Carl John Alexius

Carl John Alexius, accomplished musician and Professor Emeritus, University of Michigan, died on Friday, April 18, 2003 from complications following a stroke. Born in New Orleans on April 30, 1928, he first began playing trumpet professionally in Dixieland combos. After receiving Bachelor and Master of Music degrees from LSU, he was awarded a Fullbright Scholarship to study classical composition in Germany and later received his Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the University of Michigan. His teaching spanned 30 years, from LSU to the University of North Carolina in Greensboro to the University of Michigan. Carl continued to perform as a 'moonlighting' jazz musician throughout his career as he gradually shifted from trumpet to bass to piano. After his retirement, he performed every weekend for the next 14 years at Ann Arbor's restaurant, the Gandy Dancer. Following his retirement from the Gandy, he continued to play occasional private engagements, taught jazz piano to private students in his home and wrote jazz arrangements for voice and instrumental performance until his death. Best friend and loving husband, he is survived by his wife, Nancy Hodge Alexius of Ann Arbor, MI. Proud father of two sons and one daughter, Carl David Alexius (Cathy) of Sharpsburg, GA and Eric (Phyllis) Alexius of Monroe, MI, Gretchen (Justin) Ryan of Gurnee, IL and six grandchildren. Dearest brother to Robert Alexius of Austin, TX, and two sisters Elaine Stiegler of Metairie, LA and Gerry Rankin of Big Water, Utah. Beloved oldest son, he is also survived by his mother, Myrtle Alexius of Metairie, LA. He was preceded in death by his father, Carl H. Alexius, and brother, Richard C. Alexius. Visitation will be held at McMahon Funeral Home in New Orleans, LA. on Saturday, May 3, 2003 from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. A formal Memorial Service will be held in Ann Arbor, MI on May 17, 2003 at 1:00 p.m. in the Michigan League. In lieu of flowers donations noted 'In Memory of Carl J. Alexius' to the following organizations are appreciated: LSU School of Music 102 New Music Building Baton Rouge, LA. 70803 Payable to 'LSU Foundation-Recital Hall. Friends desiring to sign the register book on line may do so at www.Legacy.com.