Isaac Leroy Weddle

Isaac Roy Weddle passed away peacefully February 27, 2023, with his family by his side. Isaac was born on March 16, 1928 in the Brethren community of Pleasant Hill in Girard, IL to the late Lemon T. Weddle and Ethel Fern (Harshbarger) Weddle. He was the youngest of four children. Isaac graduated from Girard High School where he participated in track as a talented mile-runner and jumper, and on the football team as a running-back. At Manchester College, where he obtained a Bachelor of Science, he excelled at football. After graduation, Isaac did graduate work at Indiana University, Bloomington. Isaac enjoyed a long and fulfilling career as a bacteriologist at Pitman Moore in Zionsville, which later became Dow Chemical. Before his retirement in the mid-1980s, Isaac contributed to the body of research for various vaccines, including the lifesaving RhoGam vaccine.

Isaac and Virginia A. Sellers enjoyed 49 years of marriage until Virginia’s death in 1998. Isaac married Barbara Rutherford in 2001; she preceded him in death in 2012. Isaac was very involved in the upbringing of his two daughters, Cindy and Sherry, sometimes allowing them to accompany him to the lab. There they learned, by letting small white creatures run up and down their arms, not to fear mice. From the safety of their garage, Isaac let his daughters experience the power of thunder and lightning, allaying their fears by imparting knowledge. He also taught them to navigate their “three-on-the-tree” Ford Comet on ice, snow, and hills without spinning out. Isaac was a diligent, loving father who encouraged his children to have courage, be tenacious, and to set high goals and then achieve them. His loving guidance and quiet strength will be greatly missed.

Isaac was a long-time and extremely involved member of Broad Ripple United Methodist Church. He later became a much-loved member of Epiphany Lutheran Church, Westfield, where he faithfully attended, often with his daughters. Isaac regularly participated in mid-week Bible study, making new friends and adding insightful comments.

Isaac’s daughters remember him as a gentle giant of a man with a tender heart. His grandchildren remember him as a man whose great loves were his faith, his family, and fried chicken. He provided those who could not yet drive with selfless chauffeur service. He always had a smile, was always cheerful, and had a way of quietly sneaking little jokes in here and there when he was with family. He was accepting of others who were different, and patient when others were frustrated. He taught by example, reaching out in love to those who needed encouragement.

Isaac is survived by daughters Cindy Metzler (husband Paul) and Sherry Cascione (husband Phil); step-son Mark (wife Jennifer) Rutherford and step-daughter Dawn (husband Bobby) Michels; grandchildren Andrea Vice (husband Taylor), Stephanie Romeo (husband James), Miranda Cascione (husband Rob McHalffey), Angela Donlan (husband Curtis), and Josiah Metzler. He is also survived by nine great-grandchildren, with another expected in March, and much-loved nieces and nephews. Isaac was preceded in death by wives Virginia and Barbara, two sisters, and his older brother who died in WWII.

Isaac’s faith was a great source of comfort and confidence for him; knowing he would see his Savior when he died, Isaac faced old age, illness, and death without fear. “I know that my Redeemer lives; and because He lives, I too shall live.” A funeral service celebrating that faith and Isaac’s life will be held March 10, 2023, at Epiphany Lutheran Church, Westfield, IN at 6 pm. Calling will be from 5 pm until the time of service. Pastor Jeremy Mills will officiate. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in memory of Isaac to the church, Epiphany Lutheran Church, 15606 Ditch Road, Westfield, IN 46074 or https://epiphanylcms.org/.

Isaac’s family would like to express their gratitude to Pastor Mills for his years of friendship with and spiritual care of Isaac. They are grateful for the loving care he received at Copper Trace, Westfield and from Traditions Health Hospice. Your kindness will be remembered. Arrangements have been entrusted to Simplicity Funeral and Cremation Care, Zionsville, IN.