In Memoriam: Jeff Weitzel

Jeff Weitzel, former owner of Weitzel Construction, Navy veteran and past president of NUCA, passed away on Dec. 10. He was 77.

Weitzel grew up in the utility contracting business working with his father and grandfather in the Indianapolis area. “I have never wanted to do anything else,” Weitzel told Utility Contractor magazine in 2001. “When you get the smell of dirt and diesel into your blood, it is hard to get rid of it.”

Upon his high school graduation in 1963, he went to work with a sewer crew before eventually joining the Navy, entering boot camp at Great Lakes Naval Station where he became a medic. Weitzel was en route to Vietnam when a case of Rheumatic fever forced him out of the Navy.

Under Weitzel guidance, the company expanded from installing deep, large-diameter water and sewer pipelines into a broader base that included trenchless methods such as HDD.

Weitzel first got involved with NUCA at an early age. In fact, his father, Jack, was a founding member of the NUCA chapter in Indiana. His involvement with the association culminated in his taking the leadership reins at the 2001 convention in Tampa, Florida.

In his free time, Weitzel enjoyed cooking and attending sporting events, including the Indianapolis 500 and minor league hockey.

Weitzel was a devoted husband of 52 years to LaVerne (Heinrich) Weitzel; a loving father to his children, Ginger (Steve) Ingram and Jason Weitzel; and grandfather to Dani Weitzel, Mac Mosbaugh, Jorja Weitzel, Roman Mosbaugh. His warm heart provided a home for many stray animals over the years, he leaves behind his canine companion, Beau.