Eugene Paul Weidner

Eugene Paul Weidner, age 92, passed away peacefully with family members by his side on March 4, 2022. He was born on December 14, 1929, to Bernard and Mary (Leikam) Weidner, and grew up on their family farm in Buffalo Grove, IL with 11 siblings.   Eugene fought in the Korean War and came back home to marry the love of his life, Mary Jane, on August 28, 1954.  This love lasted 66 years with a large celebration of their 65th anniversary with family and friends in 2019.

After working jobs in concrete, bricklaying, delivering milk, and carpentry, Eugene took a huge risk in 1965 when he bought and started the Harvard Poultry Farm, where he and Mary Jane raised their 8 children.  The farm had crops, pigs, and cattle, but it was best known for the thousands of chickens raised for eggs.  With all of his children helping, this is where he taught them the value of hard work and a strong work ethic.  Eugene retired from farming in his late 60’s, but in true farmer fashion, he continued to work on the farm with his son Gordie, and at his son Chuck’s manufacturing company well into his 80’s.  When he wasn’t working, he enjoyed driving around and inspecting the crops, going for ice cream with Mary Jane in her convertible, eating Sunday breakfast with their friends, traveling to see his children and grandchildren, keeping up the farm dooryard, and putting many miles on his beloved Gator. 

Eugene was steadfast in his Catholic faith and he and Mary Jane never missed Sunday mass sitting in their favorite pew.  He loved to talk to everyone and had many stories and jokes to tell.  He was genuinely interested in what you had to say which made him a great dad, wonderful husband, loving grandfather and godfather, favorite uncle, and a good friend. 

Eugene is survived by his children Linda (Kurt), Marcia (Jeff), Gordie (Barb), Janice (Steve), Donna (Boz), Chuck (Ann), Mary (Chris), and Christie (Phil).  He is also survived by his siblings Walter, Mary, Eileen (Bob), and Bernie (Cheryl), and his 21 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren.  Welcoming him home is his soulmate, Mary Jane, who heartbreakingly passed away in March 2021.  The family wishes to thank the staff at the Golden Years in Walworth for showing Eugene the greatest love and care during his final year. 

Visitation will be at Saunders & McFarlin Funeral Home, 107 W Summer St., Harvard, IL on Saturday, March 26, 2022, from 9 – 10:30 am.  Mass will follow at 11 am at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church with interment at the St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery immediately following.    

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