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Roger Martin Janssen
Roger Martin Janssen
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He was born in Peoria on September 1, 1943, to Lula Bush and John Henry Janssen. Upon his graduation from Peoria High in 1961, Roger was a scholarship student at the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. After his graduation from Curtis, he was invited to play under Eugene Ormandy in the Philadelphia Symphony Orchestra.
Roger was a United States Army veteran and was a solo trombonist in the Fifth Army Band.
He then went on to play in the Baltimore Symphony. In addition, he played in the Winnepeg and New Orleans Symphonies.
Upon his retirement, he returned to Peoria where he was Principal trombonist in both the Galesburg and Peoria Symphony Orchestras. His great joy was to take crossings on the Queen Elizabeth, and he took great pride in his ability to speak fluent German.
He was preceded in death by his parents; nephew, Michael Janssen; and his beloved aunts, Katherine Janssen, Marie Janssen, and Rose Schwab.
Roger is survived by his brother, Jay (Joan) Janssen; nieces, Julie (Kelly) Davis and Jacque (Marc) Neff both of California and Mindy Watkins of Peoria; and great nieces and nephews: Alex and Hunter Davis, Dr. Michael, Emilie, and Natalie Neff. Also surviving him is his loving companion Katherine Steck Janssen of Galesburg, Illinois.
A private family service will be held.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Maralyn Owen
March 29, 2025
Visiting Peoria and just learned of Roger's passing. He was such a wonderful and warm human being. Wish I had known, I would've attended his service. Condolences to Katherine.
Bruce Polay
December 18, 2024
His first rehearsal with the Knox-Galesburg Symphony. Our principal trombone, John Spurgeon, invited Roger to check out the orchestra with the preface that Roger was a Curtis grad, had terrific professional experience and could be "a conductor eater"! From that time on Roger and I became very close friends and colleagues. I miss his intelligence and musical gifts as much as I miss his tremendous compassion, innate kindness and genuine humility
Bruce Polay
May 19, 2024
Roger was an exceptionally accomplished musician and a generously thoughtful individual whose kindness for those he loved was profoundly valued. His personal loyalty was exemplary, as was his quiet humility; unique qualities that remain a treasured memory of our long friendship.
eric johnson
May 14, 2024
Jay and family,
Roger was married to my sister in law Kathy Steck so i got to know Rog super well and he was always a great guy with that smile and lot of knowledge. Kathy Steck Janssen i want to thank you for everything you did for Roger i know he sincerely appreciate it. God Bless you all!!! ERIC JOHNSON GALESBURG
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William Haroutounian
May 13, 2024
I am very saddened by the news of Roger´s passing. Roger & I met in the early 60´s while students at the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia. Even though Roger was a trombonist & I was a violinist, we became friends. Time & distance notwithstanding, we have stayed in touch for all these years. Whenever Roger was in the Washington DC area & whenever I was in the Chicago area we always made time to spend together. I will miss my friend Roger, he will always be in my thoughts.
Brian Munch
May 10, 2024
Ron Tasa (tuba, 5AB, West Point, Ft Worth Symphony) and his brother Dave (Frankfurt Opera, now retired and freelance artist) used to invite friends to their house west of Chicago in Villa Park for impromptu brass quintet rehearsals and their mom always made the most wonderful pizza for the occasion. I had been attending these events for a while prior to my acceptance to the 5th Army Band. After meeting and hearing Roger, I thought it would be wonderful if he could join us, but was somewhat intimidated by his impressive artistry. One weekend we were short a trombone, so I worked up the courage to invite him and not only did he agree to play with us, but he even professed his pleasure at being invited. I would not have been more thrilled had Jay Friedman (principal CSO trombone at the time) accepted our invitation. Roger was the consummate gentleman, and our rehearsal was made all the more memorable by his presence and musicianship. Even today, remembering that experience makes me smile. I was so pleased when he showed up for our 5AB reunion in Madison. My wife Debbie enjoyed his company as much as I, and we exchanged Christmas cards every year after that. He was one of a kind, and I miss him already.
theodore r mcdowell
May 8, 2024
By the time I arrived in 5AB, Roger was "old guard." After he separated I did not see him again until my first reunion.
Too soon, my friend.
trm
Harry Taylor
May 8, 2024
I served with Roger in the 5th Army Band in 66-67. I remember his total mastery of the instrument. A lip trill from low F - C? That is not possible. I played assistant 1st and sat next to him for 2 months. A wonderful learning experience and great music. Very generous with his coaching. Harry Taylor
Ted Wanack
May 8, 2024
I met Roger in 1968 when I was assigned to the 5th Army Band. We were both in the trombone section-Roger was section leader. What a great musician.
Sandy Steinberg McCurdy
May 7, 2024
I have known Roger for almost 50 years. We knew each other as musicians and also played together in a professional brass quartet in Chicago many years ago. Over the past 20 years Roger and I would often attend Chicago Symphony concerts and share musical insights. My deepest condolences to the family. R.I.P. Roger.
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