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Victor W. Zajec

FUNERAL HOME

Tews Funeral Home - Homewood

18230 S. Dixie Highway

Homewood, Illinois

Victor Zajec Obituary

Victor W. Zajec, January 26, age 81, late of Homewood, beloved husband of Marilea, nee Dixon; loving father of Ann (Christopher) Motogawa of Evanston; cherished grandfather of Catherine Motogawa; dear son-in-law of Loren and Nell Dixon of East Peoria. Retired Professor of Music at VanderCook College of Music and a World War II Army Air Corps Veteran. Resting at the Tews Funeral Home, 18230 S. Dixie Hwy., Homewood, from 3 to 9 p.m. Friday. Services and Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the VanderCook College of Music, 3140 S. Federal, Chicago 60616, would be appreciated. 708-798-5300.

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

Published by Chicago Tribune from Jan. 27 to Jan. 28, 2005.

Memories and Condolences
for Victor Zajec

17 Entries

Larry Blackwell

March 25, 2024

Victor Zajec was the band director at Philadelphia MS high school. He was one of the first mentors in my life and introduced me to the idea that excellence was not a function of location. He was a great band teacher who could teach and inspire without regressive criticism. I remember only two other teachers at PHS, McNeil (math) and Hanna (biology) who taught to such a high standard.
I´m writing this today after reading a WSJ article on Shostakovich. Zajec was an introduction to a wider and better world.

William Rife

February 8, 2005

Dr. Zajec was such a kind person. He always took the time to help students. I owe him a Great debt or gratitude for his guidance these past years. He will be deeply missed. My sincerest sympathies to his family.

Leah Duckert

February 7, 2005

I was fortunate to have Dr. Zajec as my Instrument Repair professor at VanderCook in the summer of 2001. I learned so much from him, as I know others did. In the short time I got to work with him, he won adoration and respect from myself, as well as my classmates. Even though I didn't know him for very long, he added a part of my life that can never be replaced or forgotten. My most sincere condolences to his family--he will be remembered in my heart, and in the hearts of many, many of his students and colleagues.

Tom Warren

February 2, 2005

Mr. Zajec was my band director at Philadelphia High School in Philadelphia, Mississippi. He was devoted to teaching us the value of music. In my opinion he was one of the greatest musicians and teachers that this country has ever had. He has left a lasting impact on my life. I would like to express my deepest sympathy to his family at this time.

Krystal Funk

February 1, 2005

I had an awesome time last semester in instrument repair. I learned so much from you thank you for everything

Guy McKinney

February 1, 2005

My condolences to the family of Victor Zajec. Although I only had Mr. Zajec in a couple of classes, what I learned was immeasurable.

Willie Owens

January 31, 2005

Mr. Zajec will surely be missed by us all. Footsteps of a giant....

Thanks for everything, Mr. Z.!

Pat Gore

January 30, 2005

Mr. Zajec was my band director at Philadelphia High School in Philadelphia, MS. in the 1950's. He was such a special man of music and to this day I love music mostly from his influence. We were so fortunate to have a director of his talent and calibre in our small town. I will always remember him with great fondness.I send to all of his family my deepest sympathy.

Pat Warren Gore

Neosho, MO 64850

John Armstrong

January 30, 2005

My sincerest sympathies to the family of Victor Zajec. I knew him as a teacher and private instructor, but foremost as a band director. I would never have succeeded in the field of music education were it not for Vic. I will always treasure his teachings and my memories of him. During this difficult time I hope that his family finds some comfort in the knowledge that his life and dedication to the field have impressed countless students along the way. My prayers are with you.

Roger & Karen Rocco

January 30, 2005

We were so sorry to hear of Vic's passing. He was such a wonderful colleague, teacher and person. He epitomized what Vandercook was all about.

Our prayers are with Marilea, Ann and Catherine. He will be missed.

Hugh Latimer

January 30, 2005

Victor was my highschool band director from 1954-58 and his positive influense on my life continues to this day, I am so glad I visited with him this summer, he was a wonderful man and an inspiration to a community often void of the talent he brought to so many. I will always miss him and because of his influence I still play in a concert band and think of him every time I put my saxophone together, my thoughts and prayers are with you Marilea, Hugh"Butch" Latimer

Carmen & Joseph Kurban

January 29, 2005

May the Lord comfort you during this difficult time. May he bring you inner peace and strenghth. We will continue his symphony through the gift of music.

God Bless you Mrs. Zajec, Ann and Family.

Peace,

Carmen & Joseph Kurban

Dennis Eveland

January 27, 2005

My sincere condolenses go to Marilea and Ann on the loss of such a great person. Vic will be deeply missed. It has been an honor to know this wonderful human being , great teacher, and friend.

James Alan Ciammetti

January 27, 2005

Vic Zajec will forever be the epitome of professionalism in the classroom, the rehearsal hall, and the concert hall. His influence in and contributions to the world of music education are immeasurable. Tens of thousands of students, both past and present, throughout the United States carry with them his ideals, his ethics, his values, either from Mr. Zajec directly or from their teachers who were once fortunate enough to be pupils of Mr. Zajec. He was a man who taught us through word and deed the concepts of academic and artistic discipline, the value of empirical knowledge, and his unswerving dedication to the art and science of music.

Bill and Marcia Maurer

January 27, 2005

What a wonderful person. Such a loss! Our hearts are full of sorrow for you, Marilea and Ann and her family.

Bill and Marcia

Angie Joiner

January 27, 2005

Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Love, Angie and Alvin Joiner

From the Staff of Tews Funeral Home

January 27, 2005

Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.

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