Karl R. Weis Jr

Nov 18, 1919 - Jan 22, 1985

Karl R. Weis Jr., 65, of 15675 Winding Brook Drive, Mishawaka, died at 8 p.m. Tuesday in St. Joseph's Medical Center He was the former owner of the Karl Weis Body Shop, 52073 US 33 N, and was assistant vice president of 1st Source Bank's marketing division, serving as director of business development. Born Nov 18, 1919, in South Bend, he lived here all his life.

On Nov. 16, 1946, he married Bernetta Hutson. She survives with a daughter, Sandra Maechling of Baton Rouge, La; two sisters, Theresa Kasa of South Bend and Olga Kritz of Royal Palms, Fla, and a brother, Rudy Itesperia of California.

Another brother, Frank Langer, preceded him in death.

Friends may call from 2 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m Thursday in the Welsheimer Funeral Home, 521 N William St.. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of St Joseph County or to a charity of the donor's choice.

Mr. Wets owned the body shop from 1937 to 1973, beginning the business in a two stall garage and focusing on a trademark of "Quality- Pride Workmanship." He used the family dining room as his office, and housed the parts department in a nearby chicken coop.

In 1966, he refinished and weatherized tracking equipment used by the Bendix Corp in the worldwide network of ground stations operated by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. The system was used in part of the electronics lifeline for Gemini space vehicles.

From 1958 to 1973 he was president of KABCO Inc. and organized national car shows for Studebaker and Mercedes Benz.

From 1967 to 1971, he was executive vice presdent of Village Inn Pizza Parlors of Indiana Inc., and from 1970 to 1971 was comptroller of Craft Masters Inc.

He was a member of Elks Lodge 234; South Bend Country Club; Goodwill Industries of Michiana Inc.'s board of directors; Chamber of Commerce: United Way, and Project Future. He was a charter member and past president of Clay Twp. Lions Club: past county chairman of March of Dimes; a member of Council Oak Lodge 745 F & AM; and a member of the Indiana Sheriff's Association, University Club of Notre Dame, American Legion Post 303, FBT Men's Club, Heart Fund and Mishawaka Camp Fire Girls Council.

He was a fundraiser for Junior Achievement. A graduate of (Washington) Clay High School, he attended General Motors Technical Institute in Flint, Mich. Mr. Weis served as second lieutenant in the Army infantry, and was lieutenant colonel and commanding officer of the Northern District Internal Security Corps.

Article from 23 Jan 1985 The South Bend Tribune (South Bend, IN)

Sources: Ancestry.com and Newspapers.com

07/11/2026 EJS