Neil Allen Weight, 79, went to his heavenly home on Sunday, June 14, 2026, at Avera Heart Hospital in Sioux Falls.
A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Friday, June 19, at 10:30 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Parkston with Fr. Gary DeRouchey officiating. Visitation will be at Sacred Heart Catholic Church on Thursday, June 18, from 5 to 7p.m., with a Vigil Service at 7 p.m. Interment will take place at Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery following the service. A time of fellowship and luncheon will be held at Sacred Heart Parish Hall following the burial. Arrangements by Koehn Bros. Funeral Home in Parkston.
Neil was born on June 13, 1947, in Edgeley, North Dakota, to Walter and Pearl (Joern) Weight. At a young age, his family moved to Oakes, North Dakota, where he was raised and later graduated from Oakes High School in 1965. After graduation, he proudly served his country in the United States Air Force for four years before attending North Dakota State College School of Science in Wahpeton, where he studied automotive mechanics.
On August 23, 1975, Neil married Kathie Kurtenbach at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Parkston, beginning a partnership that would be filled with love, adventure, and family. He spent 31 years working in manufacturing at Gresen Hydraulics, which later became Parker Hannifin Corporation. After relocating to Brookings, he continued his career at Daktronics, where he worked for another 10 years before retiring.
He enjoyed puzzles and playing cards, especially Pinochle and Rook, and was always eager for a round of golf or an outdoor adventure. An avid cyclist, he regularly set out on 15-mile rides with his trusty blue Yeti cup and helmet in tow, riding so often that he even wore out the tires on a brand-new bike.
Traveling and exploring were among Neil’s greatest joys. Family camping trips took him to Wisconsin, Minnesota, Yankton, and Madison, and he especially enjoyed attending the Lumberjack World Championships in Wisconsin. He looked forward to family road trips and adventures that led him to places like Estes Park, Colorado, Disney World in Florida, Pennsylvania, and Glacier National Park, where he shared a memorable Cross Country trip with his son. Whether hiking a new trail or discovering a local restaurant, Neil was always ready for the next experience and proudly considered himself a foodie (though he had probably never heard the word.)
At home, Neil found just as much satisfaction tending to his large garden and caring for his flowers. He had a true green thumb and often surprised Kathie by sending her flowers, a simple gesture that reflected his thoughtful nature. During the winter evenings, he enjoyed relaxing by creating his own patterns and crocheting afghans for his grandchildren. A perfectionist in everything he did, Neil took great pride in making each one just right.
Above all else, Neil cherished his family. Spending time with his children and grandchildren brought him the greatest happiness, and they remained the center of his life. He was always willing to lend a hand, put others before himself, and say yes to a new adventure. His kindness, generosity, and love for the people around him will be remembered by all who knew him.
His legacy lives on in the memories he created with those he loved and the countless miles he traveled by bike, road, and trail in pursuit of life’s next adventure.
He is lovingly remembered by his wife of 50 years, Kathie Weight; two sons, Tim (Dawn) Weight of Brookings, South Dakota, and Patrick (Amy) Weight of Flandreau, South Dakota; four grandchildren; Walter, Gus, Daphne, and Sybil ; his sister-in-law, Gladys Weight of Bismarck, North Dakota; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Pearl and Walter Weight; his infant son, Neil Walter; his sister, Marlys Robertsdahl; and four brothers, William, Merle, David, and Arlen Weight.
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