Mary Joan Weigel

Mary Joan Weigel was born on December 8, 1940, in Russell, KS to Joseph and Eleanor (Tholen) Scheck and passed away on April 28, 2025, in Russell Kansas at the age of 84 years, 4 months and 20 days.

Joanie grew up in Gorham, Kansas, where she attended St. Mary Catholic School and graduated from Gorham High School. She later earned an associate degree in business from Brown Mackie College. A true jack-of-all-trades and fantastic interior designer, Joanie brought her dedication and creativity to every role she held. Over the years, she worked in an attorney’s office, a lumber yard, an abstract and title company, as well as in restaurants and retail. No matter the job, Joanie’s strong work ethic, cheerful presence, and knack for connecting with others left a lasting impression.

Joanie was united in marriage to Edward J Weigel on November 14,1959, and had 6 children in 8 years, David, Deidra, Michelle, Mike, Joey, and Candace. Edward passed away on September 13, 1986, in Pratt. Joanie met her significant other, Ron Arneson, and for the past 42 years they shared a life full of love, laughter, and memories—dancing together, cheering on their grandkids at games, and hosting cherished holiday get togethers. Most notable was the Christmas season, when Joanie transformed their home into a holiday wonderland with her stunning decorations and numerous beautifully adorned trees. Her attention to detail and festive spirit made the season magical for everyone lucky enough to be part of it. Joanie was truly one of a kind—a devoted mom, Grammie, aunt, sister, and friend. She had an unmatched talent for decorating, able to make something out of nothing and turn the ordinary into something beautiful. Not only did she transform her own home with warmth and creativity, but she also helped others decorate theirs—painting rooms, hanging wallpaper, and adding her special touch wherever it was needed. Her heart was pure gold. She prayed for everyone and lived her life in service to others, always putting the needs of family, friends, and community before her own. A deeply faithful woman, Joanie was an active member of St. Mary’s Church in Gorham. She played the organ, taught CCD, decorated the church for every season, and was a proud member of the Daughters of Isabella.

Joanie was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Eleanor Scheck, brother, Donald Scheck, sister Myra Poage, brother-in-law, Jim Gould, brother-in-law, Chuck Moore, sister-in-law, Barb Scheck, grandson, Jadyn Arneson, and great grandson Stephan Dreiling.

Survivors cherishing her memory include sister, Melba Moore, West Palm Beach, brother, Tim Scheck, Russell, significant other, Ron Arneson, Gorham, son, David Weigel, and his wife Theresa, Gorham, daughter, Deidra Schmidtberger, and her husband Gary, Russell, daughter, Michelle Brown, and her husband Rodney, Gorham, son, Mike Weigel, and his wife Sharon, Russell, son, Joey Weigel, and wife Tammy, Russell, daughter, Candace Yost and husband Greg, Hays, son, Ty Arneson, and wife Jennifer, Junction City, daughter, Tasha Arneson, and husband Afshin, Louisville, 24 grandchildren, 38 great grandchildren, and numerous nieces nephews, cousins and friends.

Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 AM, Thursday, May 8, 2025 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Gorham, Ks. Burial of Ashes will follow at the St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Gorham. The family will be present to greet friends from 9:00 AM to Services on Thursday at the Church. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been designated to Gorham Community Development Association-Splash Pad. Contributions and condolences may be sent to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, who is in charge of these arrangements.