John Carl Weets Sr.

John Carl Weets Sr., affectionately known to many as “Big John”, the “Muffler King, and “Budball”, passed away peacefully on July 17, 2025, at the age of 77.

A celebration of life will be held on Wednesday, July 23rd, 2025, at the David-Donehower Funeral Home in Detroit Lakes, MN. Visitation will begin at 11am, with formal services starting at 12pm.

John Carl Weets, Sr. was born June 21, 1948, in Detroit Lakes, MN, the son of John Sr. and Dorothy (Johnson) Weets. As a child, he was known for his adventurous spirit—building forts, running his own lawn mowing business, and making many friends along the way. John attended school in Detroit Lakes, MN.

At just 17 years old, John enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He served six years of active duty, including a tour in the Vietnam War, followed by ten more years as a Navy recruiter. He was stationed primarily in Norfolk, VA, with a memorable year in Pearl Harbor following the attacks. John served aboard PT boats and often shared vivid stores of ship life, from the tight bunkers to the unlimited coffee and fountain pop – and most of all, the friendships formed. John was honorably discharged and received a purple heart.

On January 16, 1969, John married Joann Follingstad in Norfolk, VA where he was stationed. Together they raised three children - John Jr., Jason, and Jodi – and made their home in Thief River Falls, MN.

After his military service, John returned to Minnesota, where his entrepreneurial spirit flourished. He co-founded Scottie Muffler in Detroit Lakes, MN, in 1973 and, in 1975, opened Big John’s Muffler in Thief River Falls, MN. Over the years, he expanded the business to seven locations throughout northern MN and ND, all while operating a muffler warehouse and managing a dairy farm. His sons, John Jr. and Jason, worked alongside him for many years. Today, the original Big John’s Muffler in Thief River Falls remains open, operated by John Jr.

In 1989, John moved back to Detroit Lakes and commuted to Thief River Falls during the week for work. That same year, he welcomed his fourth child, Michael.

John was a man of many passions—hunting, fishing, gardening, mowing his lawn, and spending time with his dogs, whom he always spoiled with “just one more” treat (which was never truly just one!). He loved to gamble, always chasing the thrill of a win, and just as much, he loved to tell stories—often delivered with a twinkle in his eye and a touch of exaggeration. His joyful laugh and warm smile lit up every room, and his daily phone calls—sometimes several in a day—kept him closely connected to those he loved.

Anyone who knew John can still hear his favorite phrases echoing in their hearts— “Wow!” and “Unbelievable!”—words he used often, when reacting to a funny story, or a simple moment that made him smile. Those little expressions of wonder and amusement perfectly captured his larger-than-life personality and deep appreciation for life’s moments.

John was a proud member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

He will be deeply missed by his significant other, Deb Leitheiser of Detroit Lakes, MN; his children: John (Marie) Weets Jr. of Thief River Falls, MN, Jason (Kelly) Weets of Thief River Falls, MN, Jodi (Darryle) Kasprowicz of Stephen, MN, and Michael Weets of Fargo, ND; his grandchildren: Paige and Logan Weets; Jenna and Jillian Weets; Zachary and Cole (Hannah) Berg, Hannah and Dawson Kasprowicz; and Rachael (James) Foley; and great-grandchildren: Nora Berg, and Sadie and Reid Foley.

John is also survived by his siblings: Karen Stilke of Detroit Lakes, MN; Mary Hamm of Frazee, MN; Thomas (Janis) Weets of Osage, MN; Ernie Heden of Detroit Lakes, MN; and brother-in-law Jon Jasch of Detroit Lakes, MN. He is also remembered by special family members: Tammie (Marty) Jenson of Detroit Lakes, MN; Joann Weets of Thief River Falls, MN; along with several nieces, nephews and cousins. He is also survived by his beloved dogs—Bella, Maggie, and Cricket—and his cat, Squirt, who were all never far from his side.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Dorothy (Johnson) Heden; father John Carl Weets Sr.; sisters Joann (as an infant) and Becky Jasch; nephews Chan and Lenny Litzau; and brother-in-law Ron Hamm.

John's legacy is one of hard work, love for family, infectious humor, and a life well lived. He leaves behind countless memories -- and a reminder to laugh often, love deeply, and always keep a few extra dog treats on hand.