Frank E. Weiland

Franklin “Frank” E. Weiland age 87 of Wautoma, the first son of Elmer and Leona Weiland passed away Friday morning November 15, 2024.  He graduated from Wautoma High School in 1956, where he excelled in football and loved nice cars.  He proudly served in the army and was honorably discharged.  In 1961 he founded Weiland Trucking Company.  Based on his personal philosophies of credibility, integrity and strong work ethic his company started with one truck and grew to 30 plus.  Those big, beautiful “red” trucks still run the roads today, and the business has employed and supported many local families for the past 63 years.  He has always taken personal pride in his employees and has considered them part of his extended family.  Frank will still be overseeing operations, but from a better viewpoint.

He married Marilynn Schmidtke in 1957 and they had two beautiful children, David and Tina.

On January 1, 1992 he married Judi Schley Caswell in Berlin, WI.  He accepted Judi’s three children, Jackie, Jill and Jasey as his own, and was instrumental, kind and loving in raising them.

Frank was deeply devoted to his family.  He leaves many who will miss him including his wife, Judi; two sons, Dave (Kelly) Weiland, Jasey (Leanne) Caswell of Wautoma; three daughters, Tina Reifsnider, Jackie (Jeff) Kucharski of Cedarburg, Jill (Ryan) Tetting of Appleton; ten grandchildren:  Brent (Jen) Weiland, Jennifer (Arron) Lehr both of Wautoma, Ashleigh, Ellaya and Joseph Kucharski, Cooper (Olivia), Coby and Conor Tetting, and Chase and Emmett Caswell; five great-grandchildren, Cora, Kashton and Kipton Weiland and Reed and Isla Lehr; one sister, Sharon Becker, Coloma; sisters-in-law Patti (Larry) Dittburner of The Villages, Florida and Nanette (John) Stahl of Wautoma; many nieces, nephews and friends.

After marrying Judi, they decided that they wanted to share a marriage mission to something that they both believed in.  After Frank saw an advertisement on TV about the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, TN and seeing those brave but innocent little warriors, their mission was decided on.  After 15 years of contributing to this cause, they were invited to the very 1st St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital “Partner’s In Hope Appreciation Event”.  It was an honor and privilege for them to be recognized for their support of  “Saving Children” and “Finding Cures”.  They traveled many times to Memphis for this annual event, to visit the hospital and hear some of the amazing medical advances that their contributions have helped make possible, but most of all, to meet some of the children and hear their success stories.  To date they have been “Partners in Hope” for 32 years. Other causes they donate to include Wounded Warrior Project, Turning Point USA, Faith and Freedom Coalition and Tunnel to Towers Foundation.  Frank has also contributed and donated to many local organizations for the benefit of our community.

Frank was named Waushara Area “Business Man of the Year” in 1995.  He was a proud member of the Wautoma Fire Department for 37 years.  He was on the church council at Peace Lutheran Church and Hope Lutheran Church.  He was the past President and member of the Mid-State Snowdrifters Snowmobile Club, member and contributor of the EAA and the EAA Museum, past member of the Chamber of Commerce, Charter member of Ducks Unlimited and Charter member of Whitetail Unlimited.

His most cherished times were with his family in Minocqua, going on various trips and watching his grandchildren play sports.  He loved snowmobiling across Wisconsin, Michigan and other places like Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons.  Each winter he would put thousands of miles on his sled.  Another favorite past time of his was riding his Harley.  One of his most proud accomplishments was obtaining his private pilot’s license.  For years he owned his own plane and one of his favorite times to fly was during the 4th of July when he could see all the different communities light the sky with their fireworks.  Frank loved sharing his hobbies with his family and friends.  He lived a life full of love, success and adventure.

He is preceded in death by his parents; a grandson, Austin Reifsnider; in-laws Arthur and Nita Schley; sister and brother-in-law, Marlin and Delphine Pomplun; brother and sister-in-law, Jerry and Carol Weiland; brother-in-law William Becker; two Godchildren, Ronald Lau and Mark Peterson.

Frank’s family will receive visitors on Thursday, November 21, 2024 from 4:00 - 7:30 p.m. at Hope Lutheran Church at 301 East Mt. Morris Ave, Wautoma and again on Friday morning from 9:30 a.m. until the time of services at 11:00. Frank will be laid to rest in the Wautoma Union Cemetery.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to ThedaCare  At Home Hospice and the staff at Wild Rose Hospital for their wonderful, compassionate care for Frank, and the support they provided for us.

Flowers are appreciated; however, the family would prefer memorial donations in Frank’s name for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and Tunnel to Towers Foundation.