Donald Moe

Dr. Donald G. Moe – Ph.D., Fellow of the American Guild of Organists

Born June 2, 1932 (Milwaukee, WI)  passed away July 16, 2022 (Waynesville, NC)

Dr. Donald G. Moe died peacefully at his home in Waynesville, NC surrounded by family, on Saturday, July 16, 2022. Don moved from Rock Hill, SC to Waynesville with his family in January of 2020. He is survived by his wife of almost 70 years, Gloria; his son and daughter-in-law, Tim and Ginny Moe, his granddaughter, Josie Moe and his great-grandchildren, Bradley Moe and Autumn Burkhalter, all of Waynesville; his daughter and son-in-law, Jennifer and Dave DiCecco of Muscle Shoals, Alabama, his grandson and wife, Michael Kettler and Kate Moore of Maplewood, New Jersey, and great-grandchildren Ellie and Max Kettler; as well as a brother, David, and sister, Joanne, along with numerous nieces, nephews and in-laws. He is predeceased by his daughter, Suzanne Moe Kettler, and parents, Oscar Julius Moe and Edith Blanchard Moe.

Dr. Moe was Professor Emeritus in Music from Roanoke College in Salem, VA moving to Rock Hill, SC in 2004 to be near his son, Tim’s family. He was a lifelong organist, pianist, choral conductor, and scholar specializing in the Music of J.S. Bach. His higher education included a B.S. in Music Education from the University of Wisconsin in Milwaukee, a Master of Choral Conducting from Indiana University, and Ph.D. in Choral Literature from the University of Iowa. Significant teachers and mentors include, Eugene Groth (piano and theory), Daniel Moe and Helmut Rilling (choral), and especially, Gerhard Krapf on organ. Don participated in many musical organizations, serving in various capacities with the American Guild of Organists, including Dean of the Roanoke, Virginia chapter. He taught at Roanoke College for 28 years leaving a lasting legacy with his students. He was a committed Christian and served many churches as organist, choir director, singer and in other volunteer capacities. After retirement, he continued to remain active in the community, and in the musical life of Oakland Avenue Presbyterian Church in Rock Hill, SC where his son, Tim, served as Music Director. In addition, he served as a singer and consultant with the York County Choral Society.

A memorial service will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 23, 2022 at Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church in Asheville with a private family committal at Grace Church in the Mountains in Waynesville, at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be sent to either Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church, 789 Merrimon Avenue, Asheville, NC 28804 or Grace Church in the Mountains, 394 N. Haywood Street, Waynesville, NC 28786.

The care of Dr. Moe has been entrusted to Wells Funeral Home of Waynesville.