In Memoriam - Dr. Richard Wegner

Dr. Richard Wegner, an appreciation by Henry Lowe

Following a two-year tenure at Immanuel Lutheran Church and School, Danbury, CT, Richard Wegner came to Baltimore in 1948 to begin a tenure as Teacher/Organist/Choir Director at Immanuel Lutheran Church and School which lasted nearly seventy years. During the 50s, 60s and 70s, when the congregation was in its prime, he developed and led impressive volunteer choirs for adults and children capable of singing some of the best of sacred choral literature.

My long and rich association with him began in 1959 as one of his many organ students. As a master’s graduate from Eastman, he was a superb teacher who provided me and all of his students with a solid, reliable foundation of organ technique and musicianship. Many of his students accompanied the fine Immanuel choirs as well as sending many off to colleges and universities where they majored in organ in preparation to serve churches in many parts of the country.

Among his many honors, he was conferred Honorary Doctorate from Concordia University, River Forest, Illinois and Honorary Life member of the Baltimore Chapter, AGO.

There was so much to admire about him as a teacher, husband, father, friend and colleague, but perhaps what impressed me most was his dedication, with the constant support of his devoted wife, Vi of seventy years, to maintaining and improving his skills at the organ while being a full time, fifth grade classroom teacher in the day school. He worked tirelessly to be an example to all to be the best he could be in all of his endeavors. In recent years as the congregation experienced declining membership, he continued to play for services even as he was challenged by painful issues with his knees. As his tenure at Immanuel continued to roll on, he would reference Widor’s 63-years at St. Sulpice as one of his goals. He succeeded, and then some. He retired in January 2016, though continued to occasionally play preservice music at the invitation of his successor, Muriel Hopkins.

He died on December 27th two days after his 96th birthday and is survived by four children and numerous grandchildren. His wife, Vi, predeceased him in 2018. Thank you, Richard Wegner, thou good and faithful servant, for your fine example to so many for so long.

Memorials may be sent to Immanuel Lutheran Church, P.O. Box 66472, Baltimore, Maryland 21239

A more detailed biography is available at the Immanuel Lutheran Church website.