The family of 66-year old Philip Weisz – fondly known as Phily – of Batesland, SD, will host a celebration of his life on Sat, Nov 11, at 1:00 at the Batesland Elementary Eagle Gym in Batesland.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America.
Online condolences may be left at chamberlainchapel.com.
Philip R Weisz was born to Richard and Mathilda (Kallenberger) Weisz on May 22, 1957, in Ipswich, SD. He passed away on Nov 4, 2023, at Saint Joseph’s Hospital in Denver, CO, surrounded by his loving family.
Phily began his education in Hosmer, SD, before moving to Eureka, SD, where he graduated with the class of 1976. While in high school and following graduation, he custom-harvested, then began working for Greg Grenz, a local farmer in Eureka.
In 1986, Phily and his family moved to the Aberdeen/Warner, SD, area. He was employed briefly by a moving company, then obtained his welding certificate and began welding for Specialty Manufacturing in Bath, SD.
In 1991, the family moved to Batesland where Phily began a career in carpentry and eventually owned Philip Weisz Construction.
Prior to retirement, he also drove a school Suburban for Oglala Lakota School District. His time driving for the school brought out a love of hip hop music! He learned all the latest hip hop and loved to share with his not-so-receptive wife.
In his retirement, he enjoyed maintaining his beautiful yard and mowing the “South 40,” but Phily’s first and greatest love was his family. He truly enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren, who lovingly called him Papa. He loved to hear their stories and attend their activities.
Other interests were camping, fishing (favorites were trips to Alaska), hosting hunters (many of whom became life-long friends), horses, marathon card-playing sessions, cheering on the Steelers, grilling, smoking, and pickling different foods, and attending family reunions.
Phily is survived by his wife of 46 years Jodi (Neuharth) Weisz; daughters Lisa Wilber and her husband Brian, Madelynne and Makenna of Dell Rapids, SD; son Carey and his fiancée Trish and daughters Taylor and Aspen, honorary granddaughter Jessica Watson, and Trish’s sons Cole & Levi of Rapid City, SD.
Other survivors include Phily’s siblings Randy (Sherrie), Lorena (Ronnie) Knoepfle, Adina (Ray) Rohrbach, Alvin (Kathy), and Merle (Linda); in-laws Randy and Kay Neuharth, Cindy and Rick Hofland, Mike and Sherrie Neuharth, Karla Herdina, and Jeff and Dana Neuharth; and many nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews.
Phily was preceded in death by his parents, his parents-in-law Harley and Darlene Neuharth, and one nephew.
While Phily left us far too soon, the impact he had on his family, friends, and community will be felt for years to come. All who knew him will always remember his smile, his gentleness, and his signature hat!
Chamberlain-Pier Funeral Home of Gordon, NE, is in charge of arrangements for Richard Baker.