Wendell Orr, bass-baritone singer, conductor and retired university professor, died August 18, 2025, at his home in Traverse City at the age of 95.

A native of Illinois, Wendell held degrees from Lawrence University (WI) and the University of Michigan. He taught voice at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, Emporia State University (KS), the University of New Hampshire and the Dana School of Music at Youngstown State University. He retired from YSU in 1992 as a full professor after 23 years with the University.

Wendell enjoyed traveling throughout the U.S. and Canada, attending opera performances, listening to classical music and discovering new restaurants in his favorite cities. A lifelong reader, he particularly enjoyed mysteries and detective stories. He was a convivial host, and often cooked traditional Northern Italian dishes for friends and family. Until the last few months of his life, he could often be seen taking his favorite walk through the neighborhood.

Wendell was married to Nancy Brannan of Baraboo, Wisconsin from 1952 until her death in 1984. He was then married to Vivian Harris from 1989 until her death in 2007. He is survived by a daughter, Patricia (Howard) Van Houten of Traverse City, Michigan and a son Douglas (Julia) Orr of Dalkey, Ireland, and by his stepdaughters Marsha (Douglas) Dirks and Margo Jorgensen of Kissimmee, Florida, and Monte Harris of Bradley, Illinois. A sister, Janice Orr of Yorktown, Virginia, also survives.

Wendell will be deeply missed by his family and friends. His family would like to extend their thanks to Dr. Erik Lindstrom and his staff, to the caring and compassionate team of Comfort Keepers caregivers who were with Wendell during his last few months, and to the staff of Northstar Palliative Care and Hospice of Michigan who cared for Wendell during his final days.

A private service and burial will be in the Memorial Garden of Saint Andrews Episcopal Church, Ann Arbor, Michigan at a later date.