Rev. Eugene Wekander 09/26/2013

Rev. Eugene Gerald Wekander, 93, passed away on September 26, 2013, at Amelia House Assisted Living Facility in Council Bluffs, IA.  He previously lived in Osceola, WI.  He was born August 16, 1920 in Froid, MT at the home of his parents Walfred and Inga Wekander.  He met Joan Voigt at Dana College in Blair Nebraska and they were married June 17, 1949, at Flaxton, ND.  In his 60 years of ministry, Pastor Wekander served churches in Dannebrog, NE; St. Paul, NE; Elk Horn, IA, and New Richmond, WI; along with serving several churches after his retirement as an Interim Pastor.  Pastor Wekander was a truly faithful man.  He lived his life in service to God.  He was a man of integrity, honesty, compassion, love, and service to all.  These traits carried through in his personal life being a wonderful Husband, Father, Grandfather, and Great-Grandfather.  He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Alice Anderson and sister, Irene Maistrovich.  He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Joan Wekander; son, Mark Wekander, Puerto Rico; daughters, Linda (Rich) Sorenson, Council Bluffs, IA; Faith (Mike) Patterson, Wilmington, DE; Kristie (Steve) Swanson, St. Croix Falls, WI; Barbara (Roger) Wistrcill, Cumberland, WI; Pamela (Dave) Rahn, Boulder, CO.  He also leaves behind 15 adoring Grandchildren and 15 Great-Grandchildren.  A funeral service was held Monday, September 30, 2013 at 11:00 am at First Lutheran Church in New Richmond, WI.  Visitation was held Sunday, September 29, 2013 from 6:00-8:00 pm at Bakken-Young Beebe Chapel in New Richmond and also Monday from 10:00-11:00 am at the church.  Interment was in West Immanuel Lutheran Church Cemetery in rural Osceola, WI.  Memorials will be directed by the family.  Arrangements are with Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services Beebe Chapel of New Richmond.