Dieter Claus Weingaertner, 65, of Oostburg, passed away on Wednesday, December 11, 2019.
Claus was born on April 13, 1954, in Mainz, Germany to Ludwig and Katarina (Schonfelder)
Weingaertner. After his high school graduation, Claus served in NATO Special Forces in
Germany for two years.
On December 24, 1986, Claus married Lorre Johnson in Reedsburg, WI. He was an active
member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Sheboygan Falls, where he was a part of the planning
committee. He was also a member of the Town of Holland Planning Committee.
During his career in the food industry, he worked in Research and Development and Quality
Assurance for Vicorp, Foxtail Foods, and TwinStar Bakery. Throughout his career, he spent time
consulting for businesses all over the country. For several years, Claus also owned and operated
the Sandpiper Restaurant in Oostburg.
He enjoyed cooking and baking, fishing, motorcycling, and assisting with an annual firework
show over July 4 th . Claus was a handyman, taking on big and small projects around the house. He
especially loved remodeling his home with Lorre. He was known for his willingness to help and
serve others. Claus will be remembered for his smile, which was apparent with a twinkle in his
blue eyes. His mother-in-law, Avis Johnson, when her children were young often quoted from
her Dale Carnegie course, 'I know people in the ranks who are going to stay in the ranks. Why?
I'll tell you why. Simply because they haven't the ability to get things done.' Claus did not “stay
in the ranks”, as he had the ability to get things done.
Claus is survived by his wife, Lorre Weingaertner; two sons, Carl Weingaertner and Alex
Weingaertner; brother, Ludwig (Babel) Weingaertner; sister, Elfriede (Wilfried) Eisenblaetter;
two brothers-in-law, Douglas (Elaine) Johnson and Todd (Heather) Johnson; sister-in-law, Carla
(Warren) Schmidt; and many other extended family members and friends.
Claus was preceded in death by his parents, Ludwig and Katarina Weingaertner; and parents-in-
law, Avis Johnson and Paul Newcomb.
A memorial service to celebrate Claus's life will be held on Friday, January 17, 2020, at 5:30 pm
at St Paul Lutheran Church in Sheboygan Falls with Rev. Tom Gudmundson officiating.
Relatives and friends may greet the family at St Paul Lutheran Church in Sheboygan Falls on
Friday, January 17, 2020 from 3:30 pm until the time of service at 5:30 pm.
A memorial fund is being established in his name.
For online condolences and additional information please visit www.wenigfh.com.
The Wenig Funeral Home of Sheboygan Falls (920-467-3431) is serving the Weingaertner
family with arrangements.
