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Randel Wolfe Obituary
Randel Lynn Wolfe, DMA, 52, of Reading, Pennsylvania, passed away April 14 following a long illness.
Wolfe was Director of Music & the Arts Emeritus at Historic Trinity Lutheran Church, Reading, where he had served for 12 years.
He previously served as Director of Music with Trinity Lutheran Church in Lawrence, Kansas.
A native of Bakersfield, California, he earned a bachelor degree in music from the California Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks, California; a master in sacred music from Wittenberg University in Springfield, Ohio; and a doctor of musical arts in choral conducting and organ performance at the University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas. He undertook post-graduate studies at Uppsala University in Sweden.
An accomplished scholar and musician, Wolfe was a member of the American Guild of Organists and past President of its local chapter. He was a member of the Guild of Carillonneurs in North America, the Association of Lutheran Church Musicians, and Chorus America. He served on the Board of Directors of the Royal School of Church Music in America, Princeton, New Jersey.
Locally, he was Chairman Emeritus of the Friends of Chamber Music, was Chairperson of the Fall Festival of the Arts Committee, served as an instructor at Alvernia University, and was a former section director with the Berks Youth Chorus. He was a member of the Worship and Music Team of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
He performed with the Reading Symphony Orchestra and the Kansas City Symphony, and sang with the Wheatland Chorale. An acclaimed baritone, he sang the National Anthem in Allen Field House before Kansas basketball games.
He is survived by two brothers, Robert in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, and Ronald in Bakersfield, California; by his mother, Donna, also of Bakersfield; and by his long-time partner, David B. Kersley, of Reading. He was predeceased by his father, Robert, of Bakersfield.
A Rite of Christian Burial will be celebrated in Historic Trinity Lutheran Church, 529 Washington, on Saturday, April 27 at 2:00 p.m., His service will be web broadcast on the church's website. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the organ fund at Trinity Lutheran, or to the Humane Society of Berks County. 935 Centre Avenue. Reading, PA 19601. rumsey-yost.com
Please sign this guestbook at Obituaries.LJWorld.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Randel Wolfe
Doug Williams
May 8, 2013
Rest in everlasting peace, dear friend. Your joyful life, marvelous musicianship, and infectious humor will be missed by many. Rejoice with the heavenly choirs in praising our Savior until we meet again. My condolences to David, mother and brothers, family and friends.
Janice Long
April 27, 2013
Donna, so sad for you. Randel isn't hurting anymore. love you. we need to get together.
Patti Brenner
April 27, 2013
Rest in peace our dear Randel. What a grand final farewell today. I'm certain that you were smiling down on us. Your music has touched so many hearts. And that is where you will remain until we meet again. Blessings to Donna, David and Randel's brothers.
Tracy Hanson
April 26, 2013
Donna & family, my thoughts & prayers are with you at this time.
Valerie (Holm) Johnson
April 24, 2013
Sorry to hear of Randel's passing. I remember many musical events at Cal Lu and his massive talent. We performed together many times and he was my friend. I pray that God will comfort all of Randel's loved ones during this time of grief.
Marta Thompson
April 23, 2013
Dearest Donna and Ron,
My heart goes out to you both at this difficult time. Rest in peace Randel.
Ronald Wolfe
April 23, 2013
Its not good bye,its just a short intermission from this world to our next performance were we will all be hearing your music again.
Cyndi Duncan Thompson
April 22, 2013
Randy was a dear friend in high school who was a talented and fun guy. I am Very sad to hear of his passing,my thoughts and prayers to his family
Julie Marr
April 22, 2013
To Randy's family and loved ones, I am very sorry for your loss, I met Randy in the 7th grade, he was a very unique and talented person. We played in the Standard Warrior Band and North High Band together and I would always tease him about getting his autograph because we all knew he was going to be very famous someday! He would just smile.... Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers.
Randy Ball
April 21, 2013
All my prayers to the Wolfe family, I knew him from NHS band he was a great guy, RIP Randy.
Chris Hoover
April 21, 2013
So sorry to hear. My deepest condolences to Randy's family and friends. We played in the trombone section in band together at North High. He was much too young to go. I remember him as a fun and sometimes "funny" guy, always with a smile and a very good musician. Prayers to you all.
Chris Hoover, Bakersfield, CA
The Ridley's
April 21, 2013
Donna, Robert and Ronald. Growing up with your talented family was an education in it's self. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
April 21, 2013
Goodbye and rest well.
JW Mack
April 18, 2013
We all look forward to the fulfillment of this wonderful promise found at 1 Cor 15:26. When death will be brought to nothing.
Andrew Walker
April 18, 2013
Randel was a greatly respected and loved member of the American Branch of the Royal School of Church Music, attending national events and serving on the Board of Directors. Our deepest sympathies, thoughts, and prayers are with his family. May his soul rest in peace - and continue, with the Angelic Chorus, singing, playing, and giving praise to God.
Lois Leslie
April 18, 2013
My thoughts and prayers are with David, Donna and Randel's brothers. Randel was a shining star at Cal Lutheran, full of talent, vibrancy and raucous laughter. He was very accomplished in his short life on earth. God be with you all.
April 17, 2013
David,
Our thoughts and prayers from Lawrence, KS go out to you and the family.
Lisa Miller and Pat Phillips
Niki Christopher
April 17, 2013
David, I am so sorry to hear about Randel. My thoughts are with you.
Julie Smith
April 17, 2013
David, My deepest sympathies. Keeping you in thoughts & prayers.
Jon Glasoe
April 17, 2013
Donna, Robert and Ronald, My thoughts and prayers are with you. He was so courageous and fun. May your memories bring you comfort as mine are to me.
Mike Pratt
April 17, 2013
Bob, I am very sorry for the loss of your brother. God Bless your family at this difficult time.
Laura Ellis
April 17, 2013
I'm recalling fond memories of our time together as graduate organ students at the University of Kansas. Randell will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are extended to his close friends and family.
Barbara Anne Ettner
April 17, 2013
I am cherishing the memories of all the fun and laughter we had at CLC with dear Randel.
Melissa Dugan
April 16, 2013
No doubt you are already organizing the heavenly choirs (surely there are many of them)! I'll expect an organ fanfare when we meet again in the church triumphant, my friend.
Curtis Aguirre
April 16, 2013
My dear "wily wascally Wandel Wolfe," I remember our laughter together, your cutting wit and wry humour, and, of course, your wonderful musical gifts. Whenever I listen to the music of Philip Glass, I think of you because you were the one who introduced me to it. I am so sad that we never saw each other again after Frank and Rhonda's wedding. Rest in peace, old friend, in the light of Christ.
Sara (Christensen) Masuda
April 16, 2013
Your Cal Lu friends will always remember your laughter and friendship! Rest with the angels!
Cosima Neumann
April 16, 2013
Will forever have a place in my heart. Thank you for all you have taught me. You are in my thoughts.
jeff long
April 16, 2013
You are in our prayers
SANDRA Booth
April 16, 2013
Bob, I m so sorry for the passing of your brother. My prayers are with u and your family
Thomas Dearchs
April 16, 2013
May your soul rest in peace and may light perpetual shine upon you. You were an awesome musician and friend. I will miss you deeply.
Wayne Wold
April 16, 2013
Rest in peace. We'll miss your harmony, hilarity, and humanity.
Helen Townley
April 16, 2013
David: May God bless and keep you during this difficult time. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Helen
Ann Barbieri
April 16, 2013
You will be greatly missed, dear friend. Our condolences to all family and friends at Trinity.
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