Photo courtesy of Feerick Funeral Home - Shorewood
Shorewood, Wisconsin
Dec 11, 1942 – Feb 13, 2023
The heavenly choir gained a bass voice on February 13, with the passing of David Lee Reber, age 80. A gifted and passionate musician, among his greatest joys was singing with the Milwaukee Symphony Chorus, of which he was a member from 1986 to 2022.
Born December 11, 1942 in Miami, FL, David grew up in Franklin, NC. He met Sarah Pauline “Polly” Hayes in 1968 at the Patterson School for Boys in Lenoir, NC, where he was a teacher and she was a “dorm mom.” They married on March 29, 1969, and he became a devoted stepfather to her children, Connie and Hal. He and Polly lived in Oxon Hill, MD and Flagstaff, AZ before settling in Milwaukee to be close to their cherished granddaughters.
A voracious lifelong learner, David graduated from Berea College with degrees in math and music in 1965. He returned to school in 1996 to study the classics at St. Johns College in Annapolis, MD, graduating with an M.A. of Liberal Arts in 1998. He shared these passions as a high school math teacher for more than 40 years, retiring from Milwaukee High School of the Arts in 2004.
He kept busy in his retirement by singing, substitute teaching, volunteering, and attending as many Brewers games as he could. An avid photographer, he was proud to have assembled a complete collection of each Kodak Brownie camera model ever made. He was active member of the All Saints’ Cathedral congregation and had a special affinity for the life and teachings of St. Francis of Assisi.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Ted and Doris Leonore Reber, brother Teddy Reber, and beloved twin sister Judy Reber. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Polly Reber; sister Doris “Pinky” Price; stepchildren Connie Fait (Gary) and Hal Reames (Robin); grandchildren Sarah Fait (Drew Saunders), Jennifer Fait, Ashley Miller (Quinton), Aubrey Fait, and Jocelyn Fait (Eris Campbell); and great-grandson Grayson Miller.
A memorial visitation will be held at All Saints’ Cathedral (818 East Juneau Ave., Milwaukee) on Saturday, February 25 at 10 am, followed by a memorial service beginning at 11 am; inurnment and reception to follow.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, Milwaukee Public Museum, or All Saints’ Cathedral.
Read MoreMr. Reber was a dedicated teacher and musician. He enjoyed both teaching and singing. If he ever turned down a teaching assignment was either he had a big concert or was going to the Brewers game. You can't fault a guy for that seeing he was retired. I was blessed to be able to know such a wonderful person. RIP Mr. Reber.
Mary Herlache
February 25, 2023 | Milwaukee, WI | Coworker
Mr. Reber was one those rare jewels of a teacher I’m forever grateful for and will never forget. He instilled the confidence in me to do advanced math despite me being more of a verbal person—a skill I ended up using my entire professional life. He even went out of his way to counsel me on college choices and wrote recommendations for me. Mr Reber made a difference in my life. MHSA Class of 1988. Rest easy, sir.
Joshua Price
February 23, 2023 | Washington, DC | Student
Whenever the math department at Rufus King needed a hand, Mr. Reber was always there to help. He put the learning of his students at a higher priority than most substitute teachers. It was clearly a passion of his. He kept a kind and peaceful disposition on display at all times. The students of Milwaukee have been much better off due to Mr. Reber. May you feel all the love he shared reverberate in your times of need.
Matt Harmon
February 23, 2023 | Milwaukee, WI | Coworker
I always looked forward to Dave Substitute teaching at Rufus King, because I knew we were going to have a wonderful chat. I enjoyed attending 2 of his Christmas concerts too and it was easy to spot him out in his Red Santa Hat. His smile and joy of singing was very evident. He was a true Gentlemen. May you find comfort in his kindness of a life well lived.
John Dupies
February 22, 2023 | Milwaukee, WI | Coworker
I am so sorry to learn of his passing. Not only was he the only math teacher I had that made me love algebra, but he was kind and made math fun for me. I also spent one semester in the symphony chorus with him, and it was exciting to see him outside of class sharing his love of music. May he rest in peace. Jennifer Spuehler, MHSA class of 1993.
Jennifer Spuehler
February 21, 2023 | Aurora, IL | Student
A special thanks to David for taking me under his wing along with Elanor Turner on my 2d visit to St. James Episcopal Church. That was about 1998 and I'm still attending (St. Lukes EC). Peace be upon him.
Bernard Jene
Bernard Jene
February 20, 2023 | Milwaukee
