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Frederick Leist Obituary

Leist, Frederick O.

Frederick O. Leist, Nov 25, 1916- January 23, 2015, (98), Oshkosh, WI and recently of Poynette, WI, passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by family on Friday, January 23, 2015.

Fred was born in South Milwaukee, the son of Fred and Norma Leist. He was born into a musical family and went on to college and graduated with a major in music and minor in drama from Milwaukee State Teachers College where he met his wife, Dorothy. Upon graduating, he taught elementary band, choir and music in Algoma for four years. On August 10, 1940, Fred married Dorothy Nelsen in Racine at Gethsemane Lutheran Church. Two years later, they moved to Oshkosh where Fred directed the bands at the high school; a year later he entered the military, first in the Army Air Corps and later the Navy as a gunnery and engineering officer on a Submarine Chaser serving in WWII. His wife, Dorothy, took over his band directing position while he was deployed. Soon after Fred returned he added the choirs to his duties, directing both the band and choir departments for six years, finally concentrating on the choirs. During his career he performed in and directed fifty operettas, musicals and operas; his 50th recently as a special guest director in the Portage High School production of Beauty and the Beast in the Fall of 2013. Under his direction, the Oshkosh High School Choir received national attention during Fred's tenure.

In 1947, he began an association with the Peace Lutheran Choir at Peace Lutheran Church in Oshkosh where he was a member for more than 50 years; he and Dorothy directed the church choir for fifteen years before retiring. Fred Leist was the first president of the Wisconsin Music Educators Conference and, with Harold Arentson, organized the Wisconsin Retired Music Masters. He retired from the Oshkosh school system in 1974 and since then he and his wife, prior to her death, have golfed, traveled extensively and spent their winters in Lake Wales, Florida for a number of years; truly enjoying life. A great love of music led Fred to become a major influence in high school music, teaching and mentoring numerous students over the years, many who became lifelong friends. This love of mentoring and teaching sparked Fred to write, in 2011, "Singing is for THE BIRDS" in anticipation of his 95th birthday which was written and intended to help other educators find that perfect sound for their choirs. His musical inspiration will continue for years to come through this nonfiction depiction and through the 1000s of students he inspired throughout his career.

He is survived by his son, Dr. Frederick Leist and wife, Lucille (Skjeie) Leist, Silverdale, WA, daughter, Sue (Leist) Wilson, and husband, Gary Wilson, of Poynette, WI, eight grandchildren, fifteen great- grandchildren and many more beloved family members and friends. He was preceded in death by his mother, Norma, his father, Fred, his brother, Bob, his sister, Margaret, and beloved wife of 65 years, Dorothy (Nelsen) Leist. A celebration of life will be held in his honor at a later date in Oshkosh, WI. In lieu of flowers, memorials made to the Fred Leist Music Scholarship Fund at the Oshkosh Community Foundation, 404 N. Main Street Suite 205, Oshkosh, WI 54901, (920) 426-3993, would be appreciated. Arrangements are being made through Smith Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Rio, WI.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Oshkosh Northwestern on Jan. 27, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Frederick Leist

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THOMAS W BURTCH

October 24, 2024

Who can forget when Dr lyce would sing his song every Little Bird seems to whisper Louise or something like that . We would beg him to sing it sometimes. Sue I played your father in flower drum song. I think our greatest challenge your father taught us so magnificently was singet dem her ein neus lied by distler. We know it by memory of course and we would sing it spontaneously without a director sometimes at
c h o r a l conventions. People were astounded . Tom Burtch 64

Mary Janssen LeRoy

January 21, 2023

Still think of him very often....especially if I hear a song that brings back wonderful memories of the days of OHS and choir. He was my favorite teacher!

Tom Nevers

March 20, 2015

My condolences. Fred & Dorothy were very good friends with my parents, John & Eileen. John passed away in 2009, & Eileen is still doing well at Gabriel's Villa in Oshkosh. I had the privilege of playing golf with Fred & my dad when they were both close to 90 y.o. and still swinging the clubs.

March 10, 2015

My condolences. I just found out about your father's death. He was joined by Homer Fratt on February 7th and I'm sure they are singing with the angels!
Pat Fratt Daniels

February 10, 2015

Fritz and Sue
" And we shall remember the Happy Times together" We had many!!!
All the McCain's

Sandy Warner Bevels

February 3, 2015

I, too, share the sentiments of all of Mr. Leist's former choral students. While at Oshkosh North, memories were made during performances of "Fiddler on the Roof" and "Brigadoon". I played the piano and he called me "little one." As a teacher, I still borrow his line "first mistake I ever made." It was a privilege to be a part of the choir that sang "The Lord Bless You..." at his last concert before retirement.

Mark Schumerrth

February 2, 2015

Fritz and Sue,
Peace.
I had a special relationship with Fred. He and my dad were friends and colleagues from the time they taught together in Algoma. I spent time with them hunting and fishing and listened and learned when they talked. What a great way to grow up. I learned from the masters. Fred was a special mentor to me and I had the pleasure to have performed under his direction in several organizations. I also had the honor and privilege to be chosen by him to act as a judge for his scholarship competitions. What an honor to be chosen and trusted by the mentor. He will always be in my heart, my voice and my performances. The Lord bless you and keep him and you.

February 2, 2015

Mr. Leist signed my yearbook in 1977. "Still water run deep". Had more meaning that I ever knew at that time. R.I.P. Direct that choir with all your love.

Patty Thoma Nordhaus

February 1, 2015

As a choir member, dancer in the musical productions, and student director of 1964's "Music Man" my admiration of Dr. Leist is overwhelming. I learned so much from him and he gave me the intestinal fortitude to perform though out my adult life. He will always be the most inspirational person in my life.
Sue, my prayers and thoughts are with you at this time and I hope to attend his memorial gathering if it is for all of us who loved him.

Bob , Jeanne, Rob & Victoria Wadsworth

January 31, 2015

Wishing you and your family strength and peace. May happy memories carry you thru this difficult time.

Jim Gust

January 30, 2015

Sue, we are so sorry to read of the loss of your father. He was, and still is, a legend here in Oshkosh. Pam & Jim Gust

Sharon Gibson {Graf}

January 29, 2015

He was my most memorable teacher, and went way beyond in helping develop my musical talent. I was very privileged to have had him for a mentor.

January 29, 2015

A gentleman, a legend,an icon but most important of all a dear and most loyal friend.I shall cherish forever the numerous and quality times spent together!

The influence on others he projected and demonstrated has indeed reached across a vast variety of professions and endeavors.

Those of us who loved him look forward to his directing us again. As a salute, we will know to show up on time,prepared,and ready!We honor Mr Leist's memory each time we strive to raise and lift each other's hearts, especially with music!On behalf of your numerous students please save a place in the CHOIR for us all.Peace and love to Fred and the entire family!
Steve Verhoeven

January 29, 2015

He was a wonderful and gifted man. He played organ at St. Mary's and my sisters sang.
Ric Wolff

Roni Stopinski Loos

January 29, 2015

This wonderful man impacted my life immensely in high school. It was he who saw potential in me and challenged me to shoot for the stars. He was truly a man of intelligence, ethics, and example. What a tremendous loss. I will mourn him with the same intensity I have mourned immediate family members. He was truly a great man with influence over many young lives.

Mary "Pokrandt" Hill

January 28, 2015

"The Lord bless you and keep you," what a beautiful version of the Benediction Acappella always ended their concerts with. Teachers come and go, students come and go. Amazing how you left your mark on so many students who learned to make and appreciate beautiful music from the operetta's like "King and I" to an opera "Amahl & the Night Visitors." Thanks for making a difference in the life of so many of us, for using your talent to enrich our lives.

Mary Ann Muraski Mapes

January 28, 2015

I also treasured my time in choir with Mr. Leist. He was the best!

January 28, 2015

I HAVE WONDERFUL MEMORIES OF NAUGHTY MARIETTA AND SWEETHEARTS. CHOIR WAS EVERYTHING TO ME, A GREAT DIRECTOR AND A GREAT CHOIR! GOD BLESS YOU. YOUR HIGH SOPRANO, DORITA

January 28, 2015

As a colleague in the music department of the Oshkosh Public Schools, I had the greatest respect for Fred. He built a high school choral program that was admired throughout the midwest. Verna and I were fortunate to be friends of Dorothy and Fred.
Verna and Roger Lalk

January 27, 2015

He made me love music. Kathleen Micky Fallon, Denver, CO

Mary Janssen LeRoy

January 27, 2015

I, too, am one of the lucky ones to have been in Mr. Leist's choirs! It was the highlight of my high school years, without a doubt! He was a wonderful person, teacher and friend. I remember so well Mr.and Mrs. Leist entertaining the residents at Bethel Home on the occasion of my mother's 90th birthday. What a wonderful surprise that was. Sincerest sympathies to Fred and Sue and to all the family! "The Lord Bless You and Keep You", Mr. Leist!!

Eric Miller

January 27, 2015

What a great man. I was honored to be a part of his magnificent Acappella choir from '67 - '69. The Lord bless him and keep him.

jerry wilhelme

January 27, 2015

may the lord bless and keep you, till we meet again

January 27, 2015

one of the greatest choir directors and music mentors of all time, i am sure god will give you the job of directing his choir of angels. my sincere condolences to the family, from an old choir member circa 1950. jerry wilhelme

Susie Leaman-Ames

January 27, 2015

To a man I will always love and respect. Love you - Later

Susie Leaman-Ames

January 27, 2015

Here is a man who will live forever. He has touched so many hearts and lives through his true love and concern for his students and friends over the years. Mr. Leist,(I have always called him by his sir name he deserves the respect) was also a man who could get blood out of a turnip if he wanted. He always saw the goodness and potential in a person. Without him I probably would not have graduated from high school. Acapella Choir and Mr. Leist made high school very enjoyable for me. Thank you again - Love you-Later

Dave Malin

January 27, 2015

Thank you Mr. Leist for caring and sharing your love of music and life. You impacted my life - you made a difference.
You will be missed but always remembered!
(Class of 1969)

Karen Bowen

January 27, 2015

Mr.Leist gave Oshkosh a wonderful gift with his musical talents, especially his ability to bring out the best in his students. He will bring even more beautiful music from the angel choirs he will now direct!

Ron La Point

January 27, 2015

He was a very special person, one-of-a-kind. God bless.

Mitch Robertson

January 27, 2015

When I heard of Mr. Leist passing I had tears in my eyes but because of him, I had a smile when I remember all he taught me! Thank you for all you have done for my life, Mr. Leist!

George Bongert

January 27, 2015

My very deepest and most heartfelt condolences to the Family of Frederick Leist. Although I never was in the Oshkosh High School Choir or Band, I had friends who had their musical skills refined under his direction. I was a student at Oshkosh High School, and graduated from there in 1968. Mr. Leist was a very talented musician and director, and will be highly thought of and missed by his many students.

Teri Ellis

January 27, 2015

I met Mr. Leist through my mother (Leah Otto Ellis) who was one of his students in the 60's. Fred was a wonderfully kind (and very gifted) gentleman. He will be missed.

JUdi Mead

January 27, 2015

Happy Trails to you, Mr. Leist from a former Oshkosh High student. You were a fabulous teacher and a wonderful human being and highly respected by a lot of crazy kids! Your family can take joy in knowing you are now directing tremendous music "up there".

Ron Harrell

January 27, 2015

My thoughts and prayers go out to the family of this great man. Fred was a class act...I feel fortunate to have begun my teaching career when Fred was leading the choirs. What a role model for students and teachers alike! He was one of a kind.

January 26, 2015

Thank you Mr Leist far all your years of helping so many kids enjoy music. You are loved by so many Fond Regards, Eileen Schultz Lambert

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