Wolfgang Amadeus Lied, age 84, passed away at 9:50 a.m. July 16, 2011. Wolfgang was born in Frankfurt, Germany on June 6, 1927. He was the middle of three children born to August and Katharina (Sommer) Lied.
Wolfgang was drafted into the German Army during 1943 at the age of 16. He was assigned the position of range finder on a Flugabwehr- Kanone aircraft defense cannon, or FlaK 18. His commanders believed his good vision and strong math skills made him a good fit for such a demanding position. He later served briefly in the Luftwaffe and then the infantry.
The end of the war found Wolfgang in Denmark, where he had to make his way home by foot, the occasional farm wagon, or by finding a train that was still running. Wolfgang was able to speak English, and after the war ended, he worked as a translator with the U.S. Army, becoming acquainted with many GIs. Wolfgang was invited to come to the United States by R.L. Anderson of Washington, IL during 1948. Mr. Anderson and others collected money to allow Wolfgang to attend Bradley University where he earned a Mechanical Engineering Diploma in 1950. During his stay in the U.S., Wolfgang was a frequent speaker at local service clubs, where listeners were always eager to hear the stories of his childhood in Germany and of his wartime experiences.
Wolfgang returned to Germany, where he met and married Inge Fuchs in 1951. Wolfgang, Inge, and their new son Michael returned to the US via steamship, with all their earthly belongings in a single steamer trunk. Wolfgang and Inge later welcomed a second son, Walter, in 1956, while living in America. Wolfgang, Inge, and Michael became proud US citizens in 1959.
Wolfgang worked for Honeywell Inc. in Peoria, IL for more than 30 years. During his career, he held positions as a draftsman, designer, construction manager, and lead engineer developing HVAC and security systems for commercial buildings. He was respected by his coworkers and many union tradesmen on construction sites.
Wolfgang was invariably upbeat and friendly, always ready to crack a joke or make a bad pun.
He was very environmentally minded, and once campaigned to save a large, rare, mature purple beech tree in the parking area of what is now Lindy’s Market near Washington’s square. Thanks to his efforts, the tree was spared, and when constructed, the parking lot ringed the massive trunk of the tree.
He enjoyed woodworking, gardening, household projects, photography, traveling, and vacationing in Northern Michigan.
Wolfgang and his family periodically visited relatives in Germany, and he welcomed his German family members on several trips to the U.S.
Wolfgang authored a book detailing the history of the St. Mark's Lutheran Church in Washington, IL, He was particularly qualified for this task by being able to read the old church documents that were written in antiquated German script.
Wolfgang and Inge were the genesis of what became a large family, including becoming “Opa” and “Oma” to five grandchildren and nine great grandchildren. His adult life exemplified the classic American immigrant success story.
Wolfgang was predeceased by his parents August and Katharina Lied, a brother Franz, a sister Renate Gugurel, his wife Inge, and grandson Evan.
He is survived by Michael (Cherlyn) Lied of Dunlap, IL and Walter (Cathy) Lied of Washington, IL, grandchildren Jennifer, Amanda, Jason, and Adam, and nine great-grandchildren. Also surviving are a sister-in-law, two nephews and nieces, and their families, all living in Germany.
Wolfgang was a man deserving of admiration for his accomplishments, and lived his life with modesty and respect for others. He touched many lives in his lifetime and was a good citizen of the earth. Wolfgang succumbed to cancer, while nevertheless making little jokes and keeping a positive outlook until the end.
The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, July 21 at the Mason-White Funeral Home in Washington. Private family services will be held later. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to the Washington St. Mark’s Lutheran Church Building Fund.