Richard Ver Wiebe

RICHARD C. VER WIEBE, 79, passed away on Wednesday, April 20, 2011. He was born on July 28, 1931, in West Lafayette, Ind. After graduating from West Lafayette High School, he attended Purdue University where he received a degree in history, in 1953. An Eagle Scout, he completed the ROTC program at Purdue University, and subsequently served as an officer during the Korean War. After completing his duty, he returned to law school at Indiana University, leading the championship moot court team. Upon graduation from IU Law, he moved, along with his wife, Carol to Fort Wayne in 1958, where he entered into the practice of Solly Frankenstein. He continued his general practice as a trial lawyer for the next 20 years, focusing on cases dealing with political and civil liberties. He worked with the Fort Wayne Community Forum during the early 1960's and was active in the formation of the Allen County Chapter of the Indiana Civil Liberties Union, serving as its first chair. He was also a founding board member of Switchboard and was instrumental in organizing the northeast Indiana chapter of Planned Parenthood. He served in leadership roles with the Allen County Bar Association, Allen County chapter of the American Cancer Society, the Indiana Trial Lawyers Association, and was a founding board member of the Friends of the Allen County Public Library. His love of film inspired his work in the formation of Cinema Center in 1981. Beginning with participation in the Philharmonic Chorus in 1959, he played an active role in several local arts organizations, including local opera and theater groups. He appeared in productions at the Foellinger Theater at Franke Park and was a four-time Anthony Award winner at the Civic Theater. Over the years, he had leading roles at various venues such as First Presbyterian Theater, Arena Dinner Theater, and the Grey Lite Players. In addition to performing, he served on the Fine Arts Foundation Board from 1972 to 1983, as well as the Civic Theater board. He was one of the first voices heard on regional public radio with his long running opera program, "Best Seat in the House" which is still being broadcast on WBNI FM 94.1, at noon on Saturdays. He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years; Carol; daughter, Ann; son, Richard Jr. (Nisha Gupta); and two granddaughters, Avalon and Mandala. Memorial service is 1:30 p.m. Saturday, June 18, 2011, at Fort Wayne Unitarian Universalist Church, 5310 Old Mill Road. Time will be given for those wishing to share their remembrances. Memorial gifts in Dick's memory may be made to Arts United, 303 East Main St., Fort Wayne, IN 46802. Donor's may indicate their preferences, or Arts United will distribute funds to a variety of arts organizations including Cinema Center and Public Radio of Northeast Indiana (WBNI). Arrangements by Klaehn, Fahl & Melton Funeral Home.