David Weber, 68, of Albert Lea, MN, passed away on September 20, 2024 at Mayo Clinic Mankato after a brief yet brave battle with cancer. The beloved husband, dad, and papa was surrounded by his family. It was such a blessing that he was able to express his love to his wife, daughters, son-in-laws, and grandkids as we all said our goodbyes. Even in his last hours, he was able to make us smile and laugh just as he always had. He said he felt “so loved.”

David Weber

Dave was born on January 16, 1956, in Albert Lea, MN, to Robert (Bob) and Rosella (Rosie Harig) Weber. He grew up in Albert Lea where he attended St. Theodore’s Catholic School and graduated from Albert Lea High School in 1974. He later received a degree in Automotive Mechanics from Albert Lea Technical College in 1992.

He married Robin Rippentrop on May 10, 1974. Two high school sweethearts, who even got married in high school, were proud to have reached their 50 year wedding anniversary this year. They had two daughters who he loved with all his heart. He joked he would trade Shelly and Nikki in for just one boy but we all knew he was kidding. Actually, he told us after Shelly was born, all they wanted was another girl.

Dave worked at Wilson and Co. meat processing plant (later called Farmstead and Farmland) from 1974 until 2001. He had fond memories of his time there and the people he worked with, especially enjoying the years he worked in the stockyards. Dave also had a Minneapolis Star Tribune motor route where he delivered the Sunday paper for 32 years. He was a hard worker with great work ethic.

Health issues were always a part of Dave’s life. He got sick on his first day of kindergarten. In his early 20s, he lost both his kidneys. Dave’s dad donated him a kidney which his body rejected after 10 months. Dave’s mom then donated him a kidney which he had nearly 21 years before it quit working. Shelly and Nikki were both a kidney match but Shelly was the “winner” and donated a kidney to her Dad. That kidney was still working after 22 years. Dave appreciated that his family truly gave him the gift of life. With everything he went through, he wanted everyone to know that 68 years old wasn’t young at all.

Dave loved being outside in his yard, riding bike, and sitting on the backyard patio with Robin. He raised pigeons and was happy to spend time in his pigeon lofts. He also liked to kick back in his recliner and watch old TV shows like Andy Griffith and Beverly Hillbillies. A true kid at heart, Dave had an impressive collection of Hot Wheels cars with some fun race tracks for them too. Any kid that came to the Weber house left with a car. Dave also liked to eat. He ate anything Robin would make but his favorites were cakes and cookies. A few of his other favorites were Mountain Dew, Ritz crackers, and Hershey’s candy bars. Dave was known to grab cookies to eat in bed in the middle of the night, sometimes falling asleep before eating them all and making a mess! On his last day in the hospital, he cleaned his plate at lunch with a cookie dunked in coffee for dessert. Through all the years, he even enjoyed hospital food!

Family brought Dave the most joy. Having Shelly’s donated kidney was a bond only they could understand. They celebrated their kidney “anniversary” every year. Dave never imagined Nikki would work at a meat plant but was so proud when she gave him a tour of the production department she managed at Hormel Foods. He loved reminiscing about plant life with her. He always looked forward to Wednesdays when they would pick up Wally and Reese. When they got together, it was always a good time. He was Samantha’s favorite playmate as they called themselves “double trouble.” He played anything she wanted from squirt guns to house. Papa showed up for all the grandkids, supported them, and was so proud of them.

Dave’s legacy will continue to live through his loving wife Robin Weber; daughters: Shelly Egeness and husband Bruce of Albert Lea, MN, Nikki Knutson and husband Joel of Alden, MN, grandchildren: Wally and Reese Egeness and Samantha Knutson, sisters: Judi (Jim) Olson, Joyce (Rick) Culhane, brother and sister-in-laws: Rich (Lori) Rippentrop, Kathy (Tom) Jacobs, Duke Rippentrop, Lisa Rippentrop, Pam (Merle) Hendrickson, nieces and nephews: Dusty Jacobs, Krissy (Tom Turnbull) Jacobs, Dilen, Megan, and Fallon Rippentrop, Tiffany (Ross) Habben, Clayton Bratten, and many others.

Dave was preceded in death by his parents Bob and Rosie Weber, father and mother-in law Melvin and Helen Rippentrop, and brother Steve Weber.

A special thanks to the Mayo Clinic transplant team and all the doctors, nurses, and staff that cared for Dave through the years. We always felt grateful to have one of the world’s best hospitals so close to home.

A service honoring Dave will be held at 11AM on Wednesday, October 2, 2024 at Bayview Freeborn Funeral Home in Albert Lea, MN. Visitation will be held from 5-7PM on Tuesday, October 1, 2024 at Bayview Freeborn Funeral Home and an hour prior to the service. Rev. Kristi Mitchell will be officiating.