Lonnie Ray Weitzel: A Heart of Gold
This section includes both obituaries and memories. Honoring our loved ones who have died does not end immediately after their passing. We recognize that… so we’re extending our obituary section to include individuals who may have left a long time ago. If you want to remember someone who is gone, either recently or longer ago, please send a photo and a few sentences to [email protected]. Tell us why you would like to honor the person–is it their birthday, the date of their passing or some other date of significance to you? Pet remembrances are also welcome.
Lonnie Ray Weitzel January 15, 1969 – June 2, 2017 Lonnie passed away peacefully at Mercy Hospital in Redding California after a brief illness.
Lonnie was born and raised in Fortuna, California by his parents Leslie and Beverley Weitzel. Lonnie owned and operated Weitzel Truck and Trailer since 2007. Lonnie was extremely talented, and was one of the best welder fabricators in this area. Lonnie was a perfectionist and was loved by his customers whom he became friends with from all over California and Southern Oregon. Lonnie had a heart of gold, he was soft spoken and could sweet talk any little old lady into anything, his twinkling soft blue eyes and beautiful smile would just melt hearts.
Lonnie was engaged to Lisa Armstrong for the past 15 years calling it “a love story” blending and raising their four sons and welcoming four grandsons. Lonnie and Lisa spent years working so they could retire early to spend the rest of their lives enjoying their family and traveling.
Lonnie loved his family, he loved working with his sons at his shop teaching them to weld, fabricate and work on trucks! Lonnie loved his grandsons being able to watch them play with their toy trucks to teaching them how to run a “real fork lift”. His oldest grandson Bentley would spend hours at the shop with Grandpa, even taking naps on pieces of old cardboard in the corner of the shop. Grandpa loved taking Bentley to school in the mornings, giving Bentley a ride in his “big truck”.
Lonnie leaves behind his fiancé Lisa Armstrong, his sons Brandon, Bradley, Bryce Weitzel and Jesse Armstrong. One daughter in-law Melissa Weitzel. His four grandsons Bentley and Teigen Weitzel, Uriah and Kaique Armstrong. His parents Leslie and Beverley Weitzel, his brother Shawn Weitzel, nephews Gibson, Ethan and niece Hannah Weitzel all of Fortuna California. Grandmother Martha Weitzel, Aunts Lavonne Purnhagen (Dusty), Sharon Dahl (Boyd), Donna Gabrielli Straub (Stanley), Uncle Gary Huber (Suzie), Great Uncle Bud Wright and Great Aunt Kay Wright. His in-laws Kenneth and Kay Armstrong of Bridgeville, California and Brother in-law Jud Armstrong (Sarah) of Tillamook Oregon along with other cousins of California and Oregon. Lonnie also leaves behind one of his closest and best friends Tim Ireland of Fortuna California.
Lonnie was proceeded in death by: Grandfather Lester Weitzel, Grandfather Oliver Huber and Grandmother Ann Huber.
There will be a Celebration of Life on June 24, 2017 at 11:00am at Fortuna River Lodge in Fortuna, California. All customers that can bring their trucks to honor Lonnie for his outstanding work are encouraged to do so. Food and refreshments will be provided.
“God has you in his arms, I have you in my heart forever and always my love”
Join the discussion! For rules visit: https://kymkemp.com/commenting-rules
Comments system how-to: https://wpdiscuz.com/community/postid/10599/
This was so beautifully written and so full of love. He was such an amazing man and in the short time I knew him I truly enjoyed the times I did get to be around him. Love and prayers to his family and friends who loved him unconditionally.
Lonnie was a wonderful wonderful man. So sad he had to leave us all on earth so soon. I and many others will miss him so much. I’m certain God had a plan for him and He needed an awesome welder and fabricator. He will forever be in my heart. My love, thoughts and prayers to all the family. My heart hurts for all of you. May you RIP Lonnie. ♡
Sounds like he will be missed buy many friends, and family ,so sorry for the family’s loss RIP.
So sadden for this loss for all his family and friends. May he Rest In Peace and be reunited
With his loved ones when their time has come. This doesn’t stop the grief and missing him but it is comforting to know heaven waits for us. Love to all. Patrick&Lois Murphy
An outstanding welder/ fabricator. If we needed a tank welded or fabricated he was the guy. Really good guy. We’ll miss him. Condolences to his family. RIP bro.
Lonnie truly was a good man and an honest man. He will be missed by so many who knew him. Our hearts go out to the family at this time. May God wrap his arms around you in comfort.
Sending lots of love and hugs to the boys ❤️