Bruce Klingbeil

KLINGBEIL, Bruce

Bruce Norman Klingbeil, age 95, passed away peacefully on January 31, 2025 in Alpharetta, GA. Bruce was born on May 25, 1929, spending his grade school and high school years in Bay City, Michigan, and most of his adult life in Atlanta, GA.

Bruce began the study of piano at age four, cello at around age six or seven. He attended multiple music camps in his young life, which instilled in him a love for orchestra music.

Bruce spent his freshman year at the music school of the University of Illinois and his sophomore, junior, and senior years at the music school of the University of Michigan where he received a Bachelor of Music degree in 1951.

While a student at the University of Michigan, Bruce commuted to Toledo, Ohio once a week to rehearse with the Toledo Symphony, performed in the Gilbert & Sullivan Operetta Company, and performed in the student orchestra which put on a musical each semester.

Bruce studied cello with professor Oliver Edel at the University of Michigan and with Martha Gerchevsky when in Atlanta, and he commuted from Indianapolis to Bloomington, IN to study with Professor Janos Starker, a world renowned Cellist when he was a member of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra.

Bruce was drafted into the Army in 1951 and served in the Korean War. He returned to the United States of America after the war ended in 1953.

Bruce's professional career as a Cellist consisted of performing with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra for 31 seasons from which he retired. He also performed with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra for three seasons, the Houston Symphony Orchestra for one season, and the North Carolina Tour Orchestra for five seasons.

He is survived by his sister, Roxane Bleiweis; his nephew, Steve Dalton; and his niece, Susan Dalton; and many other extended family members. He was preceded in death by his father, Henry Klingbeil; his mother, Gladys Klingbeil; and his nephew, David Dalton.

Bruce spent his life learning, playing the cello and piano. Up until days before he passed he worked with his partner in ministry to reactivate his music ministry. Romans 4:20-25.

Services were provided by SouthCare Cremation and Funeral Society, Alpharetta, GA.

Memorial contributions may be made to Alpharetta Bible Church, Georgia Right to Life, Light of Messiah Ministries.