Obituary of Jon R. Weinberg

Age 83, of Minneapolis, MN and Scottsdale, AZ, died on September 12, 2017. Born in Cleveland, OH on April 15, 1934. Preceded in death by parents Alice and Larry, brother Robert. He earned a B.A. Degree from Oberlin College and an M.A. and Ph.D. from the University of Iowa. Moving to the Twin Cities in 1958, he considered himself a Minnesotan ever after. In his career as a Clinical Psychologist, he combined private practice with public service. He worked at mental health centers in Rochester and St. Paul, serving as director at the latter. From 1970 until retirement in 1997, he was with Hennepin County's Chemical Health Program. He served as a Clinical Professor in the department of Medical School Psychology at the University of Minnesota. Dr. Weinberg was an author of publications aimed at educating professionals about alcohol and drug issues, which appeared in medical, legal, and social work journals. He authored self-help booklets for recovering people and their families, of which over 500,000 were published. He served as editor and chief writer for the quarterly publication of the Minnesota Association for Chemical Health, for which he also served as president. He received awards for his 25 years of work as a volunteer for the Walk In Counseling Center. As a volunteer for Robbinsdale School District #281, he tutored English language learners. Jon was a member of the Twin Cities Oberlin Alumni Club and served as president. Jon enjoyed a variety of music, from pop to rock (Beatles, Bruce, R.E.M.); traditional Irish and much more. His clear favorite, however, which he fell in love with at first sound in 1955, was the great classical instrumental music of north India. He acquired a tabla (drums) in 1958, finally getting proper lessons in 1972. He was privileged to know the late Sitar Master, Ravi Shankar, for 50 years. He loved theater, and acted in community theaters for 25 years. Of 30 roles, several won acting awards and positive reviews. He most treasured the role of George in "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?" Jon was a duplicate bridge master; tournament bridge was his passion. He was successful, winning 3000 ACBL Master Points, of which 1,000 were gold. As an avid admirer of art, he enjoyed a collection of paintings, prints, and fine arts and crafts in clay, wood, glass, metal, and photography. Most of these works were purchased directly from the artist, many of whom became his friends. Jon was active with table tennis and bicycling until mobility issues after age 80 forced curtailment. He was also an avid MN Twins baseball fan and followed them daily. He will be remembered by many for his humor. His dry wit produced endless streams of spontaneous wordplay, puns and facetious remarks, all delivered deadpan. Married for 30 years to Barbara McKernan. Also survived by sister, Carol Small, of Cleveland, OH; children Scott and Elise Weinberg; stepchildren Julie Meyer (Tony) and David Meyer (Jill); beloved grandchildren Rashaun Kartak, Matthew and Anna Thal, and Hannah and Andrew Meyer; nieces and nephews. Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, September 22, 2017 from 10 am to 1 pm at the Cremation Society of Minnesota. Located at 7110 France Ave S, Edina, MN. Memorials preferred to: Second Harvest Heartland Foodshelf, Planned Parenthood, or donor's choice.