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BORN
1952
DIED
2021
Mark Leiser Obituary
Leiser, Mark Richard
MADISON - Mark Richard Leiser died peacefully on Jan. 8, 2021, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on June 6, 1952, to Richard and Betty Leiser in Madison, Wis. Mark is survived by his wife of 44 years, Laureen; their sons, Andy (Trinity) and Kenny (Haley); grandchildren, Norah and Sam; one sister, Patricia (Bill) Hoesly; niece, Heather (James) Cook and their children, Hannah and Nathan; nephew, Ryan (Debbie) Hoesly and their children, Abigail and Eleanor; brother-in-law, Michael (Sue) Adams; niece, Erin Adams; and extended family and friends. Mark was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He was also a beloved and respected mentor, teacher, coach, colleague and friend. Mark's life touched scores of young musicians. As impactful as Mark's life was on others, the paternal leadership he displayed for his family is his real legacy. His kindness, generosity and humor live on through his family. His presence, his faith and his commitment to the greater good are everlasting. "We miss Daddo. He was our fishing buddy, our baseball coach, our family gardener, our golf partner… our hero, and we are better people because of him."
Memorials may be directed to the Wisconsin Youth Symphony Orchestra, the ALS Association, and the Sun Prairie Community Garden. Due to COVID restrictions, a private funeral service will be held for immediate family. A celebration of Mark's life will take place at a later date.
Memories and Condolences
for Mark Leiser
Debbie Koelliker
May 5, 2021
OHMYGOSH I just found out, so sorry, Mark was a delight!!
Thomas Thomas
February 4, 2021
My family and the Leiser family were great friend during my childhood. Betty ,Dick, Ken,Esther, Patricia and Mark spent many a weekend at My aunts lake cottage near Menomonee Falls. A more kind and gracious family would be hard to find. Although I have not seen any of them for many years the fond memories remain. I hope that the family finds comfort in the many beautiful memorial notes shown . Although I did not know Mark as an adult he has left an impressive legacy. with deepest sympathy, Tom Thomas.
The Johnson Family
January 26, 2021
Mr Leiser.... I sat and watched from the concrete bleachers in the Humanities building on an early Saturday morning. This was my first experience watching as my son played the violin amongst this young group of musicians. I heard him say comments that at first stopped my breath, to realize he was injecting humor into the rehearsal session. He had a sensational dry wit and a passion for the music that inspired young musicians like my son, to press on and rise early every Saturday morning. My son graduated on to Concert orchestra, a joyous and bittersweet promotion because he would no longer have his conductor and mentor that he had grown to love over the previous year. The WYSO program is remarkable and Mr Leiser added that extra something to the experience. He was a special person. Thank you and rest in peace.
Gary Smith
January 25, 2021
A long time ago, Mark took a chance on a young immature trumpet player and really instilled a love for playing with the orchestra and specifically a love for pit orchestra and musicals. The experiences he gave me provided the drive to become a music teacher myself and perform and direct many musicals. He was a great man, educator and person with a wonderful sense of humor and a big heart. I think our paths crossed a few times over the years, but after so many years we weren´t sure we recognized each other. Rest In Peace my mentor and colleague.
Sue Ryder
January 25, 2021
Laurie and Family ~ Such a phenomenal human being committed to sharing all his many talents and love! What gifts he possessed and nurtured all these many years since crossing paths in college! My sincerest sympathy to you all!
Brandi (Eng Hung) Surprise
January 24, 2021
Mr. Leiser was my very first cello teacher in 1981. I wanted to play the bass. He said I was too small, so we finally compromised on the cello! I moved out of state during jr high, but was so excited to reconnect and play with him in the BDAO about five years ago. He often greeted me with a big smile and a hug. He will be missed.
The Zvonar Family
January 22, 2021
We are so sorry for your loss. Mark was an amazing teacher and mentor to our boys. We are blessed to have known him. Our prayers are with you all. Mark, Shelley, Jayden, and Jared Zvonar
Addie Swan
January 19, 2021
Mr. Leiser always knew how to make Saturday´s amazing. He was my conductor my first year of WYSO when I was a scared little 5th grader who had never been on UW Madison´s campus. He made that year so memorable, we played amazing music , had fun, and laughed a lot. My favorite memory is when we had just got done playing a song and it was not our best work, he had just gone over a long list of things that we needed to work on and he goes " but don´t worry, I still love you guys." I still think about that to this day when I am struggling with a piece of music. Mr. Leiser was my first conductor and he helped me realize what I wanted to do as a career. After my second year in WYSO I got the honor of going to his retirement party. I am so glad I got the opportunity to do that. Now I am in Youth Orchestra and it is my 5th year of WYSO. I a forever grateful for the musical and life lessons Mr Leiser taught me. My condolences goes out to his family and friends.
Pat Almon
January 19, 2021
Laurie - although I only knew Mark during our college days, I'm saddened to hear of his passing and all that the Watertown community will lose as a result, as well as your immediate family. Here's another example of someone who made the most of his college music education and made such an impact on students and other musical colleagues wherever he went. May his legacy live on through your children and grandchildren. My deepest sympathies to you and your family.
Pat Almon
Donna Gitter Haack
January 19, 2021
Laurie and family, I am so very sorry for the loss of a good man, husband, and father. I can picture him in a very good place now, conducting an orchestra of angels. God bless.
Jeff & Janet Huenink
January 19, 2021
Laurie, So sorry to hear about Mark's passing. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
John Halvorsen
January 19, 2021
Sorry to hear about Mark's passing. Went to high school with Mark and also worked with him at Kroger's grocery lots and lots of laughs. Work was never work when Mark was there. Thanks for being able to call you my friend.
Farf
January 18, 2021
Laurie and family-Please accept my most sincere condolences on Mark´s passing. What an absolute joy it has been to have known Mark since our college days! I wish you well my friends and peace be with you!
Donald Schleicher
January 18, 2021
I only knew him as a young man in college. That he became a most influential mentor to so many is no surprise. My deepest sympathies to my friend, Laurie, and to your family.
Vicki Larsen
January 18, 2021
What a great loss both to Mark's family and the whole music community. The years with Mark directing the Watertown Area Community Orchestra will be fondly remembered by many of us.
Sophia Jiang
January 18, 2021
Mark Leiser was truly an inspiring person. He always found a way to make my Saturdays enjoyable. I remember going to WYSO every week as a young musician, passionate to share music with my colleagues. That ongoing passion was sparked by Mr. Leiser. His contagious smile and hilarious jokes always boosted the spirit of the entire string orchestra. Although I was already a long-time musician before WYSO, I never felt the same energy as I did when I played under the baton of Mr. Leiser. He taught me how to truly appreciate music. He was kind hearted and thoughtful towards every single person. I remember one particular week where we were playing in a small, cramped room that didn´t project the sounds of our instruments. I will never forget what he said before he let us go for the week. He said, "This is a terrible room, but you guys make it so beautiful."
Mr. Leiser genuinely cared for each individual. The same year I was in Sinfonietta, I had an important piano performance that I was excited about. I asked Mr. Leiser if he wanted to come, not really expecting for him to show up, since he was busy. But to my surprise, right after I was done with my performance, he came up to me with a smile and congratulated me on an excellent performance. My respect for Mr. Leiser only grew that day.
During the second concert of the season, I was lucky enough to play a short solo of a piece called "Ashokan Farewell". It was a piece from Ken Burns´s "The Civil War". When I first listened to it on Youtube, I was speechless. It was by far some of the most beautiful music I had ever heard. I didn´t know if I was good enough to produce such a beautiful sound on my tiny violin. But Mr. Leiser smiled and told me that I was going to sound great. The performance went well. Mr. Leiser was right. He gave me the confidence I needed to accomplish a hard task. I still listen to Ashokan Farewell on Youtube, and it remains one of my favorite pieces of music to this day.
Receiving the 2018 Mark R. Leiser Award was one of the happiest moments of my life. Out of all of my achievements, this one resonated with me the most. To me, it is a symbol of Mr. Leiser´s musical passion and unwavering generosity. Even now, years later, that framed piece of paper stands on the highest shelf of my bedroom. Whenever I look at it, I am reminded of Mr. Leiser´s inspiring words, bright smile, and endless warmth.
When I was in Sinfonietta, it was Mr. Leiser´s last year before he retired. Looking back, I feel so fortunate that I was able to share music with him. He shaped my musical pathway and taught me to appreciate music. Today, three years later, I am in WYSO´s Youth orchestra and still passionate about music. Thank you, Mr. Leiser.
My thoughts and prayers are with Mr. Leiser´s family and friends.
Sharon and Don Swenson
January 18, 2021
We are truly sorry to read that Mark has passed. He was a special person and we're so glad that we knew him.
Mary Comparin
January 18, 2021
Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. I enjoyed meeting Mark in WYSO and traveling with him on various WYSO trips where I was their nurse. We have lost a fun loving generous man.
Greg Steil
January 18, 2021
Laurie and Family, please accept our prayers and condolences at this time. We are very sorry for your loss. Mark truly was one of the good guys! We always enjoyed talking with him. In my case, the conversations were not so much about music, but instead involved some different types of beers we had tried recently! I will raise a class and think of him!
Joseph Moylan
January 17, 2021
Love to Mark´s family. Add me to the list of many who were shaped and cared for by Mr. Leiser. He plucked a chubby fourth grader out of the crowd to play bass, and taught him through his senior year. No other teacher was a part of my life for so long. Great man!
Yassmine Sarkarati
January 17, 2021
I am so sad to hear about the passing of such a beautiful person. Mr. Leiser was my conductor in WYSO when I was in middle school. Not only was he an incredible conductor, he was one of the warmest people I knew. Simply being around him made me smile. His legacy lives on forever.
John and Joan Miller
January 17, 2021
It was a pleasure to know Mark. His smile, his talent and his positive outlook will be missed. Our thoughts and sympathy are with his family at this difficult time.
Richard Ajer
January 17, 2021
I am so very sorry to read about Mark, and my deepest sympathies to your family. When I was a young person my family was good friends with his parents. Dick, his dad, was the best man at my parents wedding in the 1940's. Our family took several camping trips together, especially with the Pollards (my mothers brother, George). I was a few years younger than Mark, and remember how fun he was at some family picnics together. Peace and comfort to the family.
Misti Reader
January 17, 2021
My deepest sympathy!!!!! Mark was an amazingly pivotal person my not only my life, but my Mothers (Paula Hartl) life also. He was truly an angel among us!!! And will be greatly missed
Jim and Ruth Jodarski
January 17, 2021
Laurie, Andy, Kenny and your whole family. Our deepest sympathy to you at the loss of Mark. We have such great memories of the times we spent with you; the games, the stories, the gardening tips, the laughter over something as silly as onion rings, and the warmth of shared faith and friendship. You remain in our thoughts and prayers. God bless you and comfort you.
Warren Leverentz
January 17, 2021
Went to high-school with Mark. Mark was a friend always made me laugh. He will be greatly missed
Bill Kasprzyk
January 17, 2021
Laurie, Andy & Kenny I am so deeply sorry for Mark´s passing. Please remember all the wonderful times in life which you all shared. Mark was a amazing individual and helped so many!
Steve Ryden
January 17, 2021
A great and kind man! Mark taught me how to play the bass which led me to worldwide stardom with my band. Our one gig at the American legion was legendary!! Mark you were one of the best..gods speed my friend.
Bette Hoesly
January 16, 2021
I am so sorry that Mark´s life wasn´t as long as we all would have liked. He was a great guy, and I always enjoyed being in his company. Always remember the good times. Hugs and prayers to his family in this sad time.
Judy & Greg Hein
January 16, 2021
Our sincere sympathy to Mark's family & many friends. What a loss to this earthly world. But it is true that his spirit and legacy live on in all of you. It is a highlight and honor in our lives to have known him, laughed with him, and shared tomato-growing stories!
Julie (Sharpe) Hill
January 16, 2021
I will always hold treasured memories of my time in the Beaver Dam orchestra program with Mr. Leiser. He had such a gift and I am a better person and educator for having learned from his example.
Peggy Weber
January 16, 2021
I was so blessed to have known and learn from Mr. Leiser when I was in WYSO (1996-2001). He truly will always hold a very special place in my heart.
Kathy & Kent Wickmann
January 16, 2021
We are so very blessed to have known Mark. Our sympathy to his family & closest friends.
Alice Kane Cleavenger
January 16, 2021
This is heartbreaking and my sympathy to his family and friends. He was such a special man and my mother Helen Kane thought the world of Mark. My thoughts and prayers are with you all
KIt and Mitch Ulman
January 16, 2021
Sorry to hear the news about Mark, I enjoyed working with him at BDMS. The kids loved him.
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