Leroy George Wiens

Leroy George Wiens age 91 of Fresno, California passed away on July 7, 2026 at Oakmont of Fresno.

Roy was born on February 22, 1935 in Hamilton County Nebraska. His parents Dietrich and Sarah Wiens celebrated the birth of their third child. In 1942 the family made the move to San Jose, California.

When Roy was eight years old, he contracted Polio and was taken to the hospital in a ridged condition. After much prayer he was able to walk out of the hospital in two weeks.

Roy graduated from James Lick High School in June of 1953. His interests at that time included marching band, choir, woodshop and working as a butcher’s assistant at the Pink Elephant Market. Just before his senior year, he joined the San Jose Municipal Band as a Tuba/Sousaphone player. Thus began his professional trail as a musician.

His first year of college was in Fresno at Pacific Bible Institute. Here he and Rosette met and fell in love. His major was music and he sang in the school choir and radio choir. After that first year he returned to San Jose to continue college at San Jose State. Rosette went to Kansas to teach French to missionaries at Tabor College. They wrote sweet letters to each other. During her holiday break on December 21, 1954 at Alum Rock Park Roy proposed and she of course said yes! They married June 21, 1955 and the adventure began.

While Rosette worked as a secretary, Roy continued his education and majored in Music with a minor in Psychology. He joined the Santa Clara Philharmonic and the San Jose Symphony as a Tuba player. During the summers he continued with the Municipal Band and was paid $5.00 for a two-hour rehearsal on Monday evenings and the two-hour concert Sunday afternoons at Alum Rock Park. The couple was able to forego the usual Sunday dinner of “Spam” and get an occasional pizza.

In September 1957 he started his 38-year career with the Alum Rock School District starting as a music teacher. In 1969 he earned his MA in Music and shortly after his General Elementary and Administrative Credentials. In 1977 he was appointed as Coordinator of Fine Arts and in 1990 appointed as Principal.

As a Christian, Roy’s walk with God was evident. He prayed for others always. To all who met Roy he was a kind and loving man. He cared deeply for his family and friends, always willing to lend a helpful hand. In his quiet spirit he showed intelligence and courage.

Roy is survived by his devoted children, Jon-Pierre Wiens and Marla Thrift, Renee and Gus Garabedian. Brother Robert and Sister Janice. Loving brothers & sisters in-laws: Leon, Andre, Christiane, Josette, Germaine, as well as many nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank each one of you for celebrating Roy’s life.

Thank you to the community at Oakmont of Fresno for their love, support and friendship. They have become family and will be forever treasured in our hearts. Also, Bristol Hospice great heartfelt appreciation. To all our family and friends much much love and gratitude for everything.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Whitehurst Sullivan Burns & Blair Funeral Home, 836 E. Nees Ave., Fresno, CA 93720, US, on July 18, 2026, from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm.

A Committal Service will be held at Oak Hill Funeral Home & Memorial Park, 300 Curtner Ave, San Jose, CA 95125, US, on July 20, 2026, from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm.