John Weinert

Weinert, John
Sep. 5, 1931 - Jul. 30, 2015
Coach John Weinert, of Sarasota, FL, passed away on Thursday, July 30, 2015 at the age of 83.
John was born to parents Anthony and Violet Weinert on September 5, 1931 in Milwaukee, WI. A gifted athlete, he was awarded an athletic scholarship to Notre Dame. He later transferred and graduated from the University of Wisconsin.
John began his teaching and basketball coaching career at Rufus King High School (WI). From there he accepted the head coaching position at Ripon College (WI) where he led the Redmen to 2 Midwest Conference Championships and earned Coach of the Year honors. In 1972, he became the head coach at St. Joseph College (IN). He turned around a struggling program and guided the Pumas to an NCAA Division II Regional Championship in 1974. In 1975, the Pumas won the Indiana Collegiate Conference (ICC), had another deep run in the NCAA Tournament and established a school record for wins in a season. He was named ICC Coach of the Year. In 1976, he accepted the head coaching position at Bowling Green State University (OH). He won 2 Mid-American Conference Championships and again was named Coach of the Year. Throughout his career, John directed summer basketball camps nurturing thousands of young players in their quest to develop their basketball skills.
He remained active in coaching by leading the US Development Team in Amman, Jordan in 1990. He also helped establish a state-wide 3-on-3 basketball tournament in support of the American Cancer Society. In 1988, he was inducted into the St. Joseph College Hall of Fame.
John is survived by his second wife of 25 years, Elaine Weinert; children Cindi (Bill) Baum, Kelly (Bob) Zakis, John 'Buzz' (Melissa) Weinert, Jennifer McCabe and Jim (Cassie) Rehl, Grandchildren: Corey, Tyler, Hunter, Kara, Erin, Toby, Taylor, Cole, Georgia, Hallie and Cooper. He was preceded in death by his first wife Shirley.
There will be a private ceremony for the family in September. Memorial Contributions may be made to: The John Weinert Scholarship at BGSU; St. Joseph College (IN); or the Tidewell Hospice House, Sarasota, FL. Dunn Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Memories and condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.dunnfuneralhome.com.