We appreciate all the special memories we had with John.  He was truly a very special person.  We miss all the times he would call us to keep us up to date on what was new in his life.  So many fond memories for us to cherish!  God bless you John! You are always in our prayers.

T.J. and I miss John and think of him often.   Gone too soon.

John was a soldier’s soldier , a patriot , a dedicated father , and my friend. 

I’m saddened to hear the passing of my dear friend John.  I met John at Ft. Bragg, NC in 1994 and we quickly became life long friends.  Years later in 2002 John found out I was in Afghanistan and hunted me down.  The combat zone reunion left both of us with great memories and laughs through the years.  The last time I saw John was in 2011 not long after his surgery and we spent four very memorable days in Augusta, Ga golfing, drinking and reminiscing.  As the years passed we shared stories of our children and grandchildren and I was always impressed with John’s sincere care for his family.  I will sorely miss my brother in arms and I look forward to seeing him one day in Heaven. God bless you and your family John.  

Today was a tough day as we laid to rest a man I was proud to claim as my friend.  John truly was a leader of people.  He had an infectious personality and when he engaged a room of people, everyone listed.  John was a caring person.  Today I heard nothing except stories that demonstrated John's kindness.    He took great pride in supporting his family and helping them grow.   As evidenced by the lengths that folks traveled to pay their respects, John was loved.   His commitment to our country was inspirational (side note to John, I like Fox News too but there are other stations!).  RIP my friend.

My deepest sympathy to cousin John's family.  As most of the memories ahead of me attest, John was as charismatic a person as there was.  Cousin Kim hit the nail on the head.  He was infectious.  If he was in the room you knew it.  John will be missed by all.

I worked  with john at TLD.  The first time we met was at a driver's meeting  in  tupelo  ms.  He instantly  took over the room with his booming  voice..us drivers looked  at each other like it was a first day at basic training.   All that aside he was a cool guy. He knew his job and was always  willing  to talk to  you  on the phone and help you any way he could. He will be missed  by many.  Prayers  for his family  and loved ones.

In 2002 John and I were in the same unit that went to Afghanistan. We developed a fast friendship that has lasted over the last seventeen years. From the start, he was a total character always with a funny comment or story. In a place full of misery and death John was always upbeat. He was a true leader that cared about Soldiers and was ready to take on any mission. I have so many memories of his stories and all of them funny. To anyone that knew him, they knew how much he loved his family. He would always talk about them and you could see in his eyes how much he cared. The world is going to be a duller and sadder place without him. My friend, I’ll miss you but Slapnu I’ll see you again and once again we can swap stories and laugh. God Speed Soldier, you’ve completed your mission. 

I met John on the school bus going to our first day of 5th grade. We had an instant connection and proceeded to become lifelong friends. The wiegands  became my second family  with Rita regarding me as his guardian angel.  He was my bodyguard as I was small and he was strong from growing up with 3 older brothers. We  raised all the hell parents dread, but never got caught. Went to Vegas in our 20s  on his military discount,  they poured us off the plane, it only got better from there! He is my best bud and now my guardian angel. Love You Bro.

I first me John in Ft Clayton, Panama when I was assigned as the Company training/ orderly room NCOIC when he walked into our unit dayroom. We just had a Change of Command for our sister unit and he walked in looking for the company commander. I asked him what he needed and he stated he wanted to see the Commander and that he was going to be the new Commander for our unit. As this was an Ordnance unit and he was a Quartermaster officer I told him there was no way he was going to be our new commander. I talked a lot of smack to him during this first meeting and after finding out about 30 minutes later that he was, in fact, going to be my boss I felt about an inch hi and for a minute it was very awkward.  John didn't hold a grudge and the next time I saw him it was like nothing had ever happened. We became friends and went fishing many times in the Panama Canal but when I started getting too cocky he would remind me of our first meeting. John was a great leader and helped every soldier in the unit.
John will be missed by many. I will keep him and his family in my prayers. John this old soldier salutes you!!

I worked with John at TLD for several years, but knew him through business contacts prior to that.  John was a great guy with a wonderful sense of humor and quick wit.  He was dedicated to his career, his company, and to his wonderful family.  John was a true patriot, and I thoroughly enjoyed knowing him and working with him.  He will certainly be sorely missed by everyone.  Rest in peace, John.

I had the honor of working with John. The first time we met he asked if I served and after I said yes, the friendship was off and running. John was one of the best leaders and mentors I have ever been around. He would always make a room bright the second he walked in along with making sure everyone knew the mission. RIP John. We will miss the stories and friendship you provided. 

John was the true meaning of "When Irish Eyes Are Smiling"
He always greeted you with a smile and a HUGE hug.   His infectious personality was always a staple at family functions.  He provided a great service to his country and was always the FUN cousin to us all.  There are generations of Grandpa & Grandma Fennelly's legacy all over the US that have arms reached out and around his family in Georgia.  He will be so missed.

Cousin Kim
Tom & Esther Fennelly Family

I met John two years ago we had dated for a couple of years  he was,a joy to be around had a heart,as big as the world..he loved his girls so much and grand children so very much...he talked about them always..he got me started watching fox news ..man loved fox news.He  cared for the people he knew.My prayers and thoughts go out to his family and friends....John is at peace now. I know he will be missed by all.

John and I met 36 years ago in ROTC class at Illinois State University. It was the beginning of a life long friendship and many great times together. My friend alway had a free spirit and and made everyone laugh around him with his quick whit and stories. John had the unique ability to remember every detail of events even years after they happened. Anyone he met couldn’t help but like him immediately and if they were around long enough he would have a fun nickname for them. I will truly miss my friend and our conversations. I wish the best for his family during their grieving. 

John has been a friend of mine and my siblings for 40+ years. He was always a great friend and greeted you with a smile and a hug!  I have had a lot of fun with him over the years and will remember his passion for life, his love of family and friends. He spoke very highly of you all! You are very loved by him. Thank you John for the memories and Thank you for your service! Most importantly, Thank you for being  my friend! I will miss our phone conversations and will miss you yelling.   Pocus and ahenus and ahonus and a poc!     Love,  Wendy Losey Becker

John spent his last hours in the company of his high school classmates. We all loved him for his sense of humor and his infectious smile. Rest In Peace my friend we all will miss you terribly!

John and I went to school in Mendota, Il and graduated together.  He never had a harsh word and was always kind. He will be greatly missed. Be at peace John.

Sending all our Love and prayers to John's family! Mom,Dad,and Joe will welcome him home! uncle Larry & family.








John was a former 6th grade student of mine who stayed in touch with my wife and I through the years.  We enjoyed reminiscing about those school days we had together.  We would catch up about former classmates and where he was at that time of his life whether in the military or working.  We were proud of his service and devotion to our country. He will truly be missed by friends and family.

John and I served in Afghanistan in 2002 . He was a dedicated hard working driven soldier that mission completion as the soldiers job and pushed all around him towards that goal . He also brought a deep seated empathy for the poor and displaced of Afghanistan. I was a better soldier for riding with him . 
Bryan Cole 

I had the honor of meeting John while we were both serving as officers in the United States Army. He was an unselfish leader who loved his family more than anyone I know. My fondest memories of John were manning the flag at the 14th hole at Eastlake Golf course during the tour championship a few years back. I had contacted John about bringing a contingent of Soldiers to man the flag at the 14th hole (in honor of Birdies for the Brave. The tournament was 4 days in September. John was to be the OIC of the team but something happened and Ft. Gordon only authorized John and another  for this mission. John made so many new friends in the golf community and on television.  He was loved life and family and the Army and that is how I will remember him. God bless the USA.  Susan Morris, COL, USA (Ret).

OBITUARY

John Fennelly Wiegand

April 24, 1961 – August 9, 2019

Winkenhofer Pine Ridge Funeral Home and Memorial Park

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