We are saddened to announce the passing of Robert M. Weigand, the patriarch of the Weigand Construction family. He passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by family Wednesday, and was just 2 months away from his 90th birthday. As owner of the company for 23 years, with an active philanthropic spirit, he was truly passionate about the impact of our community through our construction efforts. He lead many landmark projects for our company, including office buildings, manufacturing, k-12 education, upper education, and churches. Considered a true gentleman in the construction industry, Bob had many long standing relationships in business and personally throughout our region. Even after retirement, he was always a fixture in the office that offered a smile in the hall, and served as a valued consultant that everyone loved to stop in and talk to. His support and dedication will be sorely missed around the office. We are saddened by his loss, however, we are also incredibly grateful for having such an amazing leader throughout the years.
Obituary – Robert M. Weigand (May 10, 1930 – March 11, 2020)
On March 11, 2020, the Good Lord called His humble servant Robert M. Weigand home to begin eternal life beside his beloved wife Sally. He was a selfless and devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather to his appreciative family, and a fun-loving and adventuresome friend to many.
A life-long resident of Fort Wayne, Bob was born on May 10, 1930, the son of Joseph and Helen Weigand. From his parents and older brother, James Weigand, Bob learned the value of hard work and a job “done right.”
Bob graduated from Central Catholic High School in 1948, and Xavier University in Cincinnati, OH in 1952 with his bachelor’s degree. While in the 9th grade, Bob worked up the nerve to invite his CCHS classmate Sally Disser to a school dance. They went on to spend 61 wonderful years together after tying the knot at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in October 1954.
Bob and Sally welcomed 6 children into their family. Bob is survived by children Joseph (Lana), Ft. Wayne, IN; William, Seattle, WA; Thomas (Jennifer) Sarasota; FL, John (Kathy) Denver; CO, Jean Morrisey (Kevin) Woodbridge, VA; and Laurence (Monica) Ft. Wayne, IN. Bob and Sally were blessed with 15 grandchildren including Sean (Rachael), Kelley, Kendall (Ben), Erin, Rob (Madeline), Tanner, Jack, Caroline, Julia, Ryan, Shane, Sidney, Stella, Gracie, and Matthew. In his last year, Bob was also blessed with a great-granddaughter, Cora Lynn. Bob is also survived by his sisters-in-law, Sue Libbing and Jo Barger, and many Weigand and Disser nieces and nephews.
Bob started working at Weigand Construction, a fourth-generation General Contractor and Construction Manager, in 1955. He continued his work in a leadership role as Vice-President of Weigand Const. from the years 1972–1985 and President/Owner from 1985-1993. He was proud to contribute to the construction of many landmark buildings for the Ft. Wayne and surrounding communities (St. Charles Church, St. Judes Church, Bishop Dwenger High School, Original Carroll High School, PFW Theater, Multiple projects for Don Halls Restaurants, Original Lutheran Heart Center, Sacred Heart Church, Multiple projects for Huntington College, Bellmont High School, West Noble High School, Seyferts Potato Chips, and Ft Wayne Neurology)
Bob was a charter member of St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church and he served the Parish in a variety of capacities for over 65 years. He was an active member of the Building Contractors Association of Northeast Indiana and served on its board of directors for 20 years from 1986-2006 and earned its “Summit Award” in 2004 to honor his contributions to the construction industry and his dedication to the community. In 2010, Bob and Sally were named recipients of the “Citizens of Two Worlds” award by the Bishop Dwenger community, honoring their tradition of service to others. Bob had an active philanthropic spirit and especially enjoyed supporting St. Charles School and Church, Bishop Dwenger, Vincent Village, Inc and SCAN among many others.
While his life centered around his family, his work, and his religion, he enjoyed unique hobbies like hot air-ballooning, racing boats, competing in tennis tournaments, and fishing in the waters of N. Indiana, Michigan, Ontario, Florida, and the Pacific Northwest. Bob was always up for a good game of cards, especially euchre. He leaves us all with a sense of tremendous loss, but enriched with many wonderful gifts and incredible memories of a life well-lived.
Visitation is set from 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. on April 3, 2020 at Divine Mercy Funeral Home, 3500 Lake Avenue, Ft. Wayne Indiana 46805, and Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on April 4, 2020 10:30 am at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, 4916 Trier Road, Ft. Wayne,. IN 46915 with visitation one hour prior. Memorial donations be made to Vincent Village 2827 Holton Ave, Ft. Wayne, IN 46806, http://vincentvillage.org/.
