RIDGEWOOD BAPTIST CHURCH, 2720 North Lilly Road, Brookfield, Thursday, January 5, 5:00-7:00 PM.
RIDGEWOOD BAPTIST CHURCH, 2720 North Lilly Road, Brookfield, Thursday, January 5, 7:00 PM.
Life Story of Dietrich FehrOur Dad, Dietrich Fehr was born in Koenigsberg, East Prussia, Germany on April 17, 1940 to Theodor Fehr and Anneliese Fehr (Minuth). He was the youngest of three children, with an older brother, Heinz-Theo, and sister Gisela (Korthals). The Fehr family lived in East Prussia until 1945. His father, a civilContinue Reading
Life Story of Dietrich FehrOur Dad, Dietrich Fehr was born in Koenigsberg, East Prussia, Germany on April 17, 1940 to Theodor Fehr and Anneliese Fehr (Minuth). He was the youngest of three children, with an older brother, Heinz-Theo, and sister Gisela (Korthals). The Fehr family lived in East Prussia until 1945. His father, a civil engineer, was drafted into the German Army before Dad was born, but was able to return for his birth. Dad saw his father for the last time when he was two years old, as his father was killed in action in Stalingrad, Russia during World War II. Due to the advancing of the Russian Army into their area, the young mother and children had to flee to Denmark on the ship Elbe over the Baltic Sea in the bitter cold winter. They spent the next 4 years in various refugee camps in Denmark until October 1948 when the family was relocated by the government to Seitingen, West Germany. They lived in Seitingen for a number of years. A memorial exists there for military members killed in the war and their father, Theodor Fehr, is honored on this memorial. In 1954, the Fehr family moved to Tuttlingen, where Dad became an active participant in the Baptist church. He enjoyed outings with the young people of the church and made many lifelong friends there. His sister, Gisela, immigrated to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, with her husband, Heinz Korthals, in 1959. Dad also ventured to America on March 8, 1960, a comfort and relief to his terribly home-sick sister.Shortly before he left Germany, Dad had accepted Jesus as his personal Saviour while attending a Revival Service at the church, and he was baptized shortly thereafter. In Milwaukee, Dad became a member of German Zion Baptist Church, where many other German immigrants found a church home. At Zion Church, he was reunited with the Priebe girls whom he knew from the Baptist Church in Tuttlingen, Germany. He found his true love in Ursula and asked her to marry him in February of 1963. They were wed on July 20th of that same year.Dad began an apprenticeship as a bricklayer at the age of 14 while still in Germany. There was a great deal of building going on in Milwaukee and masonry was a great trade for him to make a living. Dad was a highly-skilled, master craftsman. Evidence of his work can still be found in many buildings throughout Milwaukee. He also volunteered his expertise in building the Jack Magnuson memorial sign located at the entrance to the Menomonee Falls High School.The young couple made a home together at 72nd and Villard in Milwaukee and excitedly welcomed their first-born, Carsten Theodor, on September 1, 1964. Shortly after, a little girl, Cynthia Astrid, followed on January 3, 1966, and then another son, Stefan Andrew, on April 27, 1967. They thought their family was complete but were blessed with the surprise of another little girl, Cornelia Inga, on December 19, 1971. Finding their 2 bedroom duplex a bit tight with this birth, they moved to a modest ranch home in Menomonee Falls, to raise their family. Dad was a strict, yet very loving father. He gave much in time and patience in teaching his children many life lessons. Dad always encouraged his children to explore their potential and was their biggest supporter in their many sport and outdoor activities, but especially in music.Dad was an active member at German Zion and later Ridgewood Baptist Church. Together with Mom, he taught Children's Church, sang in the Men's Choir and also participated in the construction of the new church building in Brookfield. Dad had a servant's heart, taking on the duties of church janitor first in the Bethany Church building and later at Ridgewood. The family learned a lot about the value of hard work and dedication through his example. Still in the last years of his life, he lovingly tended the flower garden by the southeast entrance of the Church.Dad loved the outdoors. As a young man, he often ventured by bicycle or motor bike into the mountains of Germany and as far south as Italy. He continued his exploring and venturing in America with his family and friends. Dad loved camping, as is evidenced by several trips to the Rockies and to Northern Wisconsin (Muskie Lake) and many other places throughout the US and Canada. Kayaking was one of his greatest pleasures. Dad and Mom enjoyed many quiet mornings paddling around in their Folbot kayak. He was an active downhill skier, and loved fall hiking. He greatly anticipated the yearly family trips to Florida. Swimming and playing in the waves on Crescent Beach in Siesta Key was one of his greatest joys.Another one of Dad's joys was his cup of coffee. Seldom would you find Dad without his coffee cup close by. He loved "Kaffee und Kuchen" with all of his family and friends around the table. He also loved playing games, especially dominoes (Mexican Train). Many hours were spent playing games either in the dining room or on a table in front of the camper. Even when arthritis made it difficult for Dad to hold cards or move dominoes, he was always ready to play along. All of the grandchildren fondly remember their Opa taking time to play games with them.Dad also loved Westerns. He loved John Wayne, western movies, or anything with action. He loved music of the westerns and many other types of music, especially classical and German folk and popular songs of the 50's and 60's. Dad had a huge and ever growing music collection. He could often be found sitting with his cup of coffee, in his arm chair with the music loudly playing around him. All of his children played piano as well as a brass instrument or percussion. This love of music also continued into his grandchildren. Dad spent countless hours at concerts- some highly skilled, some, not so much. He praised and treated each child's event as a wonder and a blessing.Dad deeply loved his family and welcomed daughters-in-law and sons-in-law as his own children. He was thrilled at the birth of each of his 12 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He was joyfully anticipating the arrival of three more great-grandchildren in the coming year.Dad may have loved John Wayne so much because he related to his movie chracters. He was the quiet, strong force behind the Fehr family. Not often interjecting much verbally, but a steady sure presence in every family situation. We never doubted his love or acceptance. He was kind and chivalrous, leaving a wonderful example for his sons and grandsons to emulate. He will be greatly missed.Dad was preceded in death by his father and mother and brothers-in-law Dieter Korthals and Richard Schellentrager, who have welcomed him with loving arms into Heaven.He will be lovingly missed by his wife, Ursula Fehr (Priebe), His son Carsten Fehr and Kelly Fehr (Schmor), His daughter Cynthia Schiemann (Fehr) and Richard Schiemann, his son Stefan Fehr and Diedra Fehr (Dawson), and His daughter Cornelia Flunker (Fehr) and Joel Flunker. His brother Heinz-Theo and Irene Fehr, and His sister Gisela Korthals (Fehr). His grandchildren: Megan Westphal (Fehr) and Mike, Tristan Fehr and Julie, Cassandra Breest (Schiemann) and Adam, Danielle Grubbs (Schiemann) and Luke, Sean Michael Fehr, Charlotte Schiemann, Andrew Fehr, Joshua Fehr, Theodore Flunker, Elisabeth Flunker, Matthew Schiemann, and Ruth Flunker. Great grand-daughters, Ellianna Fehr and Naomi Breest. Sisters-in-law Ingrid Schellentrager (Priebe) and Gisela Seagraves (Priebe) and Edward Seagraves and many other Family and Friends.