to the community and will be missed Rest In Peace Joe

 Dear Weis Family and Friends,  Please accept our sincere condolences for the loss of Joe. He was such a fine man and valuable person in every way. Over forty years, we only met with him once or twice a year, he made us feel like we lived next door. I spoke to him on the phone last month about the death of our mutual close friend. Once again, as before, I admired his generousity and strength of spirit, even when things were hard. We lost one of our great men and leaders. He will be missed by all.   


 


Pat and Kathleen Stead


Stead Family 

We lost one of the "greats" of our community. Everyone loved Joe, such and incredible person.


My thoughts and prayers to the entire Weis Family


Joe Powers

I’m sorry for your loss, I really enjoyed the opportunity to know Joe, he was a great man. When I think of a cigar there’s only one man I think of and that’s Joe!  Ron Braasch

We are so terribly saddened to hear the news of Joe's passing.  He was such a great man, a wonderful friend to our family, and such an important person in Mom and Dad's life.  Our heartfelt sympathies to your family.  Here for you always, should you need anything at all.  Much Love and Huge Hugs coming your way!


Kim Theis & Kelly Pierce  

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