Obituary: Mathias Peter Weiland (October 9, 1911 – Jan. 22, 2012)

Mathias Peter Weiland, 100 years old, passed away January 22, 2012. He was a resident of Crescent City. Matt was the oldest of five children born to John and Anna (Mangin) Weiland in Washington, Indiana.

He was reared and lived on the family farm until 1941 when he was drafted into the U.S. Army as a Private. During WWll Matt served in the 472nd Engineer Maintenance Company that was assigned to the South Pacific Island of Guadalcanal. Through the course of the war his actions and duty performance were recognized by his Brigade Commander and by the war’s end he was promoted to Captain and returned as the unit’s Company Commander. After coming home and being honorably discharged from the Army, he married his sweetheart Lois Bezdecheck. They settled in the San Fernando Valley in Southern California. Matt owned and operated the Canoga Park Sign Company and raised their seven children.

The Weilands were active in the Our Lady of The Valley Catholic Parish, educating their children and being involved with numerous functions such as the Knights of Columbus. They semi-retired in 1977 and moved to Crescent City where Matt continued painting signs and donating his talents. His work can still be seen at St. Joseph Church, Crescent Fire Protection District, the Fairgrounds and other organizations. He greatly enjoyed fishing and taking cruises from Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, and up in Alaska. Matt enjoyed his rose garden and spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He also enjoyed watching and cheering for Notre Dame football. Matt was a member of St. Joseph Church, Knights of Columbus (award of 81 years), and life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1381.

He lived a very full and happy life for 100 years and will be greatly missed by his loving wife of 66 years Lois. His children include six sons and one daughter. They are Robert with wife Beverly, Rick, Stephen with wife Lisa, Timothy, Michael with wife Candy, Daniel with wife Cass, his daughter Carol with husband Tom. He also leaves behind 8 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren.

The family would like to say thanks for the care and services provided by the Crescent City Convalescent Hospital nursing staff and especially the CNAs that were at his bedside continually. Additionally, thanks to Dr. Micheletti and all his staff at Crescent City Internal Medicine.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Catholic Relief Services.

Visitation will be held at Wiers Mortuary Chapel on Sunday, January 29, from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. with a Rosary following at 7 p.m.

Mass of Christian Burial services will be at St. Joseph Catholic Church on Monday, January 30, at 10 a.m. with interment to follow at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery.

Arrangements are under the direction of Wier’s Mortuary Chapel of Crescent City.

— Submitted by Wier’s Mortuary Chapel