Philip Weisz

Philip R. Weisz, age 66, of Batesland, South Dakota, passed away on November 4, 2023, at Saint Joseph’s Hospital in Denver, Colorado, surrounded by his loving family.

Philip, fondly known as Phily, was born to Richard and Mathilda (Kallenberger) Weisz on May 22, 1957 in Ipswich, South Dakota. He began his education in Hosmer, South Dakota before moving to Eureka, South Dakota where he graduated with the class of 1976. While in high school and following graduation, he custom harvested. He then began working for Greg Grenz, a local farmer in Eureka. In 1986, he and his family moved to Aberdeen/Warner, South Dakota area, and he was employed briefly by a moving company. He then began welding for Specialty Manufacturing in Bath, South Dakota, after obtaining his welding certificate. In 1991, the family moved to Batesland where he began a career in carpentry and eventually owned Philip Weisz Construction. Prior to retirement, he drove a school suburban for Oglala Lakota School District. His time driving the school suburban brought out a love of hip hop music! He learned all the latest hip hop and loved to share with his not so receptive wife. In his retirement, he enjoyed maintaining his beautiful yard and mowing the “south 40”.

Phily’s first and greatest love was his family.  He truly enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren, who lovingly called him Papa. He loved to hear their stories and attend their activities. Other interests were camping, fishing (favorites were trips to Alaska), hosting hunters (many of whom became life-long friends), horses, marathon card-playing sessions, cheering on the Steelers, grilling, smoking, and pickling different foods, and attending family reunions.

Phily is survived by his wife of 46 years, Jodi (Neuharth) Weisz, daughter, Lisa Wilber, her husband Brian, and daughters Madelynne and Makenna of Dell Rapids; son, Carey, his fiancée Trish, and daughters Tayler and Aspen, honorary granddaughter Jessica Watson, and Trish’s sons Cole & Levi of Rapid City. Other survivors include siblings Randy (Sherrie), Lorena (Ronnie) Knoepfle, Adina (Ray) Rohrbach, Alvin (Kathy), and Merle (Linda), and in-laws Randy and Kay Neuharth, Cindy and Rick Hofland, Mike and Sherrie Neuharth, Karla Herdina, and Jeff and Dana Neuharth as well as many nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews.

Phily was proceeded in death by his parents, his parent in-laws, Harley and Darlene Neuharth, and one nephew.

Phily’s family will host a celebration of his life on Saturday, November 11, at 1:00 pm at the Batesland Elementary Eagle Gym in Batesland, South Dakota. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America.

While Phily left us far too soon, the impact he had on his family, friends, and community will be felt for years to come. All who knew him will always remember his smile, his gentleness, and his signature hat.