John Weeda Obituary – North Dakota Mourns the Loss of Energy Visionary and Industry Trailblazer After Fatal Car Accident in Idaho at Age 74
The state of North Dakota and its energy industry are collectively grieving the loss of one of its most respected and visionary leaders—John Weeda, a Mandan native and a pioneering force in coal-based power generation and transmission.
John Weeda, age 74, passed away tragically in a car accident in Idaho on Sunday evening, leaving behind a monumental legacy spanning over four decades of engineering innovation, leadership, and public service. His death has sent shockwaves through the Lignite Energy Council, the North Dakota Transmission Authority (NDTA), and countless industry circles across the nation.
A Sudden, Tragic End to a Storied Life
John Weeda’s unexpected passing in Idaho—a state he had visited in recent years to provide consulting advice and mentorship—brings to a close one of the most impactful careers in North Dakota’s modern industrial history. Though details surrounding the car accident are still emerging, what remains undeniable is the overwhelming sense of loss experienced by colleagues, mentees, state officials, and friends across the U.S. power generation sector.
The Lignite Energy Council, in a statement issued shortly after news of his death was confirmed, described Weeda as “a towering figure, both in intellect and integrity,” whose influence shaped generations of energy professionals and policymakers. The Council’s Interim President and CEO, Jonathan Fortner, remarked, “John managed the largest power plant in the state with a steady hand and an open mind, helping shape a generation of energy leaders in the process.”
Humble Beginnings in Mandan, North Dakota
Born and raised in Mandan, John Weeda embodied the work ethic and communal spirit for which North Dakota is known. Mandan, situated just west of Bismarck, has long been home to a vibrant energy workforce, and Weeda’s early fascination with electricity and mechanics aligned seamlessly with the town’s industrial culture.
Weeda pursued engineering at a time when North Dakota’s energy infrastructure was beginning to transform. As fossil fuel production gained national momentum in the 1970s and 1980s, Weeda was among the first in a new generation of technical leaders committed to harnessing coal in a safer, more efficient, and environmentally responsible manner.
The Great River Energy Era: 41 Years of Innovation and Steadfast Leadership
Weeda’s legacy took firm root at Great River Energy (GRE), one of the region’s most significant electric utility cooperatives. In a serendipitous career beginning, John was hired as just the seventh employee at the then-under-construction Coal Creek Station in Underwood, ND—a facility that would eventually become the largest power plant in the state.
At Coal Creek Station, Weeda was more than an engineer—he became a cultural cornerstone. His technical prowess, combined with his steady leadership style, helped establish a workplace culture grounded in excellence, transparency, and growth. His tenure as long-term Plant Manager witnessed multiple plant upgrades, safety initiatives, and operational milestones.
Under his management, the station’s heat rates, emissions control systems, and operational uptime consistently outperformed regional averages. Former colleagues recall how Weeda introduced pioneering automation technologies, early-stage carbon mitigation strategies, and personnel training systems well ahead of their time.
Later, as Director of North Dakota Generation at GRE, he oversaw not only Coal Creek but also the Stanton Station and Spiritwood Station, bringing his trademark rigor and humility to every project.
A Trusted Mentor and Advocate for Human-Centric Leadership
It was not just technical brilliance that defined Weeda’s legacy—it was the way he treated people. Former Coal Creek employee Angie Hegre, now a Research and Development Program Manager with the Lignite Energy Council, reflected: “He believed in people, and because of that, they believed in themselves.”
Employees at all levels, from control room technicians to corporate executives, routinely cite Weeda’s empathy and mentorship. He was known for walking the plant floor regularly—not just for inspections, but to speak with employees about their ideas, challenges, and personal lives. He kept an open-door policy throughout his career, championed professional development, and took a special interest in cultivating young engineers and operators.
Dozens of plant employees credit him with launching or guiding their careers, many of whom now hold leadership roles across North Dakota’s energy sector and beyond.
Post-Retirement Impact: North Dakota Transmission Authority and Beyond
Upon retiring from GRE in 2017, John Weeda did not slow down. Instead, he stepped into public service, accepting the role of Director of the North Dakota Transmission Authority (NDTA)—a critical agency charged with ensuring the reliability and expansion of electricity transmission throughout and beyond the state.
In this position, Weeda brought invaluable hands-on expertise to state energy policy. One of his most notable accomplishments was facilitating NDTA’s first-ever loan, which enabled the sale and continued operation of North Dakota’s high-voltage DC (HVDC) transmission line—a pivotal infrastructure asset that connects North Dakota’s generation capacity to broader markets across the Upper Midwest and Canada.
His tenure also marked improvements in stakeholder communication, regional coordination, and resilience planning for grid stability. At a time when energy policy has become increasingly complex and politicized, Weeda maintained a grounded and pragmatic approach, ensuring that decisions reflected technical reality and long-term public interest.
A National Voice: Committees, Coalitions, and Continued Service
Even in retirement, John Weeda remained a nationally sought-after voice in energy conversations. He served on:
- The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association’s (NRECA) Generation Member Advisory Group
- The North Dakota EmPower Commission, a statewide policy advisory board
- Consulting and management roles, including a stint as interim plant manager at Alaska’s Healy Power Plant, where he introduced structural and cultural improvements still in place today
These roles allowed him to shape regional and national strategy for coal, renewable integration, grid modernization, and workforce development.
Weeda’s ability to bridge technical disciplines and policy arenas was rare. He was often the first person called when a utility faced a crisis, policy shift, or technology transition. His counsel was trusted not because of credentials alone, but because of his proven track record and steady temperament.
Legacy Recognized: North Dakota Industrial Commission’s Resolution of Appreciation
In 2023, the North Dakota Industrial Commission, chaired by Governor Doug Burgum, honored Weeda with a formal Resolution of Appreciation. This rare recognition celebrated not only his professional contributions but also his character, humility, and lifelong service to public good.
The Resolution read in part: “John Weeda has exemplified the highest standards of technical leadership, integrity, and service to the people of North Dakota. His work has strengthened our energy independence, ensured the safety and reliability of our grid, and inspired future generations of energy professionals.”
The Broader Impact: Coal, Climate, and the Future of Energy
John Weeda’s legacy cannot be divorced from the broader debates and transitions defining the 21st-century energy landscape. As the global conversation around climate change, decarbonization, and renewable integration intensifies, Weeda remained a pragmatic voice for responsible, reliable coal-based generation.
He advocated for carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) research, investment in emissions-reduction technologies, and a balanced energy portfolio that respected both environmental concerns and grid stability. Importantly, Weeda never engaged in the politicization of energy—he spoke from experience, data, and a deep care for community well-being.
His influence extended to academia as well. Engineering students from the University of North Dakota (UND) and Bismarck State College frequently met him through internships, guest lectures, and plant tours—experiences that inspired many to enter the field.
Mourning and Moving Forward: A Call for Continued Excellence
In the wake of his death, energy stakeholders, legislators, plant workers, and educators across the region have expressed not only grief but a call to action.
“John wouldn’t want us to stop,” said Jonathan Fortner of the Lignite Energy Council. “He’d want us to keep innovating, mentoring, and building a future we can be proud of.”
Plans are underway to establish a named engineering scholarship in his honor. Additionally, proposals are circulating to dedicate a control room or transmission substation in his name—lasting symbols of his leadership.
Final Reflections: A Life That Lit the Grid and Lifted People
John Weeda’s death is a monumental loss, not only for his family and colleagues but for an entire state whose infrastructure, workforce, and policy architecture bear his fingerprints. His legacy is one of rare blend—technical excellence, unshakable integrity, and compassionate leadership.
He is survived by his wife, children, and grandchildren—family members who stood beside him as he navigated decades of service and who now carry his story forward.
In lieu of flowers, the Lignite Energy Council has asked that donations be made in John Weeda’s name to educational initiatives focused on energy innovation and engineering education in North Dakota—a fitting tribute for a man who believed in learning, mentorship, and the power of human potential.
As the lights shine across the plains of North Dakota tonight, they shine a little dimmer—but also a little prouder—for having been powered by the life and work of John Weeda, an engineer, a mentor, and a quiet giant of his time.
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