Bill Weitzel

William DeWayne "Bill" Weitzel, age 81, of Jefferson City, Mo., passed away peacefully Wednesday, May 21, 2025, at his home. He was surrounded by his loving family.
Bill was born on November 18, 1943, in Bonne Terre, Mo.; a son of the late Howard D. Weitzel and Norma Jean (Dees) Kreitler. After meeting in the first grade, Bill eventually won the heart of Judith Ann "Judi" Morice, whom he married on November 2, 1969, in Fredericktown, Mo. The couple, rarely seen apart, built an incredible life of love, dedication, and devotion. She preceded him in death on May 18, 2015.
By the age of 12, Bill had already developed a strong work ethic, delivering newspapers throughout the Desloge, Mo., area. With the money he earned, he purchased multiple horses and rented pasture ground to tend to them throughout his youth. He graduated from Desloge High School in 1961.
Following graduation, Bill enlisted in the United States Navy, faithfully serving his country during the Vietnam War. He rose to the rank of Commander of Submarine Squadron One and earned the National Defense Service Medal before his honorable discharge in 1967. He remained a proud Navy veteran throughout his life and often reflected fondly on his time in service.
After returning home, Bill worked in the local iron mines before continuing his education at Mineral Area Community College, where he earned a degree in Business Administration. He began his professional career as a loan officer in Southeastern Missouri and Minnesota, but it was in sales where he found his true calling. In October 1979, his career led him and his wife, Judi, to relocate their family to Jefferson City.
Bill's strong moral compass and enduring integrity made him not only a respected businessman but a trusted friend to many. His work in home building and construction was marked by quality, honesty, and genuine care for his clients. Even after stepping back from business, Bill never fully retired. He poured his heart into ministry, leading Bible studies and sharing God's love as a dedicated prison minister.
Rooted deeply in his Christian faith, Bill and Judi were longtime members of First Assembly of God in Jefferson City. He drew his daily strength from God's Word, reading the Bible cover to cover multiple times and grounding his life in scripture. Bill found peace and renewal in the beauty of God's creation-especially during quiet walks in the woods. An avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed hunting and fishing in his younger years, teaching his children the skill of casting a line. He had the unique opportunity of combining his faith with his love of the outdoors as a volunteer youth leader at Camp Penuel for several summers.
Above all, Bill treasured his family. A devoted husband, and a steadfast father and grandfather, he was a constant source of strength-always ready with a word of encouragement, sound advice, or a place of comfort and refuge. Family trips to the beaches of Florida and talks of adventures to Hawaii were cherished moments. Bill's life was a testimony to quiet leadership, lasting values, and unconditional love. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
He is survived by his four children, Brian Sebastian (Sandy), Gina Engelbrecht (Rick), Nikki Cole, and Mellissa Nivens (Chad), all of Jefferson City; one brother, Donnie Weitzel (Susan) of Desloge, Mo.; eight grandchildren, Magen Sebastian, Jereme Sebastian (Kenzie), Chelsea Steele, William Steele, Grace Cole, Sydney Nivens, Sophey Nivens, and Sadie Nivens; and seven great-grandchildren, with one on the way.
He was preceded in death by his beautiful wife of 45 years, Judi; father, Howard Weitzel; mother, Norma Kreitler; sister, Jacque Bray; and grandsons, Brandon Pruitt and Jacob Pruitt.
Visitation will be held at Freeman Mortuary from 10:30 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 27, 2025.
Funeral services will be conducted 12:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 27, 2025, in the Freeman Chapel with the Reverend Frank Goehringer. Graveside services and interment with military honors will be held at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery.
A webcast of Bill's service will begin at 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, for friends and family that are unable to attend. The webcast can be accessed by going to Bill's memorial page on the Freeman Mortuary website and clicking "Watch Now" below the obituary text at the time of the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Camp Penuel, P.O. Box 367, Ironton, MO 63650.
Funeral arrangements are under the care of Freeman Mortuary, 915 Madison St, Jefferson City, MO 65101.