Wendell V. Discher
January 11, 1928 ~ November 24, 2020
Born in:
Kalamazoo, MI
Resided in:
Rochester, NY
WENDELL V. DISCHER
Wendell V. Discher passed from his earthly life to join his God on November 24, 2020, at age 92. Wendell (Wendy) was predeceased by his wife and love of his life for 69 years, Mary Joslin Discher. He is survived by his four children, Jocelyn (Bob) Ault, Craig (Judy Chilson), Scott and Norman (Jennifer) Discher, his seven grandchildren: Taylor and Tory Ault, Falkner, Karl, Tabitha, Marianne and Katherine Discher, and friend Cheryl Pipkin. He is predeceased by his parents, Charles and Ethel Discher, and brother and sister-in-law, C. Dale and Pat Discher. He treasured the love of family, friends and colleagues.
Born in Kalamazoo, MI, he attended Kalamazoo College where he met Mary. Wendy later attended the University of Rochester, during which time he and Mary were married. Upon earning his master’s degree from the Institute of Optics, he deferred employment with Eastman Kodak to serve in the Army during the Korean War. He was stationed at Ft. Knox, KY, and Mary joined him for that time. Afterward, they returned to Rochester, and Kodak, where he began working in film testing and quality control. He spent most of his professional career in film testing and the pursuit of image quality, later assuming management roles with Film Technical Services Division and then as Worldwide Manufacturing Manager, Motion Pictures and Film. He was first and foremost an Engineer, but in the role of manager, he championed key contributions to film manufacturing in the area of standards and test metrics, as well as technology transfers including new high-speed perforating technologies for both 35 mm and Motion picture film. Wendy was most notably, and internationally, awarded the Fellow membership to the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers (SMPTE) in Hollywood for his life-long contributions to the motion picture industry.
Wendy will most be remembered for the way he made people feel. He loved his work but he most cherished the friendships he formed and his family. He always looked to engage others whether it was bowling, euchre, traveling or playing tennis.
Community and service were also central to Wendy’s Christian faith. Bethany Presbyterian Church was his church home where he served and provided leadership on many committees. Together, he and Mary wove their church and family life together, developing deep friendships. He also served his community by leading United Way Campaigns. He lived by Micah 6:8, “Do Justice, love kindness and walk humbly with God.”
A service to celebrate his life will be held at some date in the future when all those who loved him can gather. For those wishing, a memorial contribution can be made in his honor to the Choir at Bethany Presbyterian Church (3000 Dewey Ave., Rochester, NY 14616), The United Way of Greater Rochester (75 College Ave, Rochester, NY 14607) or The Salvation Army, Rochester Area Services (70 Liberty Pole Way, Rochester, NY 14604).
For more information, or to sign Wendell’s online guestbook, please visit Meesonfamily.com
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Losing Wendy Discher to me is not like losing a brother-in-law, but like remembering a loving brother. I always felt so close to both my sister Mary and Wendy. I will never forget the loving way in which he cared for Mary during the last years of her life. Words are an inefficient vehicle to express my sadness at our loss, but I can relish in the imagined picture of Wendy joining the huge welcoming committee on the other side. First is my imagining God’s word to a son who has done a wonderful job. And then picturing the family and Mary long separated, but melded into one loving group. Hallelujah, Wendy is Home!!
Love and condolences to all of the friends and family.
So very sad to hear the news of Wendy’s passing. He was a wonderful man and a great friend to our family. Sending love to Jocelyn, Craig, Scott, Norman and your families.
Dear Discher Family,
What a great photo of Wendy and such words of tribute are hard to beat. Just know that I loved & respected Wendy so much, along with Mary. Theirs was the most beautiful love story of all time and I so enjoyed the hours I spent with Mary so that Wendy could do shopping.
My heart goes out to each & every family member and I’ll look forward to the time when we can gather to pay tribute to one of the finest men on the planet.
Love, Beth
Sage, mentor and guardian of quality. Save the rest of us a seat in that big screening room above.
Wendy was such a terrific guy: smart, caring and funny. Our prayers are with you all.
Loved being around Uncle Wendy ( and ,of course, with Aunt Mary). Always welcoming and his laugh was infectious. It was fun listening to the banter with my parents and other aunts/uncles/ Grandma. His thoughtful serious manner belied his sense of humor. Will look forward to honoring him in future with you all. A life well lived.
With sympathy.
dear discher family. please accept my deepest sympathy on the death of your dear father. i have so many good and happy memories of my association with mary and wendall. as you go through this time of sorrow i hope it helps knowing so many people are thinking of you. love and prayer, terri robach
I worked with Wendy at Kodak for many years and always had the greatest respect for him. He was a true professional and a great guy. R.I.P., Wendy
Sending love, strength and prayers to you all. It was such a joy to visit Wendy and Mary with my folks at Chautauqua a few years back. The warmth of years of friendship surrounded our visit that day.
Blessed that I have two Joslin “cousins” here in Connecticut and that our families’ path continue to cross in the next generations.
May you all be surrounded with love and strength and know that Wendy’s love lives on …
I was saddened to hear of Wendy’s passing. He was a respected pillar at Bethany and contributed in so many ways. He will be fondly remembered. Deepest condolences to the whole family.
Dwight and Donna Ferguson —
Our love and prayers are being sent to the Discher Family that we claimed as our own. Lots of memories about the sharing of time and great memories. We know that Wendy is being greeted by those many saints who went before him — He set a fine example for us !
This wonderful man let us crazy teenagers party at his house on the weekends.You never forget a COOL Dad! Thank you Craig for sharing him with us💕
Wendy offered many kind words to me over the decades that I knew him. I was one of so many in his circle of friends and acquaintances, but he affirmed me in many ways. He was a role model as a father, husband, and a pillar of the church and community. Rest in peace.
Wendell was my mentor for many years in film testing building six. I have many great memories of Wendell helping me through the years understanding film technology. His patience and willingness to share his knowledge was refreshing. I attribute my success at Eastman Kodak to the knowledge that window shared with me. Wendell was a unique person.
Don Strine
To Craig and the entire extended Discher family: My sincere (albeit belated) condolences