Billy Wayne Weese

life story

A Loving Husband and Father

Billy fought a courageous battle against lung cancer and other debilitating diseases the last 2 years of his life, mostly as a result of serving his Country in the Vietnam War. His courage and positive spirit will always be remembered by those that loved him dearly and called him a friend. He is an inspiration to us all.

Billy Wayne Weese (1947-2021)

Minneapolis VA Medical Center, MN – Billy Wayne Weese, 73, of Owatonna, MN, passed away peacefully at 12:10 AM, April 29th, 2021, with his two sons and wife by his side, holding his hands, telling him how much he was loved, and thanking him for being an awesome Dad and Husband.

Bill was born on May 29, 1947 in Dumas, Arkansas, to Raymond and Edith Weese. He lived in Arkansas, Oklahoma, California and Minnesota. Bill enlisted in the Army when he was 17 and would do 3 tours in Vietnam, awarded a Bronze Star, as well as numerous other awards. He was a hero, but he would never admit to that or accept that title. He would not speak much of the pain he endured and suffered during the war; just enough for you to know not to ask for more. That is not what made him a hero. What made Bill a hero was that he was always there when you needed him, to help in any way possible.

In October 1978, Bill met Joyce Osterhout when they both moved to Merced to open the new Kmart store in Merced, California. A working relationship developed later into a wonderful friendship. They were married on June 26, 1981, in Miami, Oklahoma. Bill loved telling the story of being married at LaVerne's Wedding Parlor & Laundromat in Miami. In October 1981, they returned to Merced to begin their new life, raising their two sons, Jared and Dylan, instilling a love for the outdoors, traveling as much as possible in “Chuck the Truck”, teaching them to love and appreciate nature. Bill worked for Longs Drugs at the Merced Mall, for the following 13 years.

In 1994, Bill and family stopped at the Owatonna KOA Campground on their way to visit friends and find a place to live in Wisconsin. The next day, the campground went up for sale, and a year later the Weese family would call Owatonna, Minnesota “home”, buying the campground, and creating priceless memories together during the following 6 years. During the campground off-season, Bill would drive Bus #8 for the Owatonna Bus Company. For 10 years (1999-2009), Bill was able to enjoy his love of the Hospitality Industry by working for Lasson Management Inc. beginning as a Maintenance Technician and ending up as the General Manager of the AmericInn Owatonna. From 2009-2016, Bill worked for Cobblestone Hotels, managing the Comfort Inn in Rochester, MN. Bill retired from full-time employment in 2017.

Bill was a history buff and loved everything about the American Civil War and visiting as many Civil War battle fields as possible while traveling the US. He loved camping, being outdoors, long road trips, and spending time with his family. One of his most special trips was to the Vietnam Memorial in Washington DC. He also loved watching TV, especially “The Curse of Oak Island”, “Yellowstone”, and old John Wayne movies. He took much joy in letting his son, Dylan, beat him, repeatedly, at mini golf on the PlayStation, sharing war stories with his oldest son, Jared, and watching sports events with his family.

Bill was preceded in death by his younger brother, George Raymond, his parents, Raymond Weese and Edith Sheldon. He is survived by his beloved wife, Joyce and his 3 children, Erica Weese-Sevenstar, Jared Weese, and Dylan Weese; his brother, Randy Weese, and two sisters: Gail Weese and Marilyn Wright; his 6 grandchildren: Britany Williams, Nickie Lawson, Ray Sevenstar, Bobby Sevenstar, Gianna Weese, and Dresden Weese; and 3 great grandchildren: Mason Williams, Maelee Williams, and Brinlee Lawson; and several nieces and nephews.

Bill Weese was a Hero, a loving and devoted Husband, Father, Grandfather, Brother, Nephew, Uncle, Cousin and a friend when you needed him. He will be immensely missed by his family and friends.

A full military service, with honors, will be on Wednesday, May 19, 2021, at 10:30 AM, at Ft. Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Family and friends are invited to the service.

memorial service

Military Service with Honors

May 19, 2021

Fort Snelling National Cemetery 7601 34th Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55450, USA

Friends and family are welcome to attend service at Ft. Snelling National Cemetery. Meet at the Assembly Area; arrive 10 minutes prior to ceremony.

Funeral/Cremation Provider: Crescent Tide Cremation Services