Chase, Robert G. Passed away on April 6, 2017 at the age of 76. Resident of Fox Point.Â Beloved son of the late J. Eben and Ruth E. Chase. Loving father of Michelle (Thomas) Foti and Brian (Jessica Heyman) Chase. Proud grandfather of Sean, Jacob, Joseph, Lauren, Nathan, and Sophie. Dear brother of Carolyn (J.R.) Barttelt and Cheryl (Walter) Friedland. Special friend of Janice Dunn. Further survived by other relatives and friends. Robert graduated from Northland College in 1962. He had a passion and love for music and enjoyed sharing that passion with his students at Whitefish Bay High School and in the Whitefish Bay school district, where he was a longtime teacher. Private family services will be held.

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Published by Milwaukee Journal Sentinel from Apr. 9 to Apr. 12, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert Chase

Sponsored by Feerick Funeral Home - Shorewood.

31 Entries

Salman Moghaddamjoo

April 10, 2021

First of all, I'd like to apologize for writing on here so late. I realize that my post on here may go unread because of the amount of time that has passed, but in a way I wanted to write this to Mr. Chase himself as well.

Yesterday after I finished work, the picture of Mr. Chase popped into my mind and I honestly had no idea why. It's been 27 years since I've been his student at Whitefish Bay Middle School, I didn't continue to go to school in Whitefish Bay for my high school, and I've moved out of Wisconsin in 2006 and haven't kept in touch since then.

I decided in this day and age to search on the internet and see if he's still a teacher, or perhaps retired. I was perhaps hoping I could reach out and thank him. I was extremely saddened to find out that he passed away four years ago.

Mr. Chase was beyond a doubt my favorite teacher at WFBMS. He was extremely patient with me, had a calm demeanor, and encouraged me to do my best even when I wanted to give up.

But even more so, Mr. Chase is also one of my favorite human beings who I've had the good fortune to meet in my life. There was one particular incident when I was really being bullied badly, and even though in most if not all other classes my teachers chose to look the other way, Mr. Chase took the problem seriously and decided to do his best to help me. I remember at the time I was 13 years old, and I broke down after orchestra class and told him the problems I was having at school and how I didn't know how to deal with any of them. I felt his compassion and concern for me in a way that was genuine with warm emotion and true sympathy. He helped give me hope.

As a child, I had difficulties at school and even more so at home. But I can honestly say that Mr. Chase is one of the few people who had the courage to stand up for me when nobody else did. I only regret not being able to tell him this in person.

I feel lucky to have been his student. Yes, he definitely did improve my violin playing. But even more so, he taught me how to be a good human being, somebody with a true heart of love and courageous enough to be concerned for others.

I thank you Mr. Chase, for holding a candle of hope in the midst of a time of turmoil and despair for me in my past. I thank you for caring when honestly nobody else did at the time, and ultimately, for teaching me about kindheartedness.

I pray for God to give him a hug from me and let him know how much he's missed.

Christine Liu

August 28, 2017

I'm listening to a broadcast of Rimsky-Korsakov's Russian Easter Festival Overture and the first thing that popped into my head was Mr. Chase. It's clear he inspired so many as a teacher, colleague, and friend. "The Silver Fox" was the coolest mentor I've ever had, always challenging us to be the best we could be while teaching us to work together to become a part of something great.

I will miss him dearly, especially his winks, but I take comfort in knowing that his legacy continues through all of us that knew him.

Ruthe Potami

May 19, 2017

Janice, Michelle, Brian and families:

I am so sorry for your loss. It is mine too in another way. I met Bob in 1960 and haven't stopped bragging about him since then. No need to tell you. He loved you all.

There is a hole in my life, but we all meet again some day.

My thoughts are with you.

Ruthe Potami

William Kountz

April 14, 2017

With my deepest sympathies.remembering bob at college as a great guy. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Bob, Con and Jack

Amy Chown

April 13, 2017

I remember Mr. Chase as a fun loving friend of my Dad's (John Chown) and was part of the music dynasty of the 1960s in the Escanaba schools along with Con Beck. I found this photo in archive that shows that friendship that I thought the family might like to see. My deepest sympathy to his family and friends.

Randal Swiggum

April 13, 2017

Dear Michelle and Brian,
I'm so sorry to hear of the passing of your father. He was my first music colleague and an experienced mentor when I started teaching at Whitefish Bay HS. We shared a classroom all those years, and I came to appreciate his wisdom and patience. He was a class act, and a great man, who left a genuine legacy.

My condolences to you.

Lois Nyberg Dragon

April 13, 2017

I'm so sorry to hear that Bob passed away. He was our neighbor just a few doors away and a year ahead of me in school. My brother and I both played the trumpet and I can still hear Bob practicing his trumpet all summer long....all the way up at our house. I'm sure he was a great teacher.

Bob Goetz

April 12, 2017

So sorry to hear of this ... I have nothing but fond memories of playing in the Whitefish Bay High School orchestra with Bob Chase. His gentle manner, endless patience and commitment to teaching made a lasting impression on me. My condolences to his family.

Katie Neubauer

April 12, 2017

Mr. Chase was a kind and patient teacher, and a generous, wise, and genuinely empathetic person. I admired him greatly. From sixth grade and through high school graduation and beyond, he instilled in me a love and deep respect for music, an appreciation for travel and new experiences, and a mindset for lifelong learning. I'm so honored to have shared in the joy of making music with him and so many other talented musicians at WFBHS, and I'll never forget that twinkle in his eye at the beginning of each and every orchestra performance. I am proud to have called him a mentor and a friend. Viola power!

April 12, 2017

Offering deepest heartfelt sympathy for the loss of your loved one. May your cherished memories shine through your sorrow. John 11: 33-44

At Mr. Chase's Retirement Party from WFBHS

Julie Bamberger Roubik

April 11, 2017

Dear Michelle, Brian and family,

You know how you look back on that one teacher that changed your life, and made you who you are ... for me, that was your dad. I remember myself, and another student were already taking lessons and playing in MYSO (MFY at the time) so instead of giving us violin lessons, as he did the rest of the students, he taught us the viola. I honestly believe that if I had not discovered the viola, I would not have stayed in music. That experience opened doors for me I never thought possible. Now I am a Suzuki viola (and violin) teacher and have been for the past 15 years, as well as a performing violist. I give Mr. Chase 100% credit for putting me on the path of my future passion. His love and concern for his students inspired me to be the kind of mentor he was to me. Words can not express my sorrow at his passing, but I will be forever grateful to him for all that he did for me and my classmates. The trips to Russia and Washington DC were experiences I will never forget and help foster in me a love of travel and learning about different cultures.

The attached picture is from his retirement party - my sister (left) was one of his first students (harp - class of 1972). I am on the right. It was an honor and a privilege to perform in that concert.

I am sending a donation to his fund at WFB-HS in memory and appreciation for his lasting impact on my life and the lives of many other students.

Baruch Dayan Emet - his memory will be for a blessing.

Joan Williamson

April 11, 2017

Bob Chase was one of those once in a lifetime teachers who instilled a love of music and raised the bar academically and technically in the high school orchestra. He also made his students better people. What a wonderful man! what a wonderful teacher! He will be missed.

Christine Lucas

April 10, 2017

Rest In Peace dear Bob. You were a gentle and wise soul who never missed a beat in this life. Thank you for your words of wisdom through the days and many years of teaching together. I will never forget your sincere smile and quiet chuckle. Now go make more music.

Julia Bresnahan

April 10, 2017

Bob was a colleague that I admired and respected. He left a lasting legacy.

Megan Mayer

April 10, 2017

Mr. Chase taught and led my highschool Orchestra in the '80s with sensitivity and grace. He was always a class-act and took the high road even in difficult situations. I learned a lot about carrying oneself with dignity as an artist and sticking to one's craft and practice, lessons that still serve me some thirty years later. Mr. Chase always acted with kindness and generosity. I am sorry to hear of his passing.

Melissa (Poll) Honigman

April 10, 2017

I have so many fond memories of Mr. Chase and WFBHS Orchestra! I think of them often, as I now teach orchestra with another wfb alum- clearly, he was the most influential teacher I've ever had, and his legacy will continue far into the future. He was very genuine and sincere, and taught all of his students great music. I am incredibly sad to hear of his passing, and my thoughts are with his family and friends.

John Coleman

April 10, 2017

I was the auditorium manager at WFB the last few years of Bob's tenure there. I worked closely with him for all of his concerts and found him to be a warm, gentle, and compassionate teacher and colleague. My thoughts are with you, his family, at this difficult time.

Kay Babcock

April 10, 2017

Michelle, Brian and family -
It was my pleasure and honor to serve as Orchestra Booster President during your Dad's tenure as conductor at WFBHS. I traveled twice with the orchestra - to Puerto Rico and Belgium/France - and spent many, many hours with Bob. He was a true Master Teacher and instilled a love of music and a love for playing music to his students. I am thankful that Yael and Jacob spent 4 years each in his class, and I am very sorry to hear of his passing.

Liz (Swick) Galpin

April 10, 2017

Papa Chase was truly a father figure to so many students who passed through his orchestras over the years. I feel very fortunate to have been in his program through Junior High and High School in WFB. The number of students that continued their love for music, either casually or professionally, after leaving school is a testament to the impact that he had on the lives of these young people. The lessons learned in his classes go beyond music and include leadership, discipline, history and so much more. The trip to the Soviet Union when they were just starting to open up to cultural exchanges was truly a once in a lifetime opportunity. 29 years later, I am still playing cello regularly and will be sponsoring repertoire on a future concert with my current orchestra in memory of the man who led me down this musical journey.

Robin Cacopardo

April 10, 2017

When I first started teaching, I subbed for Bob several times. I was always so impressed with his orchestra students. Later I joined the WFBHS staff and had the pleasure of having Bob as a colleague. He was an oustanding teacher. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.

Chris Dietz

April 9, 2017

Mr. Chase was the first orchestra conductor I ever knew. Very sad to hear of his passing. I was fortunate enough to have had the opportunity to make music with him 20+ years ago as a student at Whitefish Bay High School. I have great respect for people like Bob who were there, day after day, taking students of varying abilities and backgrounds and teaching them to come together to put on concert, learning and feeling part of a community the whole way. Is there a more noble endeavor than to teach kids about individual responsibility and teamwork in the pursuit of beauty?

Jamie Fiste

April 9, 2017

I have such fond memories of Whitefish Bay High School Orchestra with Mr. Chase as our director (1980-84). I think of my experiences there often. He took us to England and gave us many wonderful memories. He surely made a huge difference in the lives of his students. I am sad to hear of his passing. My condolences and prayers to his family and friends.

John Chown

April 9, 2017

The Whitefish Bay area lost a very special personinRobert Chase. He was a fantastic music teacher in your district for many years, taking the high school orchestra to Europe and SoAmerica. He was a very special friend of mine since 1965. He had a wry sense of humor that and many people will miss. He also taught Orchestra in the Escanaba michigan school system for 5 years and built the orchestra program that is still going strong. A fine trumpet player we had many good times playing in the pit orchestras in Escanaba. RIP Bob, you earned your rest. John Chown, Music dept, Chair and Band director.

Elizabeth (Knight) Erickson

April 9, 2017

Mr. Chase's orchestra room was a haven for middle and high schoolers. No matter how challenging the rest of life was, his room was always full of fun, kindness, and above all music. He was inclusive of all levels and managed somehow to inspire great progress without pressure. I would not be the musician, teacher, or human I am today without his influence. His gentle patient way of keeping a classroom's attention and his understated wit and twinkly smile were a true treasure. I am so sorry to hear he is gone. My condolences to the family and friends he leaves behind.

Carey C.

April 9, 2017

My heart and thoughts go out to the family and grandkids. Mr Chase taught me and my family for a total of 21 years, two violinists and a cello player. Many great memories from all the trips, and so many wonderful pieces played. Music is still a great part of all three of our lives. We're honored to have had him on our musical journeys. All the Best Silver Fox!!

Lachlan Ivy

April 9, 2017

Thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends...so sorry to hear of Mr. Chases' passing!
He was such a great teacher and kind mentor to his many students over the years. We were fortunate kids to have been a part of his orchestras within the WFB schools.

Joshua Richman

April 9, 2017

I am so sorry to hear this news. I have very fond memories of Mr. Chase leading the orchestra at Whitefish Bay High School. He was a very gentle, sensitive man. May his family know no further sorrows, and may his soul bask in the light of the One Above.

Karin Loberg Code

April 9, 2017

Bob inspired us so much in orchestra class. We all knew he was first a trumpet player, but appreciated his determination to learn all the string instruments as an adult. He found challenging music for us which infused his students with a love of classical great works for a lifetime. I remember gatherings at his home and fun concerts at the high school, workshops with area artists like Gerald Fishbach, the trip to Germany and Austria in 1980 and the alumni concert for his retirement. I will always be indebted to Bob for my love of strings and passion for teaching. My condolences to the family.

Christi Clancy (Geiger)

April 9, 2017

Mr. Chase made a big difference in the lives of so many kids at Whitefish Bay High School. He was always patient, kind and committed to his work and the orchestra. I'm sorry to hear of his passing.

April 9, 2017

Michelle, Brian and family,

I am so very sorry for your loss.

Bob/Dad/Grampy was an amazing man. He was a master gardener who planted seeds in the lives of so many people, including me. Bob watered his garden with love and music. The seeds grew, and resulted in new gardens for each of those whose lives he touched.

Even though we can't be with him for now, we can see and feel him every time we see a beautiful garden, and we can hear about the beauty of Bob's garden whenever we listen to a magnificent piece of music or speak to anyone who knew and loved him. We have all been truly blessed to have Bob Chase in our lives.

I love each of you very much. I loved Bob, and will miss him so much, but am looking forward to the time when we will meet again.

Janice

Avis and Larry Kalafut

April 8, 2017

Michelle and Brian,
We were so sorry to hear about Bob. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

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