Submitted by his family

In memory of our fallen Chief who died at the scene of a grass fire on April 13‚ 2003‚ while responding to the third fire call of an especially busy day for the department. He was 56.

He spent his entire life in Elkhart Lake‚ over half as a volunteer firefighter. He gave his life to the village‚ not just after the third fire call on April 13‚ but throughout the 33 years he served as a firefighter; with 10 years as Chief. He also served as usher at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church and was assistant coach for 15 years of the Elkhart Lake High School Varsity Softball Team.

Ed will forever be remembered in our hearts with his warm‚ friendly smile‚ quick wit and sense of humor‚ and passion for firefighting. As Chief‚ he was well-liked‚ fair and honest; always working in the best interest of the fire department and community. He was respected for his knowledge‚ leadership and being well-organized within the fire department. He lived across from the fire station and spent many hours there.

By all accounts‚ he was an outstanding public servant and a humble and devoted family member and friend. Friends recall how Eddie loved to talk about his family: Alice (wife of 35 years)‚ children (Ann‚ Julie‚ Jeff & Sarah)‚ and grandchildren (Benjamin & Amanda). The family has managed Firemen’s Park in Elkhart Lake since 1995.

He was always quick to give recognition to others and took little time to point out his own accomplishments and contributions.

Red lights flashed as over 100 fire trucks‚ emergency vehicles‚ and law enforcement vehicles throughout the state – from Milwaukee to Green Bay and most small communities in between – formed a motorcade stretching more than a mile from St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Parish Cemetary. News helicopters hovered overhead while photographers lined the roads‚ capturing what was likely the biggest send-off Elkhart Lake has ever seen. Over 500 cards‚ memorials‚ and flowers/plants were received from Alaska to Florida and states in between. Wisconsin Governor Doyle ordered that the flag of the United States and the flag of the State of Wisconsin be flown at half-staff at all state buildings and grounds of the State of Wisconsin beginning at sunrise and ending at sundown on April 17‚ 2003‚ as a mark of respect for Fire Chief Edward J. Weber.

A memorial brick in Chief Weber’s name is at the Wisconsin Fallen Firefighters’ Memorial in Wisconsin Rapids.