Fr. Weighner was born on Oct. 10, 1960 in Waukon, Iowa, the 7th of Philip and Catherine Weighner’s 13 children. He graduated from Allamakee Sr. High school in 1979 and from Loras College in 1984 with a degree in Business Management. He worked for his families manufacturing business and farming operation until entering seminary in 1997. He received his degree in Philosophy from the Athenaeum Pontificium Regina Apostolorum in 2001, after which he began his studies for the Diocese of La Crosse. His first two years of theology were at the Pontifical College Josephinum in Columbus, Oh, and he graduated from Mundelein Seminary in 2007. On June 11, 2007 he was ordained by Bishop Jerome Listecki for the diocese of La Crosse.

His first assignment was as Associate Pastor at Notre Dame Parish in Chippewa Falls and Sacred Heart parish in Jim Falls, and as chaplain and instructor at McDonell high school and Notre Dame middle school. After one year, he was assigned to Holy Ghost parish in Chippewa Falls and St. Bridget’s parish as Associate Pastor while retaining his chaplain duties. In July of 2009 he was named Parochial Administrator of St John Nepomucene Parish and St Gabriel Parish in Prairie du Chien and Sacred Heart Parish in Wauzeka. In 2011, Fr. Weighner was relieved from his responsibilities as administrator for Sacred Heart parish in Wauzeka and named pastor of St. John's and St Gabriel's in Prairie du Chien, followed by being named pastor of the newly formed Holy Family parish of Prairie du Chien in 2012.

Note: This was Father Weighner's Profile on site while he was our Pastor. There is more info on his arrival and departure in our history files.