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Richard T. Holmberg
Richard T. Holmberg
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Richard Holmberg Obituary
Estero, FL
Richard T. Holmberg 77, of Estero, FL died Tuesday, November 24, 2015 at Joanne's House at Hope Hospice. Richard had been a resident of Southwest Florida since 1997 coming from Munster, IN. He was born May 21, 1938 in Faulkton, SD a son of the late Elmer T. and Maxine M. (neé Ruhaak) Holmberg.
In 1956, he graduated Valedictorian from Faulkton High School. He attended Northern State University in Aberdeen, SD on a scholarship and graduated Cum Laude in 1960. He went on to Northwestern University in Evanston, IL where he received his Master's in Music degree in piano performance. Richard then attended the University of Michigan pursuing his Phd. in performance and he finished his education at Ball State University in Muncie, IN.
After college he accepted a position at Munster High School in Munster, IN where he taught Choral Music until his retirement in 1995. Upon his retirement to Southwest Florida he became active in the Naples Orchestra and Chorus where he served as the director for 4 years. He also served on the Board of Directors and eventually as President of the Naples Music Club. He was also involved with the Classic Chamber Concerts serving as secretary to the board for 10 years. In 2000, he was offered a position and taught music at The Community School of Naples. Richard was the founder of the New Chorale of Southwest Florida. He was a member of the Greater Naples Northwestern University Alumni Association also serving on their board of directors.
He is survived by his companion of over 50 years, Gene A. Fort of Estero, FL; his two sisters, Lynn K. Dahl of Presho, SD and Kay J. Lutz of Carrington, ND; his nieces and nephews, Wendy M. (Steve) Keszler of Geneva, MN, Dawn M. Lintvedt of Presho, SD, Teddi L. (Jonathan) Dalton of Aberdeen, SD, Richard B. (Kaci) Dahl of Sioux Falls, SD, David G. Lutz of Northern, MN, Terry L. (Ruth) Lutz of Cando, ND and Kimberly K. (Michael) Nelson of Cando, ND. He is also survived by his special friends, Mary E. Auburn of Naples, FL, Nancy and James Smallman of Munster, IN, Linda and Ronald Eisenhauer of Crown Point, IN, Sandra A. Karottki of Dyer, IN, Paul and Anne Brown of Crown Point, IN and Tom & Carol Fraser of Dyer, IN.
A memorial service to celebrate his wonderful life will be held Tuesday, December 15, 2015 at 6:00 PM at the Unitarian Church of Naples 6340 Napa Woods Way Naples, FL. Additional services will be held at a later date in Munster, IN with a graveside service at Chapel Lawn Cemetery, Schererville, IN.
The family suggests that memorial contributions in his name be made to the Berggren Music Education Foundation at Northern State University, Aberdeen, SD or to the Northwestern University Bienen School of Music, Evanston, IL or to the New Chorale of Southwest Florida c/o Mr. Wiley Williams 10331 Yorkstone Dr. Bonita Springs, FL 34135.
Online condolences may be offered by visiting www.ShikanyFuneralHome.com.
Arrangements are being handled by Shikany's Bonita Funeral Home
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Karen Coltun
November 21, 2021
Im sorry weost such a passionate man. I took choir class senior year. I was a theater person and needed to learn to sing. I remember his dedicated amd focused direction for our songs and when to bit strong notes. I wanted to be in the musical Pirates of Penzance. But I got a better offer to make the program. To date I am a.media publisher and have had a career in publishing. He saw me.
I wish I could have seen him in Fl since I ve been near there.
Condolences.
Tim Beno
November 20, 2021
He let a few of us shorter guys in the band to have a bit part in the Music Man, which was really exciting for a 13 year old boy. He and Mr. Fort´s musical productions were first rate. He found and nurtured talent . He was truly Munster´s Mr. Holland. Condolences to Mr Fort.
Scott Kambiss
July 20, 2016
Mr. Holmberg was a very patient man and a wonderful teacher. He and Mr. Fort will forever be etched in my memory. He gave me a chance and for that I am grateful. My sincere condolences to Mr. Fort.
We were very lucky to have had such a tale
JUDY STRACHAN
January 20, 2016
JUDY AND HEATH STRACHAN AND FAMILY, formerly of Munster, Indiana
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December 15, 2015
Richard was a wonderful man and he helped the Naples Orchestra and Chorus get through a rough period.....we will never forget him !! I respect him so much..... Trisha French
December 8, 2015
A wonderful musician and beautiful human being, Always "Mr. Holmberg" to me, he was a kind man and an unforgettable teacher, with an amazing ability to transmit the essence of music to all of us (a somewhat oblivious and self-absorbed bunch, not to mention ungrateful). I still remember his LOOKS and his funny sense of humor...His memory lives on in so many of us!! RIP and THANKS. With sincere condolences to "Mr.Fort"
John Owen
December 5, 2015
Mr. Holmberg was by far my most memorable teacher. How he managed to put together amazing productions on a year to year basis is a testament to his dedication. So many of my memories from high school come from my experiences in chorus, the fied trips he took us on, and the productions. Mr. H always had that irritated and frustrated facade during class, but we often caught him smiling and laughing when he thought we weren't looking. A truly unique and remarkable man. Thank you for all you did for me Mr. H.
Jill Rittman Richardson
December 4, 2015
You could have taught at College level, but you chose to teach at Munster! You taught us to love music... You played the piano beautifully... Our voices blended beautifully because of you! You taught us about musical theater... You were a blessing and all of our lives were enhanced because of your talent and teaching ability! RIP Mr. Holmberg
Robert Butkus
December 4, 2015
Mr. Holmberg was a genuine treasure to MHS students and community. He influenced the lives of many with his ease of style and passion for his work. I can truly say that I never heard an ill word spoken about this gentleman. Rest in peace Mr. H and sincere condolences to Gene.
Sara & Timothy Sweeney
December 3, 2015
Mr. Holmberg created a wonderful world of H S musical theatre for my son when he was only in junior high and MHS needed a boy to play Winthrop in Music Man. My son was so impressed with Holmberg's energy and drive for excellence.
We could tell my son cherished the man who made his young life exciting and valued. Just as you welcomed our son into your musical kingdom, may the angels of God sing your praises as you enter your mansion in heaven.
Scott Sublett
December 3, 2015
Mr. Holmberg was a great educator who played a huge part in the excellence of Munster High School, a witty delightfully man, and an unforgettable human being.
December 3, 2015
Wonderful, compassionate teacher at a great high school. Lucky to have been there with him~
Karen Coltun
December 2, 2015
I was not the best singer, but Mr. Holmberg was happy to use my services as the program designer for Pirates of Penzance. He was a great teacher and I enjoyed his class. RIP
Dan Stevenson
December 2, 2015
A particularity ironic sense of humor is how I remember Mr. Holmberg. I always had a sense that was there was this very kind and loving man who was desperately trying to portray a façade of sternness in an attempt keep his class from devolving into coas. In that way I was part of a magical inside joke that I didn't fully understand until I was an adult.
There are too many memories to write about so I will say this: He opened my heart to The Musical Theater and everything it stands for. I have an appreciation and understanding for the people involved in it as well; a radical departure for an Indiana boy who had football and girls on his mind. This love is being shared with my daughter who knows the words of West Side Story's America by heart. We sing it together.
This is the time of year in which memories of Mr. Holmberg and the Ensemble bubble up in my mind. The recursive goodwill shared to the community at Christmas time is huge but only a small part of his legacy.
There is one particular memory that is lasting for me when we brought a raucous group of older VFW men, meeting at the Lansing Country Club, to tears. The song was Oh, Holy Night. I can remember that man, in his army dress, in the front row with his face wet with tears. That memory, like the memory of Mr. Holmberg, will live in my heart forever.
Dan Mayer
December 1, 2015
RIP Mr H.
Lisa Godlewski
December 1, 2015
Mr. Holmberg was an amazing teacher who changed my life. If it weren't for him, I would have never had the courage to sing professionally. His passion for music was incredible and he shared that love with us in his very unique way! Sincere condolences to his family and dear Mr. Fort.
timothy carroll
December 1, 2015
He taught me to not only enjoy, but to also appreciate Mozart
David Min
December 1, 2015
When people ask me who your favorite teacher was in high school, Mr. Holmberg instantly pops to the top of my list. He took tough football players and taught them to love music. To act. To perform. And to dance even ballet! in front of hundreds of people (West Side Story). He made loving music and performing aspirational for all of us growing up at MHS. Back then we even showed up for rehearsals and performances after school was OUT for summer! Only a gifted and unique individual can do that year after year after year. RIP Mr. Holmberg you will surely be missed but not forgotten. My many condolences to Gene.
Gina King Blanchard
December 1, 2015
So sorry to hear of his passing. He was bigger than life as a teacher and so memorable. You will be missed.
Sharmili Majmudar
December 1, 2015
I was never a particularly talented singer, but I always felt welcomed in choir and appreciated Mr. Holmberg's enthusiasm. I wish his family and friends, and especially Mr. Fort, comfort during this difficult time.
December 1, 2015
I am so deeply sad to hear of Mr.Holmbergs passing..I remember all the fun times in the music department and all the musicals...it was a big part of my life..RIP Mr. Holmberg
Jill Ogren Crane
Joe Hamacher
December 1, 2015
Mr Holmberg made listening to "Peter, Paul,& Mary for an hour in music class almost enjoyable! Never thought I'd look forward to "Music Class"!Mr Holmberg & Mr Fort made going to school actually fun! RIP Mr Holmberg & my thoughts and prayers go out to his family and Mr Fort! You both made the school experience enjoyable and your truly Charter members of the MHS family!
Jerry Livingston
December 1, 2015
Mr. Holmberg made high school very interesting and enjoyable. His music classes were great! He and Mr. Fort were not just good teachers, but good friends.
Maureen Cheever
November 30, 2015
Mr Holmberg had a profound impact on the Pfister family. We all loved our singing experiences at MHS. The passion & humor he brought to his work was undeniable. The world is a less colorful place without him.
So sorry for your loss, Mr. Fort, and thank you, too, for the great place of music in our lives.
Barb Connor-Corcoran
November 30, 2015
Mr. Holmberg touched everyone's life that he came into contact with his love of music and dedication to the students of Munster. He will always be remembered by the Connor family. My prayers for your loss Gene.
Jim Patterson
November 30, 2015
The fact that he was able to get athletes eagerly to participate in choir and musicals took a very special talent and personality. He was always the gentleman and always far more talented than his surroundings. He could have done much more than taught at the high school level, yet he chose to serve the students at MHS and the Munster community. His commitment to excellence is his legacy. My most sincere condolences to Gene Fort and to all of the Holmberg family. Jim Patterson '69
John Gott
November 30, 2015
Mr. Holmberg was a good man and super emphatic about his life's work. I enjoyed his classes and the musicals.
Carol Moore Cambre
November 30, 2015
He was loved by many.....will be missed by all. My sympathies to his family and friends, especially Mr. Gene Fort.
November 30, 2015
Through his teaching, guidance and tireless work on the Munster High School musicals, Mr. Holmberg touched so many lives.
My condolences to Mr. Fort.
Jane Woodward Miller
Carol Smulevitz Friedman
November 30, 2015
Dick was a GREAT teacher, who had the perfect balance of knowledge and humor in his classroom. I remember he taught us to write our first extensive term papers in 8th grade, a skill that became easy after his guided teaching. He was a great personal influence on my brother, Ed, may Ed rest in peace, and I was honored to be on staff with him in the Munster schools, and share stories from the late 60s at MHS. I was so glad my own sons knew him from their days at MHS as well. May his memory be for a blessing, and best to you, Gene. Carol Smulevitz Friedman
Don Kirschner
November 30, 2015
I was so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
Karl Linden
November 30, 2015
Richard was a great teacher who made a great positive difference in the lives of his pupils. He will be remembered by all with kind memories.
Raymond Barton
November 30, 2015
An inspirational person of great talent that inspired so many of his students that became life long friends...he will me missed
Diana Brill
November 30, 2015
Such a full and amazing life! The impact Richard has had on so many lives is remarkable! His presence will be lasting. Heaven has a glorious new angel.
Don & Don Kernaghan
November 30, 2015
We will remember the good old days in our long friendship You will always be in our hearts and memories.
Don & Dot Kernaghan
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28300 Tamiami Trail So., Bonita Springs, FL 34134
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