John P. ZDECHLIK

Doctor Z was my favorite professor. He counseled me to double-major in music & engineering. This led to me playing music professionally, while running my engineering business. Doctor Z encouraged me to study jazz piano with Manfredo Fest. He was able to instantly play by ear any piece of music- something I have tried to duplicate my entire life; never able to attain his level with his gift of perfect pitch.
SteveEng.com

John was a fabulous guy & musician!
Fantastic jazz pianist, teacher & person, loved life, big smile, friendly, humorist & never a dull moment
We had great times at the Lake Washington
Band Camp & it was always fun to see him directing with the UOfM band
Many memories of John teaching in Jordan too
Wonderful wife Kate & hear his sons name on MPR frequently!
John will live on the in the school music programs & the students lives he touched & made a difference...

John Zdechlik was my first trombone teacher when I was in fifth grade at Jordan Public School. It began a life long love of music that has made a better person. Thank you for being a part of my life.

I first met John as a freshman at the U of MN back in 1964, and remained friends with him and Katie all these years. In 1997 I commissioned a piece from him, "Barcarole for Flutes and Band." We premiered it at his retirement concert. I was a charter member of the Century (Lakewood) Concert Band, playing piccolo and flute. He was an outstanding mentor to many and left us a treasury of compositions. I like to think he and Dr. Ben are getting another band together up in Heaven, and that he'll...

I knew John for over 30 years as a colleague at Lakewood. He always had a corny joke to share but really, uderneath was a hard working , serious and creative man. My thoughts go to Catie and all of the Zdechliks as I know you will miss him most dearly.

"Doc Z" was one amazing man! I was privileged to be a trombone player in his bands for many years. His talent as a music educator and performer were immense. My sympathies to his family, and all those who were touched by the magic of his music.

My condolences to John's family. I was in the U Minnesota marching band when John was one of the directors. He was fun to work with, and a great musician. We all loved hearing him play jazz piano in a group with Doctor Ben.

My sympathies to the family. I loved having Doc as a band instructor (Lakewood/Century 1982-84). He was immensely talented and I enjoyed playing for him. He had a great sense of humor, and I still remember him giving me the "look" when he wanted me and my neighbor to stop chatting during rehearsals, which we of course should not have been doing anyway. Over the years I occasionally ran into him at the Dakota Jazz Club. He will definitely be missed.