Dale J. Lonis

I spoke at Dr. Lonis's on campus celebration of life at Nazareth University (Then Nazareth College) in Spring 2022 when he passed. I was lucky to be a part of Dr. Lonis's first ever class at Naz, Psychological Foundations of Music Education, taught fully online in Spring 2021. I think that we all knew he was battling cancer, but I never thought that he would pass away before I had the chance to meet him in person. I was just thinking of him today as I have graduated now with my bachelors in...

I just read about Dale´s passing this morning, as I had a funny dream about him last night and woke up chuckling. I met Dr. Lonis when my daughter Stephanie was in junior high band camp in Banff, Alberta. His coaching style truly inspired students and teachers alike. We touched base a few times over the years - he was always caring and gracious. His contributions to music and education will live on.

Dale and I had a very special musical relationship, classical opera etc. Besides my last 2 brothers (Dale and Larry), my wife of 46 years also passed this year. Thank God they all were Christens, Thank You Jesus. Walter

I remember Dale from working at Chances R at university of Illinois. Just thinking of him, so I googled. Hate to see this. Rest in peace.

What a great guy! I was a freshman band geek at Northwestern his first year as a graduate assistant. What a sense of humor! I´m so sorry for your loss.

I just heard the sad news. Dale was an inspiration to me, first at NU in NUMB then when he recruited me to join him at Mizzou. We kept in touch until most recently when he helped me write my book. I had included a dedication to him, not knowing that he would never see it. I'm so saddened but glad to have known him. Kevin Bartram

Sometimes you come across those individuals that can have such an impact on your life in a short amount of time. Dale Lonis was my honors band director at IMEA in 2002. He was an outstanding educator with so much to give in those few days. I walked away having a new and stronger passion for music because of him. I told him that after the concert. I tried to find him after the concert years later online but never had luck. All I knew was that he was in Canada. You had a huge impact on so many...

Dale was a wonderful person and teacher! There was a moment in a concert at Crystal Lake South High School when members of the band unfurled a large banner that read "America needs more Dales!" They were right!

I am so sorry to hear of Dale´s passing. What an amazing human being. I first got to know Dale as he played in a circus-type band with my brother, Patrick, at Pioneer Park in Aurora, Illinois in the early 70´s. Over the years we kept in touch with a group of music folks via Legion Band. Later, I taught flute lessons to his flute students at Crystal Lake High School. Later in life it became hellos on Facebook. Dale was a lovely person who adored his daughter Paige and cared deeply about...