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Wade Longenberger Obituary
Family-Placed Obituary
Wade Harcourt Longenberger passed away on April 13, 2004. Wade was born on September 15, 1965, in Chattanooga, TN, to Lane Bergeron and David Longenberger. He was a local musician. He played Bass with Squat Thrust and The Stupor Friends. He also ran a fine art print shop, Secret Hideout Studio. Wade grew up in Spring, TX. He graduated from Klein High School in 1984, and attended Texas Tech and ACC. He moved to Austin in 1986 and was a beloved member of the Austin music scene. Wade had hundreds of friends around the world. He was everybody's ``big brother'. Wade was the kindest, most talented and creative man, and he will be missed by everyone who met him. Wade is survived by his fiancée, Jennifer Coffey; mother, Lane Bergeron; father, David Longenberger; brothers, Kirby and Alan; sisters, Sandra and Jill; aunt, Anne McCoy and cousins; his stepfather, Gerald Bergeron and stepmother, Judy Longenberger; and the Coffey family. Wade is also survived by band members of Squat Thrust, Jimmy Bradshaw and Keith Brady; Stupor Friends members, Hugh and Eric; close friends, Joe Emerick, James Follis, Clint Goodman, Rich Reinhardt, Damon Gill, Scott Van Horn and hundreds of others. Services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, April 16, 2004, at St. John's Episcopal Church, 312 Guenther, New Braunfels, TX.
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Memories and Condolences
for Wade Longenberger
Jim Gatteys
June 8, 2025
I'm not sure what started me thinking about Wade this time around but I was reading some of this page and it brought back fond memories. I met Wade in Lubbock in the early 80s. We got a tandem bike and rode it a good bit. I am visually impaired so he did the driving but we had a great time. I remember many nights at the Main Street house hanging out there. I still think about him often and am glad I had the opportunity to meet and spend time with him. I lived in Austin for a few years around the y2k time but never did run into him there. I wish I had.
Hilda Adams
February 11, 2020
Telling a Wade story just today.
Would love his family to know he is well remembered.
Wade and I were friends in Lubbock. He made a tandem bike (weighed a ton) for my two young sons. Ill never forget his giant laugh when I told him they were hit by a car while riding it. Both unharmed, the bike and the car totaled! Wade was howling.
What a spark. Love that guy and miss him so much.
02/11/2020
William Cagle
June 5, 2005
I remember first meeting Wade when I was about twelve years old in the Memorial Chase subdivision back in Houston. Years later our paths crossed in Lubbock when we both were attending Texas Tech in Lubbock and later back in Houston. I am still in shock to discover that this awesome human being has left us and deeply saddened. To Wade's family and everyone who ever knew this great man I offer my my most heartfelt sympathies. Go in peace my brother, may we meet again.
William Cagle
Bill Bailey
December 31, 2004
I grew up living down the street from Wade and his family in Spring. He was friends with my older sister Nancy. I'm 33 years old and I'm still trying to learn how to ride my bike backwards because of Wade Longenberger! I remember him coming over to hang out with my sister and drawing the most outragous pictures. My parents admired his free spirit and often commented on how much they liked him. I was just a punk kid in Jr. High when I knew Wade, and I thought he was the coolest dude I ever knew. God bless Wade and the Longenbergers.
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sabrina dotts
December 16, 2004
I thought about Wade today and ran a search which brought me to this. I was a friend of Wades when I lived in Austin. I met him through Jason Christian. I treasure the short time that I knew Wade as everything you read about him is true. He would stop by the house to visit the folks on Avenue F in one of the many car treasures he'd pick up. He seem to have the knack to find the coolist cars and bikes and just stuff. I told him he was one of my favorite people as he was and is one of a kind. When I think of Wade I think of the 3 C's! CATS, CYCLES AND CARS!Wow! It's still hard to believe! His memory will definately live on through all who had the privelage to know him as that is how he impacted people. My regards to all family and Jennifer. Wade you rock forever you genius! Sabrina
evan spahn
December 16, 2004
i am sorry to hear about wade. i used to really love squat thrust, and as a bass player wade's playing definatly inspired me. very sad, and so powerless to change things...
Christopher Todd Wood
November 27, 2004
I went to High School with Wade, and we were friends. He was such a good-natured guy that everyone liked him, even the ones that hated the rest of us. He was a year ahead of me, and I admired his ambition and his love of art and music. We stayed in touch for a while when he went off to College, and I was in Houston playing in bands, and when I moved to San Francisco. At some point I moved to Atlanta, and we lost contact. About ten years ago or so, I touched base with Wade and caught up some about his life, but we never got to really catch up because I couldn’t remember how to spell his last name. I did all sorts of searches and after a couple of years, I gave up. A few years ago, I moved back to Texas, and a few nights ago, I met someone online who had a photo of him that said “Rock On Wade”, and someone had made a nice comment. I didn’t think anything about it because he was the kind of person that people made nice comments about. I kept asking for information about where he was and how I could get in touch with him, and the person finally told me tonight that he had passed away.
I’m really freaked out right now. I was so excited about finding Wade. He was one of the only few people from High School I cared about finding. He was such a great guy, and I knew he would grow up to be a great person who was very loved. I’m so sorry for his family and everyone who loved him. I don’t know what else to say.
September 17, 2004
duane holtz
May 1, 2004
as many people here have said, one of the most remarkable things about wade was his ability to completely disarm you with his humor. when i met wade it was under circumstances prime for contention and animosity (it was work related), and as it it turned out i met the most friendly, peaceable, infectiously fun person i've ever known. to me, these qualities made him stand out in a highly charged artistic musical community. i really don't know what else to say. jennifer, i admire you. hang in there.
Carolyn Bolton
April 29, 2004
It's been two weeks and I still can't accept the fact that the big loveable bear is gone. He touched so many people, I wish he had known how he was loved by so many. I remember seeing Squat Thrust and Wade playing in a fully lit Christmas Tree. That sinked it for me, he was THE MAN! Ever since that day, he's been the shining star of frivolity in those days that just didn't go right. He will be missed by so many, my heart goes out to his family, and the friends of Wade, and to Jennifer - may she find the strength to go on and achieve what she dreams.
John Hancock
April 27, 2004
I don't know what to write except to just say that my heart broke when I heard the news. Wade and I had lots of good times together and always lots of laughs. Out on the town if I saw him in the crowd the evening would always get better...even just bumping into him at the store always made the trip more memorable. Riding his bicycle backwards or playing the wildest bass imaginable-he was always one of my favorite people ever. Wade, you made me laugh a million times over. I feel lucky to have known you.
-BT
Gabe Winer
April 26, 2004
To Wade's family and family of friends,
I just found out tonight and I'm so sorry to hear this shining star is gone. I knew Wade from Action Screen Graphics 7 years ago, and I was one of the many many people touched by his sweetness, generosity, and delightful irreverence.
Pete (Linda) Long
April 25, 2004
I feel fortunate that I was able to witness the magic of Wade for the last 20 years... he was a sweet sweet person and a gifted musician. I moved to Florida a few years ago... and when I would visit Austin, Wade would see me in the crowd and he'd bound over to me, as if in slow motion, with that big smile on his face, and give me one of those huge bear hugs. He had a way of making you feel special. I remember him riding around (usually backwards) on his bike in Lubbock with that big goofball smile and silly hair... he brightened the day. Wade will be missed. My prayers are with his family.
Sandra Steward
April 24, 2004
I can't believe that our big brother is gone! I would like to thank everyone that has said all these wonderful things about him. For Jennifer, you are and will always be part of our family. Love you!
Victor Tello
April 22, 2004
I met Wade in college back in Lubbock in 1984 or there abouts. He, Al Frank, and I had a drawing class together. I knew from the early days he would be unforgettable person. And not just because of his technicolored hair he sometimes sported. No, he was a talented, fun, friendly, and amazing free sprit with an easy smile such that you could not help but enjoy his company.
I remember spending countless evenings sitting on the porch at Main Street with all his other friends and watching him ride his bike backwards in the parking lot across the street. We, his friends and family, have lost an original. I am sorry for our loss. I will sorely miss him.
Alan Longenberger
April 22, 2004
1st of all, my mother and I wanna say thankyou all for your sympathys. Ive known Wade since I was brought into this world. Bless you all man.
Austin Bolen
April 22, 2004
I didn't know Wade very well, but I was a big fan of Squat Thrust. A friend and I were walking downtown to Casino after I first moved here and saw a sign on the newly opened Room 710 that read "Squat Thrust - Free Show". The name drew us in and the music kept us coming back. Even though we didn't really didn't know Wade he'd always come by and say 'hey' and always had something funny or entertaining to say. I'll miss those days and I'm sorry to see him go. My thoughts go out to all of Wade's family and friends.
Linda Radven
April 22, 2004
I only learned of the death of Wade on 04-20-04 from my brother Dan. It was a complete and total shock ! I had known Wade for about 20 plus years. I'll never forget him on his bike riding backwards with the Steve Martin arrow across his head. Or, will I never forget all the Halloween's he dressed up with one of his best friends Ronnie as "Kiss" ! Christmas was always a blast with my family because we would bet on what color Wade's hair would be when he came over; usually pink !! My deepest sympathy to his family and all who knew and loved him; especially those who lived with him in Lubbock, Tx. on Main St. (you know who you are !) Everyone keep your chin up and remember the wonderful times we all shared with him. What an amazing artist, muscian and person he was.
dale griggs
April 21, 2004
me and wade and jimmie had some great times in lubbock, i will miss wade he was the coolest human i have ever meet i love you man .
Dale Griggs
June White
April 21, 2004
Mr. Wade was a roommate to my big brother, 15 years ago, in Lubbock Texas. Wade was like a second big brother to me, at that time. He was always upbeat, funny, encouraging—and would never let me mope about anything. I remember walking down the street, sulking about some drama, with Wade circling me on his bike until he made me laugh. His brotherly kindness will be missed by everyone whose life he brightened.
Colin Bradley
April 21, 2004
Wade and his band will always be my fondest memories of Austin,Texas.
Hilda Adams
April 20, 2004
4/20/2004
Not possible, this blast!
Mr.Backwards will never have sadness nor have to get old and fall apart. My dear sweet little brother has his much needed tranquility. My heart is broken. We all have lost a huge spark. I've know Wade since his TTU, UPS and Mustard Seed Days. Every electric moment he crammed in all the joy and humor he could possibly share. All the joyous alter-tainment flash in my head.
A few months ago he said "if he ever had a terminal disease he would move back to Lubbock because time stands still." I wish we here so we could go and play...
Love to his family and friends after all, we are all "Losers"
linda powell
April 20, 2004
to wade's family
my son, sean, thought the world of wade. he had played music with wade with the f.emos in austin. i met wade a few times and thought he was a very nice young man and a very good musician. one time wade had contacted the office i work for seeking assistance, per sean's advice. a pawn shop had lost a guitar of his, which was a collector's item. we were able to assist wade and he received a cash settlement as a replacement for his loss. i was happy we were able to assist him, but even more delighted when i received a personal thank you note from wade. i still have his note in my file; that was about 10 years ago. such a nice young man! i am deeply sorry for your loss. i want to thank God for watching over your family through such a difficult time.
linda (austin, tx)
Jill Longenberger
April 19, 2004
I am just still in shock; I can't believe that my big brother is really gone. I will miss him terribly. I was looking forward to hanging out with him when we moved to Austin....
Keith Brady
April 19, 2004
Our hearts are broken. Wade was an amazing bass player, a complete original who I don't think anyone could ever copy. Playing music with him in Squat Thrust was the best musical experience of my life. I am so sorry to his fiance Jennifer and his mother Lane who happen to be two of the most good-hearted wonderful people one could ever meet. I wish it wasn't too late to tell Wade what a creative, smart, hardworking, funny, gentle, kind and incredible person he is but nothing will change the enormous and positive impact he made upon me and many people that I care about. He was one of my best friends - I can't count the number of times that he proved that. Our deepest sympathies go out to Wade's family, friends and all those who cared about him. Rest in peace brother, we'll always love you and we will never forget you.
Keith Brady and Anna Margaret Houser.
brian curley
April 18, 2004
wade,my sweet brother as a friend,musician,artist you were as good as it gets.you are missed,and i for one am sorry i never told you i loved you!!!
rafe piper
April 18, 2004
i met wade about 15 years ago, and he never ceased to amaze me. he was one of the most creative people i have ever met, he was truly one of a kind. even though i'll never be blessed by his physical presence again, i will remember him for the rest of my life as the giant he was. jennifer & ms. bergeron, i'm so sorry.
Tony and Emily Binetti
April 18, 2004
Austin has lost another great musician. You will be missed. Our thoughts are with Wade's family.
rebekah whitehurst
April 18, 2004
i will miss wade's grunts and strong hugs. he always made me smile.
Janine de Luna-Azul
April 18, 2004
I AM NOT THERE
Do not stand at my grave and weep.
I am not there, I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn's rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush,
I am the swift uplifting rush
of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry.
I am not there, I did not die.
***** author unknown
Bryan Nelson
April 17, 2004
Wade was a very creative guy. I will miss him and his rad bass playing.
Tyler and Angie
April 17, 2004
Wade was a great guy. Our times with him in Austin were fun and he will be sorely missed.
David Wyatt
April 17, 2004
In various bands and venues, I have shared bills with Wade for 10 years and, although we were never friends, he did eminate an undeniable friendly quality from the stage or just on the street. He always seemed to be a kind and gentle soul and whenever I would see him out and about, whether downtown or out on his bike, it would always bring a smile to my face. The leisure suits and pasties were a sure-fire party starter but he also had this Chesire Cat grin that was infectious.
Another posting in this guestbook sited Wade's big-brotherly quality and I would whole heartedly agree. He was the big brother to younger, local, rock enthusiasts like myself and everything from his rowdy bass playing to his kind demeanor just said, "hey man, the water's great... come on in and play."
I never knew any of Wade's family, but I wish them my most sincere condolances. You should know that Wade was a vital member of the Austin music scene as well as the community. To Jimmy, I don't know how to get in touch with you, but I'm here for you when you need me. We all are.
Love to Wade,
David
a.k.a Stinky del Negro
Laurie Sutton
April 16, 2004
To Jennifer, family, and friends of Wade,
My thoughts and prayers are with you. Wade was truly one of a kind-funny, inspiring, and brilliantly creative. He will be missed by so many of us who were blessed to know him.
Gwen & Carl Nolte
April 16, 2004
Dear Jennifer and the Longenberger Family, We are Clint Goodman's parents and know what a special friend Wade was to Clint! We enjoyed his and Jennifer's presence at Clint & Cathy's wedding and at our granddaughter, Rubie Kate's, birthday parties. He was like family and always there for those special occasions. Our hearts go out to you and you will continue to be in our thoughts and prayers.
Jennifer Radway
April 16, 2004
Jennifer
I am so very sorry. Wade was always funny, warm and generous when I saw him on my Austin visits. He made me feel very welcome, and always made me laugh. My heart and deepest sympathies go out to you, and to Wade's family and friends.
Sincerely,
David Weyman Jamie Pettit
April 16, 2004
Jen,
We're so sorry for your loss, everyone's loss. Wade we love you and we would hug you so tight right now if we could. You'll live on forever in our hearts.
daniel soval
April 16, 2004
To all family, friends and loved ones. with my deepest condolances and compassion i give you i'm truely sorry for wade's passing. he's left a great impression in my heart and on my artistic expression as a syragraph artist. his music, talent and memories are still in full motion. may many and all true forces be with all of you, always....
Sean Baumann
April 16, 2004
I learned of Wade's death yesterday, and I am terribly saddened. I had not seen him since leaving Austin years ago, and I will miss him greatly. I met him over 15 years ago, and all of the words that I can find right now are that my deepest condolences are extended to all of his family and friends.
Frankie Priest Jeter
April 16, 2004
Dear Lane and Family,
Words can't express my sympathy enough, but I pray you will be able to get through this with the help of God. Our children are our most precious treasures here on earth, but they belong to Him too.
Monique Delatte
April 15, 2004
Jennifer,
I want to express how sorry I am for the loss of your life partner. Please call me if you would like to talk. Let me know if there is any way that I can help.
Monique
478-5057
Chris Brown
April 15, 2004
Although I only met Wade a few times, I consider him a good friend. He made me feel comfortable when I would visit Austin. I'll always remember him for his sincerity, his humor, and his talent. He will be missed dearly. My condolences to the family and to all those who called him friend.
Matthew Horn
April 15, 2004
I met Wade about 16 years ago while working with him printing T-shirts in Austin. Whether it was his wacky antics, his great since of humor, or he was just making a huge mess with a bucket of ink, he made me laugh everyday. We became great friends in and out of work. A sincerely good person, who will be missed by many. I am deeply saddened. My condolences to his family and fiancee.
mary house
April 15, 2004
I'm so sorry to hear of Wade's death. I'll miss ocasionally seeing him down town and in the neighborhood. My condolences go out to all who knew him and loved him.
VEGAS JAMES
April 15, 2004
WADE WAS THE MOST LOVEABLE PERSON IVE EVER MET, I WILL MISS HIM FOREVER.
Richard Santos
April 15, 2004
Wade was not only a friend but he was also a mentor. I'll miss him deeply.
Jack Emerick
April 15, 2004
You have my deepest sympathy.If he was a friend of Joes he was a good guy.
GAC
April 15, 2004
Wade was a giving, caring, warm person and never will be forgotten.
Becky Webb
April 15, 2004
Our sincerest sympathies to Wade's family and to all his friends who loved him so much.
One of a Hundred Friends Austin, Texas
April 15, 2004
We learn of this with great sadness. Our heart goes out to friends and family.
terri staton
April 15, 2004
Jennifer,
I'm so sorry. I loved Wade. He was my friend, my neighbor, and my brother. He'll always be in my heart. He's the smartest, funniest, most talented guy I know.
with love, terri
Michele Giannobile
April 15, 2004
Wade was a sweet and funny neighbor and he will be sorely missed. He is in my thoughts and prayers.
Tim & Holly Brown Summitt
April 15, 2004
What will we do without Squat Thurst and Wade, my favorite bass player?
Sallie Landry
April 15, 2004
I am so sorry to hear of this Lane. My thoughts and prayers are with you and the family during this time. A donation from Judy's Lunch Bunch will be sent to Mental Health Association as a memorial to Wade.
Mary Ann Richardson Becker
April 15, 2004
Lane and Family,
I am so very sorry to learn of the death of your Son, Wade. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Much love, Mary Ann and Ty Becker
Michele Akyol
April 15, 2004
Longenberger Family:
I am a friend of Jennifer's and, although I did not know Wade personally, I knew of him through the many stories Jennifer shared. He was a talented young man and will be sorely missed.
My heartfelt condolences on the loss of your loved one.
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