Benjamin Newton Wegand

Benjamin Newton Wegand passed away at Mercy Hospital on Wednesday, October 9, 2013. Ben, 74, was born in Greene, Iowa. He spent his childhood in California, returning to Iowa in 1956 where he married his wife of 56 years, Karen Curtis Wegand. They moved to CA. a short time later where they remained for 43 years until Ben's retirement in 2000. At that time, they moved to Nixa. Ben was proud of his trade as a lineman and electrician with San Diego Gas & Electric. He was a 50 year member of the IBEW. In his job, he was respected for the perfection he displayed on any project entrusted to him, and he was always willing to share his knowledge and skills with anyone willing to learn. Through the years, Ben had many interests including camping, fishing, boating, photography and antiquing. He seemed able to fix anything that required his welding or mechanical skills. He taught his children and grandchildren the importance of taking time to do the best job possible. The greatest joy in Ben's life was his family. He never tired of spending time with them or giving advice, sometimes more than was wanted. He was a quiet, dependable man who chose to observe life from the sidelines but was always ready to help his family or his friends. Ben was preceded in death by his parents, Maxine and Harold Wegand, and a daughter, Christy Wegand Kihle. Survivors include his wife, Karen; son Joe Wegand and wife Kim; son-in-law Rick Kihle; six grandchildren Becky Fleury and husband Jon, Sandy Goe and husband Jon, Tyler Heiman, Carley Roden and husband Seth, Dana Rakestraw and husband David, and Crystal Tena and husband Justin; and eight great grandchildren. He is also survived by a sister Mary Philipp and husband Ron; a brother, Jon Wegand; and special friends, Donna Helm and Jon Heiman. Services will be held at 3:00 P.M. Friday, October 18, 2013, at Adams Funeral Home, Nixa. A visitation will be held from 1:00 P.M. to 3:00 P.M. prior to the funeral service at the funeral home. Burial is at McConnell-Bledsoe Cemetery, in Nixa. Memorial donations in lieu of flowers may be made to either the new children's wing at Mercy Hospital or Mercy Hospice Care.