Paul Frederick Weber was born Nov. 30, 1928, at his parents’ home northeast of Friend. Paul went to his heavenly home Jan. 23, 2024, at Ridgewood Care Center in Seward at the age of 95 years.
Paul spent his childhood years on the farm helping with the chores, which included helping his father with the farming, first with a team of horses and later with their John Deere B tractor. Paul attended country school through eighth grade at Saline County District #33 and District #101. He attended high school at Friend High and graduated with the class of 1946. He was awarded a Regent’s Scholarship to the University of Nebraska and attended one year in Lincoln before deciding to return to Friend to pursue farming, which he did until retiring in the 1990s.
Paul served his country as a member of the armed forces, Army Branch, during the Korean War. He began this service on March 20, 1951, at Ft. Leonard Wood in Missouri, and then Ft. Bliss in El Paso, Texas, where he attended school for anti-aircraft artillery basic. He then was sent to Korea where he achieved the rank of CPL. He was honorably discharged on March 20, 1953.
Paul returned to Friend, where he purchased some land northwest of town and went on to farm, raising corn, milo, wheat and beans over the years. He also raised cattle for a time, and then later farrowed hogs. Paul saw lots of change over the years. He believed in studying and keeping informed with the growing technology as much as possible. Paul also believed in making what you had work by maintaining and repairing it to fit the needs of the farm.
Paul was married to Phyllis M. Kohtz on Jan. 23, 1960, at Zion Lutheran Church at rural Hampton. Together they raised their three children, always demonstrating a strong faith in God. Paul was a humble man with great patience. He always kept calm no matter what the situation. Paul was very active in all of his grandchildren’s lives, and always a wonderful example to them all.
Paul was a 71-year member of the American Legion post #183 in Friend. He served the majority of those years as a member of the Honor Guard. Paul was a member of the United Methodist Church of Friend for most of his life. He was active on various committees over the years, including the PPRC committee up until a couple of years ago. Paul served as Sunday School Superintendent when his children were young and active in Sunday School. Paul was also a member of Pork Producer’s for several years.
Paul enjoyed tinkering on or building things, usually vintage items, or mechanical in nature. He enjoyed restoring his 1941 Chevy Pickup, several old tractors, a windmill on his farm and many other items. He built a doll house, merry-go-round and a go-cart, among other things, for the kids as they were growing up. He also built numerous pieces of furniture and restored many old pieces. He could fix almost anything he was asked to fix.
Paul was an avid reader and read many books in his spare time, He also enjoyed watching sports and attending school events of his children and grandchildren. He was a long-time Husker fan and especially loved being around the family when they would get together for a “Husker game-watching” party. Paul’s favorite place to vacation was Estes Park, Colorado. He and Phyllis would take the kids there many times to enjoy the beauty of the Rocky Mountains.
Paul was preceded in death by his wife, Phyllis M. (Kohtz) Weber in 1992; his parents, David and Lena (Asmus) Weber; siblings and their spouses, Anna Marie Weber, Robert (Mary) Weber, Carolyn (J. Donald) Zerbe, and Martha (Gerald) Gosnell. He is also preceded in death by his father and mother-in-law, Henry and Martha (Otto) Kohtz; and brother-in-law and wife, Berdean and Agnes Kohtz.
Paul is survived by his children (and spouses); David P. (Isabel) Weber of Seward, Ann L. (David) Betka of Friend, and Carol J. Aversman and special friend Walter Ware of Lincoln. He is also survived by seven grandchildren (and spouses): Brandon (Kara) Betka of York, Logan (Mikaela) Betka, of Beatrice, Alicia (David) Gay of Friend, Alaina Betka of Friend, Ryan (Paloma Power) Aversman of Papillion, Nathan Weber of Seward, and Lena Weber of Seward. Paul is also survived by his three great-grandsons, Baker Betka, Dawson Wild and Weston Gay.
The funeral service was Jan. 27 at the United Methodist Church in Friend with burial at Andrew's Cemetery. Full military rites were provided by the U.S. Army National Guard, Lincoln, and Honor Guard by Ford Banka Post #183, American Legion, Friend. Memorial contributions are suggested to Tunnel to Towers Foundation, and others to be determined by the family. Arrangements by Lauber Funeral and Cremation services.
