J. David Weiss

News Death Notice

WEISS, J. David 71, of Burlington died at 8:10 a.m. Thursday, October 7, 2010, at his home as a result of neuroendocrine cancer. Born April 3, 1939 in Hamilton, Ohio, he was the son of Joseph E. and Helen Shollenbarger Weiss. On August 31, 1962 he married Kay Hagemeyer in Newport, Rhode Island. Mr. Weiss received his Bachelors of Science degree from Purdue University in 1962 and his Masters in Fine Arts from the University of Montana in 1970. He was a Navy veteran serving from 1961-1965 at the rank of Lieutenant JG. Mr. Weiss was a state-licensed electrical contractor and journeyman electrician belonging to IBEW Local 34 since 1966 and United Scenic Artists/IATSE as a lighting designer since 1973. He worked as technician at Lakes Region Playhouse in Laconia, New Hampshire; lighting coordinator at Purdue Summer Playhouse in West Lafayette, Indiana; technical director at Playhouse on the Green in Columbus, Ohio; lighting designer at Montana Repertory Theatre and teaching fellow in theatre at the University of Montana both in Missoula, Montana; technical director of theatre at Central Missouri State University at Warrensburg, Missouri; technical director of theatre at Bemidji State University in Bemidji, Minnesota; technical director of theatre, Governor's State University in Park Forest, Illinois; visiting professor of theatre at Lewis University in Romeoville, Illinois; technical director at Viking! (outdoor drama) in Park Rapids, Minnesota; and instructor, Southeastern Community College in West Burlington, retiring in 2007. Mr. Weiss did electrical work on three Habitat for Humanity houses, was a Board member of Heritage Trust for the Preservation of Historic Burlington, Board member of Capitol Theater Foundation, member of Trinity Lutheran Church and its Property Committee and treasurer of Conference 8, Southeastern Iowa Synod, ELCA (12 years). Mr. Weiss was awarded Eagle Scout honors in 1955 and is a Rotary International Paul Harris Fellow. He enjoyed mentoring students in theatre crafts and working with his hands doing electrical work, house restoration and building things - especially canoes. Survivors include his wife, Kay Weiss of Burlington; two sons, Howard Thomas Weiss of Minneapolis, Minnesota and Warren Edward (Debbie) Weiss of Momence, Illinois; sister-in-law, Mikki Wilcoxen of Peoria, Illinois; two nieces , Eden (Rich) Schwindenhammer of Bartonville, Illinois and Eliza (Doug) Dickerson of Peoria; one nephew, Sam Wilcoxen of Decatur, Illinois; one great niece, Madison Schwindenhammer of Bartonville; one great nephew, Jacob Wilcoxen of Decatur; and three cousins, Walter (Marlene) Hilz of North Port, Florida, Michael (Renee) Hilz of Creve Couer, Missouri and Julie Hilz of Venice, Florida. He was preceded in death by his parents. The memorial service for Mr. Weiss will be 4:00 p.m. Sunday, October 10th, in Trinity Lutheran Church. Pastor Erick Swanson will officiate. The family will meet with friends from 2:30 p.m. until the time of service. A memorial service for Mr. Weiss will also be held 4:30 p.m. Monday, October 11th, in St. Matthew Lutheran Church, Darrtown, Ohio. Pastor Bob Heiliger will officiate. Inurnment will be in Darrtown Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established for Trinity Lutheran Church Scholarship Fund, 115 South Central, Burlington, IA 52601; Capitol Theater Foundation, P.O. Box 431, Burlington; Great River Hospice, 1306 Washington Rd., West Burlington, IA 52655; and Habitat for Humanity, 121 Habitat St., Americus, GA 31709.