Delmer "Del" Aebischer

Delmer "Del" Aebischer went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Friday, January 26 from heart failure. He was born on December 10, 1933 in Portland, OR to parents Harold and Alma (Redinger) Aebischer. Sisters Verla (Hiebert) and Evon (Douglas), and brother Hubert Aebischer preceded him in death. Del was a graduate of Newberg High School, and held a Doctorate in Music Education and Counseling Psychology from the University of Oregon. He was also awarded a John Hay Fellowship for studies in the Arts at University of California Berkeley in 1963-64. He worked as band and choir director in Florence, OR (1957-66), Fine Arts Administrator at Trevecca Nazarene College in Nashville, TN (1967-69), State Music Consultant with the Oregon Department of Education (1969-94), and Head of the Music Department at Marylhurst College in Portland (1995-98.)

Del served in the Army as a young man, playing trombone in the 440th Army Band at Fort Bragg, NC. He belonged to the Oregon Music Educators Association and the Music Educators National Conference, and was an active member of the Nazarene Church. He loved teaching and enjoyed tennis, travel, hiking, pickle ball, and spending time with family. Del made many trips overseas to work on church and mission construction projects, as well as in his local church. He played his trombone and directed youth and bell choirs at church for many years.

A devoted husband, father, and friend, he was a hard worker and excellent leader. Del had a quick wit and loved to laugh and joke. Whenever there was help needed, he was the first to volunteer-at home, for family members, and at church. His smile was contagious and all who knew him benefited from his kind, gentle manner and wise counsel. He and his wife, Joanne, loved to travel and Del took beautiful photographs of the scenery and wildlife wherever they went.

He is survived by Joanne Lucille (Johnston) Aebischer, his high school sweetheart of 69 years; their three daughters-Kathy Dole of Salem, Linda Baker of Newport, and Beth (Sharpton) Vice of Tillamook; their seven grandchildren-Heidi (Dole) Myers, Amy (Dole) Biederman, Tara (Sharpton) Newman, Launa (Sharpton) Mikesell, Marlie-Jo (Vice) Burdick, Kourtnie (Vice) Zwald, Eric Vice; and 14 great grandchildren.

A celebration of life will be held for Del at Salem First Church of the Nazarene, 1550 Market St NE, Salem, OR 97301 on Saturday, February 24 at 1:00, with Pastor Jerry Morris officiating. Contributions in memory of Delmer Aebischer can be made to the Church of the Nazarene Missions program https://nazarene.org/who-we-are/organization/ministries/nazarene-missions-international or the Jesus Film Project https://www.jesusfilm.org/give/
Condolences for the family can be sent to: Joanne Aebischer at 1955 Salem Dallas Hwy NW, Apt. 1002, Salem, OR 97304-4801.