Rev. Donald Edward Weber, age 92, died Friday, Oct. 18.
Father Don was born Jan.26, 1932, and was raised in Salem Township.He attended St. Mary’s Elementary School in New Salem, St. Joseph Seminary in Grand Rapids, Seminary of Philosophy in Montreal, and Assumption Seminary in San Antonio, Texas. He was ordained to the priesthood on May 24, 1958, by Bishop Allen J. Babcock at the Cathedral of Saint Andrew.
Father Don has served the Diocese of Grand Rapids for 66 years. He served as parochial vicar of St. Bartholomew Parish (Newaygo) and Our Lady of Grace Parish (Muskegon). He served as Pastor of Blessed Sacrament (Allegan) and Sacred Heart Parish (mission in Watson), Our Lady of Grace Parish (Muskegon), St. Patrick Parish (Portland), St. Francis de Sales Parish (Holland), and Holy Name of Jesus Parish (Wyoming).
He was appointed by Bishop Robert J. Rose and Bishop Walter A. Hurley to serve the diocese as the vicar of priests for more than 20 years. He also served as canonical administrator for the Basilica of Saint Adalbert (Grand Rapids), St. Patrick Parish (Portland), St. Bartholomew Parish (Newaygo), St. Joseph Parish (White Cloud), and Holy Redeemer Parish (Jenison).
Early in his career, he served as acting principal pro tem of Muskegon Catholic Central High School and chaplain and director of the Mexican Apostolate for Muskegon Catholic Central High School.
Father Don is survived by his sister-in-law, Mary Ellen Weber; nieces Rosemary Mills, Theresa (Mark) Steffes, Karen (Brian) McKinnon, and Elaine Weber; nephews Tony Weber, Dean (Tara) Streb, and Roman Sobie, Sr. and their families; extended family, neighbors, brother priests, and the multiple individuals he served in the Diocese of Grand Rapids.
He was preceded in death by his parents Harry and Rose; brothers Robert, August, and Francis; sisters Margaret Weber and Marian Streb-Albers and niece, Anna Sobie (Roman).
Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 27, at St. Sebastian Catholic Church, 9408 Wilson Ave. SW, Byron Center. A vigil will take place at 7:30 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial for Father Don will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Oct. 28, with visitation beginning at 9:30 a.m., at St. Sebastian Catholic Church, with Most Rev. David J. Walkowiak, J.C. presiding.
There will be a private burial ceremony.
In honor of Father Don and in lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to San Juan Diego Academy.
