John "JP" Weigel

With hearts full of love and memories, we announce the passing of John Pius “JP" Weigel, who passed away peacefully on June 7, 2025 at his home surrounded by his family.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 AM, Friday, June 13, at Pro-Cathedral of St. Mary, 806 E Broadway Ave, Bismarck.

Visitation will be held from 5:00-7:00, Thursday, June 12, at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Pkwy, Bismarck. A rosary/vigil service will begin at 7:00 PM.

Burial will be held at St. Mary's Cemetery, Bismarck.

JP was born in Bismarck, ND, on September 28, 1949, to Pius and Rosemary Weigel. He graduated from St. Mary’s High School in 1967.

After High School, JP spent some time working for a lumber company in Florida and construction in New Mexico with his pals. After seeing what life had to offer and collecting numerous stories to tell, he ultimately returned to North Dakota. He then joined his Dad in 1976, starting Dakota Tree Movers and Nursery. JP’s passion for moving trees and his strong work ethic were evident in the success of the business, leaving a lasting green legacy across the community.

JP was first married to Ranae Messner in 1975, with whom he welcomed his son, Justin. In 1983, he married Donna Berger and, with open arms, welcomed her children, Destry, Jodi, and Jayme.

Together, they had a daughter, Nichole.

True to his unwavering spirit, he faced every twist and turn of Multiple Sclerosis with humor, grit, and optimism. Though MS eventually slowed his stride, it never dimmed his smile. The family will always be grateful to Dr. Quisno and his exceptional hospice nurses and caregivers.

A true cowboy at heart, he loved rodeo and every so often, he'd climb on a bull to test his grit, old country music on Alexa, and had a strong, enduring faith. Even when in pain and on his hardest days, he never wanted pity; he just wanted good conversation and good company. It was always “Happy Hour” at JP’s.

Underneath the toughness was a good and generous heart. He lived strong, loved hard, and never gave up. Always running behind, JP always wanted to look his best… a starched shirt!

We will miss him more than words can say, but we know his roots run deep in all of us.

JP leaves behind his children: his son, Justin (Nikkole), and his daughter, Nichole (Jermaine), as well as Destry (Denise), Jodi (Marc), and Jayme (Trish). His grandchildren also survive him: Genessey, Jackson, Olivia, Jayce, Mya, Jordyn, Skylar, Michael, Gracie, Trenton, and Gerald, whom he will forever watch over.

JP’s brother, Tim; sister, Karen; nieces, Shannon, Abby, Ivy, and Ali; nephews, Shane and Josh, along with numerous family and friends, all of whom brought great joy to his life, will lovingly carry his memory forward.

Awaiting his arrival in heaven were his parents, Pius and Rosemary, sister Susan, nephew Brandon, and many other cherished family and friends we continue to miss.