Donald C. Weigel, 95, of Batesville, IN, passed away on Sunday, August 23, 2026, at University of Cincinnati Medical Center. Born on November 19, 1930, in Batesville, to William and Mary (Tekulve) Weigel. Don spent his life devoted to his family, his faith, and the community he proudly called home.
On January 22, 1955, Don married Margie Braunagel at St. Pius Catholic Church near Milan, IN. Family was always at the center of Don’s life. He especially treasured the time he spent with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and his greatest joy came from being surrounded by those he loved.
Born the eleventh of twelve children. As the last surviving member of his siblings, he carried with him a lifetime of treasured memories, family stories, and traditions. His passing marks the end of a remarkable generation, but the legacy created by Don and his siblings will continue to live on through their children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and all those whose lives they touched.
Don dedicated 45 years of service to the Batesville Volunteer Fire Department, including 18 years as Fire Chief, serving from January 1, 1978, through December 31, 1996, and was a founding member of the Batesville Rescue 10 Lifesquad. His commitment to the Batesville community also included several years of service on the St. Louis School Board, the Indiana Volunteer Firefighters Association, and the Ripley County Democratic Party.
A proud member of the Knights of Columbus, Don thoroughly enjoyed the many days he spent there with friends. He could often be found playing cards, enjoying plenty of laughter, and having a drink. The friendships and memories he made there remained incredibly special to him.
Don was also a familiar and valued presence at the St. Louis Church Festival, where he enjoyed frying chicken and generously sharing his time and talents with the parish and community.
Golf was another important part of Don’s life. An avid golfer, he loved not only the game itself but also the friendships, friendly competition, and laughter that came with every round. Don genuinely enjoyed the camaraderie surrounding the game. His love of golf remained strong throughout his life, and he continued playing well into his eighties.
Don will be remembered for his deep love of family, his strong faith, his decades of service to the Batesville community, his warm sense of humor, and the many friendships he built throughout his life. His kindness, dedication, and ability to bring laughter to those around him left a lasting impact on everyone who knew him.
His professional career included over 20 years with Hill-Rom, where he built lasting relationships and took pride in his work before retiring.
Don was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Margie; his son, William (Bill) Weigel; his grandson, Andrew Craig; and his son-in-law, Edward Tuggle; his brothers, Sylvan, William, Leon, and twin Daniel Weigel; his sisters, Bernice Huneke, Hilda Weinkamp, Martha Weigel, Romilda Funk, Agnes Gauck, Irene Willian, and Marianne Kennelly.
He is survived by his daughters and sons-in-law, Joan Tuggle of Topeka, KS; Sue Ann and Michael Williams of Dexter, MO; and Mary Beth and Timothy Callahan of Gallatin, TN; and his son and daughter-in-law, Greg and Teresa Weigel of Oldenburg, IN; his sister-in-law, Karen Weigel of Greensburg, IN, as well as 15 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, September 3, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. until 12:30 p.m., at Weigel Funeral Home in Batesville. A funeral Mass will follow at 1:00 p.m., at St. Louis Catholic Church, with Fr. Stan Pondo officiating. The burial will follow at St. Louis Cemetery, with military graveside rites being conducted by the Ripley County V.F.W, Post #3183 and the Prell-Bland American Legion Post #271 of Batesville.
Memorials can be made to the Batesville Fire and Rescue and the Sisters of Saint Francis in Oldenburg, IN. If unable to attend the visitation, memorials can be sent to Weigel Funeral Home, PO Box 36, Batesville, Indiana 47006. For online condolences, please go to www.weigelfh.com.