Michael Weber, 93

Michael Weber was born July 24, 1919, in Fulton, N.Y., while his parents were visiting the U.S. He was raised in the small village of Tschippendorf, Romania.

During his youth he worked for a photographer in Bucharest and among other things, helped take a photo of the king. He married Barbara Ohler on Nov. 13, 1940, in Tschippendorf. He fought in World War II and at the end of the war he survived four years as a POW in a Russian camp. He was released in 1948 and was reunited with Barbara and his oldest daughter, Maria, in Vorchdorf, Austria. Mike worked in a stone quarry and played in a community band.

In 1952 he immigrated to the USA with Barbara and his three daughters, sponsored by the Sunnyslope Church of the Brethren in Wenatchee, Wash. He worked in the orchards until saving up enough to purchase a home and a small cherry orchard. He worked for the Wenatchee Schools in maintenance, where he became their lock expert until 1962. His family had expanded to seven children when he bought and operated an apple orchard in Omak, Wash., until retiring in 1982.

Following retirement, Mike and Barbara moved to Wenatchee and in 1990 they moved to Post Falls. He was an elder for Community Presbyterian Church.

Mike often took his family on road trips. There were many camping trips to Lake Chelan or to Ontario, Canada, to visit family. He made several trips to Europe and saw his childhood home on his last trip. Mike remodeled every home he lived in. He enjoyed woodworking and made many pieces of furniture not just for himself and Barbara, but also for his church and family until the age of 90.

He is survived by his wife of 72 years, Barbara; his children and spouses, Maria and Dale Hedman, Inge Weber, Christine and Joe Czyszczewski, Walter and Kathy Weber, Fred and Diane Weber, Elsa and Barry Nelson, and Kurt and Paula Weber. Sisters, Katharina Schuster, Barbara Brandauer and Sofie Wagner, also survive him. Mike was “Opa” to 17 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. His parents, Michael and Rosina Weber; a brother, Georg; a sister, Maria and an infant brother, preceded him in death.

Internment will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 6, 2012, at the Sunnyslope Church cemetery. A celebration of Mike’s life will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, Dec. 7, 2012, at Community Presbyterian Church in Post Falls. Memorials may be given to Post Falls Community Presbyterian Church or a charity of choice. Please visit Mike’s memorial and sing his online guest book at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.