Rev. Theodore Robert Weber was born into eternal life May 31, 2019, in Portland, Oregon. Ted was born to Herbert A. and Helen (Scherzinger) Weber on Thursday, October 31, 1929, at 4:00 pm at St. Vincent Hospital. He joined the family at 4118 SE 8th Avenue, Portland, Oregon. He joined his mother, father, grandfather (John A. Scherzinger), uncles Aloy and Albert Scherzinger in that household. It was that family group pulling together that endured the Great Depression. Ted was baptized on Nov. 17, 1929, in Sacred Heart Catholic Church by Fr. Gregory Robl, O.S.B. He attended Sacred Heart Catholic School through 8th grade, where he received his first communion on May 16, 1937, and was confirmed “Gregory” in 1941.
Ted went on to Mt. Angel Prep School, graduating in 1947. During his high school years he spent some time working for Eddie Zack on his Hops Farm. He continued his education at Mt. Angel Seminary, where he graduated on May 31, 1951. Ted earned his Theology degree at St. Edward’s Seminary in Kenmore, Washington and was ordained to the priesthood at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Portland, Oregon on May 21, 1955 by Archbishop Howard.
Fr. Weber’s first assignment was administrator of St. James Parish in McMinnville, Oregon, for the Summer of 1955. That fall, he began teaching at Central Catholic High School. He later earned his Masters in Education from Gonzaga University and did additional graduate studies at St. Thomas College (St. Paul, Minnesota) Seattle University, Oregon State University, and the University of Portland.
Fr. Weber taught at Central Catholic for 12 years, also serving as Dean of Students and Vice Principal for several years. From 1967 through 1972, he served as Principal of Regis High School in Stayton, Oregon, becoming pastor of St. Paul Parish in St. Paul, Oregon in 1972. He later served at: Christ the King (Milwaukie) Our Lady Of the Lake (Lake Oswego) Queen Of Peace Parish (Portland) Holy Family Parish (Portland) and St. Philip Benizi Parish (Redland). On July 1, 1999, Fr. Weber retired and served as a volunteer at Christ the King Parish and for the Tarahumara Children’s Hospital Fund for the next 16 years until illness prevented him from further service.
During his years of service to the priesthood Fr. Weber performed the marriage ceremonies for his brothers and sister (except Jerry, who was married prior to his ordination) nieces, nephews, and numerous cousins. He baptized untold numbers of nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, and cousins children. He loved storytelling and would capture the interest of his nieces and nephews with stories of their grandparents’ early years.
Fr. Weber enjoyed traveling, in fact he frequently told the story of his first trip to Montana and to Yellowstone National Park in the summer of 1946 and how on his return trip he used his last nickel to purchase an Oregonian and read that his Mother had given birth to his youngest sister, Janice.
He learned to play cards at an early age, and was a very formidable opponent, enjoying hosting his card parties for many years. He played Bridge, Pinochle, Gin, Cribbage, Canasta and Poker equally well. He also enjoyed golfing, fishing, photography, and for a while cooking. He enjoyed helping to organize family reunions and maintained the family contact list.
Fr. Weber especially enjoyed researching and documenting the family genealogy. This interest combined his love of family, storytelling, and even travel, taking him to Germany and Switzerland to visit his grandparents’ homelands.
Fr. Weber was preceded into eternal life by his parents, Herb and Helen Weber; his brothers Jerry, George, and Joseph; and his sister Sr. Lois Weber, O.S.F. He is survived by his brother Howard (Janice) Weber of Lake Oswego; his sisters Barbara (Robert) Hagstrom, Battleground, WA, and Janice (Leo) Pelster of Cornelius, Oregon; as well as 27 nieces and nephews and numerous great and great-great nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers please make contributions in memory of Fr. Ted Weber to:
The Priests Retirement Fund of the Archdiocese of Portland The Archdiocese of Portland in Oregon 2838 E Burnside Street Portland, OR 97214-1895