Tim Rozner

Tim Rozner, age 66, of Western Springs, passed away on February 11 th in the presence of loved ones. Beloved son of John & Blanche. Loyal and devoted brother of Jack (Kathi), Tom, Jeff (Debbie) and Dan (Jeanne). Endlessly kind uncle to Meagan Wood, Ian Rozner, Michael Rozner, Thomas Rozner, Josephine Rozner, Marlena Rozner and grand uncle to Barbara Melodie Wood. Nephews Michael and Thomas depended on Tim as their chief engineer and design consultant when it came time to create interesting entries for the annual Cub Scout Pinewood Derby races. They didn't always win, but their cars became miniature rolling works of art that always drew smiles. He was "Fun Uncle Tim" to many of his cousin's and friend's children. He was never too busy to help with the care of his "Gram" Clara or his loving Mom and Dad.

Tim had his eyes set on a career in show business early in life. In 8 th grade at McClure Jr. High, Tim had the lead role of Captain Kidd in their play. At LTHS, he went on to become co-manager of "The Corral", the renowned youth center which served the 4,000 student body. Tim was able to attract many national musical acts to the facility including Survivor, Bluesman Eddie Clearwater, and the legendary Muddy Waters.

Muddy's band and management team was very impressed with Tim's professionalism and dedication, and they offered him the position of Road Manager. Tim toured the world with Muddy and his band from 1979 until Muddy's passing in 1983. One of the highlights of Tim's tenure with Muddy happened in 1981 when the Rolling Stones joined Muddy's band onstage at Buddy Guy's Checkerboard Lounge on the Southside of Chicago.

From 1983 to 1987, Tim moved west to assume production responsibilities at the world famous RED ROCKS AMPHITHEATER in Morrison, Colorado. Many incredible concerts and videos were created under supervision of Tim's production team.

Duty called Tim on January 20, 1993, when President Bill Clinton's Inaugural Committee tapped Tim to produce "MTV's Rock and Roll Inaugural Ball". Performers included 10,000 Maniacs, Don Henley, Boyz II Men, Members of U2 & R.E.M., Soul Asylum, and En Vogue. The show was nationally televised.

His show business production career continued for over 45 years. He worked with many of his "rock heroes" including Led Zeppelin, Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, Steve Winwood, Robbie Robertson, Robert Cray, Jimmie Vaugan, Willie Nelson, Johnny Winter, BB King, Willie Dixon, Hubert Sumlin, Sheryl Crow, John Mayer, Vince Gill, The Grateful Dead, Tom Jones, Nirvana, Pearl Jam, U2, Aerosmith, Kiss, Heart, Styx, REO Speedwagon, and Don Felder. Tim provided gift tickets to countless family members and friends so they could view Tim's shows and enjoy the experience together. Ticket requests were often a second full-time job for Tim.

His work on Eric Clapton's Crossroads Guitar Festivals in Chicago, Dallas, LA and New York were feats of production mastery. They used rotating stages so that there was never a break in the music during these festivals that lasted 10-12 hours each day.

While Tim was involved in many "behind the scenes" roles, he was a true Rock Star when it came to a perfect production. He was always in charge yet always kind. His attention to detail was unmatched in the industry, and was awarded the "Parnelli Award" in 2020 as the top production manager in music. While his shows always went on exactly on-time and without a hitch, punctuality was not always his strong suit in his personal life. His brothers and friends often referred to Tim's clock running on "Tim Time" when it was time to meet for a get together.

Tim was also inducted into the Hall of Fame at the 50 th anniversary awards celebration for WLTL radio. WLTL is perennially one of the top High School radio stations in America winning several John Drury Awards of Excellence.

Tim had an infectious laugh, was a masterful storyteller with many stories that normally would have been unbelievable, but not with Tim. He was a devoted friend of a group of guys that he knew since kindergarten, never missing his opportunity to perform as Santa Claus for their kids. Those close friendships and many others grew when Tim joined the Pop Warner football team in La Grange. Many Pop Warner teammates continued their love for football with Tim on LT's Varsity Lions team. Regular poker games were always well attended by Tim and friends. Tim was "Mr. Chicago" – a huge fan of the Bears, Blackhawks, and both Chicago Baseball teams.

Don Felder of the Eagles described Tim as a "great soul and a close friend." He went on to say " I'm sure he'll be producing all the big shows in heaven from now on."

Visitation Friday, February 20, 3:00 to 9:00pm at Hallowell & James Funeral Home, 1025 W. 55 th St., Countryside. Visitation continues Saturday, February 21, 10:00 to 11:00am at the funeral home, followed immediately by a graveside interment at Bronswood Cemetery, 3805 Madison St., Oak Brook. Additional information: 708-352-6500