He was born Nov. 9, 1928, in Lisbon, North Dakota. The son of Karl A. Weiler and Lillian Gereau, he grew up surrounded by the love of 10 brothers and three sisters in the county seat along the Red River. His family had a strong presence in the community and the St. Aloysius Parish. He learned the family business from his father, The Weiler Dray Line, and he and his siblings were often seen together in clothing handcrafted by their mother. He graduated from Lisbon High School and joined the United States Coast Guard. While stationed in New England, he met Marion I. Murgatroyd at a USO dance. They were married at St. Mary’s Church in Biddeford and continued to dance to the Big Bands on the OOB Pier, and created a life filled with love and devotion.
Don’s career began as a Maine State Trooper, graduating from the Academy in 1955. He was then hired as a Special Agent/ Regional Supervisor for the Interstate Commerce Commission and celebrated a long career before retiring in 1984. On retirement, he secured a Private Investigators license, working for the Maine State Supreme Court.
Marion and Don were avid golfers and extensively traveled the country, delighting in new courses. They were fortunate to attend The Masters for their 25th wedding anniversary. His love of the game and his business sense contributed to his brief stint as president of the Biddeford Saco Country Club.
He was a published author and the Weiler family historian. During one winter in Florida, he developed a literacy program and taught an adult friend to read. He had a beautiful voice and competed nationally with a barbershop chorus. He shared his faith with his family as a member of Good Shepherd Parish. He had a great love for his three grandchildren and cherished attending their college graduations.
Donald was predeceased by his loving wife Marion and an infant daughter Wendy Lee.
He is survived by two daughters, Wendy Weiler of Saco and Bonnie Weiler and her husband John Bryfonski of Wilton New York; three grandchildren, Lara Bryfonski of Washington, D.C., Jenna Bryfonski of Guelph, Canada and James Grover III of Biddeford, Maine; and sister Delores (Tudy) Dick and husband Gary of San Antonio, Texas. He will be reverently remembered by Godchildren, family and friends.
Visiting hours will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 31, 2017, at Cote Funeral Home Chapel, 87 James St., Saco. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Friday, Sept. 1, 2017, at Most Holy Trinity Church, Saco. Burial will follow in Laurel Hill Cemetery, Saco.
To view Don’s memorial page or leave an online condolence, please visit www.cotefuneralhome.com
If friends desire, donations can be made in Don’s name to Gosnell Memorial Hospice House, 11 Hunnewell Road, Scarborough, ME. 04074
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