The Lord needed a great tenor banjo player, and he called Earl home.

Earl Weiland was born March 16, 1910, in Pleasant Valley Township and passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, Jan. 22, 2012, in Virginia Beach, Va. In addition to our Lord, whom he loved so very much, Earl was welcomed into heaven by his father, Julius Weiland; mother, Bertha; brother, Art; sister, Hazel Post; his loving wife of 64 years, Hilma, and his precious daughter, Lorraine Paul.

Earl is survived by his devoted son-in-law, David Paul (Virginia Beach); grandchildren, Terri Hunter and husband Jeff (Plano, Texas), Gail Kuchem and husband Kevin (Richmond, Va.), John Paul and wife Jennifer (Virginia Beach), Mary Paul Taylor and husband Glenn (Charlottesville, Va.), and Katherine Paul (Virginia Beach); great-grandchildren, Heather Hunter Wright, Ryan Hunter, Kimberly Kuchem Blake, Chad Kuchem, Adam Taylor, and Brent Taylor; great-great-grandchildren, Alexa and Savannah Wright, Gabriella and Sienna Hunter, and Palmer Blake; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and dear friend, Betty Monnier.

Earl was employed by Hormel and completed his 45-year career as a beef ribber. He was an avid hunter and fisherman, having hunted and fished from the Atlantic to the Pacific and from Canada to the Gulf of Mexico. Earl was an excellent lapidary (rockhound) who could polish a Lake Superior agate into a splendid piece of jewelry. He organized and became the first president of the Austin Gem and Mineral Society. Earl was an exceptional musician. He played the banjo from the time he was 10 years old into his 100s.! He began playing barn dances in the Dexter area with his father, brother, and sister. Earl played in bands too numerous to mention, the last of which was The Three Old Boys with Everett Vermilyea, and Arliegh Hanson. Earl was loved and cherished by all who were blessed to know him.

The family wishes to thank the residents and staff of Primrose and Comforcare for their care and love during his time with them. A memorial service celebrating the life of Earl will be announced at a later date.