Dwight O. Weiser

Dwight O. Weiser, age 88, passed away on Sunday, January 26, 2026, at Hospice Home of Hope. He was born in Fennimore, WI, on August 1, 1937, to Orice and Doretta (nee Weldy) Weiser. Beloved husband of Joanie (nee Abhold), they were married on February 11, 1961, at Our Lady of Angels Church in Armstrong, WI. They were married for 64 happy years, 18 days short of 65 years, and lovingly restored the old John B. Macy’s pioneer’s mansion (U.S. Hwy. 45 and County K) their joyful home since 1968.

After graduation from Waupun High School in 1955 he served in the U.S. Army (tank commander) and Army Reserves. He worked at Mercury Marine while completing a BS degree at UW-Oshkosh. He began his long career as a Social Worker, working at Fond du Lac County Dept. of Social Services (Caseworker and Supervisor).

Dwight’s academic achievements included a MS degree in Psychiatric Social Work from UW-Milwaukee followed by post-graduate studies at Univ. of Chicago. He became a tenured Professor at UW-Oshkosh, then at Marian University, and adjunct Professor with UW-Madison Graduate School of S.W. He earned many professional certifications including credentials of ACSW, BCSW, RCSW, DCSW and the rare Diplomate Status in Clinical Work. He opened Countryside Counseling Clinic, a private State Certified Psychotherapy Clinic in 1985 and was the Clinical Director until his retirement in 2000.

Among many professional achievements during his long and productive career, Dwight was instrumental and can be credited with establishing, via steering committees and primary advocacy, several important human services which now continue to serve Fond du Lac (Advocap, Head Start, AA, Comprehensive Mental Health Center, Blandine House, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Sheltered Workshop). These organizations were products of Dwight’s heavy commitment as a volunteer and community activist which also include: past president, FdL Co. Mental Health Assoc.; past president, Wisconsin Social Services Assoc.; founder and exec. Director, Big Brothers of FdL Co.; director, Berry (nee Paquette) Halfway House; founder and co-chair, Friends of the Ledge Coalition; and long standing V.P., Mid America Geographic Foundation. Dwight served on many Boards of Directors including: Salvation Army Advisory Board; FdL Historical Society Board; and Rienzi Cemetery Board.

An avid amateur archaeologist and conservationist, Dwight was called by his peers “Champion of the Ledge” for his 50 plus years of archaeological discovery of many ancient stone arrangements left intact by Archaic Shamen along Fond du Lac’s Niagara Escarpment, and for his advocacy in trying to protect them. He wrote the book, Secrets of the Ledge and many articles about his research while working with Mid America, and enjoyed restoring Indian Mounds with the Rock River Archaeological Society. His writings included A Caseworker’s Appraisal of the 1962 Amendments to the Social Security Act which was entered as testimony during U.S. Senate Hearings in 1965.

Dwight was a popular speaker at community venues. He was an avid golfer, with four league championships and two holes in one. But will be best known perhaps for his sense of humor and even better remembered for his caring generosity, leadership, helpful wisdom and joyful character. He always said he’d like it if they’d say of him “Well he wasn’t much, but the world’s a better place because he was here once!”

Dwight is survived by his wife, Joanie; and his sister, Patsy (Roger) Reif; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Thomas and Mona Abhold, Sue and Mike Gusse, Mary Wagner, and Mary Jo Abhold; and numerous nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and great-nephews. Dwight was preceded in death by his parents; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Norbert and Alma Abhold; stepfather, Leo Knaus; brother-in-law, Dave Wagner Jr.; and niece, Jamie Schwartz.

By the wishes of both Dwight and Joanie no funeral services or visitation will follow cremation, and in lieu of flowers, memorials should be directed to the Salvation Army, the Fond du Lac Historical Society, or the Agnesian Healthcare Foundation.

Special thanks to Dr. Robert Grass, the loving and caring staff of Hospice Home of Hope, and to our family and friends.

Services are in the care of Uecker-Witt Funeral Home, 524 North Park Avenue, Fond du Lac, WI, 54935. Additional information and guestbook can be found at ueckerwitt.com