John Raymond Weis

OTTAWA - John Raymond Weis, 69, a lifelong resident of Ottawa, OH, passed away peacefully on January 5, 2023, with his wife and children lovingly by his side.

John was born on January 31, 1953, in Lima, OH, to the late Elmer and Elizabeth (Callawaert) Weis. From an early age, John was fond of fast American muscle cars and participated in his fair share of races. John's eyes would light up when he would tell a story about the good-ole-days of racing, recanting stories of victorious wins.

John was a 1972 graduate of Ottawa-Glandorf high school. Shortly after graduation, John was introduced to Evelyn "Evie" Morman of Leipsic, OH. John quickly declared that she was the prettiest thing he had ever seen and was determined that they were going to date. Thanks to a random night and potentially harmless run-in with the local authority, a fast car was used as a getaway, and a long courtship ensued. They got engaged and then married on June 14, 1975. Their romance lasted an incredible 47 years, and it wasn't uncommon to find them dancing to their favorite song, "Wonderful Tonight" by Eric Clapton. Evie and John were blessed with two wonderful boys, Brian Edward and Brad Anthony. Evie still resides in the house they built in Ottawa, where they raised their family.

For over 50 years, John enjoyed going to Coldwater Lake. While raising his family, John bought a ski boat (AKA "That Damn Boat"), and they spent many summers at the lake with friends and family, fishing and enjoying water sports. The family eventually bought a place on Coldwater and then rebuilt that house in 2006, with much of the work done by John, Evie, and their boys. Whether on the boat, fishing, or enjoying an afternoon at the sandbar, John was happiest at the lake with friends and family. He passed that love down to his sons and grandchildren, Brantley and Delaney.

John also enjoyed playing cards and was an avid poker player. He was always available for a round of "Go Fish" or "Old Maid" with his grandson, to whom he was known as "Papa". Being a papa came naturally to John. John would play games, take the grandchildren for golf cart rides, and taught Brantley to fish. John had always hoped for a daughter and was beyond thrilled with the arrival of his granddaughter, Delaney.  His grandkids adored him, and they brought him so much joy and happiness. He was also fond of music, especially the oldies and classic rock. You could often hear him singing a song he had heard on the radio. He was incredibly proud of his son, Brian, for learning to play the guitar. On a Saturday, you could always find John cheering on the Ohio State Buckeyes and teaching the grandchildren how when someone says "O-H-", you reply with "-I-O! Go Buckeyes!"

John was an extremely hard worker, dedicated and determined to provide for his family and give them the life they deserved. With his lifelong love affair with auto racing and cars, it only seemed natural that he once owned an auto parts store in Continental and eventually retired from Roeder Cartage. He was a member of the Ottawa Eagles and attended Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Ottawa, OH.

Survivors include: two sons, Brian Edward of Huntsville, AL, and Brad Anthony (Valerie) of South Bend, IN;  two grandchildren,  Brantley Emerson and Delaney Elizabeth;  brothers,  Ron (Marge) Weis, of Marco Island, FL, Terry (Darlene) Kreidler, of WonderVu, CO,  and Alan (MaryJo) Kreidler, of Lima, OH; sisters,  Sherrie (Jim) Butler, of Ottawa,  and Suzy Frey, of Pandora, OH;  Sisters-in-law,  Sandy Weis, Judy Weis, Marjorie (Leroy) Brown, Dorothy (Don) Christman, Francis (Bryan) Gray.  Brothers-in-law, Charlie (Helen) Morman, Nicholas (Amy) Morman, Richard (Aireen) Morman. He also leaves many other family members, nieces, nephews, dear friends who were like family, and his beloved four-legged babies, Marley and Leona. He will forever be in their hearts and be missed every day.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Elizabeth Weis, siblings Tom Weis, Bob Weis, Janet Weis Bhatti, and his stepfather, James Kreidler.

Friends and family are invited to share memories and celebrate John's life as he would want to be remembered - a loving and caring man who enjoyed life and deeply loved his family and friends.

Funeral mass will begin 10:30 a.m. on Monday, January 9, 2023, at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Ottawa, OH with Father Scott Kramer officiating.  Burial will immediately follow at the church cemetery. Visitation will be held from 2 - 8 p.m. on Sunday, January 8, 2023 and again on Monday from 9:15 – 10:15 a.m. at LOVE FUNERAL HOME in Ottawa, OH.

John will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic School (SPPS) building fund or Putnam County Cancer Assistance Program (CAP).

Condolences may be expressed at www.lovefuneralhome.com