Hohmann, Walter H. (1893-1971)

Latest revision as of 13:24, 26 April 2012

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1971 Mar 18 p. 3

Birth date: 1893

text of obituary:

North Newton — Dr. Walter H. Hohmann, 78, Professor Emeritus of Music at Bethel College, died March 9 at Presbyterian Manor, Newton, after an extended illness. His active service to the college spanned a period of 35 years, from 1923 to 1958.

Funeral services were conducted Friday at the Bethel College Mennonite Church, of which he was a member. Rev. Esko Loewen, associate pastor, and Dr. D. C. Wedel officiated.

A choir director, composer, and authority on hymnology, Dr. Hohmann was known in General Conference churches throughout the United States and Canada. He founded the Mennonite Song Festival which became an annual event on the Bethel campus, and was co-editor of the Mennonite Hymnary, published in 1940.

Born at Halstead, Kan., Dr. Hohmann attended Bethel College from 1912 to 1915, and received both the Bachelor of Music and Master of Music degrees from the Bush Conservatory of Music in Chicago. He was awarded honorary doctoral degrees by Bethel College and the Chicago Conservatory. He taught at Freeman Junior College before joining the Bethel faculty.

He married Elsbeth Roessler at Plattsmouth, Neb. in 1921. She survives with three children, Mrs. Marvin Dyck of Topeka, Dr. Rupert Hohmann of Eau Claire, Wis., and Mrs. Alan Bargdill of Blue Rapids; four grandchildren and two sisters, Mrs. Ruth Moyer of Tulsa, Okla. and Mrs. Lois Ball of Cheney.

The Mennonite obituary: 1971 Mar 23 p. 204