Above / Back in 1943, the Naperville Community High School Swing Band featured Dick Weiler on drums while his best buddy, Ted Fredenhagen, standing behind him in the photo, played trumpet. (Photo courtesy Bob Weiler)
William Richard Weiler, affectionately known as “Dick,” peacefully passed away at his home in East Berlin, Pennsylvania, on Wed., Feb. 10, 2021, at the age of 95.
Weiler grew up in Naperville, Illinois, enjoying music, athletics, and the outdoors. The adventures he shared growing up in rural Naperville with his best friend, Ted Fredenhagen, would fill volumes. Bristling with talent and a love of music, Dick and Ted enjoyed their involvement with the Naperville Community High School Swing Band in 1943.
Later, they answered the call of duty and served their country during the final years of World War II. Marriage and the raising of children followed, and although they became separated geographically, they shared correspondence and made periodic visits over the years.
In company with his two sons, Jim and Gary, and in celebration of his last birthday, Ted drove to Pennsylvania in February 2020 for what would be his final visit with his lifelong friend.
Bob Weiler added that Ted and his dad were born in the same year. Ted’s birthday is in February and his father was born in August, though Ted was a year ahead of Dick in school. Dick had been quite ill during his first grade year and was held back due to too many sick days.
During their visit a year ago, memories were shared, coupled with laughter and tears of gratitude as they parted.
Bob Weiler added, “It’s been said that theirs was the greatest generation. I would have to agree.”
A devoted husband and father, Dick is survived by his wife of 69 years, Nancy G. Weiler, their three children, 15 grandchildren, and 41 great grandchildren, all of whom dearly love him along with many, many others–including several nursing angels from the Visiting Nurse Association of Hanover and Spring Grove, Pennsylvania.
“Dad’s nurses from hospice filled the end of his life with joy, laughter and love,” noted his daughter, Kate Brautigam.
Anyone wishing to donate to Visiting Nurse Association of Hanover and Spring Grove, Pennsylvania, “an amazing organization,” in honor of Dick Weiler may do so by visiting: https://vnahanover.org/donations-special-events.
The Weiler family is planning a memorial tribute in mid-July 2021.
Memories and photos submitted by Bob Weiler.
Editor’s Note / “Richard Weiler” is featured among members of the Naperville Municipal Band in the book, “A History of the Naperville Municipal Band,” commemorating its first 150 years, published in 2008. Richard Weiler is listed as a drummer in 1946.
NMB Conductor Ron Keller recalls a story his father, Adam Keller, told him about Dick Weiler many years ago. According to the elder Keller, during an exceptionally hot and humid Memorial Day Parade, the drumhead overheated on Weiler’s drum, detaching as the marching band was on its way to Ss. Peter and Paul Cemetery. Ron Keller recounted a remarkable story that by the end of the parade, the drumhead had been replaced three times! Ron Keller recalled that it’s a NMB record that’s never been broken.
