John Weeda Obituary-Death News : John Weeda Passed Away – John Weeda Dies After Fatal Accident
The Lignite Energy Council and the broader North Dakota energy community are mourning the loss of John Weeda, a towering figure in the state’s coal-based energy industry and a dedicated advocate for reliable, responsible electricity generation. John passed away at the age of 74 on Sunday evening in Idaho following a tragic car accident, leaving behind a legacy that helped shape North Dakota’s energy future.
A native of Mandan, North Dakota, John’s career spanned more than four decades and was marked by both technical excellence and heartfelt leadership. He was known not only for his extensive engineering knowledge but also for his ability to bring people together and inspire lasting change. From the earliest stages of North Dakota’s modern energy infrastructure to pivotal leadership in statewide policy, John’s influence can be seen in nearly every aspect of the state’s coal-based power development.
John began his career with Great River Energy (GRE) as the seventh employee hired at Coal Creek Station, then under construction. His role quickly expanded as he proved himself a forward-thinking, practical leader with a deep commitment to operational excellence. Over a 41-year career with GRE, John served in several key positions, including long-term Plant Manager at Coal Creek Station—the largest power plant in North Dakota—and later as Director of North Dakota Generation, overseeing not just Coal Creek but also Stanton and Spiritwood stations.
Under his leadership, the plants saw improvements in efficiency, safety, and innovation. John’s teams remember him for his approachable demeanor, technical rigor, and unshakable integrity. “He 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,” said Jonathan Fortner, Interim President & CEO of the Lignite Energy Council.
After retiring from GRE in 2017, John transitioned into public service as Director of the North Dakota Transmission Authority. In this role, he brought critical real-world expertise to energy policy, particularly in ensuring the reliable transmission of electricity from North Dakota to the broader regional grid. His most notable achievement during this time was helping facilitate the first-ever NDTA loan to support the sale and ongoing operation of North Dakota’s high-voltage DC transmission line—a key piece of infrastructure crucial to the state’s energy independence and market access.
“John didn’t just lead—he inspired. Through his actions, he built a culture of trust, innovation, and inclusion,” recalled Angie Hegre, a former Coal Creek Station employee and now Research and Development Program Manager at the Lignite Energy Council. “He believed in people, and because of that, they believed in themselves.”
Even in retirement, John continued contributing to the industry. He served on numerous national and state-level committees, including the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association’s Generation Member Advisory Group and the North Dakota EmPower Commission. In recent years, he even lent his expertise to Alaska’s Healy Power Plant, serving as an interim plant manager and offering guidance that helped local teams grow.
In 2023, John’s decades of service were formally recognized when the North Dakota Industrial Commission awarded him a Resolution of Appreciation, celebrating a life dedicated to public service, community enrichment, and the advancement of North Dakota’s energy economy.
John Weeda leaves behind not only a body of work that has forever improved energy generation and transmission in the Upper Midwest but also a generation of engineers, plant operators, and policymakers shaped by his example. His loss is deeply felt across the industry he helped build and the communities he quietly empowered through his life’s work.
Plans for a memorial service will be announced by the family in the coming days. In lieu of flowers, the Lignite Energy Council suggests donations be made in John’s memory to educational initiatives supporting engineering and energy innovation in North Dakota.
