Rev. Bernd Weishaupt

Rev. Bernd Weishaupt, 64, of Blairstown, NJ was taken into the arms of Jesus on the morning of May 9th, 2023, at Pocono Medical Center, with his loving wife and granddaughter by his side.

Bernd was born in Augsburg, Germany, on September 2, 1958, to Margot (Weishaupt) Rowlett and Egon Kramer. He arrived in the United States when he was 5 years old, and was fluent in both German and English.

Bernd is survived by his wife, of 33 years, Joyce Weishaupt of Blairstown, NJ, his stepchildren Stacey Schutts of Bath, PA, and Shawn Pekrol (Janie) of Mesa, AZ, his grandchildren Brittnee Evans (Brandon) of Knowlton, NJ, Daniel Brown (Maddie) of North Wales, PA, Nicholas Brown of Wayne, PA, Patrick Schutts (Serena) of Alburtis, PA, Madisen Schutts of Bath, PA, Jade and Shylee Walker of Mesa, AZ, and great-grandson Connor Evans of Knowlton, NJ.

He is also survived by his mother, Margot Rowlett of Maplewood, MO; his siblings: Tommy Rowlett, Galveston, TX, Michael Rowlett (Mary Lee) of Maplewood, MO, Patrick Rowlett (Elisabeth) of Dallas, TX, Mark Rowlett of Lebanon, OH, Melanie Rau (Judd) of Lebanon, MO, Melissa Rowlett-Stallings of Waynesville, MO, Ingrid Kramer and Karin Morales of Augsburg, Germany. He is also survived by many loving nieces, nephews, and friends. Bernd is predeceased by his baby brother Joseph, stepfather SGM Presley  Rowlett, step-son-in-law David Schutts, and his beloved maternal grandparents Else and Reinhold Moczigemba.

He was an amazing, hard-working, and accomplished man who had an exuberant outlook on life. He began his life journey as a graduate of Killeen High School, Killeen TX, and continued on to earn an Associate of Arts at the University of Maryland in Munich Germany, a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from Knox College, Galesburg, IL, a Master of Divinity from Drew Theological Seminary in Madison, NJ, and a Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology from Centenary University, Hackettstown, NJ.

While at Centenary, he interned with the Disabilities Services Office and Academic Success Center specializing in transition planning and academic success coaching.
He completed an internship and residency in Clinical Pastoral Education and worked as a Chaplain at Susquehanna Health Systems in Williamsport PA, and Christ Hospital in Jersey City, NJ where he received a pastoral counselor certification from CPSP (College of Pastoral Supervision and Psychotherapy) after completing 5 units of Clinical Pastoral Education.

While at Christ Hospital, he researched and developed an assessment tool to help Chaplains quickly and accurately identify the spiritual needs of patients. He co-developed a theoretical model for pastoral counseling and spiritual guidance. The model, Rational Emotive Spirituality was taught at the New York Christian Counseling Center at the graduate level in Manhattan in conjunction with Nyack Seminary and the Albert Ellis Institute. Bernd also earned a Primary Practicum in Pastoral Counseling in Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) from Albert Ellis Institute.

He served as the Program Manager of AmeriCorps of Phillipsburg, NJ, where he recruited staff and established the largest AmeriCorps Program in NJ. AmeriCorps is a National Service Program benefiting local communities and is often referred to as the “Domestic Peace Corp.” The 52 Members of his Program, the first of its kind in Warren County, gave over 150,000 hours of community service in hundreds of service projects to the state of NJ. His program received County, State, and National recognition for its innovative projects and contributions.

He also served as the Coordinator of the Business and Industry Training Program at Warren County Community College’s Center for Career & Personal Development, where he helped to coordinate employee training in the areas of business and industry.

In addition, Bernd found time to become an Olympic-trained fencing coach, a member of the United States Fencing Association and the United States Fencing Coaches’ Association. He was invited to teach the first fencing class at the Pocono Family YMCA, in Stroudsburg, PA. Under his directorship, the YMCA fencing program for adults and children became the fastest-growing activity during his tenure from 2000 to 2009. He also taught at Evergreen Community School in Mountainhome, PA, Far Hills Country Day School in Far Hills, NJ, and Warren County Community College in Washington, NJ.

He was a trained vocalist, blessed with a beautiful baritone voice. He spent over 30 years sharing his blessing with others as an Elvis tribute artist in nursing homes, at private parties, fundraisers, and benefits. His most cherished memory occurred at a fundraiser for a 13-year-old girl dying of leukemia. Even though she struggled with physical limitations, Bernd made her laugh and even dance that night. She died a month later, but for that night she was a vibrant teenager.

God continued to organize Bernd’s steps. He was ordained at Zion United Church of Christ in Stroudsburg, PA, and served pastorates in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and New Jersey. Prior to his death, he was serving as the Intentional Interim Pastor of First Congregational Church of River Edge, in River Edge, NJ.

He was more than the sum of his experiences and titles that he received during his life. His legacy was that of love. He was a man of deep faith and love for God and His Son, Jesus Christ. he strove to understand Jesus on a personal level and interpret His teachings through an intense study of the Word, and was dedicated to his calling as a Pastor. But most of all, Bernd had great compassion for all of God’s people, especially children.

He loved being out in nature, often naming the forest animals that visited his home and were so much a part of his life.

His other activities included volunteering as a mediator for the Warren County Judicial System, hiking, and reading and he was an avid gymnast.

Bernd gave in death, as he gave in life. Through the Gift of Life Program, his legacy will continue to live on.

A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date. If you would like to make a donation in honor of Bernd, please consider First Congregation Church of River Edge 109 Continental Ave., River Edge, NJ, or Trinity United Church of Christ, 632 South Delaware Drive Mt. Bethel, PA 18343.

“Til we meet again, may God bless you. Adios.” Elvis Presley 
- Said in 1977 at the end of a concert during his last tour