Glenn Earl Schieke

NORTH HOLLYWOOD, Calif. - Glenn Earl Schieke, 56, beloved son, brother and friend to many, passed away March 30, 2011, due to complications from pneumonia.

He was born Feb. 16, 1955 and raised in the Black Hills of South Dakota, graduating in 1973 from Lead–Deadwood High School. He attended the University of Denver where he majored in music, biology and physics, graduating cum laude in 1977.

Glenn was an accomplished performer on French horn, piano and organ, and has played with the Denver Symphony Orchestra, the Boston Opera Company, Colorado's Central City Opera Company, the Disneyland All-American College Band and in numerous theater productions, including the national touring company of The Wiz.

In addition to arranging and composing, he has accompanied numerous classical and popular vocalists for both live performances and recordings, including playing the French horn on Barbra Streisand's recording of Evergreen. Glenn studied under many prominent artists, and had the privilege of studying piano with Vladimir Horowitz. One of his most memorable moments was playing Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue on one of 84 grand pianos featured in the 1984 Summer Olympics opening ceremony.

Glenn earned his master's of business administration at the University of Denver and began a career in advertising at Benton & Bowles and, later, Foote, Cone & Belding. In 1984 he joined The Phelps Group, an integrated marketing communications firm, for the opportunity to combine his passions for music and advertising. He led the advertising accounts for more than a dozen major musical instrument companies and directed campaigns to inspire people to enjoy and to make music. For 27 years, Glenn played a significant role in the company, most recently as Chief Operating Officer and General Manager, helping The Phelps Group become one of the top independent marketing agencies on the West Coast.

He was a longtime member of the First Christian Church of North Hollywood and its organist for more than 15 years, not only playing for Sunday services, but the weddings and funerals of fellow church members and the neighboring community which brought joy to people on their happiest occasions and provided comfort to others on their saddest days. Those who knew and loved Glenn agree - he was music.

Glenn is survived by his mother, Leola Schieke, of Lead, S.D.; a sister, Marlynn Belmont of Spearfish, S.D.; brothers Greg (Mary) Schieke of Lincoln, Neb., and Norman Schieke of Tacoma, Wash.; three nephews; two nieces; a grand-nephew; four grand-nieces; and his longtime partner, Terry Cole.

He was preceded in death by his father, George Albert Schieke.

Services to celebrate Glenn's life will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 30, at the First Christian Church of North Hollywood.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Glenn's name to the National MS Society or an organization or charity of your choice.