Richard Weisser

Richard “Dick” D. Weisser, 79, of Stilwell, Kan., died peacefully at his home on March 15th. Dick was born in Grand Forks, N.D. on August 4, 1927, to Harry and Katherine Weisser. He graduated from Grand Forks High School in May 1945 and immediately joined the Navy as a Seaman 1st Class, serving on a troop transporter until the end of WWII. He then went to the University of North Dakota, graduating with a B.A. in Civil Engineering in May 1950 and marrying the love of his life for 56 years, Shirley, in June. They moved to Kansas City in 1951, working for the Montgomery Wards construction division, Paddock Pools, and then to Lock Point Pipe Co., where he worked as a regional sales manager for 20 years. Dick and Shirley returned briefly to Montana, where they tried their hands at grocery store ownership, but returned to KC in 1979 to partner with Paddock Pools Inc. for 10 years. While on the South Johnson County Fire Department board, he became their Administrative Fire Chief, serving for five years. For his last 14 years, he has served on the Water One Board of Directors, with two terms as Chairman of the board. His strong belief in God, family and community kept Dick deeply involved in many activities until his passing. He was on the Johnson Co. Fire District No. 2 Board of Directors, Rural District No. 2, County Road Committee, Hillsdale Water Project Board, Optimist Club, Rotary Club of Overland Park South, Post Office Committee, Brown and Gold Club, ComoClub, different committees for Blue Valley School District, and a Youth friend at Stilwell Elementary School. He was on the Future League of Women Votersboard and Mid America Regional Council Partnership Advisory Board. He was a life-time member of the American Water Works Association, the MO Society of Professional Engineers and the American Society of Civil Engineers and past President of the Engineers Club. He was preceded in death by his parents and stepparents Ella and Kenneth Fergerson, his brother Robert and wife Jane Weisser, and brother in law Duane Brown. Beloved survivors include sisters Norma Hayley and husband Jerry, Judy Werner and husband Duane; brother Jerry Weiser; brother-in-law Richard Brown; sister-in-law Theresa Brown; children Donn Weisser and wife Raeanne, Barbara Ellison and husband Morgan; four grandchildren, Katie and Sarah Weisser and Tommy and Kristen Ellison, and 21 nieces and nephews. His passion in life was people, fairness, and decency. He will be deeply missed. Dick was cremated and a memorial service will be held on March 23rd at 11 a.m. at Atonement Lutheran Church, 9948 Metcalf, Overland Park, KS 66212. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Safehouse, PO Box 4563 Overland Park, KS 66204- specify for shelter or hotline, or Future of Hopecontact Overland Park South Rotary Foundation.