John Wangaard Obituary Cherished father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend, went to be with the Lord on February 16, 2016 at the age of 103, surrounded by his family and beloved friend, Marian Peck. He is survived by his four children, Christian of Kona, HI and Boulder Junction, WI, Betty Williamson of Arlington Heights, IL, Clark (Jan) of Rockford IL, and Lorry Wangaard of Chicago, IL, as well as eight grandchildren and eleven great grandchildren. John was preceded in death by his wife Debbie and brother Frederick. John was born in Minneapolis on November 28, 1912, attended South High School and graduated from the University of Minnesota in 1935 with an Engineer of Mines degree. He enjoyed a fulfilling career as a mining engineer, early on working underground, and later directing operations in lead, zinc, silver, gold, iron, copper, and taconite mines in various locations in North America, including Quebec, Idaho, Vermont, Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. John retired in 1968 but continued to work as a consultant with special assignments in Peru, Chile, Canada, Colorado, Texas, and Michigan. In 1956, John built a home on Island Lake in Northern Wisconsin, with and for his family. From their boat, he and his wife Debbie selected the perfect parcel of land on an undeveloped, pristine shoreline. The house has been the centerpiece of family gatherings for over 60 summers. This priceless gift has provided family and friends unlimited enjoyment, a haven for introspection, and a lifetime of wonderful memories. John was blessed with amazing health until his final days, which allowed him to share his enthusiasm for life with everyone he met. For John, each day was always "the best day". His motto? "Everything in moderation". He was an engaging and inquisitive man, interested in everything life had to offer. He was a voracious reader with a sharp mind, and was very wise. John chose to be loving, joyful, peaceful, patient, kind, good, faithful, gentle, and self-controlled. He lived a life of integrity, was an exemplary model to his children and grandchildren and was a loyal friend. The family would like to sincerely thank the wonderful staff at Trails of Orono assisted living facility, Park Nicollet Methodist Hospice and LifeSprk for the amazing care and love they shared with John. A celebration of Johns life will be held this summer in his beloved Northwoods of Wisconsin. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate that memorials be sent to Central Lutheran Church in Minneapolis, where Johns parents, Hanna Marie and Christian Wangaard and his uncle, John Field, were charter members, or to the Ebenezer Society, which was also founded by Johns uncle. Ebenezer Society Foundation ATTN: Mike Ziomko 2722 Park Ave South Minneapolis, MN 55407 Make checks payable to: Ebenezer Foundation Email: mziomko1@fairview.org Robert Holmen (Obie) Director of Finance Central Lutheran Church 333 South Twelfth Street Minneapolis, MN 55404-1496 http://www.centralmpls.org/#/home/donate  Born: November 28, 1912 Death: February 16, 2016 Memorial Share your thoughts and memories in the guestbook. Ebenezer Society Foundation - Central Lutheran Church -