Wallace W. Weber

Wallace “Wally” Weber, 97, passed away Sunday June 6th after a brief illness. A lifetime resident of Hastings, Wally was born in Marshall MN on August 19, 1923. He was preceded in death by his wife, Claire; parents, Bill and Rose Weber; sisters, Peg Ludwig, Jackie Allgor; brother, Richard Weber; and grandson, Tony Weber. Wally is survived by sister, Beverly Schmitz; children, Tom (D.Ann) Weber, Marj (Ken) Crea, Steve (Nancy) Weber, Paul (Suellen) Weber; eight grandchildren and twelve great grandchildren. Wally graduated from Hastings High School in 1941 and went to California for aviation metalsmith schooling. Upon finishing training, he was employed by Douglas Aircraft before returning to Minnesota to start a career at Northwest Airlines. In 1942 he enlisted in the Navy. While stationed in Florida he met his future wife, also a Navy enlistee, working on aircraft together. After being discharged they returned to Minnesota to start a family. Wally resumed his employment at Northwest Airlines moving from mechanic to flight engineer and finally to captain flying international routes. Wally retired from Northwest in 1983. Wally not only worked in aviation, but it was also his passion. In the early 60’s Wally and Claire purchased land south of Hastings suitable for a runway. There he used his woodworking and metalsmith skills to build two airplanes and maintained three certified aircrafts. His Acrosport II won a Lindy award at the annual EAA airshow in Oshkosh, WI. Wally’s curiosity made him a lifetime learner and he found it important to remember the names and faces of everyone he met. Private services have been held. Memorials preferred to Hastings Family Service, Young Eagles, or donor’s organization of choice.