Doris June Bahr

Visitation – Tuesday, July 29th, 2025 at DIVINE SHEPHERD LUTHERAN CHURCH (9741 W BELOIT RD) from 1:00pm until the time of at 3:00pm.
Funeral Service – Tuesday, July 29th, 2025 at DIVINE SHEPHERD LUTHERAN CHURCH (9741 W BELOIT RD) at 3:00pm.
Doris "Dori" J. (nee Claybaker) Bahr fell asleep in the arms of Jesus on Friday, July 18th 2025 at 90 years. She was proceeded in death by her dear husband Reverend Ferdinand O. Bahr of 66 years and her sister Carol Stillwell. She is survived by her children Rachel (Dave) Bartsch, Sarah (Stephen) Meissgeier, Becky (Dale) Wawrzyn and Joel (Deb) Bahr. Loving Nana of Monica (Kurt), Jason, Emily (Benedikt), Luke, Linda, Stephanie, James (Beth), Timothy, Matthew (Leah), Michelle, Jacob (Anna), Erin, Kyle (Jen), and Tara. Great-grandnana of Jane, Claire, Greta, Anabelle, Jameson, Ellie, Skylar, Asher and Logan. Sister of Richard and Robert (Ladele) Claybaker. Further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Doris was born in Sheboygan, WI to William and Loraine (nee Nehrlich) Claybaker on June 13, 1935. She was the second of four children. She attended Trinity Lutheran School where her dad was her fifth-grade teacher. She graduated from Sheboygan North High School in 1953. Doris went on to Valparaiso University in Indiana for two years where she studied Elementary Education. She finished and graduated with her degree at Concordia River Forest in Illinois. Her first teaching position was in Cleveland, OH. She married Ferd on August 10, 1957. She served alongside Pastor Ferd during his vicarage in Cleveland, Ohio and at congregations in St. Louis and Indiana. In 1965, they returned to Wisconsin and served at Divine Shepherd Lutheran Church for the next 35 years. Doris returned to teaching in Wisconsin, first as a substitute and then as the kindergarten teacher at St. Paul's Lutheran School in West Allis for many years. She had the privilege of teaching 2 of her own children! One of them only forgot to refer to her as 'Mrs. Bahr' one time while at school and the other didn't care if he forgot and called her Mom occasionally! She loved her young students and is remembered fondly by many of them. Doris also spent nearly 10 years working at Children's Hospital. The ever-faithful Minister's wife, Doris supported the congregations in many capacities: substitute organist, teaching Sunday School, Bible School, Bible studies and in other areas that may have needed an extra hand. She was Pastor Ferd's greatest supporter in all that he did. The "PHT" (Putting Husband Through) degree was conferred on her as she held down the family fort when he finished at Concordia Seminary and then later went on to obtain both his Masters and Doctorate degrees. Some of the things Doris enjoyed during her life were playing the piano (she accompanied many operettas at St. Paul's and solo/ensembles for her children and their friends over the years), sewing (she made all three of her girls wedding dresses!), various other crafts throughout the years and reading. Thank you to the staff and caretakers at The Courtyard at Sussex, with special thanks to Lauren for her care and friendship. Thank you also to Shiela and Brighton Hospice for the comfort and care in the final weeks.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 29, 2025 at DIVINE SHEPHERD LUTHERAN CHURCH 9741 W. Beloit Road from 1:00 pm until the time of service at 3:00 pm.
If you are unable to attend Mrs. Bahr's service in person, you can watch the livestream by clicking !
In lieu of flowers, memorials to Divine Shepherd Lutheran Church, Grace Lutheran Church (3030 W. Oklahoma Ave. Milwaukee, WI) or India Transformed.
HERITAGE FUNERAL HOME
16880 W. National Ave. (262) 901-1140