Dearest Erin and Family,

Oh my we are so very, very sorry to hear of your Dad's passing. I don't know if you remember us but we got your Dad into sailing. Gary was the Band Director in Melcher-Dallas. We spent many holidays and many get times with you guys. In reading the memorial, I see that your mom passed also, we are very sorry to hear that too. Your Dad was a great guy and a very, very good friend. Our deepest condolences and sincere prayers go out to you and your family. The great memories you have and we have will help fill some of the void, but great people leave big holes in our hearts when they are no longer with us.

Ann and Gary Myer

777 Amsterdam Road

Bridgewater, NJ 08807

garyamyer@gmail.com

myer.annj@gmail.com

So sorry to hear of this today from one of Tom's former students at Muscatine High School, Amanda (Hauser) Newberry, who really remembered Tom fondly - as do I. I so enjoyed teaching with Tom at MHS - he had great jazz bands, but was also really funny, a trait that made the days go by quickly in the music department!

I'm so sorry for your loss.

I was just listening to Don Ellis and wondering what was up with the guy who turned me on to him - my high school band director, Tom Wehr. So I Googled him and found this. I'm so very sorry to hear of Tom's passing. He was a huge influence in my life. He was the coolest jazz band teacher ever. He wrote custom arrangements for us, tailored to bring out the best in us. He let us perform in jeans and t-shirts, when everyone else had to wear suits and ties! He gave us self confidence. He had us so well rehearsed that he could count us off and just walk away and watch - which he often did. Under Tom's leadership we won several state jazz championships. I am honored and proud to have played in Tom's jazz band. He made me a much better drummer and musician, and he did it in a way that let me be me. For that I will always remember and be in debt to him. Thank you Tom - Rest in Peace...

I remember Tom's band at Knoxville in the mid 70's while I was a student at Carlisle. Loved the way they played and remember some of the Woody Herman tunes he used. Also great respect for him as a fellow musician and band director of 32 years.

I'll never forget Mr. Wehr. He was my band instructor at Woodward Granger. Very sorry to read this. He was always so kind to me.

We were shocked to learn of Tom's passing and saddened to have lost someone we have known for 45 years. We shared teaching years at Woodward-Granger and again in Knoxville as Tom and we came to town together in 1974. Erin, we watched you grow up, shared your life with and without music, and have always delighted in how proud your dad was of and watchful over you. He was a good guy - smart, talented, caring, passionate, and cool. With love and deepest sympathies,

Erin, Bill and family-

It was fun getting to know Tom through the Monday Night Live Band. I will always think of him when I'm playing my clarinet or when I see a sailboat.

In addition to Tom's passions for sailing and teaching, he was a great cook. I will miss my annual christmas package with his delicious homemade peanut brittle.

I had no idea Tom was ill until a few days ago; my deepest sympathy to brother Tim, and children, Erin, Kelsey & Christopher.

My prayers go out to Tom's family. I enjoyed my visits with Tom while he was part of the WHS staff and later when he did some substitute teaching at WHS. It was a complete surprise to learn that he had been ill. I know he was enjoying retirement and will be missed by many, especially those with whom he shared the joys of playing music and sailing.

With sympathy, Dianne Gray

Recently discovered a lot of shared interests: Music. Sailboats and MG automobiles. Life is too short.

Recently discovered a lot of shared interests: Music. Sailboats and MG automobiles. Life is too short.

I was a student at Woodward-Granger in Tom's first years of teaching. He brought the jazz program back, practically overnight. He was a great motivator and he had kids that would do anything for him. He was a skilled director and composer. He truly understood how to get the most out of us. The jazz band was probably the finest one in the state for the two years that he led my class and we won nearly everything we competed in. That is saying something because back then there were no school size classifications for jazz contests. He took some good musicians and showed us how to be great! It seems that we were always rehearsing, performing or just hanging out at Tom's house. He took us boating in nice weather and talked us into building a hydroplane boat over the winter in shop class. That boat got a few of us in trouble operating it but it probably did more to keep us out of trouble with all the hours it took to build. Tom truly changed my life. I was a farm boy that went on to study music leading to teaching and performing. That would not have happened without the mentoring from Tom. I recently was thinking that in the next conversation we would have, I would share with him that my daughter is currently attending the University of North Texas in Jazz performance. I know that is where Erin attended. Good to know we both fostered the next generation.

To the family of Tom, the news of his death struck me with great sadness. Just to have the privilege of knowing and working with Tom while at Woodward-Granger was great. I'm sorry that I can't be there today. If I could tell all the stories that happened while at W-G it would fill this page. Ken Fuson was right, of the many memories I have with the W-G Jazz Bands the Washington championship is one of the top three. BUT, who could forget the overnight ride in a bus from Cedar Rapids to Omaha then on to Creston to play at 3 different contests in two days.

The highest honor any human being can ever be giving, is to be just remembered. Tom will always be remembered.

the BLAZ`

"the driving force of the Woodward-Granger Jazz Bands" (Tom Wehr)

Mr. Wehr was my high school band director in Knoxville. He was tough but you learned. You learned a lot from him. I would get frustrated and want to quit but he always would change my mind. I had Mr. Wehr for music theory and it was a very difficult class but he would not move on unless you understood what he was teaching. A few years ago my family was transferred to Washington Iowa from Knoxville and I ran into Tom at the grocery store. He remembered me and we had a very nice conversation. What a huge loss for Iowa directors. He will be miss greatly.

The first time Tom influence my life was when I was in fifth grade. The middle school was on a field trip to the high school to hear the high school jazz band. Tom and his band took the stage and after snapping his fingers four times the auditorium was filled with the most amazing music. I remember thinking two things when they finished. First, the room was utterly empty now with out music and that magical event was over. I remember for the first time in my life saying to my self that, I was going to be a part of this when I was in high school. Tom's pursuit of excellence in music was a major contributing factor to his success. I know that my story is not unique, as Tom taught for many years and positively affected many lives. The band kids I went through school with are some of the finest people you'll ever meet.

I also worked with Tom for about 8 years at Sail Iowa, Inc. During this time I got to know Tom better. I have many fond memories of that time. One thing is that Tom loved to laugh and hearing it just made you feel better. Tom was a perfectionist as I was, which wasn't probably the most product situation. We would talk through all the possible ways of getting a certain project done, but the outcome was always the best way.

I am going to miss Tom. Tom was and inspiration, a mentor, and a friend. Tom encouraged and shaped my musical ability that I still use and share with my family and friends. He also taught me how to sail, which I am also passing on to my sons. Words really fail in expressing how much value Tom added to my life.

This makes me so sad. Tom was my junior high and high school band teacher at Woodward-Granger High school, which makes me old enough to remember when Erin was born. The influence he had on our lives is incalculable. The best memories I have of high school came from our jazz band trips, when we'd travel halfway across the state and knock off much larger schools. (It's great to see that Leon Allen posted here; I still remember his electric car). For many of us, the highlight came in Washington, Iowa, Tom's hometown, when the gym was full for the final competition between three schools -- W-G, Kirksville, Mo., and I believe in school from Davenport. Hearing our school's named announced as the winner, and seeing Tom go on stage to collect the trophy and hold it up to us in triumph, sitting in the bleachers, is such a great memory. I'm not sure when, maybe 10 to 15 years ago, Tom returned to Woodward-Granger to direct a band consisting of graduates through the years. We then played a couple of songs during the regular jazz concert. Tom was as he always was when it came to music -- all business -- but I think he left that night knowing just how much we loved and respected him and why we considered it a blessing beyond measure to have been one of his students. I can still see his silver trumpet. May God bless his family and give them some measure of comfort. We, too, feel your loss.

Erin, the unexpected news of your father's death struck me with great shock and sadness. Know that you and your father are in my thoughts. Tom and I shared many conversations about many topics over the years at Knoxville High School, and I enjoyed every moment. He was smart and witty. I hope you find comfort in the fact he lives on through the many students he loved and inspired. He was an exceptional teacher. Whenever I hear Carlos Santana, I am reminded of the Knoxville pep band and I think of Tom. Erin, I also think of your dad every day we head out onto San Francisco Bay. It never fails to cross my mind how much he would have enjoyed sailing here. I will lift a glass of wine today to his memory from a deck on the dark side but amidst the sailboats on the Bay.

Thinking of you, Dr Wehr.

Erin, Please accept my condolences. It was great getting to know your dad over the past couple of years. He was an incredible guy--I learned much from him in a short amount of time. I really enjoyed seeing the two of you together, at rehearsals, going out to eat, or getting ready to go boating. My thoughts are with you and Bill.

My memories of Tom go back to the 70's when Tom was at Knoxville and I was teaching at Webster City. We would meet up at Jazz Contest throughout the state with our bands. Tom's bands were always well prepared & as I remember normally took home the 1st place trophy. Tom was always friendly, helpful and relaxed, unlike many other directors in a contest setting. The last time I remember working with Tom was when we did a clinic session with Erin's band when she taught at Norwalk. We had a great time working with her students and remembering old times. I will miss Him.

Jay Nugent

Please accept my sincere condolences. Along with Tom, I was the other band director at Woodward-Granger with him from 1970-1974. Tom seemed to really love his students and I could sense that they loved him too. I could tell that Tom was a special person the first time we met. I have never worked with anyone with a nicer spirit. My prayers are with all friends and family.

Erin - I remember your dad as director of Woodward Granger's but truly got to know your dad while he was at Knoxville. My prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.

Diane & I met Tom on Lake Red Rock racing sailboats in the Early 80's and became friends for life. In addition to music Tom truly loved being on the water, the competition of racing sailboats, and just plain sailing.

On many a Sunday nite after a good sail and throughout the year we enjoyed Tom and his family over a good meal and an occasional cool libation while discussing cars, boats, and politics. Many happy memories.

Erin and Bill, My condolences for the passing of your father. I know how close you were to him and how much he was in your lives. I will miss Tom as a sailing friend at the lake, and as a director of the Monday Night Live Band, and especially our after practice dinners. I was fortunate to have known him.

We are so sorry to hear of this loss, to your family and to the community. Tom was wonderful to have playing with us and leading us. You are in our hearts and prayers.

Tom was a grade school friend and one of the "Lincoln kids". Nancy Deal, Dick Nichols and many others were friends of Tom's. I have not seen him in many years but remember him fondly as a good person who was very musically talented. He will be missed and I offer my sympathies to his family. God must have needed a band director .

So sadden to hear of Tom's passing. Being out of contact for 50 years with most of our fellow classmates. We wonder the influence we have had on others .after reading the memories of fellow classmates and Tom's students. I would say how proud his children should be of the loving memories he has left. May you each feel the warmth of God's arm's wrapped around you at this time.

I am so sorry to hear of Tom's passing, my sincere sympathy's to his family. Tom and I were childhood friends through High School ( he was a great friend)has been many years since High School and lost friendships. The photos were great, again my sincere condolences.

John R. Moureau

Phoenix, Arizona

He was one of my band teachers in muscatine highschool

My sympathy to Tom's family as you remember and celebrate Tom's life. I'm a secretary at Washington High School and worked with Tom during his years at WHS and always appreciated his passion for the music program. I know he was enjoying his retirement and am happy he was able to have the time to sail and spend time with his family, albeit too short.

I love the pictures that you have shared on this site. It really captures what was important to him.

Kaylene Miller

Tom and I were childhood friends. A bit of band; I dropped out after freshman H.S.

Bright, smart, an active mind..

I was a junior Tom's first year at Woodward-Granger.....he instilled a love and excitement for music for so many of us during his time there....so many of his students have gone on to have music be a major part of them throughout their lives as techers and performers,Tom was a huge inspiration for us all.....Running into him over the years was always a treat,he was always a friend....prayers to all the family....Jerry Peoples

As neighbors in Mt. Pleasant, and as his classmate - I remember Tom well. We were competitors for "first chair" cornet in the high school band. His parents and mine (and Janet's parents) were long-time friends. I always figured he would enjoy his music all his life - but how nice to know he had a passion for sailing also - as I now live on a Lake in Minnesota! He was a typical young boy - making life miserable for neighborhood cats along with friend/neighbor Dick Nichols. It's nice to know he had such a wonderful life and career!TSDMN

Tom Wehr was a huge influence on my life, he made it cool to be in band. From bringing Knoxville high it's only 2 jazz championships, to huge success on the marching band field, Tom made it fun to be there! It's very sad to lose 2 of my mentors in one year, but my life is enriched to have had the pleasure of being their student. Go rest high Tom, a job well done.

Mr. Wehr and Mr. Schulze were a dynamic duo. Now the world is without them both, lost even in the same year. As a former student from Knoxville, I can speak to the dedication and passion he modeled to us each and every day. Thank you for giving us "band geeks" a home away from home, a safe harbor while we weathered the stormy waters of high school. God bless you and your family.

Please accept my condolences to the all the extended Wehr Family. The news of this death falls upon a heavy heart. He was such a good man.

Tom will forever be remembered by me as not just my teacher but as a friend that opened an entire world for me. He unlocked the desire in me to be that performer with a self-confident swagger. He always made us thirst for the first big hit of a tune when it would soar. He opened the doors for young men and women to excel and perform better than they ever imagined. From the time that the music started until it stopped he made us want to play, enjoy, and entertain.

He introduced me to Buddy, Bird, Miles, Maynard, and so many more great musicians. He loved trumpet heavy tunes that electrified us when we played them. His passion for music was imprinted on us all. He taught us when performing to own it much like the sizzle of the steak. You could not be content to just sit and wait; you always turned and looked when Tom's bands performed. I am so proud and honored to be a part of his legacy of instilling these things in his students so they might pass them on to others that they work with.

Rest in Peace.

Tom you will be missed.

I knew Tom too briefly as that fine musician who so enriched the sound of the Silver Swing trumpet section. I regret that we had too little time together.

Erin and Family: It was such a pleasure and privilege to sit next to and get to know Tom, even for only a short time. We discussed our common issues and I was very impressed with his bravery in the face of his illness and treatment. Unfortunately, my own health problems kept me from furthering our brief friendship, but I will remember Tom as an excellent musician whose skill as a trumpet player was very helpful to me and as a very gracious person whom I wish I could have gotten to know better.