Raymond “Sparky” Wegner, age 96, of Merrill, died Friday, Jan. 18, 2013, at Pine Crest Nursing Home, Merrill.
Raymond was born Aug. 16, 1916, in Red Lake Falls, MN, son of the late Henry and Sarah (Hanson) Wegner. He graduated from Janesville High School in 1933, where he was a member of the National Honor Society, and had participated in track and cross country. After graduation, Raymond worked as a machinist and later as a tool and die maker. On Dec. 28, 1940, he married Darlene Westrick in Dubuque, IA. She survives.
Raymond worked as a tool and die maker for the Borg Corporation in Delevan, WI for 38 years, and retired in 1983. He was a former president of the local tool and die makers union in Delevan. In 1984, he and his wife moved to Merrill. In his younger years, Raymond owned and piloted his own plane. He was a member of the Experimental Aircraft Association (E.A.A.) Air Venture Organization founded in 1953, and had attended every E.A.A. Convention from 1953 until 2010. Raymond was an avid trout fisherman. He built his own fly rods, tied his own flies, and spent many hours fishing in the Prairie River. He also loved animals. At age 85 Raymond learned how to use a computer and became proficient in its use. He would access the internet, and through the use of e-mails, was able to correspond with relatives in Norway. Raymond loved family celebrations. He was able to live independently until his move to Pine Crest this Spring.
Survivors include his wife of 72 years, Darlene Wegner, Merrill; two children, daughter, Kathy (David) Wittnebert of Seneca, S.C., and son, Lee (Kathleen) Wegner, Merrill; four grandchildren and ten great grandchildren, Krista (Mark) McCaulley and their children Molly and Sadie, Erik (Michelle Busha) Wegner and their children Emily, Sophia, Grace, and Luke, Peter (Rebecca Prain) Wegner and their child Kaleb, and Joel Wegner and Sarah Klug-Wegner and their children Ella, Elijah, and Evelyn. Raymond is preceded in death by four siblings, Norman Wegner, Minn Wiedenhoeft, and Lucille and Richard Wegner.
Raymond was a most loved patriarch of our family and his code of honesty and clean living set the standard for all his descendants! He also lived a healthy lifestyle through healthy eating and daily exercise on his bike and with his speed bag. Deepest appreciation and thanks to all his good friends at Pine Crest for their special attention to him.
A private family celebration of Raymond’s life will take place later this year. The Taylor-Stine Funeral Home, Merrill, is assisting the family.
Online condolence may be made at www.taylorstinefuneralhome.com.