Obituary for Kenneth K. Weist
Kenneth K. Weist, 81, of Centre Township, finished his journey on the afternoon of Tuesday, June 23,
2020. He passed away peacefully surrounded by his devoted family.
He was the loving husband of Sherry L. (Phillips), with whom he shared over 33 years of marriage; and
a loving father of three daughters, Missy L. (Weist) wife of Brad Kopicz of Mohrsville; Christie L. (Weist)
wife of Ryan Thomas of Blandon; and Cara L. Weist of State College. He was the proud grandfather to
Leah Kopicz and Nathan Thomas; he took great pride in his family.
In addition to his daughters, Kenny had three other children: Kim (Weist) Hummel, wife of Doug
Hummel, Kutztown; Kenneth Weist Jr, husband of Renee (Schappell), Texas; and Kasey Weist, husband
of Ginger (Winningham), Texas; four grandchildren, Stephanie, Bridget, Nicole, and Samantha; and three
great-grandchildren, Ian, Alec, and Mia. He is survived by two sisters, Betty Naftzinger, and Anna Davis.
Kenny was predeceased by two brothers, LeRoy and John Weist; and four sisters, Mildred Wagner, Mae
Christ, Ada Spatz, and Mary Snyder.
Born at home on the farm, he was the youngest of nine children of the late LeRoy J. and Mary B.
(Graeff) Weist. He was a member of Salem (Belleman’s) Church, Centre Twp.
He attended Ontelaunee High School before leaving to enlist in the Marine Corps where he served as a
Marine Corps Drill Instructor and Gunnery Sergeant.
After serving his country, Kenny enjoyed his days as a fishing boat captain. From there, he made a
career as a skilled carpenter, building many specially requested crafts, and many homes around the
county, including the home where he and Sherry raised their daughters. He also owned and ran the
Centerport Tavern, and always remembered fondly the friends and fun times. Kenny proudly retired as
Carpenter Shop Supervisor in 2005 from the Reading Eagle Company.
Kenny was a dedicated husband and father, first and foremost. He treasured his daughters and
embraced every moment with them. He especially loved his role as Poppy. Kenny was at his happiest
being active outdoors and spending time with his family. He was an avid hunter and fisherman, making
many fishing trips to the Poconos and Canada, including catching a record-setting Walleye. He most
enjoyed mowing grass, spending time at his cabin with his family, working in his wood shop, and playing
with his granddaughter Leah.
He had an intrepid personality and always engaged those around him, making friends everywhere he
went. Kenny will be fondly remembered by his family, sisters, nieces, nephews, extended family, and
countless good friends.
A memorial service for Kenny will be held on Saturday, July 11, 2020 at 11:00 am from Leibensperger
Funeral Homes, Inc., 223 Peach Street, Leesport. A visitation with the family will be held in the funeral
home Saturday, July 11, 2020 9:30 to 11:00 am. As we are in the green phase, we continue to practice
social distancing and the practices recommended by the CDC for the safety of the family and those
attending the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to Moment Of Peace Adventures, P.O. Box 775,
Oley, PA 19547, momentofpeaceadventures.com. For online condolences, please visit,
www.leibenspergerfuneralhomes.com
2020. He passed away peacefully surrounded by his devoted family.
He was the loving husband of Sherry L. (Phillips), with whom he shared over 33 years of marriage; and
a loving father of three daughters, Missy L. (Weist) wife of Brad Kopicz of Mohrsville; Christie L. (Weist)
wife of Ryan Thomas of Blandon; and Cara L. Weist of State College. He was the proud grandfather to
Leah Kopicz and Nathan Thomas; he took great pride in his family.
In addition to his daughters, Kenny had three other children: Kim (Weist) Hummel, wife of Doug
Hummel, Kutztown; Kenneth Weist Jr, husband of Renee (Schappell), Texas; and Kasey Weist, husband
of Ginger (Winningham), Texas; four grandchildren, Stephanie, Bridget, Nicole, and Samantha; and three
great-grandchildren, Ian, Alec, and Mia. He is survived by two sisters, Betty Naftzinger, and Anna Davis.
Kenny was predeceased by two brothers, LeRoy and John Weist; and four sisters, Mildred Wagner, Mae
Christ, Ada Spatz, and Mary Snyder.
Born at home on the farm, he was the youngest of nine children of the late LeRoy J. and Mary B.
(Graeff) Weist. He was a member of Salem (Belleman’s) Church, Centre Twp.
He attended Ontelaunee High School before leaving to enlist in the Marine Corps where he served as a
Marine Corps Drill Instructor and Gunnery Sergeant.
After serving his country, Kenny enjoyed his days as a fishing boat captain. From there, he made a
career as a skilled carpenter, building many specially requested crafts, and many homes around the
county, including the home where he and Sherry raised their daughters. He also owned and ran the
Centerport Tavern, and always remembered fondly the friends and fun times. Kenny proudly retired as
Carpenter Shop Supervisor in 2005 from the Reading Eagle Company.
Kenny was a dedicated husband and father, first and foremost. He treasured his daughters and
embraced every moment with them. He especially loved his role as Poppy. Kenny was at his happiest
being active outdoors and spending time with his family. He was an avid hunter and fisherman, making
many fishing trips to the Poconos and Canada, including catching a record-setting Walleye. He most
enjoyed mowing grass, spending time at his cabin with his family, working in his wood shop, and playing
with his granddaughter Leah.
He had an intrepid personality and always engaged those around him, making friends everywhere he
went. Kenny will be fondly remembered by his family, sisters, nieces, nephews, extended family, and
countless good friends.
A memorial service for Kenny will be held on Saturday, July 11, 2020 at 11:00 am from Leibensperger
Funeral Homes, Inc., 223 Peach Street, Leesport. A visitation with the family will be held in the funeral
home Saturday, July 11, 2020 9:30 to 11:00 am. As we are in the green phase, we continue to practice
social distancing and the practices recommended by the CDC for the safety of the family and those
attending the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to Moment Of Peace Adventures, P.O. Box 775,
Oley, PA 19547, momentofpeaceadventures.com. For online condolences, please visit,
www.leibenspergerfuneralhomes.com