Rev. Ferdinand "Ferd" O.
Bahr
- Visitation – Wednesday, March 27th, 2024 at DIVINE SHEPHERD LUTHERAN CHURCH (9741 W BELOIT RD) from 1:00pm until the time of service at 3:00pm.
- Funeral Service – Wednesday, March 27th, 2024 at DIVINE SHEPHERD LUTHERAN CHURCH (9741 W BELOIT RD) at 3:00pm.
Reverend Ferdinand “Ferd” O. Bahr
Fell asleep in the arms of Jesus on Thursday, March 21st, 2024 at 90 years. Beloved husband of Doris (nee Claybaker). Dear father of Rachel (Dave) Bartsch, Sarah (Stephen) Meissgeier, Becky (Dale) Wawrzyn, and Joel (Deb) Bahr. Loving Papa of Monica (Kurt), Jason, Emily (Benedikt), Luke, Linda, Stephanie, James (Beth), Timothy, Matthew (Leah), Michelle, Jacob (Anna), Erin, Kyle (Jen), and Tara. Great-grandpapa of Jane, Claire, Greta, Anabelle, Jameson, Ellie, Skylar, and Asher. Brother-in-law of Richard and Robert (Ladele) Claybaker. Further survived by nieces, nephews, others relatives and many friends.
Pastor Ferd was born in Kohler, Wi to Oscar H. Bahr and Willhemetta (Amend) Bahr on April 24, 1933. He was the youngest of three children which included William and Ethel. The family moved to Sheboygan, WI in 1941 where they were integral in establishing Our Redeemer Lutheran Church. Services were initially held in the family’s renovated barn. He married Doris on August 10, 1957 and over the years welcomed 4 children, 14 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren.
He attended Valparaiso University where he studied Music. While there, he was asked to join the Phi Kappa Psi fraternity to help raise the GPA! He then attended Concordia Seminary in Springfield IL, served his Vicarage in Cleveland, OH and was ordained in 1959. He served congregations in St. Louis & Indiana before returning to Wisconsin in 1965, where he served as Pastor of Divine Shepherd Lutheran Church in Milwaukee for over 35 years.
Ever the academic, he returned to school earning both his Masters and Doctoral Degree. In earning these academic degrees, the “PHT” (Putting Husband Through) degree was also conferred upon his wife, Dori for holding down the family fort.
After “retirement” in 2000, he continued to share Jesus by teaching at Concordia University Wisconsin, serving as interim Pastor of Peace Lutheran Church in Racine, WI and at Grace Lutheran Church in Milwaukee, WI where he became the mentor of the current Pastor Germán Novelli, Jr.
He had a heart for Missions and especially enjoyed supporting missionaries, Pastors and teachers from India Transformed, where they continue to grow Lutheran churches and schools. Over the years, Pastor Ferd made 11 trips to India, some of which included his grandchildren. He remained active in preaching, leading Bible studies and ministry in general until very recently.
He continued his love for music, writing many hymns, playing piano, organ and violin as well as playing the French horn in the Milwaukee Metropolitan Community Band for many years. Along with his love for music, he continued his hobbies of gardening, running and enjoying his family. When he was unable to run, he would use his walking poles in the halls of his living community, praying for each child, grand and great grandchild as well as many others as he walked. He would not be finished walking until every person was lifted up.
He was a humble man and although he considered himself an introvert, he touched many lives and loved sharing Jesus with everyone he met. He coined the phrase “Jesus Is Victor” on his weekly sign off on the radio show, The Voice of Faith in the 1970’s.
In Pastor Germán’s words, “Ferd is in the best hands… he is singing (loudly) with the triumphant church ‘Heaven is my home, Heaven is my home’… Let’s make his legacy eternal and bring honor to a man sent by God to transform our lives and the lives of many.”
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 27th, 2024 at DIVINE SHEPHERD LUTHERAN CHURCH (9741 W BELOIT RD) from 1pm until the time of service at 3pm. Private family burial will be held at Woodland Cemetery in Kohler, Wi, at a later date.
Livestream the Funeral Services at https://www.youtube.com/@divineshepherd-streamingcha6228
In lieu of flowers memorials to India Transformed or to Grace Lutheran Church (3030 W Oklahoma Ave).
HERITAGE FUNERAL HOMES
16880 W National Ave. 262-901-1140
www.HeritageFuneralHomes.com
Ferd was a true servant of our Lord. Many fond memories –
Not a Brother-in-Law but a true Brother –
He was our organist when Ladele and I were married in 1971
He and Dorie ate left over chicken at our folks house and returned the bones back into the foil pack in refrigerator.
Dorie and Ferd eating watermelon on street curb and spitting seeds into the road.
I will forever have you in my heart, Ferd 🙏
Sending much love to Rachel, Sara, Becky, Joel and families – fond memories of you all – just your humble uncle 🤗🙏
My husband and I fondly remember Pastor Bahr!! We were members of Divine Shepherd for many years and our 3 children, Rachel, David and Mark were all blessed to have been confirmed by Pastor Bahr. What a humble servant of God!! Years ago when Reggie White shared about his faith in God and when he was in Milwaukee, Pastor Ferd was kind enough to drive our son Dave to meet this former Packer at that time. Hugs and prayers of comfort go to Dori and their large family. Blessings, Wally and Margie Spaeth
I remember Pastor Bahr saw me sitting in the pew at church and stopped his sermon and looked right at me and said “ Debbie they cut down my tree by the Big Boy restaurant in Sheboygan. We both were from Sheboygan and always had some type of antidote about Sheboygan. It always nice to share Sheboygan stories. I was going through an especially hard time in my life and he had a great way to always keep me grounded. You will be missed!