ShawneeDispatch.com

Fidelis G. "Dooley"Weilert

1913-2007

Roeland Park

Fidelis G. (Dooley) Weilert, 93, of Roeland Park, Kansas, died July 2, 2007. Named Fidelis after being born on Christmas Day, 1913, he was later to become nationally renowned as "Dooley" for his skill as a musical instrument repairman. He was a professional musician for more than 70 years, and was a lifetime member of the American Federation of Musicians. He was a member of the John Roe Council of the Knights of Columbus and the American Historical Society of Germans from Russia. He was an honorary director of Rockhurst University.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Rosemary (Van Goethem) Weilert and by their children, Dr. Michael Weilert of Parlier, Calif.; Carl Weilert of Kansas City; Marian Sauvey of Evansville, Ind.; Barbara Kramer of Golden Valley, Minn.; Laura Weilert of Denver, Colo.; Andrew Weilert of Fort Collins, Colo.; and Mark Weilert of Altadena, Calif.; and 14 grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and his 12 older siblings.

Mr. Weilert was born and raised on his family's farm in Ness County, Kan. He graduated from Ness City High school. He attended Wichita University, then became a full-time professional musician. He served in the U.S. Army during WWII. He was assigned to the 284th Ground Forces Band in the Pacific theater under the command of General Douglas MacArthur. While stationed in Brisbane, Australia, he learned the art of musical instrument repair. Upon returning to the States, Fidelis resumed his career as a professional musician, playing clarinet and saxophone in several "big bands." He settled in Kansas City and worked in a musical instrument repair shop.

He married Rosemary Van Goethem in 1949. They moved to Roeland Park and together they raised seven children. He was a longtime member of St. Agnes parish. In 1958, Mr. Weilert joined with his brother Vincent and a partner to start the Weilert & Meeker Music Company. His reputation as a master musical instrument repairman grew nationwide as he performed repairs on the horns of many famous musicians during their visits to Kansas City. He continued to operate a musical instrument repair shop into his 90s.

Mr. Weilert had a lifelong love affair with music, especially Jazz. He was a great storyteller. He traveled extensively with his wife throughout the United States and to Europe.

Mass of Christian Burial was Friday at St. Agnes Catholic Church. Interment followed at St. Columbia Catholic Cemetery in Gardner, Kan. Visitation and the rosary were Thursday at St. Agnes. The family suggests contributions to St. Agnes Church, Rockhurst University, or the charity of your choice. Online condolences may be expressed at www.amosfamily.com.

Arr. by: The Amos Family Chapel of Shawnee, (913) 631-5566.