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David Wehr Obituary

Wehr, Dr. David
Dr. David A. Wehr [DHS 1952], formerly of Danbury, died at his Catonsville MD home May 9, 2013 following a 21 year battle with prostate cancer, His wife and DHS sweetheart Nancy Stone Wehr was at his side. A Memorial Celebration of his life will be held at Our Lady of the Angels Chapel in Catonsville May 21 at 2:00 in the afternoon. His brother, Dr. Paul E. Wehr of Boulder, CO and his sister Jeanine Wehr Jones of Hood River, OR are also graduates of DHS.

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Published by Danbury News Times on May 15, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for David Wehr

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Carol (Goodwin) Raabe

May 13, 2025

David and Nancy Wehr influenced the lives of young people in Boise, ID, beyond imagination. They encouraged and enlightened members of choirs for many years. Thank you, David and Nancy.

Jessica Gonzales-Kring

July 2, 2020

If anyone ever reads this, I would like to say he was a great man and believed in his wife's "scouting" abilities. In the 5th grade I was a shy child who had no friends at Briargate Elementary in Missouri City, TX. She introduced Music of the kind I'd never heard, The Classical Arts. Dr. Wehr and she actually searched for me and he found me at a Baptist church when I was in the eighth grade. He made me and my parents a promise. He said if I auditioned for Houston's H.S.P.V.A. and graduated...the He assured me that I would receive a scholarship to attend the university where he taught and that was H.B.U. And because of that promise to me was a challenge I met and won. He said I could be the next Jessye Norman. I hope his family reads this and knows He was a man of his word and was a great Master of the Art for Vocal Performance. I still use his teachings and still perform for God when given the opportunity. The Doc and Mrs. Wehr for sharing the gift of Music.
Forgive my late note for I just saw this as my New husband inquired about how I came to love the Opera greats. Thank you Sir and yes you can wait a little longer, but I'll see you again and this Diva will song once again with you!

Anthony Smith

June 13, 2019

Dr. Wehr was one of the finest choral directors I ever met! I met him at HBU as my choral director. I appreciate the experience so profoundly. I just heard about his passing on today! Anyway, my prayers/condolences for the Family and Friends!

Carol Raabe

May 13, 2019

To celebrate the Christmas holiday I attended the concert at First Methodist in Boise. The organist was very good...but he was not David. The bell choirs were very good...but not as good as Davids and Nancys. The choirs were very good...but not like they were in the glorious years Nancy and David brought their inspiration to the church. Those were golden years that remain in my memory. We were blessed by them.

De. David A. Wehr

June 5, 2013

High school and college sweethearts

June 5, 2013

Stone Family Choir, Brookfield CT

June 4, 2013

Jackie Bondurant

June 4, 2013

Nancy, you and David were wonderful role models for the Bondurant family at Southern Hills. We learned both the discipline and love of music through your direction. Tom plays trombone in church (Memphis) and Becky is assistant professor of music education at University of Montevalla, Ala. She plays oboe. Thanks for all you do. You have been missed in Lexington!

June 1, 2013

Arriving in 1966, I was led by your choir programs to choose Boise First Methodist for our family's church home, with 4 children singing in Cherub Choir through Epworth Chorale. You and David instilled a rich legacy of musical excellence and inspiration in this Cathedral and all privileged to participate and hear. Our prayers, sympathy, affection and thanks are with you and your family.
Margaret Schiff

Maxine Mullins

May 31, 2013

Professional musicianship -- that's how I remember David and you, too, Nancy, and the manner in which you two led our choirs at Southern Hills so many years ago. Those who've sent condolences here seem to mirror that image.Today I read a preview of our bulletin notices that will appear Sunday -- the first I learned of David's passing. While this note is belated, it's heartfelt: We valued your dedicated service to Southern Hills and the way you drew out the best in us. We share your sorrow and, in doing so, hope that your burden is lightened as you go forward in this difficult time.

Joan Hudson

May 27, 2013

Sorry for the loss of David, the Wehr family was well known in the Danbury area, I was a friend of Paul's back in 58.

Jan (Davis) Maupin

May 23, 2013

I sang and rang bells in the choirs at the Methodist Church in Boise, ID under Dr. Wehr. He made me laugh, cry and sing better than I ever could have imagined! Our Christmas festivals always gave me goosebumps. The dedication he had for all the people and the beautiful music he brought out of us was more than words can express. I have never forgotten him and the lessons he taught. What a gift from God he was!

Juliet Wehr Jones

May 22, 2013

Aunt Nancy, my thoughts and prayers are with you and cousins David, Paul and Jenny and your families. Uncle David was an amazing man and I can't quite believe that he is gone. Your beautiful music at Cristi's and my wedding was something that we will never forget. I will miss his hugs, warmth and fantastic voice. Much love you all!

Barbara Strickfaden

May 21, 2013

Wonderful memories of the music David and Nancy provided for us during their years at First Methodist. Our children participated in the choirs and we were so grateful for the time and care they shared with these young choir members and the congregation.
May we extend peace and blessings to you and your family during this difficult time.

Deb Taylor Stephens

May 21, 2013

Dearest Nancy and family,

My best friend of 55 years, Linda Barry Clark and myself grew up in the Northend and attended the Cathedral of the Rockies. We started out in Cherub Choir and went right through to Crusaders in high school. What wonderful memories we have of those years of singing and rejoicing our Lord. We had choir pratice every Wednesday night and not only did we sing, we had our notebooks to keep up and learn from. I still to this day get goosebumps when I hear a choir sing a beautiful hymn. I thank God that we were so lucky to have you and David teach us and direct us in our lives. You both truly made an immense difference in my love for all music and for singing together in any group, small or large. I am now going to go call Linda in Arizona, and talk and laugh about our wonderful childhoods we had in the Northend and at church!! I still remember the long choir practices on Saturdays in the Fellowship Hall with all choirs present, performing one by one for our Christmas program. It taught us patience and respect without a doubt! And to be televised on Channel 2, well, that was SOOO cool for us kids!! And I also remember after singing in the Sanctuary on Sundays, all of us sitting the "rug" wathcing Laurel and Hardy and The Three Stooges until our parents came by to pick us up! Such treasured memories, Linda had just sent me pictures she found of us in choir at the old church (we were three years old) in the Cherub Choir and one of us in the Bethlehem choir and Crusader. God Bless you both for the influence you had in our lives, we were so BLESSED to have known you both in the Ministry of Music. God Bless, Deb Taylor Stephens and Linda Barry Clark, Case Grande, AZ

Karli Hitchcock

May 21, 2013

As many have already expressed, I too have fond memories of the years I spent in the choirs at the First Methodist Church in Boise. Through the music and your encouragement to be the best we could be, I learned many life lessons. Thank you for showing me excellence, teamwork, self-discipline, respect and most of all love for our precious Lord. The "Choral Amen" at the end of the service in Epworth Choral still rings in my mind and heart. I pray for God's comfort and strength for you.
Love always,
Karli (Hoover) Hitchcock
Meridian, ID

Susie Mercer

May 21, 2013

Thank you Uncle David for bringing beautiful music to our world.
Aunt Nancy, David, Paul, Jennifer & families- Peace.

Peace.


Peace to you.
Love, Susie & Lynn

Alice (Newton) Askarnia

May 20, 2013

I grew up singing in the choirs at First Methodist Church. When I was younger, Mr. Wehr kind of scared me, then as I grew older I just became afraid I would disappoint him - by not standing right, not keeping my chin down, not breathing correctly. He and Nancy brought out the best in all of us, in order that we could share beautiful, inspiring music with the world. The Wehrs helped us grow, and grow up. My heart is with you Nancy, David, Paul & Jennifer. God Bless.

Gary Ganz

May 20, 2013

As one thinks back over life, there are but a few people who truly mentored and taught life skills that would guide ones direction in life forever. David was one of those influences in my life. He demanded the best, taught about the word respect, and imparted musical lessons and appreciation for good music to all those with whom he came in contact. Humor, love, excellence, discipline, self-control, and joy through living and music are his legacies to me. And Nancy, you were always there to encourage, teach, and love us through it all. Here is a man who made a difference for God in so many lives. Thank you Lord that David and Nancy were on my path to Damascus.!

Helen (Maxwell) Farnham

May 20, 2013

Dearest Nancy, I was told of David's passing by my brother Bob Maxwell. We both have many memories of our years in choir in Boise's First United Methodist Church. Epworth Chorale and Bell Choir are cherished memories. I feel especially blessed to have been babysitter for David and Paul when the two of you were at choir practices. I loved those two little rascals! Also on my list of favorite memories is marching four abreast down the center aisle with Epworth Chorale for special concerts. Powerful experience for teenagers. May David bring joy to the Lord with his music. Love to you and your family.

Rev. Duane Anders

May 20, 2013

Our prayers are with you.

Paul Aitken

May 20, 2013

To the family of Dr. David Wehr,

This past Thursday, I was made aware of David Wehr's passing. Inasmuch as I had continued to remain apprised of his health, I was unaware that the cancer had come to place where it was terminal. Please know that the Cathedral of the Rockies' Ministry of Music mourns with you.

Thursday evening, I took the news to the choir that I have directed these past eleven years. More than a dozen hands raised when I asked how many of them sang under the direction of Nancy and David. What a legacy! During our prayer-time Thursday, stories came up about time with the Wehr's; it is a legacy that still rings in the hearts and minds of so very many. Most of the singers were in children or youth choirs under their direction; one of them admitted that they were your babysitter and had to explain how one of the Wehr children cut their hair while in her charge! There are many, many fond memories.

The foundation for the Ministry of Music may have been lain by Rev. Dr. Herb Richards and Mr. & Mrs. Alford; but it is the Wehr's that built a ministry upon that foundation making it what it is today. Throughout the 60's, the graded choir program was enlarged to grand proportions; the adult choir has never had as large a singing population. Bell choirs were formed and the choirs began to travel in ministry from our church to take music into churches and places it otherwise had never been. From my perspective, these were landmarks in our church's history and are benchmarks for which every successive Director of Music has attempted to strive. We have all had our strengths, but if I am to be honest, I am not certain ANY Director of Music since the Wehr's has achieved the large-scale success that was achieved in the 1960's. Today, we continue to have both a healthy graded choir and a graded bell program from tiny children through adults. We also have expanded into contemporary music and have a burgeoning art ministry. In addition, we host the Cathedral Concert series and a multitude of community-wide, musical opportunities throughout each calendar year. Everything we do is here today because the Wehr's built a music ministry comprised of both perspiration and prayer. We are deeply grateful for this legacy.

On behalf of Rev. Dr. Duane Anders and staff and congregation of Boise First United Methodist Church, the Cathedral of the Rockies, we send our deepest condolences to Nancy, to their children, and the entire extended Wehr family. Please know you are all very much in our thoughts & prayers and our hearts are with you as you enter this new reality in your family's life.

Grace & Peace,
Dr. Paul A. Aitken, Composer/Conductor
Director of Music & Worship Arts
Cathedral of the Rockies, Boise, ID

ACDA National Chair of Music & Worship 2006-2009

Linda Steele

May 19, 2013

Nancy,
I fell so lucky to have had you as a teaching partner for 5 years at Drabek. It was wonderful to get to know you and David and share some wonderful birthday celebrations together. He was always so cute surprising us with balloons. You two are very dear to me. I know you both are so talented musically and I appreciated all the songs ya'll shared with me. I know he is part of a new choir with angels. What a joy for him! Love you, Linda

Don Looser

May 19, 2013

As if in tribute to David, the Mormon Tabernacle Choir today sang the Gilbert Martin arrangement of "When I Survey." What memories of David's many superlative musical moments! As much or more, however, was his gift of self, his generosity, his enthusiasm, and his joy of life. Great friend. Great loss.
Elsa Jean and Don Looser
HBU

Linda Bayer Denney

May 19, 2013

Dear Nancy and Family,
I have many memoried of my years in Epworth Chorale at the Catherdral of the Rockies. I couldn't carry a tune but you never gave up on me. One of my special memories was during a practice for his role as Harold Hill, he said "Mothers of River City" and pointed to the mens section. We all burst out laughing. I smile everytime I recall it. Thank you for giving your time and talents to all who knew you.

May 19, 2013

I have many many memories of my time with the Epworth Chorale and the Chancel Choir in Boise. I learned so much from David and Nancy that I was able to use in my musical career. Nancy, my deepest condolences.

Gerry Cosby Soucek
Normandy Park, WA

Carol Goodwin Raabe

May 19, 2013

As athletes recall fondly the coaches who impacted their lives, those of us in our teen years who were blessed to have David and Nancy Wehr as their mentors and coaches will never forget the lessons they taught. It wasn't just about the music! The opportunities we had to see the US, albeit from a bus, and to have such terrific role models, helped us all through the 60's. Whether David was behind the podium, at the carillon, at the organ, or on stage at Music Week, he strived for excellence and sought it from others. One of his great lessons was to "never waste anyone else's time". Thank you, David, for the memories, the music, your creativity and vision, and for enriching our lives.

Peggy Wesely Misner

May 19, 2013

David and Nancy influenced my musical life to the hilt. Thank you for the gift of loving music so much. You David will be greatly missed but never forgotten.

Carol Goodwin Raabe

May 19, 2013

As athletes salute their great and beloved coaches, David and Nancy provided great "coaching" and life-long lessons to those of us in Cathedral Bell Choir and Epworth Chorale. One of David's great lessons was to never waste anyone's time. He set an example by respecting each person he trained and inspired. Whether his stage was at Music Week, at the organ, the podium, the carillon, or the "charts," he never failed his audience and his performers., He was dearly loved and cherished. Thanks, David, for the memories, the music, and the lives you touched.

May 19, 2013

Sing unto the Lord a new song!

Surely Dr. Wehr has a "new song" unto God. Let us give thanks to God for the life, labors, and loves of Dr. Wehr, and take comfort in the words of John 3:16.

Sincerely,

Lela Anderson
arr/comp
former member, Houston Symphony Chorus

Rita Balzotti

May 18, 2013

Sending love to you, Nancy, your family and all who are grieving this loss.

Bob Newell

May 17, 2013

A great colleague and friend. Remembering and thanking God for David.

Jack Mann

May 17, 2013

Dr. Wehr was one of the most influential people in my life. His passion for excellence and love of music led so many people to achieve so much more than they ever felt possible.

Even more than his musical talents his love for his students made an indelible mark. During a very difficult period in my life his compassion and friendship helped me more than he ever knew.

Thank you Nancy and family for sharing him with us all.

Diana & Bob Linder

May 17, 2013

Hugs to Nancy, so sorry to lose the great wonderful talented booming-voiced man that David was... He gave encouragement to so many, and was loved by even more as a friend...

Dr. David A. Wehr

Rita LaRue

May 17, 2013

Ted Finlayson-Schueler

May 17, 2013

I had the opportunity to be a part of what I'm guessing was one on my Uncle David's last stints as a choral director when he led the Stone family (Nancy's family) in performing an anthem Sunday morning at my Aunt Jeannette's (Nancy's sister) church in Brookfield CT in 2011 where we held a family reunion. You wouldn't have guessed that it was a largely untrained group that was going to sing at an early summer service. He made sure that the dynamics and breathing were just the way that he wanted them - I can imagine him with all the grand groups that he led from Boise to Houston. Love to Aunt Nancy and my dear cousins - hope to see you all in Maryland.

David, Calvin & Joy

David Malone

May 17, 2013

David was my musical father while I was at EKU. His passion for great music to be born in his students was magnetic. My wife was his choir accompanist for 3 years and benefited greatly from his musicianship and mentoring. David left us with great memories.

Marianna Jessee

May 16, 2013

dear Nancy:
David will be greatly missed and our thoughts and prayers are surrounding you during this time. Please remember that this is only a temporary separation and that you will see him again soon. we love you from Houston Texas First United Methodist church choir family (former choir member).

Jeanine Wehr Jones

May 16, 2013

Dave was my wonderful big brother. He adored Nancy, his children, & music. His curiosity made him a natural for constant learning on the Mac. Dave loved walking in Maine & would bite into just about any wormy old apple he came across, taking him back to his early years in Vermont. Magnificent Nancy brought him alive & was always his Star Angel. We miss you so, Dave.

Mary Ann Taylor

May 16, 2013

Jim and David were friends when they were both on the faculty at HBU. David was so instrumental in the life of our daughter, Laura Overstreet, when she was a student at HBU and later she was a soloist at First United Methodist Church. He was always her champion. He was loved by everyone in our family. The world is a lesser place without him in it. We send our sympathy to his family and will be holding them in our hearts and prayers.

Jim and Mary Ann

Joyce Fairfax Pearce

May 15, 2013

I knew David when we were growing up together many years ago in Mill Plain. My condolences to the Wehr family.

Jeanette Mayer

May 15, 2013

I am grateful that Dave chose my youngest sister Nancy to wed in June 1956 'memories for me to cherish. I thank God for giving her incredible strength to care for him . God healed Dave by giving him eternal life with Him. Our prayers are with you Nancy, David, Paul & Jeni & families.I will be with you all in spirit 2pm May 21st to all of you, Wehr families etc. God be with you Love & Peace Jaye(Aunt Jaye) & my prayers.

Karleen (Carstensen) Corwin

May 15, 2013

I wouldn't be the person I am today without Dave and Nancy Wehr. You are dearly loved.

Kathy Lythgoe

May 15, 2013

David was so important to our lives. Teaching me the disciplines of music that has carried me though my entire life.
Thank you David for your talents and love that you shared so openly.
I love you. The music in heaven just got more beautiful.
Nancy, we love you and hold you dear to our hearts!

Melody (Ford) Johnson

May 15, 2013

David and Nancy - you were not much older when in Boise than the group of teenagers you were mentoring; yet, you managed to gain our complete respect, cooporation, admiration. You inspired us to be the best we could be, and we all loved you for it. I cannot imagine this world without David and his beautiful music. I have an abundance of favorite memories, too many to list; but let it just suffice to say that you both changed lives and made a difference. I love you - Melody

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