Robert J. Weigand

Robert J. Weigand, 88, of Galesburg, died at 4:06 a.m. Monday, October 06, 2014 at Rosewood Care Center of Galesburg. Bob was born March 7, 1926 in Galesburg, the son of Julius A. and Mary A. Dillon Weigand.  He graduated from Corpus Christi High School.  Bob joined the US Navy on June 29, 1944 serving in WWII.  He served aboard LST856 and achieved the rank of Seaman First Class.  Bob was honorably discharged from the Navy on June 7, 1946.  He married Mary Jean Redington on June 6, 1953 in Corpus Christi Church, Galesburg.  Bob is survived by his wife of 61 years, Mary Jean; one son, Robert Michael Weigand of Santa Fe, NM; three daughters, Rosemary Weigand of Bloomington, Cathy Denise Zost and her husband, Terry of Layton, UT, and Julie Ann Hopkins and her husband Richard of Green Valley; one sister, Mary Irene Bowen of Claremont, CA; and five grandchildren, Andy, Evan, and Madeline Hopkins and Seth and Mary Zost.  He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Bill and Lewis; and one sister, Anna Catherine. After being discharged from the Navy, Bob returned to Galesburg, where he worked as manager for the Galesburg News Agency for many years, later working as a switchman for the Burlington Northern Railroad, eventually retiring on August 8, 1988.  He was a faithful and devoted Catholic his entire life.  Bob and Mary Jean enjoyed traveling and attending as many LST reunions as possible.  Bob treasured his family and enjoyed every day to the fullest.  He will be remembered for his sense of humor, having coffee with his friends, and his many family videos he created. Funeral Mass will be 9:30 a.m. Saturday, October 11, 2014 at Corpus Christi Catholic Church.  Rev. William T. Miller, IC will officiate.  Burial will follow in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, with military rites conducted by Ralph M. Noble American Legion Post #285 Honor Guard.  Visitation will be Friday evening from 6-8 p.m. at Watson-Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg.  In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial contributions be directed to OSF Hospice, 3405 N. Seminary Street, Galesburg, Illinois 61401.  The family would like to thank the staff of Rosewood Care Center and OSF Hospice for the loving care they provided to Bob and his entire family.