Dennis "Denny" Ray Weikert

Dennis (Denny) Ray Weikert entered into eternal rest Tuesday, September 26, 2023, peacefully at home after a long battle with Parkinson’s Disease.

Denny, or “Pappy” as he was known, was born on March 26, 1939, in Crystal, Indiana, to the late Robert and Fern (Beatty) Weikert. He married Judith Ann (Case) Weikert on December 6th, 1958, and loved her with deep devotion until the time of her passing in 2022. He affectionately referred to Judy as his “sweetheart.”

Denny was a beloved and devoted father to three and grandfather to nine. He loved his family deeply and freely gave them the gift of quality time; there was nothing he wouldn’t do in support of his children and grandchildren. He was extremely proud of his children’s accomplishments and loved attending his grandchildren’s many sporting events and other activities.

Denny was a 1957 graduate of French Lick High School, where he was Valedictorian. He graduated from Oakland City College in 1960 with a bachelor’s degree in mathematics, chemistry, and physics. He continued his education at Oklahoma State, McAllister College, and Indiana University, where he received his Master of Science degree. He spent 40 years working as a math and science teacher, coach, assistant principal, principal, and superintendent. Thirty-three of those years he served as superintendent of Spring Valley Community Schools. At the time of his retirement, he was the longest tenured superintendent of any school system in all of Indiana. Those who worked with him will remember him as a diligent steward of the school’s financial resources. He was proud of his ability to keep operations on track, while also putting funds aside for future needs. When he retired in 2000, the Springs Valley Middle School Gym was dedicated in his honor. He was elected into the Springs Valley Education Foundation Hall of Fame in 2011, a recognition of his contributions to the Springs Valley community that honored him greatly.

A longtime member of Mount Lebanon United Methodist Church, Denny was active in every aspect of the church. For many years, he ensured the grass was nicely mown and the snow scraped from the parking lot.

Denny was a member of the French Lick - West Baden Lions Club, receiving every award possible, including the 55-year Monarch Award. He especially enjoyed working at the Saturday Lion’s Club Fish Fry.

Denny enjoyed traveling, spending time with his family, and working on his farm. He was a hunter at heart and outdoorsman who knew every morel mushroom patch in Orange and Dubois County. One of his passions was his garden, which seemed to grow larger and larger every year. He was always happy to share the fruits of his labor, and many friends enjoyed the vegetables, especially his sweet corn and tomatoes.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Fern (Beatty) Weikert; beloved wife Judith (Case); and son-in-law Eric Carnes.

He is survived by his sisters, Opal Lee Stevens (Ernest), Alta Cave (Dennis), and Ruth Ann Emmons (William); sons, Douglas Weikert M.D. (Becky), Daniel Weikert M.D.; daughter, Darla Weikert Carnes; grandchildren, Robert Douglas Weikert (Aven), Emily Weikert Smith (Kyle), Andrew Harris Weikert, Abigail Hope Weikert, Alexander Nicolai Weikert, Nicholas Andrey Weikert, Olivia Marie Robling (Blake), Nathan Robert Carnes, Zachary Ray Carnes (Emma); great grandchildren, Adelaide Brynn Weikert, Ann Chatham Weikert, Weston Glenn Robling, Corbin Eric Carnes, and Wyatt Douglas Smith.

Denny’s family would like to extend a heartfelt “thank you” to Denny’s many caretakers over the years, especially Annie Phillips, Mona Beatty, and the hospice workers of Hosparus Health. The family is so appreciative of all of Denny’s many friends who took time to visit and uplift his spirit throughout the years, especially after Judy’s passing.

FUNERAL CEREMONY
A Funeral Ceremony will be conducted by Rev. Doug Finney on Thursday, September 28th, 2023, at Mount Lebanon United Methodist Church at 5 p.m. with burial to follow at Mount Lebanon Cemetery.

VISITATION
Visitation for friends will be from 11:00a.m – 5:00 p.m. at Mount Lebanon United Methodist Church on Thursday, September 28th, 2023, until the time of service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Dennis Weikert Education Scholarship Fund in c/o Orange County Community Foundation

Arrangements are in the care of Brosmer-Kemple Funeral Home in French Lick, Indiana 47432. Condolences may be made on our Facebook page at Brosmer-Kemple Funeral Home or at our website – www.brosmer-kemplefuneralhome.com.