Orville William Weninger, 91, passed away peacefully on Sunday, Sept. 6, 2026 at Clearview in Juneau.
Orville was born on December 1, 1934, to parents Arthur and Rose (Gehring) Weninger.
Orville believed in the value of hard work, and he lived that belief every day of his life.
Born into an era when hard work was simply a way of life, he began working at a young age and climbed into the combine for the first time at just 13 years old. What started as a young boy helping in the fields became a lifelong passion and career that spanned an incredible 72 harvest seasons.
Shortly after marrying Maryann in 1957, they began farming on Grant Road, Rubicon, WI. What began as a dairy farm evolved over the years into rented cropland, a beef operation, and eventually a custom combining business.
Orville expanded his career beyond farming by working for Buzzy Weber, Lackas Trucking, and Kreilkamp Trucking. He joined the Operating Engineers Union, working for companies including Wolf Construction and New Berlin Grading. Orville earned the respect of coworkers through his strong work ethic, reliability, and willingness to do whatever needed to be done. Yet no matter how demanding his workdays were, he could always be counted on to help the family farm in the evenings and on weekends. Whether combining crops, hauling hay, running grain to the elevator, or tackling the next job that needed attention, he was always there. Orville was a member of the Woodland Volunteer Fire Department for over 30 years. He served as a Firefighter, Assistant Chief as well as Chief. He also enjoyed his time with the RAT Club (Restored Antique Tractor). Growing up in a family where the Oliver Tractor was a favorite, he continued his love of Olivers throughout his life.
In later years, he embraced another chapter of his career with Seneca Foods (canning facility), continuing to work long past the age when many would have retired. In fact, he remained active in the combine until the remarkable age of 85, a testament to both his dedication and his love for the work.
Those who knew him knew that hard work was not simply something he did; it was who he was. He taught by example, showing his family that success comes from perseverance, responsibility, and commitment. His hands helped build a livelihood, support a family, and leave a legacy that will continue for generations.
Orville is survived by his children, David Weninger, Ken (Mary) Weninger, Ralph (Lisa) Weninger, Kris Weninger (Mark) Moldenhauer and Carrie (Jeff) Behnke; grandchildren, Angela (Chad) Elliott, Jared (Julia) Kapal, Kasha Kapal, Derek (Skylar) Weninger, Molly (Jake) Gehring, Sheila (McCoy) Jaeckel, Leah Weninger (fiancé Justin Persha), Ryan (Jenna) Weninger, Katie Jo Weninger, Trisha (Josh) Neu, Ethan (Alyssa) Moldenhauer, Jayden Moldenhauer, Emily Behnke and Preston Behnke; and sixteen great-grandchildren. He is further survived by his sister Janice (Howard) Gundrum and many cherished nieces and nephews.
Preceding him in death are his wife, Maryann; daughter, Susan Kapal; daughter-in-law, Rita Weninger; brothers, Allen and Virgil Weninger; sisters-in-law, Janice Weninger, Rosemarie Sonderegger, Dorgene Roethle and Joyce Mueller; brothers-in-law, Frank Mueller and Joe Sonderegger.
How fitting that a man whose life was defined by labor, service, and dedication left this earth just before Labor Day. While the fields may now stand quiet, the lessons he planted and the harvest of lives he touched will continue to grow long after him.
One could truly say that he spent 72 years in a combine, but his greatest life's work was the family, values, and legacy he leaves behind.
"A life measured not by years alone, but by the work of his hands, and the strength of his character."
The family will greet relatives and friends at St. John’s Catholic Church, Rubicon (1108 Rome Rd. Rubicon Wi 53078) Monday, Sept. 14. Visitation will start at 9 a.m. until the start of service at 11 a.m. with Father Andrew Linn officiating.
The family would like to thank the In-Home Caregivers (Patty, Mary Jo and Polly) that allowed our dad to stay in his home longer than anticipated. You held a special place in his heart. We would also like to thank the staff at Clearview for caring for him in his final months as well as Common Heart Hospice near the end.
Memorials in Orville’s name may be made out to St. John’s Catholic Church-Rubicon.
