Wendel Heers - Art Instructor
2015-08-02Heers, Wendel W. Professor emeritus and interim dean of the art school at the University of Michigan, died at Arbor Hospice in Ann Arbor on Sunday August 2nd. Born in Blue Earth, Minnesota in 1924, he and his wife hosted a party for 92 people at their home last October for his 90th birthday. He spent most of his early years on the family farm in Owatonna, Minnesota. A noted artist and sculptor in the Ann Arbor community, he has commissioned works throughout the United States and Europe. One of his most recent projects, "The Green Tower," is a structure in West Ann Arbor, 43 feet in height. He worked primarily in found art, stone and metal. In his own words, "Humor and playfulness are at times evident in my work. Building relationships and the association of materials and ideas, plus the movability and changeability of the sculpture, adds to the expressive potential of each piece." Enlisting in World War II as a teenager, he endured capture by the Germans during the Battle of the Bulge, escaped from POW camp and received the Purple Heart. After serving in the war, Mr. Heers earned his undergraduate and graduate degrees at the University of Minnesota. He also studied at Minneapolis College of Art and was a student of Oskar Kokoschka at the School of Vision in Salzburg, Austria. He started his career as an art instructor and director of art at St. Louis Park Schools in St. Louis Park, Minnesota. He was professor of art, associate dean and interim dean at the University of Michigan and guest professor of art, Kunst Akademie, Karlsruhe, Germany. His commissions include a stone sculpture for the Meditation Center at Assarian Cancer Clinic, Providence Hospital, Novi, Michigan; Mary Eagen Garden, Deaconess/Waltham Hospital Cancer Clinic, Waltham, Massachusetts and a mounted periodic table of the elements dedicated at Westtown School, West Chester, Pennsylvania. Among his exhibitions are the Walker Art Center, Minneapolis; Slusser Gallery in the art school of the University of Michigan; Forsythe Gallery; Ann Arbor; Degraaf Gallery, Chicago; Armstrong-Degraaf International Fine Arts Gallery, Sagatuck and River Gallery, Chelsea. He is survived by his devoted wife of 30 years, Nancy Baker Fate Heers, a poet, modern and liturgical dancer and teacher. Marrying Nancy brought him the joy of two children, Dr. Gwendolyn Deane Fate (Dr. Kevin Henegar), East Lyme, Connecticut and William Arden Fate II (Emily), Sherman Oaks, California; and two grandchildren, Leah Fate Henegar and William Jacob Henegar, both who he loved dearly. One of nine children, he is survived by his brothers Paul (Francie), Austin, Minnesota; Frank (Jean), Fairbault, Minnesota; sisters Jean Alleman, Palo Alto, California; Marilyn (Dale) Larson, Dexter, Michigan; Ruth (Alex) Larson, Amboy Minnesota; sister-in-law Nona Larson (Ben) Pederson, Amboy, Minnesota; brother-in-law Arthur G. Baker, M.D. (Margie), Swarthmore, Pennsylvania; and 29 nieces and nephews on whom he doted (three are deceased). He was preceded in death by his loving parents, Ray, who was a successful farmer, and Dorothy Johnson Heers an accomplished homemaker; brothers John (Elaine) and Wallace (Charlotte) Heers; sister Margaret (Hollie) Leagjeld; and his first wife, of 32 years, Barbara Larson Heers. A memorial service to celebrate his long and rich life will be held at First Presbyterian Church, 1432 Washtenaw Avenue, Ann Arbor on August 22nd at 11AM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Wendel W. Heers Scholarship at the Penny Stamps School of Art and Design at the University of Michigan, 2055 Art and Architecture Building, 2000 Bonisteel Boulevard, Ann Arbor, Michigan, 48109 -2069. Wendel was a passionate art teacher and mentor and further is survived by scores of loving students and colleagues of all ages who continually enriched his life and love of art.
My three years as a student of "Mr. Heers" at Saint Louis Park H.S. Greatly influenced my life. He was a most generous teacher. It was great to see him at our 50th anniversary. He still seemed so youthful. I m glad that his life was so fruitful. Loraine Polski Stillman
tribute by Loraine Polski Stillman