Ronald E. Wegener, age 83, of Lamar, MO, passed away peacefully on October 17, 2020, at Mercy Hospital in Springfield, MO, surrounded by family.
Ron was born December 14, 1936, in Warrenton, MO, to Burnie “BJ” and Ava Wegener. He married Karen O’Sullivan on June 22, 1963, in Warrenton. After attending school in Warrenton, Ron attended the Missouri School of Mines and Metallurgy in Rolla, where he completed the five-year Electrical Engineering program in four years. He later received a Masters in Business Administration from St. Louis University. He was a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army.
He started his career with Emerson Electric in St. Louis. Ron later worked for Monsanto and the University of Missouri before moving to Lamar in 1972 to become the Manager of Engineering at O’Sullivan Industries. He retired from O'Sullivan after 30+ years there.
An active member of the Lamar United Methodist Church, Ron served the Lord as a Trustee, Sunday School teacher, on the Administrative Board and many other committees, and shared his beautiful bass voice in the choir and singing solos. He served the community as a member of the Lamar R-1 School Board for 12 years, including many years as President. He was President of the Mary K. Finley Library Board and has served on the George Washington Carver Center’s board.
Friends and family will remember Ron for his quick wit, humor, kindness, and his absolute commitment to honesty. His determination to proceed and succeed in spite of overwhelming health problems was an inspiration to all who knew him.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Dolores Wegener Adams. Ron is survived by Karen, his wife of 57 years; daughter Suzanne Shaffer, M.D., and husband Chad Shaffer, M.D.; daughter Kari Worsley and husband Russ; and daughter Wendy Bartholomew and husband Matthew; five grandchildren: Jensen Worsley, Brittany Ashbacher and husband Aaron; Hayden, Mason, and Eliana Bartholomew; and three great-grandchildren: Skylar, Xavier, and Emerson Ashbacher. Ron was an enthusiastic supporter of his family, rarely missing volleyball, basketball, football games, swim meets, tennis matches, track meets, or band concerts when the children or grandchildren were involved.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Daniel Funeral Home. In an effort to protect immediate family members with auto-immune diseases, services will be unconventional. The family has worked hard to plan a service worthy of Ron’s life while incorporating COVID-19 safety measures for all who loved him. A visitation will be at the Lamar United Methodist Church Saturday, October 24, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., but family members will not be present. The funeral will begin at 2 p.m., with socially distanced seating, followed by graveside services at Lake Cemetery. Masks will be available and required for anyone attending. The service will be live-streamed at https://www.facebook.com/lamarmethodist.
Contributions are suggested and made payable to the Mary K. Finley Library, Lamar United Methodist Church or to Cox Barton County Hospital in care of Daniel Funeral Home.
Condolences may be shared at www.dfhlamar.com
