ROCHELLE — Joseph Wegener, 61, passed away peacefully with his family by his side Wednesday, April 12, 2017 at his home.  Joe was born Oct. 28, 1955 to Donald and Jean (Herrmann) Wegener in Aurora.  He was raised in Somonauk.  He married Diane Thompson on June 20, 1981 in DeKalb at the Newman Center.
Joe and his brother, Chris, worked together in their family run business, Wegener Auctions, for many years. He enjoyed volunteering his time as auctioneer and the master of ceremony for many local charitable fundraisers and events.  He was a member of the Newman Center in DeKalb and was proud to be a resident of Rochelle for the past 24 years.  
Joe will be missed for his gifts of joy and compassion and the laughter he brought to his family and friends. He was truly a “nice guy” to all who knew him and were privileged to call him friend.
Joe is preceded in death by his brother-in-law, Bob Francis.
Joe is survived by his wife of 35 years, Diane of Rochelle; four daughters, Kiley (Adam) Rahe of Dyersville, Iowa, Amy Jo (AJ) Glaza of Dyersville, Iowa, Madeline (Justin) Spangler of Davis Junction, and Julia (John) Cox of Rochelle; his parents, Donald and Jean Wegener of Somonauk; nine brothers and sisters, Cheryl (Jim) Elder of Hampshire, Maryellen (Bud) Norcross of Rochelle, Joan Francis of Mendota, Julie (Randy) Anderson of Somonauk, Peg (Brad) Strever of Somonauk, Chris (Mindy) Wegener of Sandwich, Jim (Patty) Wegener of Hudson, Wis., Kim (Brian) Goodman of Colorado Springs, Colo., and Nick (Kelly) Wegener of Somonauk; and 10 grandchildren, Sienna, Lucy, Anna, and Natalie Rahe, Peter Glaza, Ryan, Kendra, and Aaron Spangler and Evelynn and Cody Cox.
The visitation will be held from 4 – 8 p.m. on Tuesday, April 18 at the Unger-Horner Funeral Home, 400 N. Sixth Street, Rochelle.  The funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, April 19 at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 207 Kelley Drive, Rochelle, with Father Jeremy Trowbridge officiating.  The burial will follow the service at Lawnridge Cemetery in Rochelle.  
In lieu of flowers, a memorial is being established.
Visit www.ungerhorner.com to sign the online guest book.