WEGAND, Frederick "Fritz" Eugene - b. October 10, 1912 - d. January 27, 2008

[patyrn]

Frederick "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 bon 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 wll be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 2, 2008 at the United Methodist Church in Howard with Pastor Sandy Des Plas officiating.  Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. 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, P.O. 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.

(taken from the Countryside Funeral Home website)

[frawin]

Interesting to note that nothing was mentioned about Fritz's 12-15 years as Parts Supply and Shop Manager for Garison Farm Supply, in Howard. I worked with Fritz for over 10 years at Garison's.
Frank Winn

[patyrn]

Frank,

We were neighbors of Fritz and Helen for many years, and I do recall him going by our house to work when I was young.  I just couldn't remember where he worked, and obviously his stepdaughter didn't remember that stretch of employment, either. Memories long past...................

Karen I.

[Wilma]

I want to say here how much I appreciate patyrn's taking the time to find and post these obituaries for us.  Keep up the good work, patyrn.