Francis Weyrens

Francis Weyrens, 81
Francis Pierre Weyrens, 81, previously from Iowa City, died peacefully on May 26, 2005, in Topeka, Kansas, from complications of Parkinson's disease. Frank, as his friends called him, was born in Sheldon, South Dakota, on March 5, 1924, and spent his boyhood years in Hebron, North Dakota. His father was a physician and his mother was a piano teacher. Frank married Helen Claire Draeb, also from Hebron, on June 30, 1949. He graduated from Notre Dame University and completed medical school at St. Louis University. He served in the Navy and retired from the Naval Reserves with the rank of Commander.
Dr. Weyrens practiced obstetrics and gynecology at the Galesburg Clinic in Illinois for 32 years, delivering more than 6,000 babies over his career. Dr. Weyrens served as president of the Knox County Medical Society and acted as Chief of Staff at St. Mary's and Cottage hospitals. He was active in the Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, the Knights of Columbus and was a charter member of the Sunrise Rotary Club. He was also honored as a Paul Harris Fellow of Rotary International. He enjoyed visiting with his friends, golfing, downhill skiing, traveling abroad, reading about the history of the Civil War, and listening to classical music.
Frank's wife, Helen, died of ovarian cancer in 1991. Dr. Weyrens lived the last years of his life with his children in Iowa City and Topeka. Frank's daughter, Dr. Charmaine Kleiber, lives in Iowa City with her husband Dr. Paul Kleiber. Their children are Will and Erik Kleiber. Frank's son, Dr. Francis J. Weyrens, lives in Topeka, Kansas, with his wife Dr. Kathy Weyrens. Their children are Peter and David Weyrens. Myrtle Lamport, Frank's only sibling, lives with her daughter in Hawaii.
Many people dearly loved Frank. He will be greatly missed. The burial will be at St. Anne's Cemetery in Hebron, North Dakota. A Galesburg celebration of Frank's life is planned for the Labor Day weekend. Memorials in Dr. Weyrens' name can be sent to the OSF Foundation at St. Mary's Hospital in Galesburg or to the Galesburg Salvation Army. Condolences can me mailed to Charmaine Kleiber, 1819 Flanigan Ct, Iowa City, IA, 52246, or to Jim Weyrens, 7548 SW Blue Inn Place, Topeka, KS, 66619.