Obituary: David D. “Fudd” Wiegand

November 10, 1953 ~ January 8, 2022

David D. “Fudd” Wiegand, 68, of Casco, died on Saturday, January 8, 2022 at Bellin Memorial Hospital in Green Bay.

He was born November 10, 1953 in Algoma, son of the late Charles “Chuck” Ernest and Ada (Lloyd) Wiegand. Dave graduated from Sturgeon Bay High School in 1972, where he enjoyed wrestling and playing fullback (#32) for the Clippers. Following graduation, he enlisted in the United States Navy. He went to work as a mechanic in the military and proudly served his country until his honorable discharge in 1976. He is a recipient of the National Defense Service Medal and was an expert at handling an M16.

In 1975, while stationed in Gulfport, Mississippi, he married Kim Jolene Bennett. While their love story didn’t last forever, it did bless them with three sons and eight grandchildren. They eventually relocated to Sturgeon Bay where Dave worked for the family business, Wiegand Oil Company. Dave would lead Wiegand Oil Heating & Cooling, opting to operate out of the garage as opposed to an office so he was free to smoke his Winstons, turn up the volume, and use colorful language. Dave then moved the family to Algoma where he spent years managing Wiegand Amoco, a full-service station, before opening his own business, Temp-Rite Heating & Cooling.

Dave was a leader and was involved in many aspects of his sons lives while they were growing up: coaching little league baseball, serving as a Den Leader for Cub Scouts, and taking care of the boys’ friends. The door to the Wiegand house was wide open. It was both a safe and wild sanctuary for those who needed it. All were welcome at Dave’s grill, where he was more than generous with his BBQ chicken. He was animated during Packer games and appreciated the company of his sons during those four quarters, even on the occasions when they cheered the opposing team. Above all else, he valued quality father and son time, whether that involved camping, joining him on his softball team, shooting darts, or circling a pool table in a tavern. It’s also worth mentioning that he endured his share of hardships, probably none greater than parenting a child throughout his battle with cancer. He seemed most at peace while camping in the calm of Potawatomi State Park, where he spent decades pitching tents, hiking, fishing, drinking coffee, and listening to the Brewers on the radio. He later married Donna Grovogel, who kept him good company in the woods and along the shores he was so fond of. Truth be told, Dave revered the loners in life. He loved those westerns about a man with no name. He went his own way. He once wrote: “sometimes I treasure being an island.” His anthem of choice was “Take the Long Way Home” by Supertramp.

In addition to the customers he generously served, Dave will be missed by his sons, Jason (Katie) of Ankeny, Iowa, Sean (Nicole Frank) of Two Rivers, and Kent (Deanna Walker) of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; grandchildren, Cierra, Julius, Ivy, Leon, Charles, Braeden, Peyton, and Emarie; brothers, Dan (Patti), Dale (Debbie), and Duane (Missy); and beloved dog, Sarge.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Ada Wiegand and siblings, Charles and Sylvia Wiegand.

In honor of his wishes, no formal services will be held. His sons are planning a reunion for family and friends to huddle around a fire and share stories, most likely to be held in summer of ’22. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Friends of Potawatomi State Park (www.runwild.org). 

The family would like to thank Brittany Wiegand, Larry, and the staff at Bellin Hospital for their part in providing Dave comfort in his time of need.

Huehns Funeral Home, Inc. & Door County Crematory LLC of Sturgeon Bay are assisting the Wiegand family. Expressions of sympathy, memories, and photos of Dave may be shared with his family through his tribute page at www.huehnsfuneralhome.com.