Ronald "Ron" F. Wehmeier

Obituary for Ron Wehmeier

Ronald F. Wehmeier, 80, passed away peacefully in his home the 11th of September, 2025, surrounded by loved ones and the beautifully restored instruments that brought purpose, meaning and joy to his musical life.

Ron was the proud and devoted son of Virginia (née Drott) and Elmer L. Wehmeier, of Price Hill, and leaves behind a chosen family of his dearest friends Holly Brians Ragusa and Trent Sims, Jelani Eddington, Mark Herman, Heather, Austin and Sierra Abrams, Trish Powell, and cousins Barb (née Drott) Hollmann (Joe), and Don Drott (Diane).

Born in 1944, during the height of World War II, Ron grew into a loving family of hard workers and music played a strong role in the home. He fondly remembered playing catch with his older cousin, Herm Wehmeier, the famed 1940s Cincinnati Reds pitcher.

At age 12 Ron fell for theatre organ music and was hooked ever since. Finding George Wright’s skillful playing to be the closest thing to perfection, Ron’s passion for organ music developed into a career; before turning 17 he was working on the Mighty Wurlitzer Theatre Organ that then lived in the Albee Theatre. Right after graduating Western Hills High School he trained with Möller Organs in Baltimore before returning to his hometown to start his own pipe organ service company in 1965. A highlight of Ron’s life was when he hosted a 1980 concert in his home with that favorite musician of his childhood, George Wright, on his very own Wurlitzer organ.

Many instruments in homes and faith-places in the region bear his mark. He first installed the Albee Theatre Mighty Wurlitzer Theatre Organ into Cincinnati Music Hall in 2009 for Friends of Music Hall under the leadership of Don Siekmann, and for his distinct craftsmanship, Ron was recognized by the American Theatre Organ Society.

After the major renovation at Music Hall in 2015-16, he painstakingly installed that same incredible instrument into Music Hall—again!

Involved in the Theatre Organ scene, his work was well known, and in his unique area of expertise, Ron served the Friends of Music Hall board of directors and advisory board; he was formally recognized by the organization in 2021.

On April 12th, 2024, after more than six decades of running a referral business with specialized service, Ron retired and was proclaimed “The Organ Man of Cincinnati” by Mayor Pureval.

His scrupulous work ethic and integrity have left an indelible mark on the distinctive art of restoring, preserving and tuning fine instruments such as 1920’s grand pianos, pipe and theatre organs.

Of supreme fascination, was the Mighty Wurlizter Organ, a storied instrument of the silent film era created to accompany the musical scores of a bygone era, with a singular quality, so unrepeatable a style as to be irreplaceable, just like Ron. It was his greatest pleasure and pride to share the inner workings of the organ chambers he constructed, showing off all the bells and whistles, ranks and relays, with those new to a theatre organ.

This unassuming, meticulous man, a genius to his craft, assiduously incorporated artisan technique and intuitive musical prowess into his life which was devoted to keeping alive a particular niche of musical history.

Ron was proud of his German heritage, and lovingly cared for the fourth generation home he shared with his family. A lover of dogs, Oreo cookies and Cincinnati, he frequented local favs such as Frisch’s, Skyline and LaRosa’s and was known to enjoy a beer and a jolly, rollicking, musical, good time. A kind, humorous and private man, an ardent friend, his unpretentious heart was soft, sentimental and almost too gentle for society’s fast-paced, modern ways. He leaves an instrumental Cincinnati legacy and will be deeply missed.

Visitation and service at Dalbert Woodruff & Isenogle on Boudinot Ave., Friday September 19th, 8:30-10:30am, immediately followed by his burial at Spring Grove Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please share Ron’s love of organs by contributing to Friends of Music Hall Donate Here and earmark funds for the Mighty Wurlitzer Theatre Organ.

Learn more about Ron with these links:

ATOS 2020 Convention featuring Ron Wehmeier

Friends of Music Hall - Beyond the Performance: The Mighty Wurlitzer Organ

Cincinnati Magazine: Pipe Dreams - Feature on Ron's Price Hill Home

Business Journal - Ron Wehmeier recognized by Friends of Music Hall

Dalbert Woodruff & Isenogle Funeral Home is proudly serving the family.