Obituary for Herbert "Pete" Trier, M.D.
Herbert “Pete” Trier, M.D., age 95, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, February 7, 2023. Born on December 2, 1927, in Fort Wayne, Indiana, he was the son of the late Herbert and Anna Trier. Dr. Trier attended St. Paul’s Lutheran School and graduated from Central High School in 1946. He then served in the United States Army, being stationed in the Aleutian Islands.
Dr. Trier attended Indiana University, graduating with a BS degree in June of 1952. He attended Indiana University School of Medicine, graduating in 1956 with his M.D. He completed an internship at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Indianapolis and performed his psychiatric residency at Western Psychiatric Institute, University of Pittsburgh (PITT Med), from 1957-1960.
Dr. Trier was a devoted and affectionate husband to Betty Trier. Dr. Trier and Betty spent 75 wonderful years together. They were married on March 17, 1951, and had a loving marriage that lasted until Betty’s death in 2021. Herbert and Betty enjoyed attending philharmonic concerts, organ concerts, and plays at First Presbyterian Church. They enjoyed summers at Lake Wawasee with their family.
Dr. Trier returned to Fort Wayne in 1961 to begin his sixty year career in private practice in psychiatry. During his career, he was the Director of the Adult division of the Mental Health Center at Fort Wayne; a Clinical Instructor at the Fort Wayne Center for Medical Education, Indiana University School of Medicine; an Instructor in Psychiatry at St. Joseph Hospital School of Nursing; President of St. Joseph Hospital Medical Staff; Chairman of the Private Practice Committee at the Indiana Psychiatric Society; Medical Director at Charter Beacon Hospital; Chairman of the Psychiatric Committee at Parkview Hospital; Medical Director at the Adams County Hospital/Stress Center in the Inpatient Psychiatric Unit; Psychiatric Consultant at the VOCA of Indiana; and did consulting work with many organizations, including Lutheran Social Services, the Mental Health Center, Parkview Hospital, Charter Beacon Hospital, and ResCare. He earned the Professor Emeritus status at the Indiana University School of Medicine, Private Practice Psychiatry.
Dr. Trier was awarded “Teacher of the Year” by graduates of the Fort Wayne Medical Education Program, Family Practice Residency. He was awarded “The Distinguished Hoosier” award by Governor Frank O’Bannon on January 20, 2000, and again by Governor Mitch Daniels on December 1, 2007, for his service and dedication to the State of Indiana. Mayor Thomas Henry declared by Proclamation July 9, 2017, as Dr. Herbert P. Trier Day for his dedication to his profession and community.
Dr. Trier was highly intelligent, compassionate, loving, and generous. He was a lifelong learner, enjoyed reading about a wide range of topics, and he valued his extensive book collection. He had an exceptional work ethic, starting with delivering newspapers as a young boy, working at Zollner Pistons, Rea Magnet Wire, and the rail shops all while putting himself through school. He had an entrepreneurial spirit and started many businesses. He retired from psychiatry at the age of 89. He was well-liked and appreciated by his patients. Dr. Trier was unconditionally devoted to exercising. He worked out daily and ran several marathons, including the Boston Marathon.
Dr. Trier was an excellent role model and teacher for all and leaves us with his gifts of compassion, empathy, and his great sense of humor. He took a great interest in everyone’s lives and spent his time helping others. His children and grandchildren will miss him dearly.
Dr. Trier was an extraordinary father to his five children: son, Max Trier of Muncie, IN; daughter, Nancy Trier-Metzger (Dan) of Wichita, KS; son, Steve Trier of Fort Wayne; daughter, Janet (Mark) Daniel of Fort Wayne; and daughter, Carolyn Trier of Fort Wayne. Dr. Trier is also survived by thirteen grandchildren: Anastasia Metzger, Luke Metzger, Hannah (Derek) Magill, Michael Trier, Samantha Trier, Conrad Trier, Carmen Trier, Estelle Daniel, Claire (Dan) Halluska, Sierra Daniel, Hope Daniel, Nicole LaRue, and Rachel LaRue; and his two great-grandchildren: Theo Halluska and Arlo Halluska. He is also survived by his loving nephew and nieces, David Breininger, Beth Gerholt, and Bonnie Fraser.
In addition to his parents, Dr. Trier was preceded in death by his wife, Betty Trier; his brothers, Eric Trier and John Trier; and his sister, Barbara Breininger.
A memorial calling is scheduled for Saturday, February 11, 2023, from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Fairhaven Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 6557 North Clinton Street. Memorials may be made to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, the Bach Collegium, or the First Presbyterian Theater.
Dr. Trier attended Indiana University, graduating with a BS degree in June of 1952. He attended Indiana University School of Medicine, graduating in 1956 with his M.D. He completed an internship at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Indianapolis and performed his psychiatric residency at Western Psychiatric Institute, University of Pittsburgh (PITT Med), from 1957-1960.
Dr. Trier was a devoted and affectionate husband to Betty Trier. Dr. Trier and Betty spent 75 wonderful years together. They were married on March 17, 1951, and had a loving marriage that lasted until Betty’s death in 2021. Herbert and Betty enjoyed attending philharmonic concerts, organ concerts, and plays at First Presbyterian Church. They enjoyed summers at Lake Wawasee with their family.
Dr. Trier returned to Fort Wayne in 1961 to begin his sixty year career in private practice in psychiatry. During his career, he was the Director of the Adult division of the Mental Health Center at Fort Wayne; a Clinical Instructor at the Fort Wayne Center for Medical Education, Indiana University School of Medicine; an Instructor in Psychiatry at St. Joseph Hospital School of Nursing; President of St. Joseph Hospital Medical Staff; Chairman of the Private Practice Committee at the Indiana Psychiatric Society; Medical Director at Charter Beacon Hospital; Chairman of the Psychiatric Committee at Parkview Hospital; Medical Director at the Adams County Hospital/Stress Center in the Inpatient Psychiatric Unit; Psychiatric Consultant at the VOCA of Indiana; and did consulting work with many organizations, including Lutheran Social Services, the Mental Health Center, Parkview Hospital, Charter Beacon Hospital, and ResCare. He earned the Professor Emeritus status at the Indiana University School of Medicine, Private Practice Psychiatry.
Dr. Trier was awarded “Teacher of the Year” by graduates of the Fort Wayne Medical Education Program, Family Practice Residency. He was awarded “The Distinguished Hoosier” award by Governor Frank O’Bannon on January 20, 2000, and again by Governor Mitch Daniels on December 1, 2007, for his service and dedication to the State of Indiana. Mayor Thomas Henry declared by Proclamation July 9, 2017, as Dr. Herbert P. Trier Day for his dedication to his profession and community.
Dr. Trier was highly intelligent, compassionate, loving, and generous. He was a lifelong learner, enjoyed reading about a wide range of topics, and he valued his extensive book collection. He had an exceptional work ethic, starting with delivering newspapers as a young boy, working at Zollner Pistons, Rea Magnet Wire, and the rail shops all while putting himself through school. He had an entrepreneurial spirit and started many businesses. He retired from psychiatry at the age of 89. He was well-liked and appreciated by his patients. Dr. Trier was unconditionally devoted to exercising. He worked out daily and ran several marathons, including the Boston Marathon.
Dr. Trier was an excellent role model and teacher for all and leaves us with his gifts of compassion, empathy, and his great sense of humor. He took a great interest in everyone’s lives and spent his time helping others. His children and grandchildren will miss him dearly.
Dr. Trier was an extraordinary father to his five children: son, Max Trier of Muncie, IN; daughter, Nancy Trier-Metzger (Dan) of Wichita, KS; son, Steve Trier of Fort Wayne; daughter, Janet (Mark) Daniel of Fort Wayne; and daughter, Carolyn Trier of Fort Wayne. Dr. Trier is also survived by thirteen grandchildren: Anastasia Metzger, Luke Metzger, Hannah (Derek) Magill, Michael Trier, Samantha Trier, Conrad Trier, Carmen Trier, Estelle Daniel, Claire (Dan) Halluska, Sierra Daniel, Hope Daniel, Nicole LaRue, and Rachel LaRue; and his two great-grandchildren: Theo Halluska and Arlo Halluska. He is also survived by his loving nephew and nieces, David Breininger, Beth Gerholt, and Bonnie Fraser.
In addition to his parents, Dr. Trier was preceded in death by his wife, Betty Trier; his brothers, Eric Trier and John Trier; and his sister, Barbara Breininger.
A memorial calling is scheduled for Saturday, February 11, 2023, from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Fairhaven Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 6557 North Clinton Street. Memorials may be made to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, the Bach Collegium, or the First Presbyterian Theater.