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William A. "Uncle Bill" Lehnerd
William A. "Uncle Bill" Lehnerd
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William Lehnerd Obituary
William A. "Uncle Bill" Lehnerd, 79, of Butler, died peacefully Wednesday morning at his home.
Born on Mother's Day, May 11, 1930, he was a son of Wendle and Agnes Conrad Lehnerd.
Bill was a graduate of Butler High School, Class of 1948, as well as a graduate of Northwestern University and the Pittsburgh Playhouse School of Theatre.
A teacher of speech, theater and English for 31 years at Butler High School, he also taught speech or theater at Northwestern University, Michigan State University and Butler County Community College.
Always involved in the arts, Mr. Lehnerd, Uncle Bill to many friends, was one of the founders, past president and the first director of the Musical Theatre Guild in 1962. He founded the Butler Summer Dramatics Project in 1967 and the Masquers Musicals in 1957, directing many of their yearly productions. Before retirement, he directed many of the high school plays as well and sponsored the Butler High School Thespian Troupe for 28 years.
Active with the Butler Little Theatre for many years, he directed a play in 1961 and has done lighting design for numerous productions.
Loving on-stage as well as backstage work, Bill has appeared in acting roles, large and small with Musical Theatre Guild and Butler Little Theatre as well as other theater companies in several states.
Bill was a member of the board of directors of the Butler County Symphony for many years and was serving as president and head of the property committee. He was one of the founding members of the original Butler Arts Council and has assisted the present council with fundraising. He initiated and directs the "Butler to Broadway" and "December in New York" theater trips.
Other activities include the Butler Hospital Auxiliary, where he has more than 1,200 hours working the front information desk. He was a member of the Pennsylvania Association of School Retirees and has served as vice-president. He was a 34-year member of the Butler County Teachers Federal Credit Union.
Mr. Lehnerd was a member of the St. Peter Roman Catholic Church and was a U.S. Army veteran, Third Infantry Division.
He is survived by his aunt and uncle, Phillip and Ann Lehnerd of Butler; nephews, Wendle Lehnerd, Thomas Lehnerd Jr., James Lehnerd, Joseph Lehnerd and Charles Lehnerd; great-nieces, Stephanie Lehnerd, Christina Lehnerd and Samantha Lehnerd of Butler; and numerous other great-nieces and great-nephews.
Preceding him in death were his parents; a brother, Thomas Lehnerd; and a niece, Diana Lehnerd.
LEHNERD - Friends of William A. "Uncle Bill" Lehnerd, who died Wednesday, May 27, 2009, will be received from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at the Geibel Funeral Home, 201 E. Cunningham St., Butler. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Monday at St. Peter Catholic Church, 127 Franklin St., Butler, with the Rev. James Dolan, pastor, officiating. Interment will follow at the St. Peter Cemetery.
The Women's Council of St. Peter Parish will meet at 10:40 a.m. Monday at the church to recite the rosary.
Information also is available at www.geibelfuneralhome.com.
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Linda Sibery
June 12, 2009
Mr. Lehnerd----what a wonderful man! My sympathies go out to his family and friends. He played "Pappy" in "L'il Abner" and was an integral part of "Sound of Music" where I was in the chorus for both shows. Of course, who can forget "Destry Rides Again", "Bye Bye Birdie" and the "Best of Broadway" during those wonderful high school years and beyond! He used to drive by my parents house on his way home and always stopped in the street to say hi. He will be sorely missed. When I think of high school and Butler, I think of Mr. Lehnerd. God bless him and his family.
Linda McDonald Sibery
Rebecca (Becky) West
June 9, 2009
Mr. Lehnerd was one of the major inspirations in my life. I have been a professor of Italian literature for over 35 years, and I am certain that I decided to take on this profession in great part due to Mr. Lehnerd's example of how to be a wonderful teacher and mentor. He and Michael Dolan, my music teacher, are two of my most treasured memories of my young life in Butler. What a wonderful man Mr. Lehnerd was! I will never forget him. Condolences to the family.
Mark Kriley
June 8, 2009
I played drums for several of MTG shows. I also knew Mr. Lehnerd at high school. He will be sadly missed in our community for all that he did! Blessings to all of his family. It was an honor to have known him and work with him!
John Mitchell
June 2, 2009
I recall the love and enthusiasm Uncle Bill had and gave to all of us. He was a blessing and inspiration to thousands of us. Now that I recall his warmth and conviction, I will try to do something this week to honor his memory.
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Bill Mitchell
June 2, 2009
I had known Bill for forty years or more and there was no finer man in the entire art and theatre community. He will be dearly missed by all that knew him or were touched by his great gifts that he shared with such enthusiasm and generosity.
mark pinto
June 1, 2009
you will be sorely missed
The Scarecrow
June 1, 2009
Tinman, You have more heart than anyone I have ever known. I will forever treasure the time we journeyed together.
Jennifer Raabe Walters
June 1, 2009
While I hadn't seen Mr. Lehnerd in over 20 years, I had the pleasure of reaquainting with him a few years ago. He was a kind, gentle man and the type of teacher / advisor that his students wanted to please. None of his Sequinette's will ever forget him!
Bob & Cecilia (Olexa) Snodgrass
May 31, 2009
He was the true multi-threat: performer, director, designer. He opened opportunities for us. He taught us integrity, finishing a job to the end, organizational skills, attention to details and determination. A good teacher. We held him in high esteem and treasured knowing him. God rest him.Our sympathy to the family.
May 31, 2009
Mr Lehnerd was a wonderful mentor, teacher and friend. I had the pleasure of working with him on My Fair Lady and Sound of Music, Thespians and having him as a chaparone for the Foreign Language League journey. In addition, I'll never forget his kindness and strength during the Jr. Miss Pageant. His energy and commitment to all of us was truly remarkable. He will be greatly missed by so many people. He touched so many lives in a positive way.
Cheryl Edwards Weaver
Alexandria, Virginia
Carla Kunze Schultheis
May 31, 2009
What a sad loss for the Butler arts community. I remember going to the National Thespian Convention in Bloomington, Indiana I think in the summer of 1970. We kids kept using the phrase "like" and it drove him crazy for us to "like" use such poor grammar. It rained almost the entire way from Butler to Bloomington and he allowed us to play our cassette tape with the song "Here Comes the Sun" about 100 times. I still think of him when I hear that song! He was a good Thespian, a fine drama teacher and a compassionate man. I was so touched when he came to the funeral home to see we 3 Kunze girls, all former BHS students, as we mourned our mother's death. My sympathy to those family members that are mourning his death now.
Jim & Charlene Shaw
May 30, 2009
The Butler Musical Theater Guild has lost its director emeritus.
Bill certainly brought his own unique style and dedication to the stage in every production. He enthusiastically immersed himself in community theater. Living it, breathing it - it was his life and his love.
No doubt many will lift a glass in his memory and recall happy days together.
Karen Best Brown
May 30, 2009
I was deeply saddened to learn of Mr. Lehnerd’s passing. He was a very special teacher, mentor, and friend and he had a profound effect on my life. He was loved and respected by many and he will be missed.
Elizabeth Lindsay
May 30, 2009
Dear James, Megan, and Tyler -
We lift your whole family in heartfelt prayer as you say goodbye to Uncle Bill. Sending love,
Elizabeth, Adam, & Drew
Michael/Dee Dee Newcaster
May 30, 2009
May we express our deepest sympathy to the remaining families of "Uncle Bill." He had a rare quality of leadership & profound devotion to his family & friends, which earned his love & respect of all of us who had the fortune to know him. God bless all of you, during such sad times.
Alice Baptiste
May 30, 2009
So sorry to hear about Mr. Lehnerd. He was witty and charming and such a nice man. He will be missed.
Paul & Maria Worst
May 30, 2009
Dear Lehnerd Family,
All of you are in our prayers. God has blessed us with such a talented leader, teacher and person. Bill is looking down on all of us with happiness.
Donna Steinheiser
May 30, 2009
My sympathy to the family of Bill Lehnerd. He was a very special person who touched many lives. I remember him from my high school days, working with him on several shows with Butler Little Theater and always seeing him at the "arts functions" around the community. He will be missed. Donna Steinheiser
Ed Cohen
May 30, 2009
Members of the Zelienople American Legion, Post 474, proudly salute this fallen veteran.
Post Historian
Debbie Gaudino Hinchberger
May 30, 2009
Mr. Lehnerd was someone that I always respected and he always saw the potential in others. I will always hold a place in my heart for him. The Sequinettes will never forget Mr. Lehnerd!
Ken DeFurio
May 29, 2009
Bill was such a very kind and gentle man. I never once saw him when he didn't ask about my family, and wish them his best. In addition to his many contributions to the theater and music community, he also gave a very special gift to Butler Memorial Hospital - his time. Deepest sympathies to the Lehnerd family and Bill's many friends. He will be missed.
Patrick Conrad
May 29, 2009
My heartfelt sympathies to all the family. My dad, Bill Conrad, was a first cousin of Agnes. I remember well our visits to the Lehnerd home when I was young. I remember two very kind and loving souls who always wore a smile.
May God's comfort and your good memories give you peace.
Kim Eury Allen
May 29, 2009
Lehnerd Family
Mr. Lehnerd was a caring and dedicated gentleman. He always pushed us to our potential and was a great instructor. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Jerry Friedman
May 29, 2009
This is indeed a sad day for the Butler community. Bill Lehnerd, as much as anybody else that I can think of, enlightened, educated, and inspired an appreciation for the arts among generations of formative youth. He was not only a brilliant director and producer, but a wonderful leader. His productions, especially the Masquers, were superb. I will never forget South Pacific, Destry Rides Again, Finian's Rainbow, The Best of Broadway, etc. These productions were a source of great civic pride, equaling that of the football team. Thanks to Mr. Lehnerd, thousands of Butler students were exposed to Broadway and the joy of music, dance, and fine acting. This cultural enrichment I believe, was disproportianate to the resources of the community only because of priorities created through Mr. Lehnerd's charisma, commitment and passion. He has left a rich and lasting legacy and I, among thousands of BHS graduates will miss this talented and gentle soul. His gift to me was even greater than exposure to the beauty of fine arts. Mr. Lehnerd was my speech teacher. His personal counseling, coaching and encouragement helped me cope with an abnormal fear of public speaking. Ironically, that is a substantial component of my professional life and I think of him often as I approach an audience. I know that I am just one of thousands touched by this great man. His memory will always be with me. My deepest sympathy to the family of Bill Lehnerd.
Marianne Rockhill
May 29, 2009
to the Lehnerd Family. You were truely blessed to have Mr. Lehnerd as a relative. He made our high school years the best. God Bless you all and I know he is with our Lord. Marianne & Ernie Rockhill
Karen Minehart
May 29, 2009
Mr. Lehnerd was a gentleman and a great teacher. I will always remember his passion for theatre. It was a privilege to be a student in his class and a traveler on the Broadway tour. I cannot teach a theatre class without thinking about how he did it. He will be missed. God's peace be with him.
May 29, 2009
Mr Lehnerd was a fine teacher and mentor to the students he came in contact with. Above all, he was a fine gentleman. Butler will miss him.
Bruce Colligan
Peoria, IL
Anthony DeFurio
May 29, 2009
Our deepest sympathies to the Lehnerd family. Bill was a truly inspirational and talented teacher. As an art teacher at BHS, I had the great honor of designing sets and doing tech direction with Bill. He definitely taught me everything about the theatre. He leaves behind a legacy of richness and tradition of excellence with hundreds of BHS students, the Musical Theater Guild, Little Theatre, and other venues. He is among the most gifted of artists and educators to come out of Butler. He was Godfather to our oldest daughter. We will miss him and cherish his memory always.
ciara "samme" kunze-kind
May 29, 2009
I'll always remember Mr. Lehnerd as the ever patient Thespian Club Co-Director as he took we young kids, Fred McCarren, Liz Greenough, Nedra MacDonald and I to the National Thespian Convention in Indianapolis, Indiana. We had a great time. He was a kind generous man who took time out of his busy schedule to visit my sisters and I when our Mother passed away recently. He will take a place of honor in my heart as he takes his place in Heaven. ciara "samme" kunze-kind
May 29, 2009
My deepest sympathy to Bill's family.
Bill Lehnerd was an institution. His selfless and untiring work for the arts in Butler will stand as a testament to him for years to come. I am proud to have been his student, his peer and his friend.
Jerry Johnston
Robert Plyler
May 29, 2009
Mr. Lehnerd was a brilliant director, and a wonderful man. He was a major inspiration in my decision to become a professional theatre journalist and critic, and he taught us all the necessity or responsibility and hard work, which must be part of talent.
Don & Edy Hoye
May 29, 2009
Such a great individual who will be missed by many. Bill was a wonderful people person, a selfless friend and co-worker and a super, great neighbor. Butler was so blessed to have you. Good-by dear friend, you will be truly missed.
Our sympathy to his family.
Thom Bennett
May 29, 2009
A really gifted individual who will be greatly missed. I only got to know Bill in the last few years through the theatre when we appeared in The Whales of August together. My condolences to the family, and best regards to all who knew him.
Thom Bennett
Susan Winters Raffaele
May 29, 2009
Mr. Lehnerd's true talent was his ability to make every one of us feel special. He defines "people person."
Claudia Trusel
May 29, 2009
Dear Lehnerd Family,
My condolences to you for your loss of a dear sweet gentleman. I was fortunate to have him as an AV Tech instructor and Thespians club advisor. He was so much to so many people - truly inspirational!
I hope the pain of your loss is lessened by the knowledge of how beloved he will always be in the hearts of scores of students.
Charles Cingolani
May 29, 2009
In losing you, Bill, we are losing a wonderful teacher and friend. Butler will long remember you.
May 29, 2009
Butler High School Masquers and Mr. Lehnerd were synonymous. I think we all learned a lot from this kind, gentle man.
Linda Wharton Warren, Springfield, VA
Johanna Gingo Pond
May 28, 2009
My deepest condolences to the Lehnerd Family.
Bill Lehnerd was a beloved member of the Butler community and what he selflessly contributed will be his legacy to be remembered by all he touched. He selected me to be a member "Show Board" for our senior musical and made each and every moment of that experience unforgettable. Butler has lost one of its finest citizens.
john parker
May 28, 2009
My sympathies to your family. Mr lehnerd was a teacher of mine in 1980. I have never forgotten his passion for his profession and his pleasant style of teaching.
Ray Lewis
May 28, 2009
Dear Lehnerd Family,
It was with deep sadness that I learned of Bill's passing. He was my teacher, mentor and friend. I can not begin to tell you of his great influence on my life. I have many happy memories of Bill and will miss him greatly.
Lauren McGuire Peratt
May 28, 2009
Mr. Lehnerd was a very special and dear friend to my parents. He was also so sweet and kind to my special sister, Linda. I will also never forget how kind he was to my Mom over the years since my Dad and sister passed away.
My God bring comfort to his family.
Jody Edinger Polen
May 28, 2009
Dear Mr. Lehnerd. What a great man. I learned a lot from him. He brought such a professional tone to our productions. He is one of the reasons I switched my major from political science to theater. I remember going Caroling one Christmas and Mr. Lehnerd actually came with us! Later we all had hot chocolate, I think at Lisa Nicholas' house.
He was just so cool but at the same time commanded a lot of respect from his students.
My prayers go out for the family.
Jody Edinger Polen
(Former student and drama teacher)
Sydney Meals
May 28, 2009
Bill will be greatly missed. He was a magical part of the theatre community and will be remembered in many fond, fun memories.
Always with love...
Ann Landwehr
May 28, 2009
My heartf felt deepest sympathy goes out to the Lehnerd family.
Mr Lehnerd was not only a great teacher but a wonderful mentor to me. He guided me towards are career in music and gave me the lead as Eliza Dolittle in My Fair Lady. He was not only a kind man but a very inspiriing man with lots of joyful spirit. He took everybody under his wing and his heart was huge. He was a great friend to everybody.
He will be sadly missed.
Sincerely,
Ann Hinchberger Landwehr
Carrie Heider-Catalano
May 28, 2009
Dear Lehnerd Family,
I am so sorry and saddened to hear of the passing of Mr. Lehnerd. He was our advisor for the Sequintettes at Butler High. What a wonderful gentleman. He was truly loved. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
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