John P Weidner

John Prestin Weidner, Jr., a loving and devoted father, husband, grandfather, and brother, passed Wednesday, October 27, 2021 in Gainesville, Florida with his children by his side. He was born March 28, 1942 in Green Bay, Wisconsin to John and Marjorie (Lulloff) Weidner. Shortly thereafter the family moved to Philadelphia where he spent his childhood exploring the city with neighborhood friends and his older sister Judy and younger brother Rick. As a teenager his family moved to Pensacola, Florida where he graduated from Pensacola Catholic High School in 1960. He then attended the University of Florida where he was active in the SAE fraternity and developed life-long friendships. Following graduation he enlisted in the Army Reserves.

After receiving his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Marketing from UF, John married Emylen Griffin Davis and they shared three children, Katherine Weidner Smith (Jim), John (Jay) Prestin Weidner, III (Katrina), and Molly Weidner Mandernach (Joe). Later he married Judith Quinn Weidner and was a stepfather to Kristin Hohnadel Walker and Mark Scott Hohnadel.

Dad served as the General Manager for Maas Brothers in the Gainesville Mall for over 20 years creating lasting memories and friendships with his co-workers. The Gainesville community was his home. He was involved with the Gainesville Rotary where he was recognized as a Paul Harris Fellow on several occasions and he served on Boards for the United Way, the Chamber of Commerce, and the YMCA. Upon his retirement from Maas Brothers, he owned the Carlson Wagonlit Travel Agency with his wife Judy in Gainesville, Florida.

Through Dad’s involvement with SAE he had a direct impact on the fraternity for over 20 years in leadership, counsel, and as a role model for the young men in the fraternity. He has been described by a longtime friend as a “True Gentleman”, one of the guiding principles of the SAE fraternity.

Dad was a friend to all but he loved his family above all else. His legacy of compassion, generosity, and kindness rests within his children and grandchildren. His guidance, humor, and loving heart will be very much missed.

John was preceded in death by his parents John and Marjorie and his sister Judy Weidner Merritt. He is survived by his loving family including his wife, Judy; his children Katherine, Jay and Molly; his stepchildren Kristin and Mark; his siblings, Richard Allen Weidner and Katie Weidner Burchett; and his grandchildren, Elizabeth Chandler Smith, Prestin Dean Smith, John Weidner Mandernach, Emylen Dianne Mandernach, Katherine Davis Mandernach, Jacob Walker, Josie Walker, and many nieces and nephews.

We would like to thank the many friends and colleagues who have reached out to share special memories of Dad and condolences since his passing.

Please Contact the Family for information on the Celebration of Life being held later this month. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the John P. Weidner Jr. Scholarship Fund at Florida Upsilon, https://support.sae.net/give/374401/#!/donation/checkout or checks may be made payable to

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Foundation, 1856 Sheridan Rd Evanston, IL 60201, with the fund name in the memo.

Rest in eternal peace beloved father, brother, grandfather, and friend. You will live with us forever in our hearts.

Crevasse's Simple Cremation is honored to serve the Weidner Family.