Obituary of James Herman Wegmann

PETERSBURG, IOWA James H. "Chick" Wegmann, 74, of Petersburg died Friday, Apr. 4, 2014, at his residence surrounded by his family after a 14 year battle with cancer. Friends may call from 2:00 - 8:00 p.m. Monday, April 7, 2014, at the Kramer Funeral Home, 750 12th Ave SW in Dyersville where a parish vigil will be held at 5:00 p.m. and an American Legion/V.F.W. Service will be held at 7:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Apr. 8, 2014, at SS Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Petersburg with burial in the church cemetery. Rev. John O'Connor will officiate and American Legion Post 137 and V.F.W. Post 7736 will accord military honors. Jim was born January 13, 1940, the oldest child of Frank and Rosella (Westhoff) Wegmann. He attended S.S. Peter & Paul School thru 8th grade and then helped on the family farm. At age 17 he enlisted in the Navy, where he served 52 months. While in the service he was selected as a member of the Naval All World Softball team in 1961. On June 22, 1963, Jim married Carol Ann Gudenkauf. Carol survives him along with their 4 children: Lynne (Bob) Radabaugh of Petersburg, Pam (Brian) Vaske of New Vienna, Tom (Jennifer) of Apalachin, NY and Chad (Deb) of Robins; 12 grandchildren: Spencer, Cody, Sydney & Chance Radabaugh; Maddisen, Carley & Joel Vaske, Nick & TJ Wegmann and Riley, Carson & Kennedy Wegmann; 1 great-granddaughter, Kelsie Radabaugh; 5 brothers, Leo (friend Mary Langel) of Delhi, Gerry (Jane), Leroy (Margie) of Cedar Rapids, Ron (Norma) of Petersburg and Carl (Sandra) of Edgewood; 4 sisters: Lois Lammers of Manchester, Joyce (John) Deutmeyer of Dyersville, Joan (Pat) Toohey of St. Paul, MN and Rose Ann (Lee) Koelker of Cedar Rapids; brothers and sisters-in-law: Grace Stevens, Jim (Sharon R.) Gudenkauf, Marian (Dan) Hoeger, Janet (Charlie) Prier, all of Dyersville and numerous nieces and nephews. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, a brother Dan "Boone", sister-in-law, Karen Wegmann, and a brother-in-law, Dick Lammers, as well as his parents-in-law, August & Leona Gudenkauf and a brother-in-law, Fred Stevens. Jim took a lot of pride in his grandchildren and truly enjoyed watching them participate in their sporting events. He now has the best seat and will not miss a game. Jim's passion for baseball carried over in his playing career, and he was honored to be a member of the 1962 Dyersville Whitehawks National Runner-up team; Jim was named an amateur all-american for his performance that year. He was inducted into the Dubuque County Baseball Hall of Fame in 2001. He was an die-hard Chicago Cubs fan and spent many years coaching little league. Jim spent more than 50 years hauling milk for area farmers, a job he truly enjoyed. He received the distinguished service award from the Delaware County Dairy Board, and also served on the S.S. Peter & Paul parish council, Beckman High School Booster Club Board and Endowment Board. Memorials are preferred.