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Capital University Ohio State University

FUNERAL HOME

Evans Funeral Home - Columbus

4171 E. Livingston Avenue

Columbus, Ohio

Mark Flugge Obituary

Flugge Mark Flugge. Renowned jazz piano virtuoso, teacher, and composer Mark Flugge, died unexpectedly on Sunday the 11th of May 2014 in Columbus, after battling a debilitating hearing affliction for two years. A beloved husband, father, son, brother, and uncle, he was also a cherished friend and mentor to countless musicians in central Ohio and around the world. A private memorial service will be held Friday, May 16 at EVANS FUNERAL HOME; a public memorial concert in celebration of his life and music will be held at Capital University at a later date. Born January 27, 1962 in Columbus to Tadd Flugge and Nadine (Eley) Flugge, Mark graduated from Walnut Ridge High School, Ohio State University (Bachelor's in Jazz Composition), and the Eastman School of Music (Masters in Jazz Performance). He currently taught at Capital University and OSU, and formerly served on the faculty at Eastman. Mark was devoted to his students, and inspired them to be the very best that they could be, both as musicians and as good citizens. He specialized in the music of Ellington, Bill Evans, and Dave Frischberg, among many others. As a soloist, Mark performed Rhapsody in Blue with the Columbus, Westerville, Newark/Granville, and Capital/Bexley Orchestras; he also appeared with Vaughn Wiester's Famous Jazz Orchestra, Columbus Jazz Orchestra, and Breckenridge Music Festival Chamber Orchestra in Colorado. He produced and directed the Chamber Jazz at the Art Museum series (formerly Firehouse Jazz). For over a decade, the Mark Flugge Trio has been a fixture at Hyde Park Restaurant in Upper Arlington, as well as multiple venues around town. Mark was admired and beloved by his many devoted fans, many of whom became like family to him. Mark's CDs are "In Love, In Blue", "February's Promise", and "Familiarity"; his compositions and performance are also featured prominently on "Waltz Into Madness", with wife and flutist Lisa Jelle. In addition to his all-consuming love for music, Mark was a master Scrabble player, avid Reds fan, and baseball card collector; sharing these hobbies with many dear friends was a true solace to him recently. He is survived by his beloved wife, Lisa; adored daughter, Erika; beloved parents, Nadine and Tadd; brother, Michael (Beverly); niece, Erin Barker (Dustin, Kayla, Jacob); nephew, Adam; and brother-in-law, Eric (Lori). In addition, many special aunts and uncles survive, and countless friends and colleagues in the music profession are left to cherish his memory. Mark will be deeply missed by all who knew him; his fondest wish was that his music would live on. Contributions to the Mark Flugge Memorial Fund can be sent to the Evans Funeral Home, 4171 E. Livingston Avenue. www.evansfuneralhome.net

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Published by The Columbus Dispatch from May 13 to May 14, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Mark Flugge

Sponsored by Remembering your genius and how sweetly you expressed your love for us all..

25 Entries

Pat Jackson-Vian

May 7, 2022

Remembering Mark - and Mike, Tadd, and Nadine - today with love and sadness. Please know Mark's joy and compassion will never be forgotten, and his music will continue to inspire and astonish others. He truly left this world a better place. Love to all of Mark's family and friends.

Pat

Pat Jackson-Vian

May 7, 2021

Dear Tadd and Nadine and All who Love and Miss Mark, I used to listen to Mark at Hyde Park and was privileged to be his neighbor for many years; this year, I'm listening to his beautiful CDs, and remembering happier days. The sensitivity with which Mark played the piano mirrors the sensitivity and compassion Mark showed to others during his life here on earth. Although he was years older, he was so patient when my little son wanted to join in a game of baseball, and Mark treated him with all the patience of a protective older brother. He was so sweet. Mark was the most loving, gentle soul, and the world is greatly diminished because of his passing. Heaven, however, gained an angel, and we will all meet again some day to celebrate our reunion and remember the good times. Until that day comes, please know Mark is remembered with sadness and love so very often, as are Michael, Tadd, and Nadine, the best neighbors anyone could ever have. Miss you and love you all. Pat Jackson-Vian

Pat Jackson-Vian

May 7, 2020

Dear Tad and Nadine, Listening to Mark's beautiful music today and remembering both him and you with heartbreak and love. Mark was just too good for this world. Much love always, Pat Jackson Vian

Pat Vian

July 6, 2019

I lived next door to Tadd, Nadine and their boys for about nineteen years. One of my fondest memories, besides Nadine's beautiful magnolia tree, was hearing Mark playing as he practiced. His music soothed my soul. It was obvious he had "something special." He was also "something special." Mark was a sensitive and caring person. I never saw him be anything but gentle and kind. He was one of the sweetest people I've ever known. And his recordings! They are lush and gorgeous! Mark was definitely destined for greatness. He was great, and he touched so many lives, not only with his music, but also with his sweet spirit. That sweet spirit lives on, and all who loved Mark will be reunited with him some day. My deepest condolences to Tadd, Nadine, Michael, Lisa, and all who were closest to Mark and loved him overwhelmingly. He was a treasure, and his memory will be cherished.

Love,

P. Vian (nee Jackson)

Sari Kelley

May 7, 2019

He was a gifted jazz pianist. I went to every Art Museum concert that I could of his.

Sari Kelley

July 21, 2014

I loved his jazz, his humor and programs at the Art Museum. A wonderful musician who is irreplacable.

May 26, 2014

To: Lisa, Mark's family, his students and his fans. I had the pleasure to be bartender on Friday nights at Hyde Park for many years. I got a front row seat to see Mark and his bands through the years. There were many fantastic nights of music. He always played a little run of "Take Five" by Brubeck right when they were about to take a set break. I'll always think of that every time I hear it. I cherish all of those times and feel honored to have known Mark. We all know Heaven's now a little bit "jazzier". RIP Mark. The world is a better place because you were in it.
Matt Rowe

Valerie Armor

May 23, 2014

Mark, you will be greatly missed by many.

Paula Sue Bryan (Eley)

May 22, 2014

To my dear Aunt and Uncle
I cannot put into words how sad I am for you and all that loved Mark He was given a great gift from God and for reasons we will never know it was taken away. I hope the reason is that God needed him more than his friends and family did. Surely my parents are hearing his music now and have him in their loving arms. God bless you and give you peace and always remember Mark is only one heartbeat away from you

May 22, 2014

We will miss Mark playing at Hyde Park.
He was so gifted and always a delight to
talk with between sets. Our sympathy to his family. He will be missed by many.
Mike and Melinda Miller

Don and Carole Francis

May 20, 2014

We have lost a kind and sweet man who with all his troubles never failed to think of others. All who knew him are richer for that and we have the memories of his music to soothe us.

Janet Moffat

May 20, 2014

May Mark's candle glow forever in all of us whose lives he touched and that we will pass it on to others.

Amy Looney Munz

May 19, 2014

Tadd, Nadine and Family,

Although I did not know Mark well personally, I have always appreciated that he shared you with me and all of the other members of your choir family. As he grew up, I enjoyed his music and marvelled at his talent. I always made sure to see him at Creekside, and have fond memories of going with you, Debi, Marie and others to hear him play too. May you all feel the Holy Spirit close by during this very difficult time of grieving, and know that many people are praying for you.

Shaun Burley

May 17, 2014

I didn't know Mark personally, he would sometimes patronize The UPS Store that I worked at about a decade ago. I can't remember how the discussion started, I believe he may have been copying sheet music, in any event, I found out that he was a Jazz musician, teacher and fellow "Bill Evans aficionado." I put together a CD with a few of my favorite Bill Evans performances to share with him. I wasn't expecting to get much of a reaction from him after he listened to the recordings because I figured he'd heard them all. To my delight there was one performance on the CD he hadn't heard, an Evans original composition entitled "Letter To Evan" recorded live at Ronnie Scott's in London, England 1980. Mark stated that he had heard other performances of the tune, but not the one that I shared with him. He expressed his delight and gratitude for me sharing it because he said it was the most emotional and spirited performance that he had heard by Evans on the tune. Shortly after Mark extended an invitation to his trios set at the Bexley Monk and offered to play whatever Bill Evans tune was my favorite. I'll always remember Mark speaking into the mic and stating "This next song is for Shaun. It's a Bill Evans original entitled Time Remembered." It was the first and only time someone played a song just for me. Mark expressed a great deal of humility after the first set, he stated that he hoped I enjoyed the performance of the Evans tune but felt it could have been a little better. I will always cherish that little moment and the spirited performance by his trio. I'm sure those who knew him well will always cherish and remember the times he shared with them and his musical gifts.

May 15, 2014

Bob Lackey, who preceded Mark in death by a few months, had endless praises and love for Mark. Bob, a musician for over 70 years was so happy for Mark to be in his life. We grieve for Bob and ourselves. Friends of Bob Lackey

Nada Caldwell

May 15, 2014

We are very sorry about Marks passing . Nadine you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.

MaryKathryn Zuza

May 15, 2014

Our hearts break over this news. Mark was the nicest guy, a wonderful caring person who was more than an incredible talent - he was brilliant. Kevin had the privilege of knowing Mark through Hyde Park and that is also how I met Mark. We always enjoyed taking family and friends to HP - if Mark was playing going to Upper Arlington was a done deal for a night out.
We are blessed to have Mark's music to reminisce the memories of hearing him in person. To Mark's family and friends we offer you our sympathy and peace.
Take care, MaryKathryn & Kevin Zuza

May 15, 2014

I adored his playing and gentleness. A true extraordinary talent. I am sad for the loss to all.

TADD FLUGGE

May 15, 2014

MY MARK. YOU GAVE IT YOUR ALL. I KNOW YOU COULDN'T TAKE THE POUNDING ANY LONGER. LONGER THAN I COULD HAVE I'M SURE. GO WITH GOD AND BE WITH THE AGE'S AND "i'll Be Seeing You" Dad--Mom

Dan Higgins

May 14, 2014

Mark was a great friend growing up with in Columbus. We used to play sports together, he would come to my house I would go to his, we were always doing fun things. I could not have asked for a better friend to grow-up with. I am still honored that Mark's band played at my wedding. My thoughts and prayers are with Mark's family and friends.

Iris Higgins

May 14, 2014

I am so sorry to hear this. You have my deepest sympathy. Mark came to my house as a little boy and played with my son. They were best friends and he played at my son's wedding. I am so saddened to hear this. Prayers for the family.

Pam Edwards

May 14, 2014

I am so sad and shocked. Rhapsody in Blue has a whole new meaning for me.

May 14, 2014

MADE COLUMBUS OHIO SOUND HIP...
WE ARE SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS
RANDY AND BRITT ROBINSON

BEV TRUAX

May 14, 2014

So sad. You will be missed and fondly remembered.

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