John R. "Jack" Weber

John R. "Jack" Weber, 88, of Marquette, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday evening, December 11, 2024, surrounded by his loving family.
Jack was born on April 4, 1936, in Detroit, Michigan, to Paul and Ramona (Petersen) Weber. He was a graduate of Resurrection High School in Lansing and attended the University of Detroit before earning his law degree from Wayne State University.
On August 30, 1958, Jack married the love of his life, Mary Fay Tolan, at Church of the Resurrection in Lansing. In 1966, they moved to the Upper Peninsula, where Jack began practicing law in Negaunee and raising his family. He later established a private law practice in Marquette and served as legal counsel for the Catholic Diocese of Marquette for many years.
Jack's career included 13 years as a United States Federal Magistrate and his appointment as Circuit Court Judge in 1996, a position he held with integrity and dedication until 2008. Respected for his thoughtful blend of jurisprudence and compassion, he brought fairness and humanity to the bench. After retiring from the court, he continued contributing to the community by facilitating mediation proceedings.
An avid outdoorsman, Jack loved fly fishing, canoeing, sailing, and hiking, He spent countless hours on Michigan's legendary trout streams and enjoyed fishing in Montana and Florida's Everglades. He explored remote wilderness rivers in Canada's Northwest Territories, paddling the Natla-Keele, Thelon, and Mackenzie Rivers. His love for adventure extended to sailing, where he competed with enthusiasm in the Great Lakes Mackinac races and locally in Marquette regattas aboard Mean Machine. Jack relished the joy of being on the water, and the thrill of it all.
Jack's appreciation for nature was exemplified in how he found beauty in everything, from the majesty of a moose to the gentle, wistful call of the white-throated sparrow. His remarkable talent for mimicking a moose call was a source of delight for friends and family. His adventurous spirit, paired with his respect for wildlife and wild places, inspired all who had the privilege of exploring the world with him.
In quieter moments, Jack was a voracious reader with a deep interest in Civil War history. He had a keen intellect, a generous spirit, and a gift for storytelling that brought happiness to all who knew him. At his core, Jack embodied authenticity. His life was marked by experiences that resonated with everyone who knew him-taking risks, making mistakes, and learning from them in ways that made him deeply relatable. He was a teacher at heart, taking pleasure in sharing his love of the outdoors with his children and grandchildren. Jack didn't just teach them how to hike, fish, or paddle-he taught them to appreciate the beauty and tranquility of the natural world and the special charm of the Upper Peninsula. That legacy, carried forward by those he loved, remains his greatest gift.
Jack is survived by his devoted wife of 66 years, Mary; three children, John R. (Dana) Weber, Jr. of Birmingham, MI, Karl (Peggy) Weber, and JoAnne (Robert Plotezka) Garrow, both of Marquette; nine beloved grandchildren, Elie Weber, Kate Garrow, Nick Weber, Maddy Weber, Joe Weber, Anna Garrow, Grace Garrow, John Weber II, and Jake Garrow; one great-granddaughter, Willow McNish; his brother, Richard D. (Mary Ellen) Weber; his sister, Mary Susan (Robert) Chrysler; his sister-in-law Catherine Hollowell; and brother-in-law Joe (Alaine) Tolan. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews and many grand nieces and nephews. Jack was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Paul, and his son, Mark.
The Weber family invites relatives and friends to gather on Thursday, December 19th, in the Bishop's Room of St. Peter Cathedral starting at 10 a.m., followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Fr. Brandon Oman officiating. A luncheon will follow in the parish hall. Burial will take place at Holy Cross Cemetery, and a future celebration of life will be held to honor Jack.
A heartfelt thanks to Marquette Home Care for their support over the past few years, and for the many shared moments with Jack during walks at the Superior Dome and along the Presque Isle bike path. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Lake Superior Life Care and Hospice, the Lewy Body Dementia Foundation, or Trout Unlimited.
Canale-Tonella Funeral Home and Cremation Services is assisting the Weber family, where memories may be shared at canalefuneral.com.