Deon Bahr

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Deon Bahr, of Lincoln, NE, was born in Omaha in 1938 to Frank Bahr and Olga (Storek) Bahr. He died February 2, 2025.

Deon graduated from the College of Architecture at the University of Nebraska in 1961.

Deon married Susan Niemann in 1964.

Deon was one of the founding principals of Bahr & Hanna Architects, later Bahr, Vermeer & Haecker (now BVH) Architects, which received the Firm of the Year Award, the Cornerstone Award from the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce, and 190 design awards.

Deon served on numerous boards including the Lincoln Community Foundation, the Nebraska Art Association, the Lincoln Arts Council, the MEDICI Foundation, the Hixson Lied College of Fine and Performing Arts, and the Architectural Advisory Committee of the Lutheran Church Extension Fund.

Deon received many professional and civic awards including induction into the College of Fellows of the American Institute of Architecture, the Harry S. Cunningham Medal, Member of the Royal Society for Arts, Manufactures and Commerce, Vikings of Distinction from Omaha North High School, the Distinguished Service Award from Concordia University, and Distinguished Alumni of the UNL College of Architecture.

After retirement, Deon pursued his love of creating art. His paintings and sculptures are displayed in numerous museums in Nebraska. He loved music, playing clarinet and saxophone, photography, travel, birdwatching, marbles and yoyos.

Deon is predeceased by his parents and son Peter Bahr.

Deon is survived by his wife Susan, his sons John (Jeanine) and David (Cindy), five grandchildren, sister Donajean (Bert) Sherwin, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Memorial service: 11:00 am Thursday, February 6, 2025, Redeemer Lutheran Church, 510 South 33rd Street.

In lieu of flowers, Deon requested donations to the University of Nebraska Foundation, PO Box 82555, Lincoln NE 68501-2555 with a note that the gift is for the College of Architecture Scholarship Fund or Redeemer Lutheran Church Foundation, 510 South 33rd St, Lincoln NE 68510 with a note that the gift is for Seminary Students Scholarships.

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Services

February6

Memorial Service

11:00 am CST

Redeemer Lutheran Church

510 South 33rd Street, Lincoln, NE 68510

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February 7, 2025

Deon would tell this story about Susan. He was at a kegger party. Susan, you must have had a sporty car at the time and when you arrived at the party, you revved your engine a couple of times before turning the car off. This was the habit of everyone that had a sporty car. According to Deon, once he figured out it was you that revved your engine, he would say, “I knew that was the woman for me.” Rest in peace Deon.

– Curt Olson

February 6, 2025

Susan and family Deon and you have been dear friends and I have enjoyed Deon’s love for architecture, art and stamp collecting. We will miss him greatly! Blessings and our sympathy 🙏

– John and Karen Radway

February 6, 2025

Sorry to read of Deon’s passing. Remembering you and family in my thoughts and prayers.

– Pat Grimes

February 5, 2025

Susan, we were so sorry to hear of Deon’s death. Although we knew his health had been declining, it was still a surprise. We remember him as an amazingly talented man who was also simply a wonderful human being. We are so glad we got to know the two of you. May you feel God’s love surrounding you through the love and concern of your friends. You are in our prayers.

– Charlyne and Denny Berens

February 5, 2025

Deon gave me my first job in an architectural office working part time while I was attending UNL. I would walk from the college across the alley to where the firm had an office on Q Street. There may have been 10 people then with a small office in Omaha. The growth of the firm and the number of people that have been impacted by him is testimony to his professional achievement as well as his caring nature. He certainly is one of people I can count on one hand that had a defining impact on my professional life. Condolences to his family, friends and his fellow architects.

– John Reimnitz

February 5, 2025

Deon Bahr, FAIA was a leader on the Lutheran Church, – Missouri Synod’s Architecture Committee for forty years. serving as Chair and Chief Recruiter for volunteer church architects from around the Synod. He was a gifted designer of buildings, which grace cities and towns around Nebraska and the west. He was an artist with a distinctive style whose works adorn homes and museums across America. His architecture firm, BVH, continues to enjoy a regional reputation and clientele. But Deon was much more than all those attributes. He was the epitome of the Christian Gentleman, showing care and aid to all the folks he met, of any station or condition. His friendship was a blessing to all of us who were lucky to call him a friend. Together with his wife, Susan, they were indeed a “power couple”, serving both church and community with style and grace. Their travels abroad were like ambassadors for the USA, as they displayed the same friendly manner in foreign lands that they did at home. Susan and family know Deon is with his Lord, but having enjoyed so many years with such a man makes a hurtful loss. His colleague from Maryland, John F. Corkill, Jr.. AIA

– John F. Corkill, Jr.

February 5, 2025

I met Deon in an interview with Lynn Vermeer when I moved to Lincoln from Colorado. Deon was a terrific mentor and seemed an odd fit with BVH. He always championed my wild notions and I have a favorite picture where he is standing over me at work with his fist pointed at my head – I had a black eye from being a poor catcher on the firm’s softball team, I believe that was the early 1990’s. He was a good soul, with a big heart, and wildly talented.

– Melinda Pearson

February 5, 2025

Madonna LOUD will miss him. Deepest sympathies. Jim Schultz

– James Schultz

February 4, 2025

I had the pleasure of working with Deon for several years at Madonna Wellness Club. In our one-on-one time together, I learned so many interesting things about him: As a young man in Omaha, he designed his family’s home. He was on the basketball team in high school and also a drum major in the band. One of his favorite colors was “Burnt Sienna” and besides art and music, he also had a collection of elephants. He was a true Renaissance man. My sincere condolences to Susan and family. Rest easy, my friend.