Dr. Lorenr. Waa

Dr. Loren R. Waa, Professor Emeritus of Music Education at University of Louisville, passed away on February 19, 2015. He was born September 25, 1934 in Fargo, ND to Albert H. and Marian (Chamberlain) Waa. He spent an idyllic childhood in Prosper, ND, where his pastimes included playing baseball and procuring strawberry ice cream from the freezer in his Dad's store. He graduated from Mapleton High School in 1952 and went on to get degrees from Concordia College (MCL Bachelor of Music) and University of Illinois (MS, Music Ed, and Doctor of Education in Music Ed). He also served in the US Army Reserve from 1957-1962. He enjoyed a prolific career in music education, including positions in Minnesota, Missouri, North Dakota, Illinois and finally Louisville, KY, where he was Professor of Music and Chair of the Music Education Department from 1978-1999. In his capacity as music educator, he was an influence and mentor to hundreds of students over the years, and he took pride in each and every one of their successes. In addition to teaching, he founded and directed the Kentuckiana Music Institute at U of L (1979-1999). He also served as the President of the Kentucky Music Educators Association from 1995-1997.

Being that his spiritual life was as important to him as his professional life, Loren also directed choirs at multiple churches over the years: First Christian Church in Cape Girardeau, MO; First Lutheran Church in Valley City, ND; First Lutheran Church in Fargo, ND; Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Champaign, IL; and St. John Lutheran Church in Louisville, KY. He also founded the Louisville Lutherans, a contemporary gospel-singing group at St. John.

His parents and his wife, Dorothy, to whom he was a loyal and devoted husband, preceded him in death. He is survived by his adored and adoring wife, Wanda; his three children, Keith, Kirsten Earley (Matt) and Kathlyn Fleming, who remember their Dad as a pitcher of balls, driver of carpools, watcher of ballgames, rider of roller coasters, master fisherman, player of card and board games, who was always humming, singing, whistling, tapping out a rhythm, or air-conducting. He is also survived by his stepchildren, Julie Van Heuklon (Randy), Steve Mick and Karen Frisch (Kathy), with whom he enjoyed countless adventures over the past several years. He leaves 7 grandchildren, Kenton and Royce Prescott, Siv and Lula Earley, Colin, Isabelle and Grace Fleming; and a step-granddaughter, Keely Mick. He is also survived by his sister, Adele Olson (Joe); brother, Evan Waa (Jane), and many nieces and nephews.

His funeral service will be at St. John Lutheran Church (901 Breckenridge Lane) at 10am on Monday, February 23rd with visitation at Newcomer Funeral Home (235 Juneau Drive) from noon until 6pm on Sunday, February 22nd. A graveside service in Holmes City, MN is being planned for the spring.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. John Lutheran Church or the charity of your choice.

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