William “Bill” H. Weber, Sr., age 82, passed away peacefully at Agrace Hospice on Tuesday, September 24, 2024. Bill was best known for his highly successful career in real estate, spanning over 40 years until he retired in 2016. More importantly, he was loved dearly by his family, friends, and beloved dog Zach.
Bill was born in 1942, in Fennimore, WI, to Raymond and Bernice (Mathews) Weber. After graduating from Lancaster High School, he studied at UW Platteville and then UW Madison, where he earned his Bachelor’s Degree. Bill’s work life started in education. For several years, he taught high school in Chetek, WI, while also completing a Master’s Degree at Purdue University. He then moved on to teach at Inver Hills Community College in MN.
Relocating to Madison, Bill began his real estate career in 1973, joining with his brother Tom and others as partners in Weber Realty. The company went on to become one of the largest real estate firms in the area, merging with First Realty in 1996 to become First Weber Group Realtors. A perfectionist with an unbelievable work ethic, Bill was a top sales associate at both firms throughout his career. He was also instrumental in launching Norwood Custom Homes, Inc., serving as Vice President and building hundreds of homes in the Madison and Dane County area.
Bill married Karen (Eckert) in 1973, and they enjoyed 50 years together. Incorporating many of Frank Lloyd Wright’s designs and ideas, Bill designed and built the couple’s prairie style dream home in Riley along the Sugar River. It was a labor of love.
Though his profession was his life, Bill’s passions were the family farm in Riley, the outdoors, and his grandkids. A strong supporter of Aldo Leopold’s land ethic, Bill loved the land and was happiest out in the fields, driving his tractors, tending to his garden, and tirelessly battling invasive species. He was always working on something and never liked to sit still. Similarly, Bill enjoyed pheasant hunting with his dogs, and he was an avid deer hunter and fisherman. In his later years, Bill focused more and more on the love and pride he had for his grandkids, who enjoyed hearing stories about his past and their family history.
Bill is survived by his wife, Karen; Children: Bill Jr. (Laura) Weber, Michael (Elisa) Weber, Kristin (Matt) Nick; grandchildren: Justin (Calley), Tristan (Libbie), Carson (Graham), Chad, Erin, Annie and Norah; great-grandson Lane; and siblings: Jim (Sue), Joe (Connie), Betty (Les), Dick (Sherri) and Bob (Mary). He was preceded in death by his brother, Tom.
A mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, Oct. 7, 2024, at 11:00AM at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, 602 Everglade Drive, Madison, with Fr. Jay Poster presiding. A visitation will be held from 9:30AM until time of Mass on Monday at the church. A luncheon will follow the service.
Special thanks to the wonderful people who cared for Bill along his journey.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Agrace Hospice, St. Joseph’s Indian School www.stjo.org or the Alzheimer’s Association www.alz.org .
Cress Funeral & Cremation Service
3610 Speedway Road, Madison
(608) 238-3434
Make a donation to one of the following charities in remembrance of Bill Weber Sr.
