Salesman, world traveler, avid golfer

Franklin “Frank” Roy Wiemann, a longtime Claremont resident, died on Thursday, April 18, 2013 from complications associated with esophageal cancer. He was 79.

Mr. Wiemann was born on January 26, 1934 in Exira, Iowa, the fifth of 11 children born to John Henry Wiemann and Lula Francis Murray. He grew up on the family farm, helping to tend crops and livestock.

Mr. Wiemann was a graduate of Exira High School, where he excelled in science and math and was a member of the football and wrestling teams. The only child in his family to go to college, he continued his studies at Mankato State University in Minnesota where he played college football. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in 1956 and then joined the US Army, serving for 2 years as a technician. He was honorably discharged and then went on to earn a postgraduate degree from UCLA.

Mr. Wiemann worked in the aerospace industry for 40 years, starting his career at 3M. Business kept him shuttling between Washington and New York and he met his wife Judy while she was working as a flight attendant for American Airlines. The couple was married in Palatka, Florida on June 30, 1962. They had 2 children, Jonathan and Denise.

 Mr. Wiemann next moved to Honeywell, where he spent 30 years in marketing positions, culminating in vice presidency of marketing. Mr. Wiemann’s job promoting defense systems took him far and wide, including many trips throughout Asia. In addition to 40 years in Claremont, he and Mrs. Wiemann lived in Sunnyvale, California; Minneapolis, Minnesota; Huntington Beach, California; Brussels, Belgium and London, England.

Mr. Wiemann retired for the first time from Honeywell in 1988. He quickly went back to work for TRW and was sent to Brussels. Mr. Wiemann loved Brussels and its vibrant ex-patriot community. He served as president of the American Business Club, which annually put on an elaborate Fourth of July celebration, complete with fireworks.

After several years, the office was moved to London, England, another locale that Mr. Wiemann found delightful. During their time in Europe, the Wiemanns traveled extensively, often attending major air shows in sites like Paris, Spain and Italy. Other memorable destinations including the Netherlands and  Scandinavia, and an unforgettable trip on the Orient Express.

After 11 years in Europe, Mr. Wiemann retired again. He and Mrs. Wiemann came back to live in Claremont in 1999. When Ms. Wiemann died in 2002, Mr. Wiemann went back to work, this time for Northrop Grumman and coincidentally was sent back to Brussels.

“He was a quintessential airport expert,” Jonathan said of his globetrotting father.

Mr. Wieman retired for the final time in 2004. He spent the rest of his life living in his home at 430 Redlands Avenue in Claremont. Mr. Wiemann had many friends that he kept in contact with over the years. He spent his days planning and going on trips to visit them. He also enjoyed spending time with his family and grandkids.

Although a longtime Independent, he drifted toward the Republican Party and worked as an advocate of various groups determined to keep the price of water low. As far as sports affiliations go, Mr. Wiemann, a fan of professional football, was a longtime booster of the Minnesota Vikings. 

An avid fitness enthusiast, Mr. Wiemann golfed at the Glendora Country club 3 or 4 times a week, regularly worked out at the Claremont Club and enjoyed long walks in the foothills above Claremont. Mr. Wiemann also loved playing bridge and was a regular member of a group that played on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Mr. Wiemann’s greatest passion may have been wine. He had an extensive wine collection, and he even made wine. He would routinely meet a bunch of fellow wine enthusiasts at “Tuttis” to celebrate happy hour.

“He just loved life,” Mr. Wiemann’s family shared, adding that he will be deeply missed.

 Mr. Wiemann is survived by his son, Jonathan Roy Wiemann of Rancho Santa Margarita; by his daughter, Denise Lynn Wiemann of Claremont; and by 3 grandchildren, Jessica Denise Washington, Jefferson Logan Wiemann and Keaton James Wiemann.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 40-plus years, Judith Irene Dunn.

Services were held on April 26 at Forest Lawn in Covina Hills.