Michael Wiegand
December 13, 1943 ~ January 18, 2021
Michael W. (Mike) Wiegand, 77, of Marion, Iowa, formerly of Dubuque, Iowa, passed away on January 18, 2021, at Living Center West, Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, private family services are being provided by Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services. Cards and condolences may be mailed to the Wiegand Family, in care of Stewart Baxter, 1844 1st Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52402.
Michael W. (Mike) Wiegand, was born December 13, 1943, in Dubuque, Iowa, son of Harlan E. and Darlene M. (Christ) Wiegand, who preceded him in death. Mike graduated from Dubuque Senior High School. He married the former Carole Holzhammer Lehman on August 27, 1976.
Soon after graduation, Mike began his lifelong career as a very respected businessman in automotive sales and management. Mike was general manager at the former Dan Kruse Pontiac in Dubuque. Upon the move to Cedar Rapids, he was the used car manager at the former Bob Zimmerman Ford and general manager at Plaza Auto Auction in Mt. Vernon, Iowa. On August 1, 1987, Mike and Carole opened and were the proud owners of Mike Wiegand Motors on Mount Vernon Road in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where they worked together for 29 years until they retired on November 1, 2016, due to Mike's declining health. While at home, but missing the car business, Mike went back to work for Lexington Motors in Marion for a short time.
Mike is survived by Carole, his wife of 44 years; daughter, Nicole Lehman Kleppe; granddaughter, Alyssa Kleppe; and great-grandchildren, Richard Bailey III and Dezmond Bailey.
He is also survived by his sister Carol (Leo) Cowan of Dubuque, Iowa, and many other loving family members.
Carole and family extend their appreciation to the long-time customers at Mike Wiegand Motors for their support and friendship through-out the years. We couldn't have done it without you! 'Binkie', our 4-legged 'office manager' is still wagging her tail, although she is in declining health at 11 years old.
A special thank you to his favorite caretakers at Living Center West; his hospice care nurse, Hanna; and his dear friends Robert (Bobby) Walton, Jack Lindstrom, and Cora and Bob Collins.
Rest in peace, Mike. We love you.
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Carole, you and Mike were a great couple and I know you will miss him for the rest of your life. Mike was a special man with great wit and humor. No matter what you said he responded with humor. Remember – Think Right =) Debbie Welsh
Carole and the whole Wiegand family, our deepest feelings and sympathies. We’ve known, depended on, and considered you great friends since the old Bob Z days. Ahhh the stories and memories. We are so sorry for your/our loss. Kay and Tony Staab
Sorry for your loss. Karen Ryan
We are thinking of you during this difficult time.
Dear Carole & family – We did business with Mike Wiegand Motors several times through the years, buying/selling vehicles and sometimes, just for advice. Mike was always willing to help us any way he could. And I believe Ron did some painting for you years ago. I’m so sorry to learn of Mike’s passing. My Ron passed away in 2019, so I like to think they may be having coffee and talking over old times. They both liked to chat and seemed to always enjoy each other’s company. My sincere condolences. Cherryl Thomason
Hi Carole, So sorry to hear of Mike’s passing. Sending virtual hugs and miss you! Hopefully he’s dancing in heaven like we did at the Brunssen’s 50th anniversary!
Sorry to hear this. Mike was a customer of ours at the Chrysler Dealership and was a nice easy going person and enjoyed doing business with and chit chatting. R.I.P.
Dear Mrs. Wiegand: I bought my first car, a brand new 1978 Datsun 510, at Dan Kruse here in Dubuque. I’ll never forget that it was on the showroom floor! My dad knew Mike, and it was a great experience for me at 19 years old. I will never forget Mike’s professionalism, and treating me so well. My thoughts and prayers to you. C.J. May, III
When I saw his picture in obituaries and read his name I immediately wanted to unread. I loved Mike’s gentle atmosphere and ease to work with. We not only purchased several vehicles from him but he was our next door business neighbor on Mt Vernon Rd SE. Simple kindness is about as good as any of us can get — Mike was kind.
. I will never forget that in 1969 he found a Shelby Gt 500 used for me. Mike and I in the front seat, and a salesperson in the back seat. The poor guy in the back turned green as we went through the gears. Putting down rubber in all 4 gears. Car sold. Rest In Peace my friend. Mike Schmalz
Carole, I was shocked to see where Mike had passed. I am so sorry. We used to have a lot of fun with you two. Remember our trip in the motor home? Didn’t know if you heard that Dan passed away in Dec. from COVID. My deepest sympathy to you and the rest of the family. Mike was a great guy. Hugs. Barb Coble/Hawbaker
Sorry for your loss. Rest in peace Mike.
Carole, Nicole, Alyssa and GG kids, Our sincerest sympathies. Thinking of you, sending heart felt prayers. Rory and Mary McGuire
Carole and family I am very sorry for your loss! Mike was a great guy and we had many laughs through the years. A great car guy! RIP Mike!
Dear Carole and family, I am so so sorry to hear that Mike has passed. Even though so many years have passed, I will always have fond memories of the times we all spent together. Such a sense of humor and he had the best stories to tell. He was a kind and caring man. My prayers are for all of you. One more Angel in Heaven to watch over us.
Carole so sorry to hear Mike has passed away, He taught me so much about the automotive business, Both you and Mike were so good to me taking in a young kid into your lives and showing me the ropes, I will never forget the kindness he gave me. Both of you are great people and I feel privileged to meet such great people. I am so sorry for your loss. Dion Mellody
Mike was a classmate @ the new St Joseph school, in 1st group thru all grades 1st thru 8th. Mike made school entertaining for our class; I remember due to his mischievousness, the sisters placed his desk closest to their own to keep close watch. The result being- advantage Mike! We were both on the same education trajectory; freshmen @ Loras Academy, sophomores @ Wahlert, and graduated from DBQ Senior. Attending 3 high schools you meet lots of people. After my decade away- Marine Corps, then college in Colorado, I would run into Mike occasionally, usually car related — and we’d reminisce about our school years and classmates. Mike was great guy, a good friend, very smart, with a sharp wit and a remarkable sense of humor. My condolences go out to his wife & family, his close friends, and his business associates. Dick Kaufman DBQ, IA
Mike was my older brother and t loved him dearly.He was the kindest and most generous brother.We shared a mutual interest in cars and did a lot together with them.He took me to the drag races an many neat “guy” things as a child.One of my fondest memories was making him laugh so hard that he would curl up in the fetal posistion and cry.He was very fond of my wife Karen. After mentioning to the family that I was hurt by the fact that they had never made any attempt to see me in twenty five years I am crushed that I was not told of his passing and in retaliation was eliminated from his obituary.It is truly sad that the loss of my brother was used to retaliate against me.I know Mike would not have wanted this.Do what you will,But the fact remains I am proudly Mike’s surviving kid brother and nothing will change that. Rest in peace big brother. Tim & Karen Wiegand