Roll Call Tribute

Berthold L. "Bert" Weller 

January 30, 1932 - October 31, 2024 

Berthold Leysaht Weller, known affectionately as Bert, passed away peacefully on October 31, 2024, in Lake Forest, Illinois. Born on January 30, 1932, in Harlingen, Texas, to Gertrud and Otto, Bert's life was marked by kindness, curiosity and hard work. He leaves behind a legacy of love and dedication, survived by his beloved wife, Barbara Becker Weller; his daughter, Susan Weller (Robert Furem); his son, William Weller (Lucy); his cherished grandchildren, Samantha Weller Wade (Matthew); and Charlotte Weller (Erin Anderson); and his great granddaughter Hannah Wade.

Bert graduated from Texas A&M University as an accomplished debater, and afterward fulfilled his duty to the Army as a Chemical Corps Procurement Officer, receiving a National Defense Service Medal. He met wife Barbara at Northwestern Night School while stationed in Chicago and married her in 1956.

Immediately after marriage, Bert and Barbara moved to Cincinnati, OH where Bert worked for Proctor & Gamble. Daughter Susan was born in 1958 and son William 1961, In 1962 the family moved to Deerfield, IL where Bert opened the new Kitchens of Sara Lee as Plant Manager. He went on to be a well-respected VP of Equipment Engineering at McDonald's Corporation in Chicago for 16 years, traveling to develop equipment suppliers all over the world and retiring in 1990. Over the length of his career, he earned over 20 packaging and equipment patents, either by himself, or as part of a team. These patents earned him recognition on the cover of Equipment Engineering magazine and the New York Times.

His leadership extended beyond the corporate world as an active member of the Highland Park Presbyterian Church. In retirement he accepted a 2-yr assignment as Interim Presbyter of Chicago Presbytery for the grand sum of $1 per year. He and Barbara enjoyed consulting work for Executive Service Corps clients and continued to travel the world for many years.

Bert's life was a testament to the power of hard work, the importance of faith, and the enduring strength of family bonds. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday, November 19, 2024, at 11 am in the Vail Room at Lake Forest Place, 1100 Pembridge Drive, Lake Forest, IL. Interment will be private at Lake Forest Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Bert’s name may be made to the charity of your choice.

For more information, contact Reuland & Turnbough Funeral directors of Lake Forest at (847) 234-9649 or www.RTfunerals.com.