In Memory of Rev. Dr. Walter F. Wieder (March 13, 1944 − December 22, 2025)

We offer our condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of the Rev. Dr. Walter “Walt” F. Wieder, who died on December 22, 2025, at the age of 81.

Walt was born on March 13, 1944, in Watertown, NY, to Walter F. Weider, Jr. and Madge Stanley Wieder. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in English and Sociology from Morris Harvey College, WV, in 1969. During his college years, from 1966 to 1968, he was an active member of the Kanawha Valley Unitarian Fellowship, WV, serving on the executive committee and program committee, advising the LRY advisor, directing the coffee house program, and serving the Religious Education Committee as a member and a teacher.

Walt later became deeply involved with the First Unitarian Church of Rochester, NY, where he preached, led congregational singing, and was highly regarded within the church community. These involvements with the UU community led to his call to the UU ministry. The First Unitarian Church of Rochester’s Women’s Alliance honored his commitment by granting him a scholarship to support his theological studies. He earned a Master of Divinity from Colgate Rochester, Bexley Hall, NY, and Crozer Theological Seminary, PA, in 1972, and later received his Doctor of Ministry from Southern Methodist University in 2001. 

The Rev. Dr. Weider was ordained on October 29, 1972, jointly by the UU Community of El Paso, TX, and the Unitarian Fellowship of Las Cruces, NM. From 1972 to 1974, he served a yoked settlement at these congregations, followed by a full settlement at the UU Community of El Paso, TX, where he ministered until 1979. His ministry at El Paso fostered trust between the congregation and ministerial leadership, increased denominational awareness, and helped represent Unitarian Universalism in the city in ways that increased the respectability of liberal religion while maintaining its distinctive perspective.

In 1979, he accepted a call to serve the Unitarian Universalists of Mt. Airy, Philadelphia, PA, until 1986. That year, he was called to Community UU Church in Plano, TX, where he ministered until 1995. Beginning in 1996, he served in settled ministry at the UU Congregation of Surprise, AZ. Upon his retirement in 2012, the UU Congregation, Surprise, AZ, honored him as their minister emeritus in recognition of his years of dedicated service.

The Rev. Dr. Wieder excelled in developing church programs and leading Fellowship services. He approached challenges with balance and integrity, navigating adversity and difficult situations with thoughtfulness and care. Deeply supportive of the congregations, he was especially adept at providing guidance and compassion during times of crisis. His ministry was known for his intellectual sermons, his non-anxious presence, and his open mind and curiosity. He loved preaching and enjoyed being a teaching minister, learning so much from his ministerial interns.

The Rev. Dr. Wieder served the denomination with creativity and dedication. He sat on the board of the Southwest Unitarian Universalist Church, North Royalton, OH (1992) and co-chaired the Southwest District UUA Capital Fund Drive Minister’s Day. In 1994, he served as Program Chair for the Southwest Unitarian Universalist Summer Institute, the district’s week-long summer institute. He also contributed to the UUA for eight years as a member of the General Assembly Planning Committee, responsible for the planning of the denomination’s annual gathering and as chair of the committee for two years.

Walt actively participated in the wider community. He served as a member of Planned Parenthood in Dallas and southeastern Pennsylvania. In Texas, he was a founder of the Plano Religious Community Exchange (1993) and served as a chaplain for the Children’s Hospital in Dallas (1996). He held leadership roles as vice president of the Religious Community of El Paso County and helped establish the Clergy Counseling Service on Problem Pregnancies, an organization for supporting women facing difficult pregnancies. Additionally, he served as a volunteer chaplain with the El Paso Police and Sheriff Chaplain Department, was a member and chair of the El Paso Civil Liberties Union, and president of the El Paso Ministerial Association.

He loved to sail, enjoyed playing golf and poker, and attempted archery for a short time, where he had the goal not to be last in a competition.

Walt is survived by his wife of 38 years, Janet Wieder; his daughter, Gina Berger; and his siblings, Joan Wieder, Theresa Wieder, and Mark Wieder. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Phoenix, 4027 E Lincoln Dr, Paradise Valley, AZ 85253, or the Desert Botanical Garden, 1201 N Galvin Pkwy, Phoenix, AZ 85008, or the Arizona Humane Society, 1521 W. Dobbins Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85041.

Notes of condolence may be written here.