OREGON – Morris “Bud” Wiener, age 93, passed away on February 1st, 2024 at Serenity Hospice and Home. He was born December 17th, 1930, in Nashville, TN, the son of Adolph and Sophie Wiener.
Bud graduated from West End High School in Nashville then went on to earn his BS of Education from Peabody College for Teachers in Nashville and his MS of Education from the University of Illinois. In 1954 he was drafted into the Army, serving in Korea until his discharge in 1956. After his service he went on to complete his Doctorate of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from Michigan State University. He married his wife Pat in 1960 in Tyler, TX. In 1963 they moved to Oregon, IL, where he started teaching at Northern Illinois University in the Department of Outdoor Teacher Education at Lorado Taft Field Campus near Oregon. Through his years at NIU he made many lifelong friends from the U.S., Canada, and around the World. He retired in 1994.
After retirement Bud and Pat spent many years traveling the U.S. and abroad, including participating in over 30 Elder Hostels. Bud was a lifelong gardener and always loved growing different vegetables and fruits. He was well known for making dill pickles that he loved to share with family and friends. He volunteered his time delivering meals to locals in need and working with Pat at Lifeline Food Pantry in Oregon. He taught classes at Rock Valley College’s Center for Learning in Retirement in Rockford as well as presenting various programs in the surrounding area, including Introduction to Cribbage. He was involved with the Rock River Center in Oregon where he hosted a regular group that would gather to read and discuss “Old News” reports as well as solve word quizzes he put together each month with a different theme.
Most of all Bud enjoyed spending time with friends and family and was always supportive of his kids’ hobbies and careers. He was predeceased by his parents, his brothers L.D. & Bobby, and his daughter Susan Raskin. He is survived by his son David Wiener, son Robert (Sarah) Wiener, and grandsons Daniel (Ariella) Raskin and Aaron Raskin. He will be laid to rest in Nashville, TN, next to his wife Pat at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations to Serenity Home and Hospice, The Rock River Center, or Lifeline Food Pantry may be made in honor of Bud’s memory, or simply plant a tree or a garden. To leave an online condolence or plant a tree please visit www.farrellhollandgale.com
