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Memories & Candles

“Dearest John, Kathleen, and family, You are continuously in our hearts, thoughts, and prayers. We are so exceedingly sorry for the tremendous...Read More »
1 of 41 | Posted by: Pastor Chuck and Marge Rasmussen - AZ

“Stephen, We met at Nani and Papa's 60th wedding anniversy party. I don't remember talking all that much but you are still family. I hope all the...Read More »
2 of 41 | Posted by: Libby Aguirre - Kansas City, MO

“Dear Weidler family, I was shocked and saddened to hear of the death of you son. It was my privilege to work with Stephen several times on visits...Read More »
3 of 41 | Posted by: Michael Pollock - Tianjin

“Dear Kathleen, John, Melanie, Philip & JM We were so saddened to hear of the sudden death of Stephen. May God's love comfort you all. You are all...Read More »
4 of 41 | Posted by: Ann, John & Eoin Rochford Chengdu

“John, Kathleen, Philip, JM and Melanie, We are so deeply saddened to hear of Stephen's death. He was such a special young man who will never be...Read More »
5 of 41 | Posted by: Christopher Edward Scott Chengdu

At a bud's church in Lakeway, TX on furlough from Korea, 2010. “Dear Kathleen and John, Broke my heart to hear of your pain and loss. Am praying that our Lord comforts you both as you comfort one another...Read More »
6 of 41 | Posted by: Michael Martin - Burleson, TX

“I am deeply saddened to hear of the loss of someone so accomplished, full of life, friendly and with a great future ahead of him. I attend Desert...Read More »
7 of 41 | Posted by: Candy zangle - Phoenix, AZ

“To the Weidler family, Our prayers are for you as you deal with this loss. CDIS loved Stephen Weidler. He was an amazing student who was admired...Read More »
8 of 41 | Posted by: Josh Keegan - Chengdu

“John and Kathleen, Ken and I are hurting with you. We are praying God's amazing comfort for you both, Love, Teresa and Ken Leonard ”
9 of 41 | Posted by: Teresa Leonard - Phoenix, AZ

“Dear John and Kathlene:I am so sorry and shocked to hear the news. I know it must be difficult for u to go through it. You and your family are in my...Read More »
10 of 41 | Posted by: Maria Lai - friend

“Dear John, Kathleen and family, We wish to extend our deepest concern and sympathy. Our hearts were deeply saddened to hear of your loss. Our...Read More »
11 of 41 | Posted by: John and Stella Blight - UT

“Hello to Stephen's family....my name is Hilary, and I worked at Joanns with Stephen. There are not enough words that can describe how deeply sorry I...Read More »
12 of 41 | Posted by: Hilary Fry - Dallas, TX - friend

“My most sincere apologies....I ment he WILLo be missed....its hard typing from a phone. Sorry :( ”
13 of 41 | Posted by: Hilary Fry - Dallas, TX

“Hello to Stephen's family....my name is Hilary, and I worked at Joanns with Stephen. There are not enough words that can describe how deeply sorry I...Read More »
14 of 41 | Posted by: Hilary Fry - Dallas, TX

“John and Kathleen - you and your family have been constantly in our prayers this week. We are so sorry for your loss. ”
15 of 41 | Posted by: Tammy and Dave Ethington

“John & Kathleen, If this reaches you know I am praying for you. Cas and I have no details but have heard you have lost a son. I will keep this in...Read More »
16 of 41 | Posted by: Bob Monaco - Durham, NC - friend

“Dear John and Kathleen, We are praying for you and your precious children. We love you so much and are asking our Heavenly Father to work deeply...Read More »
17 of 41 | Posted by: Danny and Becky Loe - Friends

“Dear John and Kathleen, Josanne and I mourn with you in your loss. We pray that you remain strong even in your weakest moments. We wish we could...Read More »
18 of 41 | Posted by: Chris Wiorek - Niwot, CO

“We are saddened by the news of Stephen's death. May God comfort and bless his family who remain behind. ”
19 of 41 | Posted by: Mark and Seba Latham - Arlington, TX

“I remember when I was in third grade, our teacher let us make a movie and Stephen was one of the characters. He had to hold me upside down. I was...Read More »
20 of 41 | Posted by: Benjamin Fistonich

“Dear Kathleen, John and family We were so shocked and deeply saddened at this tragic passing of your precious Stephen. Our hearts are with you at...Read More »
21 of 41 | Posted by: Alison Fistonich

“Dear Kathleen, John, Philip, JM and Melanie, We are so deeply grieved for you. We love you and are praying for each one of you to be surrounded by...Read More »
22 of 41 | Posted by: Patty Watland - friend

“Dear John, Kathleen and the kids (Philip, JM, Melanie), I don't know what to say as I know how painful it is to lose someone very dear. My...Read More »
23 of 41 | Posted by: Nelson Lo - Singapore - friends

“John, Kathleen, Philip, JM and Melani, You have a beautiful family that we deeply admire and respect. We are so sad for your loss and our only...Read More »
24 of 41 | Posted by: Julia Meeks Hageman

“Our hearts go out to all of you. Stephen was an incredible young man. Loving you and lifting you up, Chris, Josanne, Sam, and Anna ”
25 of 41 | Posted by: Josanne Wiorek - Longmont, CO

“Stephen made me a better teacher. He not only paid attention but dilegently sought to improve. It took all I could do to keep up! He made...Read More »
26 of 41 | Posted by: Glen Walenda - Teacher

“Dear John & Kathleen, Philip, JM, & Melanie David, Jana & I are grieving with you all. We are holding you up in prayer, remembering Ps. 23 that...Read More »
27 of 41 | Posted by: Florence Tan - Singapore

“We love you all. We cannot be with you to comfort you, but our prayer will be with you, crying out to the sovereign Father for peace and comfort. ”
28 of 41 | Posted by: Janie and Andy Henry - orlando, FL

“Dear Sweet Kathleen, You and your family are in our thoughts and hearts. We wish you strength and courage during this most difficult time. We are...Read More »
29 of 41 | Posted by: Sara Latham - Arlington, TX

“Dear John and Kathleen, We grieve with you at Stephen's untimely death. To lose a young son is a terrible thing. The memories you made...Read More »
30 of 41 | Posted by: Sandra and Bob Auer - Kissimmee, FL

“John and Kathleen, We are so sorry to hear of your loss and know that there are many who are praying for you and your family during this difficult...Read More »
31 of 41 | Posted by: Rev. Jon and Holly Thornsbury - TX

“Dear Stephen's family, I'm sorry for your loss. Stephen had been a great classmate before I left CDIS.. He will be greatly missed. Pray from my...Read More »
32 of 41 | Posted by: Helen Bong

“Dear Mr and Mrs Weidler, Philip, JM and Melanie, I am so sorry for your loss. Words cannot express the sympathy that I, and all those who I have...Read More »
33 of 41 | Posted by: Rebekah Fistonich

“I am so sorry for your loss. Stephan will be greatly missed. I remember he always had a smile, a book, and a servant's heart in class. He was an...Read More »
34 of 41 | Posted by: Miriam Burnett - Lamar, CO

“Dear John, Kathleen and family, We are deeply saddened by the sudden passing and loss to your family... Our hearts grieved and our prayers are...Read More »
35 of 41 | Posted by: Jonathan Yao - Singapore - Friend

“Dear John and Kathleen, We are very sad and shocked to hear this news. We still remember the picture of Stephen when your family was in Lanzhou....Read More »
36 of 41 | Posted by: Daniel and Peggy Shangguan - TX

“Dear John, Kathleen, and family, Words cannot express the depth of sadness and sympathy we feel at this time! Please know our hearts and our...Read More »
37 of 41 | Posted by: nancy beverly - orlando, FL

“I am so deeply sorry for your tragic loss of such a precious life. My prayers are with you often for God's comfort. ”
38 of 41 | Posted by: Michelle Simpson - Frederick, MD

“Kathleen, John and family, You are in my prayers and in the prayers of the Oak Hills Community Church family. Cindy Goetz ”
39 of 41 | Posted by: Cindy Goetz - Denton, TX - friend

“I remember Stephen would always come into the library at CDIS during lunch and read while I worked there. He was always so kind and sweet! He will...Read More »
40 of 41 | Posted by: Leah Leman

“Helen's and my hearts and prayers are with you at this time. ”
41 of 41 | Posted by: John and Helen Waterhouse - WA


View Video Tribute

Stephen Devereaux Weidler went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on July 16, 2012, at the age of 18. Stephen was born on October 25, 1993 in Taipei, Taiwan to parents John and Kathleen Weidler. A true international child, Stephen loved growing up in Asia with his missionary parents and lived in such exotic spots as Xian, Chengdu and Lanzhou in China, and Taipei, Taiwan as well as spending several years in Singapore. During his life and travels, Stephen was blessed with being able to go SCUBA diving in one of the top ten diving spots in the world, visit Mount Everest, and ride a camel-all before he graduated from Chengdu International School.

Stephen was active in school activities and, while performing the part of Algernon in The Importance of Being Earnest, discovered a deep love for the theatre and was looking forward to entering the theatre program at Vassar College in the fall. An avid reader from youth, Stephen's excellent student record (AP Scholar with Distinction, commended student in PSAT, and a runner-up in the Questbridge scholarship) resulted in a substantial scholarship and several grants to the college. He performed in several plays in his school career, playing the part of Laurie in Little Women, portraying the great detective Sherlock Holmes in The Incredible Murder of Cardinal Tosca, and most recently shared the stage with his sister in a production of Twelfth Night as the fool, Feste.

Shooting up to his eventual height of 6'2" in his early teens, it was inevitable that he be recruited into the sport of basketball where he intimidated the other team's players (especially in middle school) merely by walking onto the court even before showing his prowess in the sport. Along with his older brother, Stephen played a pivotal role in taking his middle school and high school teams to the championship level.

Stephen is survived by his parents, John and Kathleen Weidler, two brothers and a sister, Philip Weidler, John Michael Weidler, and Melanie Weidler, along with his grandparents, John and Marilyn Weidler, Terry and Carolyn Allen, as well as an extended family of beloved aunts, uncles and cousins.

Special Memories

At 8 pounds, 15 ½ ounces, Stephen's mother once commented that he was the biggest baby she had brought into the world but the easiest baby she ever dealt with. Born in Taiwan while his father studied at seminary, he was known as "the smiling baby" by the other students. Stephen kept this sweet personality throughout his life. As a youngster, Stephen and his sister would stage stuffed animal "wars" against an opposing force of beanie babies, complete with toy weapons tied to their arms. His brother, JM, considered Stephen his very best friend. His father has rich memories of not only "talking sports" with Stephen, but also actively joining him in sports activities of scuba diving and coaching him in their varsity championship team. Stephen will be missed by many.

Thank You

To the numerous friends of the Weidler family that have come forward with words of love, affirmation, and support we thank you for the love you have shown during this most difficult time. So many have shared their love for Stephen, both in person and on his Facebook page. It is comforting to the family that he was so much loved.

If you wish to order a copy of Stephen's photo slide show, please call Restland Funeral Home at (972) 238-7111