The Waterloo Republican
December 26, 1934

John Weilbacher, one of our old and best known citizens, died at his home on Thursday, 
December 20, 1934 after a lingering illness extending over several years.  Mr. Weilbacher 
was born on a farm near Columbia and after reaching maturity following farming.  Later he 
moved to this city where he was employed with the Weinel Lumber Co. for many years.  
Later he was appointed as janitor of the Columbia Public School building.  The last years 
he spent in well earned retirement.  His wife preceded him in death several years ago, and 
then made his home with daughter and son-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. John Steppig, where he 
had the best of care and where he died. His funeral was held on Monday, December 24, 
from his home to the Catholic Church where Father Schreuder conducted services, and 
burial was in the Catholic cemetery.  He is survived by his daughter, Anna, now Mrs. Steppig, 
one grandson Oliver Steppig of St. Louis and a large number of more distant relatives from the 
Weilbacher families in and around Columbia.  He was aged 79 years, 4 months and 13 days.  
His funeral was attended by a large number of relatives and friends who knew and admired 
John Weilbacher fro his many fine qualities as a friend, neighbor, and a citizen.