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David Weinlick Obituary
Friends came to his aid and picked Elizabeth Runze from among hundreds of interested women. After knowing each other for only a few minutes, Weinlick and Runze said "I do" at a well-publicized wedding at the Mall of America in Bloomington.
The marriage lasted almost 20 years until Weinlick's death from colon cancer on Sunday night. He was 48.
Weinlick, who was diagnosed with terminal, inoperable stage IV cancer in March 2017, died in hospice care in a Minneapolis suburb, said his friend, Minneapolis City Council member Steve Fletcher, who helped arranged Weinlick's marriage to Runze.
"I was the instigator and Dave said, 'Let's do it,'" Fletcher recalled Tuesday about the arranged wedding. Using his experience in political campaigns. Fletcher said he knew how to write a press release and generate interest in Weinlick's quest for a bride.
"People were so interested and it became really sort of a media phenomenon," Fletcher said.
David Weinlick jokingly told relatives and friends he would be married June 13, 1998 — even though he didn't have a bride in mind. Friends and family helped Weinlick as the date approached, shooting a commercial and placing advertisements. They eventually narrowed the field to two dozen women. Runze, known as Bethy, stood out because she was willing to work on a relationship.
"They came together not knowing anything about each other," Fletcher said. He said the couple's marriage lasted so long because they knew how to "really appreciate the unique and amazing things about each other."
Bethy Weinlick quit her job as a nurse soon after her husband's cancer diagnosis. David Weinlick had left work for the state Democratic-Farmer-Labor party years earlier. The couple had four children.
"More than just an important part of our story at the Mall, David and Bethy have become our friends. Like so many others, we feel the pain of the loss of David, but will always treasure his memory," the Mall of America said in a statement.
After David Weinlick's cancer diagnosis, the couple renewed their wedding vows at the mall last August. The ceremony also served as a fundraiser for the Angel Foundation , which supports families coping with cancer.
The mall plans to host another fundraiser for the Angel Foundation on June 13, the couple's 20th wedding anniversary, and is planning a way to permanently honor David Weinlick.
Written by Jeff Baenen.
Copyright © 2018 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
54 Entries
Christopher DEvinney
June 16, 2019
Dude... I was 23 when your story hit the airwaves... I thought you were nuts. I thought the women were nuts. I thought this was probably the stupidest thing on the planet that anyone had come up with... But wow... you proved me and everyone wrong... I may not be married yet myself but you and Bethy give me relationship goals.
Judith Gottesman
June 5, 2019
Touched by the whole story and inspired by the love and strength he and his family had.
Monica
June 18, 2018
I'm a nurse and have taken care of cancer patients. I'm so very sorry for your loss. I just recently read your story and am very saddened by this. Cancer is so awful and your family will be in my prayers!
Ma Wan
June 13, 2018
I remember this day 20 years ago. I am proud of you! You did something many are unable to do with so much more information. Thanks for demonstrating to us all how to love so well till death do us part.
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Andrew
June 6, 2018
I am very sorry for your loss. I hope the words found at John 3:16 will help comfort the family during this very difficult time.
June 3, 2018
God speed, dear heart. RIP.
May 31, 2018
Please accept my deepest condolences in your time of mourning. Your marriage is a testament to trust, friendship and love at first sight.
JE Jackson
May 30, 2018
Remembering a person so many loved. Please accept my sincere condolences .
Karen Stupic
May 29, 2018
I am so very sorry for your family's loss and the loss to the Minnesota community who so clearly valued Dave.
I attended Moravian College with Dave (although in different graduating classes). I met him doing the theater production "Look Homeward, Angel" my freshman year. He was a big personality on and off stage.
I regret that when my family moved to Saint Paul that I did not make a bigger effort to meet up with Dave. I guess I always thought I would bump into him in "Saint Small."
Again, my most heartfelt and deepest condolences to your family.
Kamala Stromwall
May 28, 2018
I'm so sorry to hear of David's passing, my deepest condolences.
Rebecca Goodwin
May 28, 2018
Please find comfort in knowing that God understands your pain and will give you the needed strength to get you through this difficult time. Isaiah 40:29
Jane Dowling
May 27, 2018
God bless you and your loved ones ~ Rest in peace.
D D
May 27, 2018
Sorry for your Loss may the God of comfort be with you and your family at this time
May 27, 2018
What a beautiful love story.
My deepest sympathy to the family. May all those beautiful memories of him comfort you when you need it the most.
The Smiths
May 26, 2018
Makes me believe in romance all over again. Thank you for sharing your story.
Pamela Moore
May 25, 2018
Such a beautiful love story!!! My prayers & condolences to you and your family in dealing with your loss. God has more blessings for you!
Franklin Family
May 25, 2018
Dear Family and Friends of David Weinlick,
It is with sadness that I write this Condolences to you. I know what it is like to loose a loved one in Death. May you find comfort in knowing that thinking of the fond and happy times will keep himalive in your hearts and memory. May the God of all comfort, comfort you during this time of sadness. I also pray for you to have peace. (Isaiah 61:1, 2)
May 25, 2018
So sorry to hear of losing your angel. Always remember the special bond you had and always will have. Our prayers are with you now.
Shamique Spriggs
May 24, 2018
My prayers goes out to your family at this difficult time may God comfort your family and friends
May 24, 2018
My prayers are with you during this most difficult time. Please accept my condolences.
D Tyler
May 24, 2018
So very sorry to hear of the Weinlick family loss. Psalms 62:7-8
Ed Caffrey
May 24, 2018
To me he will always be "Mall of America Guy". A bright smile and wonderful life has been taken from us far too soon.
Julie Pugh
May 24, 2018
Praying for y'all! Y'alls love and life story is an inspiration to me! I didn't know about your story until now. God bless you and just know in your heart that you will see each other again someday.
Marilyn Brennan
May 24, 2018
I have had David on my prayer list since the renewal of the marriage vows at the Mall of America and his colon cancer was revealed. I pray for strength for his family at this time. Marilyn MN
Jackie P
May 24, 2018
How wonderful the gift of marriage from our Heavenly Father
A gift the Weinlick family was able to share with each other
A gift God knew would give them the joy of life
A gift truly worth fighting for
A gift worth working to develop to cultivate
The gift of love
May our Heavenly Father grant you the strength the comfort and the peace needed during this time
My prayers are with you
May 23, 2018
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Harry Simpson
May 23, 2018
Godspeed David...
mary powell
May 23, 2018
Bethy and family, we are praying for you! I am so blessed that Dave was my first friend at Moravian College and what a friend!!! I know I will see him again in Heaven! Dave's legacy will live on! Lots of love and prayers,
Mary Powell
May 23, 2018
I am so sorry for your loss of your dear loved one. I hope that you may be comforted by fond memories and the love of your friends and family. (Psalm 1:1,2)
M
May 23, 2018
My sincere condolences go out to the family and friends. This was a love story you'll never forget. To share with the whole world to give back in love as 1 Corinthians 13 verse 7.
Carla Bigelbach
May 23, 2018
What an amazing life lived and what a legacy that has been left!!
I'm so sorry for your loss.
May 23, 2018
Amazing story having said that I would like to wish you all the comfort and strength to help the family with the loss David. May the promise of the resurection and life with no more pain or death comfort you all especially his wife and children. John 6:40, Reverlation 21:3..5
May 23, 2018
Very sorry for your loss. May the God of All Comfort be with you.
Sincerely
Julia P
May 23, 2018
David was my LSAT teacher many years ago through Kaplan. He was an energetic force who inspired me to start teaching for Kaplan as well. I remember him fondly whenever I think about that period of my life. Your husband and father was a truly extraordinary person - I'm so sorry for your loss.
Sally
May 23, 2018
I am so very sorry that our dear David is not with us any more. May family, friends and fans keep the fond memories and the good times spent with David close in their hearts and minds at this most difficult time. May they all draw close to our creator and get to know all the wonderful blessings that he has in store for us and our loved ones who have passed in death. John 17:3. God love you.
Pamel Strong
May 23, 2018
I am saddened to hear of the passing of David Weinlick, a man who knew what he wanted and set out to make his dream and goal a reality. No doubt there are wonderful memories unnumbered in the life he led as a man and husband. I pray the memories will sustain you Elizabeth, and that the God of all comfort will lift you up when you feel down. Please accept my deepest condolences
Carmen M Luczak
May 23, 2018
May he rest in peace. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, loved ones, friends.
May 23, 2018
My deepest condolences to the Weinlick family. What a beautiful relationship you had. May your cherished memories stay strong in your heart. May the words of John 6:40 bring you comfort.
Cheryl Lynn
May 23, 2018
My sincere condolences to the family and friends.Make God your stronghold during this difficult time.
May 23, 2018
My condolences go out to the family of David. Im so sorry to hear of his passing. May God comfort and strengthen the entire family during this difficult time.
May 23, 2018
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Tarrie Anders
May 23, 2018
Peace be with all family and friends of David.
Sheila
May 22, 2018
Rest in eternal Peace David.
May 22, 2018
So very sorry to learn about the passing of your dear David..May GOD give the family peace and comfort as only he can comfort. May he mend your broken hearts. Ps. 147:3.
C.P.,LA.
M B
May 22, 2018
As the days, and weeks pass and life returns to normal. The love you shared and memories made will carry you through your grief.
K Mack
May 22, 2018
Deb Walsh
May 22, 2018
What an amazing couple, prayers and God bless the family
Pat
May 22, 2018
We are truly sorry for your loss. May you gain comfort by putting faith in God and his promises. He will answer your prayers for comfort and strength.
May 22, 2018
May God Bless you and always keep you and your family in in prayers
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