Fredrick Eugene Wegand's Obituary
Fredrick “Fritz†Wegand, age 95, of Wichita, Kansas and formerly of Howard, Kansas passed away Sunday, January 27, 2008 at the Homestead Health Center in Wichita. Fritz was born in Grenola, Kansas on October 10, 1912 the son of Roy and Ethel (Van Buskirk) Wegand.
On October 29, 1939 Fritz was united in marriage to Helen McKirahan Basey in Bartlesville, Oklahoma and became dad to Helen’s daughter JoAnne. Helen preceded him in death on February 7, 1989.
Fritz became known as the “Fix it Man†as he had a natural aptitude for mechanic work.
He owned and operated his own repair shop in Howard until 1942. He then went to work for Boeing, retiring in 1977. While working for Boeing they lived in Howard, Wichita, and Seattle, Washington.
He was a member of the Epworth Methodist Church in Wichita. He was also a 60 year member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and served over 13 years as the secretary of the Lodge.
Fritz is survived by his daughter JoAnne Neal and her husband Terry of Wichita, Kansas, one brother Hal Dean Wegand of Idaho, one sister Estella Knickerbocker of Bastrop, Texas, five grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. He was also preceded in death by his parents, a brother in infancy, one brother Robert, one sister Gladys Lewis, and one grandson Michael Edwards on May 14, 1997.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM Saturday, February 2, 2008 at the United Methodist Church in Howard with Pastor Sandy Des Plas officiating. Visitation will be from 10 AM until service time at the church. Burial will be at Grace Lawn Cemetery. Contributions are suggested to the Epworth United Methodist Church and may be sent to Countryside Funeral Home, PO Box 247, Fredonia, Kansas 66736. Arrangements are under the direction of Zimmerman Funeral Home, Howard, Kansas. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.countrysidefh.com.
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