I was also lucky to have had Mr. Feuerhelm as choir director at the Washington, Iowa high school -- I would have loved to have seen him again after these 50 years -- he was a wonderful music teacher / leader with a passion for music and an apparent belief that ordinary students could create beauty together...inspiring to us all...
Sally Quinn
August 4, 2016
I was lucky enough to have Mr Feuerhelm for music years ago at Grant Wood Elementary. I have wonderful memories of the song "Edmund Fitzgerald", that was one of the ones that we analyzed in his class. I also have good memories of playing 'button, button, who's got the button?' in his class. What a fun class that was and what a great music teacher he was. My condolences to his family. Sarah (Hawkins) Benesh Mount Vernon, Iowa
Sarah Benesh
December 2, 2014
Both of my parents truly enjoyed Vern and Pearl. My dad especially appreciated Vern's friendship after my mom passed away. Yes, Vern was the Music Man, I will always remember him playing "Theme from Love Story" on the piano at my mom's funeral. He will be missed.
John Compton
Owatonna, MN
John Compton
October 25, 2014
I'm sending my dearest condolences to the Feuerhelm family. My love for music can certainly be appreciated from the knowledge of Mr. Feuerhelm.
This was way back in the 50s when Mr. Feuerhelm was our music instructor for Elkader High School (now Central Community School) Prayers for you all.
What a GREAT MUSIC MAN, indeed!
Arlene Johnson Reimer
Arlene Johnson Reimer
October 24, 2014
My husband and I are in Chicago or would attend Mr. Fuerhelm's memorial. Vern was our high school music teacher in Washington IA when he was a very young man. He changed my life and I became a high school music teacher largely due to his influence.
Pat McClure Andersonjimpat
October 24, 2014
Very fond memories of Mr. Feuerhelm, his love of Peanuts almost as strong as his love of music :)
He introduced us to such interesting selections at such a young age (Wreck of the Edmunds Fitzgerald, Grieg Wedding Day at Troldhaugen). I remember his class so well - and loved his enthusiasm for everything he taught.
Music comforts us all throughout our lives at different times and this is the gift he gave to so many children -- which carried them (us) throughout our lives. To love music is to be able to really feel life...
Our prayers and love go to his family and all those who were blessed to know him.
Sarah (Johnson) Prohm
Sarah Johnson
October 24, 2014
Never had Mr. Feuerhelm as a teacher, but had Mrs. Feuerhelm for 4th grade Music at Truman. Both should be remembered as as musicians, that's true. But their contributions to Taft and Jefferson wrestling with Randy and Bruce should not be overlooked. We attended Gloria Dei as kids and I always thought it was pretty cool that our church was well represented in the glory days of Jefferson wrestling. Usually, kids don't succeed as kids if parents don't succeed as parents. Nice job Vern. You too Pearl.
Jim Balvanz
October 23, 2014
Debbie, Randy, Bruce and families - I was so sorry to hear of your dad's passing. Many of my high school memories have faded, but my years in choir under your dad's direction will never be forgotten. He was a wonderful director and his enthusiasm made us all want to perform to the best of our abilities. He and your mom were also great neighbors and it was nice to continue to stay in touch. I know you must have many wonderful memories and I pray they will comfort you in the weeks and months ahead.
Jan Shipton Windmiller
October 23, 2014
I always respected Vern as a colleague and friend. Through the years there were many music students who passed from your mother, to me at Harding, and on to your dad at Kennedy. He influenced many lives. Sending my sincere sympathy to you at this difficult time.
Thinking of you, Don Quijano
Don Quijano
October 23, 2014
I always respected Vern as a colleague and friend. Through the years there were many music students who passed from your mother, to me at Harding, and on to your dad at Kennedy. He influenced many lives. Sending my sincere sympathy to you at this difficult time.
Thinking of you, Don Quijano
Don Quijano
October 23, 2014
I enjoyed being part of that first Happiness, Inc. at Kennedy and am so grateful to him for providing such a solid musical foundation that has followed me all my life. Even though I have not seen him for years, each Christmas I think of his direction when I hear songs we prepared and performed in Concert Choir and think I can still sing that alto part pretty well! While he taught us so much about music, he also taught us how to perform with precision and by his example, how to be good leaders. I have so many fond memories of Mr. Feuerhelm and know that heaven is a much more beautiful place now that he has joined the choirs there. My deepest sympathies to the Feurehelm family and please know that he made a huge difference in the life of many, many students--especially mine.
Janet Booth Gerdom
October 23, 2014
So saddened to learn of his passing, but heaven's gain. . . . yes, he did enjoy music, loved staging musicals & we really enjoyed being a part of the production! He touched many lives and left many memories . . . . in Washington,IA. Remember him with a song in your heart!!!!
ruth (Earnest) Heck
October 23, 2014
So saddened to learn of his passing, but heaven's gain. . . . yes, he did enjoy music, loved staging musicals & we really enjoyed being a part of the production! He touched many lives and left many memories . . . . in Washington,IA. Remember him with a song in your heart!!!!
ruth (Earnest) Heck
October 23, 2014
I remember him today as I did 40 years ago when I started at Grant Wood Elementary. I returned often as I grew up and went through jr, sr, and college years. He never forgot me and I will never forget him. I suspect he is playing piano for the angels right now. He will be sorely missed and prayers go to his family. May God bless you.
Scott Nuss
October 23, 2014
To the Feuerhelm Family, You are in our thoughts and prayers. Hold those wonderful memories in
your heart and celebrate his life. You have our deepest condolences. Les and Diane
LESLIE R. SANTEE & DIANE E. SANTEE
October 23, 2014
i knew and respected Vern when we first met as teachers at the opening of Kennedy High School in 1967. He was an outstanding musician and a great person. He had it right. Teaching exists for the students. Vern connected with others through the full span of his life.
When I needed to visit the hospital to take medicine, Vern, as a volunteer wheeled me to the floor I needed and brought me back. We visited about life, family and teaching on the way. I saw the results of his labors as a teacher, parent, and friend. I celebrate his life as he always left things better than he found them. We are better because he was here.
William C. Jacobson
William C Jacobson
October 23, 2014
Randy and Heather
I am so sorry for your loss. May comfort and peace come to you. You are my thoughts and prayers. May God bless you and your family.
Jim Voss
Jim Voss
October 23, 2014
Vern was a gentle man, always smiling and will be greatly missed by his Gloria Dei Family.
Gary Dekko Family
October 22, 2014
He was an AMAZING man and music teacher at Grant Wood Elementary!!!!
As a child I have many found memories of his enthusiasm for music and his desire to reach us children about the power of music!!!!! He was generous with his time, spirit, music instruments and sharing music he recorded for us. I remember I was moved beyond words by Edvard Grieg's composition Wedding Day. After he shared this with us in class he took the time, energy and resources to make a cassette tape for me take for me to take home. He also gave my little sister a maraca that meant the world to her and she still has to this day.
He always had a smile and kind word to share and taught all children the same no mater what the social/economic/faith etc...background!!!! Elementary school was NOT an easy time for me for many reason's and he was one of the few teachers I felt that cared and looked out for me.
Thank you Mr. Feuerhelm for 6 years of sharing the joys and love of music!!!! I have often thought of you and will never forget you!!!!!
God's Peace to your family and friends.
Kate (Hammond) Sagness
October 22, 2014
It's difficult to express my sorrow over hearing the loss of Mr. Feuerhelm. He was my music teacher from Kindergarten through 6th grade at Grant Wood and was one of my very favorite teachers ever. I have no particular gift for music but Mr. Feuerhelm did not play favorites and earned our respect and adoration. A true gentleman, I was pleasantly surprised to become reacquainted with him at athletic events that Elijah was participating in with or against my son Patrick. It was an honor and a pleasure to know him. Please accept my condolences for your loss.
Scott Manchester
October 21, 2014