L. Larry Niehaus 1946 - 2019
Springfield, IL—L. Larry Niehaus, 73, of Springfield left us suddenly on Sunday, August 11, 2019 at Memorial Medical Center.
Larry was multi-talented, dependable, funny, caring, generous, and a genuinely all- around nice guy with a lifetime love of music!
Left with cherished memories are his wife of 45 years, Ann; two sons, Eric and Kurt (Angela); two brothers, twin Gary and Rick (Karen); one sister, Lynda (Bob) Jones, brother-in-law, Brian (Laura) Sibley, sister-in-law, Laurie (Huey) Wilson, and many nieces and nephews.
Besides his family, Larry was most proud of his teaching career. He received a Master's Degree in Music Education from the University of Illinois. He taught instrumental music in Edinburgh and Virden – then Springfield #186 for 30+ years. (When he ran into a former student, he could always remember their name and what instrument they played.)
Larry played trombone in the Illinois Symphony for 25 years and has been a part of the Springfield Municipal Band for 50 years. He was currently a member of the Ansar Shrine Jazz Band, the Capital Area Jazz Band, 1st Cavalry Civil War Band, and Bells in Motion. Over the years, Larry enjoyed playing in Muni Operas, back-up bands for State Fair Grandstand shows, the Decatur Municipal Band and with any other group that asked him to play.
Larry was President of the Springfield Musicians Local 19-675 for ten years and started a summer camp scholarship for area students.
Besides music, Larry enjoyed traveling, movies, following ALL Cardinals baseball games, movies, his family genealogy, and playing catch with his dog, Barley.
No services will be held at this time. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Pl. Memphis, TN 38105
Larry would love for friends to dust off an old record and enjoy some old tunes in his memory!
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Published by The State Journal-Register from Aug. 14 to Aug. 15, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for L. Niehaus

Sponsored by Staab Funeral Home - Springfield.

28 Entries

Hank & Susan Cronister

December 8, 2019

I was so saddened to learn of Larry's passing. I went to high school with Larry and his brother Gary and they both are fine people. May you and your family accept our sincere condolences and prayers. May you all look to the Lord for comfort and strength during this time of deep sorrow in your lives. We too, share in your sorrow.

August 21, 2019

Gary and Family--

My sincerest condolences on the loss of Larry.
I will never forget the first time I met Larry was at Athens High School, in 1978 in the practice room on the stage. Gary, I thought it was you, because I had no idea you had a twin. I remember telling you about it, and you had a good laugh.
I would see Larry over the years, and he would remember me because of that.
Great guy, like you, Gary. May God bless you and keep you and all of your family.

Take care---

Bob Engel
Jacksonville, Florida

Jerry and Shea Lopian

August 17, 2019

To Larry's family, our deepest condolences. Our daughter interned with the Municipal Band and sat next to Larry. He always had encouraging words and was very supportive. That alone makes him loved in our household.

John Headrick

August 16, 2019

Dear Gary and family,

I first met Larry when he was a senior at Western Illinois University (WIU). He was majoring in music. I was a freshman.

Dick Garretson, also a senior and music major, had formed a Tijuana Brass group called Top Brass. I played trumpet next to Dick, and Larry was on trombone.

During 1967-1968, we played for Homecoming and numerous other gigs in Macomb and Springfield. Larry and I also played in the WIU concert and marching bands.

Throughout the years, Larry and I were in various groups including the Springfield Municipal Band (both of us for decades), Fritz and the Flying Dutchman (a German band), Springfield Municipal Opera pit orchestras, and Illinois State Fair Grandstand shows. We also played for myriad church services and other events.

I was privileged to play with Larry in various professional organizations that came to Springfield such as the Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey Circus and Ice Capades.

Larry was an accomplished and masterful musician. He was proficient on many brass instruments. But most of all, he loved the tenor and bass trombone.

Larry's tone, timbre and style were unmistakable. He was capable of interpreting the most tender and delicate passages in a classical selection but could also flatten you with his incredible power and volume when necessary.

Larry was a skillful sight reader. He could adroitly play virtually any piece of music the first time he saw it.

Larry was comfortable in any musical genre, whether it was classical, jazz, sacred, country, rhythm and blues, soul, broadway, or popular. His versatility was incredible.

Throughout his career, Larry gave pleasure and entertainment to thousands of individuals who heard him play his music.

As an educator, his students regarded him as a mentor. They loved and respected him, not just for his talent but because he really cared about them and wished for them to be successful.

The music world lost a great and inestimable talent with Larry's passing. We all lost a genuinely fine human being. I will miss you Larry.

May God bless Larry and your family now and forever. Rest In Peace and Godspeed Larry.

John Headrick
Springfield, IL

Darla (Magee) Tolliver

August 16, 2019

He was "Mr. Niehaus" to me as a young student at Virden. I learned a great deal..but more important..learned to love music thru his presentation & direction. That's the true talent.
I am saddened by his passing..& would like to extend sympathy to his family - with a strong "forte note" to find pride & peace in how his life & career touched so many. The definition of "opus" is... "any artistic work, especially on a large scale". What a legacy!

Roberta (Maglone) Hill

August 15, 2019

Gary, so sorry to hear of Larry's passing. It's been many years since we shared classes at WJHS. He taught my nephew thrombone and from what I read, he spread his love of music to so many people. Thoughts and prayers for your family.

Julie DeVault

August 15, 2019

Ann, I am so sorry. Even now after all these years, I still feel uncomfortable calling him Larry. He was always Mr. Niehaus to me. I was not the best student he ever had, but he was one of my favorite teachers. He will be sadly missed.

Teresa Niss

August 15, 2019

I am so sad to hear of Larrys passing. We were colleagues in the music Dept in Springfield, 186, he was my sons band teacher at Grant Middle School, and we made music together at Springfield Muni Opera. What a terrific musician and teacher, and a really great guy. Sincere condolences to all family and friends.
Teresa Radlinski Niss

August 15, 2019

Will miss him. A great player and friend. Too many gigs with him to count over the years.
Deepest sympathy to the entire family.

Harry Hild

Donna Stone

August 15, 2019

Larry was my grade school band teacher at Edinburg Junior High and taught me to play the alto saxophone. He was a great teacher and was well liked by his students. My sincere condolences to his family.

Greg Hurst

August 14, 2019

Dear Niehaus family,
The staff and I at White Oaks West Animal Hospital are deeply saddened to hear of Larry's passing. He was such a wonderful person and we admired how much he cared for Barley. He will be missed by all in the community. Peace be with all of you.

Mark Delamontanya

August 14, 2019

My condolences Larry left a great legacy in his life,.and left so many positive memories with his students.

August 14, 2019

I still have albums on vinyl (Les and Larry Elgart - Hooked on Swing, etc) that Larry recommended to me when he was my middle school band teacher.
It was so great chatting and catching up with him recently.
So much joy.
He'll be missed.
Chris Camp

Bev Westberg

August 14, 2019

I never had Larry as a music teacher but I had the privilege of knowing him as a friend. Larry was a friendly, very kind, and generally wonderful person. His booming laugh could lift everyone around him. Sincerest sympathy to his family. May they find comfort and joy from their precious memories of a very dear person. Larry will greatly missed and fondly remembered.

Mary

August 14, 2019

Ann and Boys- We are so sad to hear this news. We always enjoyed talking with Larry. What a beautiful obit. He was a special man.

Brian Kern

August 14, 2019

Larry was such a sincere, humorous, caring guy. When he would see me, he would always ask about me and my family. Fantastic musician - even greater person. Will be dearly missed.

Cheryl Svedarsky

August 14, 2019

Hits hard. Make music with the angels, Larry.

Janis Crabb

August 14, 2019

I am so sorry to hear of Larry's passing.I first met him and Gary when their family moved into our neighborhood on Edwards Street.they were about 10 months old.I spent many hours playing together, then babysitting them for many years.We were all like family.Hugs to Gary, Rick and Linda.love to you all.

Mary von Liski

August 14, 2019

Heartfelt sympathy, caring thoughts, prayers. Wishing the family and friends: a song in your hearts; sunshine after the clouds; a rainbow after the rain. Larry was an outstanding person in so many wonderful ways. Cherished memories. Peace.

ron schwabe

August 14, 2019

Gary and Family,
Thoughts and prayers at this time, world has lost a very talented good man, he will never be forgotten...

Stephanie Familar

August 14, 2019

I am very sorry to hear of Mr. Niehaus's passing. He was my elementary and junior high band teacher and was amazing. I have often thought of him over the years. Thanks Mr. Niehaus for everything.

Joel Short

August 14, 2019

Eric and Kurt, I am very sorry to hear of your father's passing. Wishing you peace in this difficult time.

Wil Adams

August 14, 2019

We lost a good friend as well as a phenomenal musician. I will miss his smile.

Brian Hartl

August 14, 2019

I'm saddened to hear of Larry's passing. I was a student of his at Grant Middle School in the early 90s and briefly at SHS. He had a huge influence on me continuing to play in band in middle school, throughout high school, and into college. I'm privileged to have known him and to have been a student of his. My condolences to the Niehaus family.

Deanna Kindhart Welsch

August 14, 2019

Such a loss for the music community in the area. I have many wonderful memories of band class. Definitely helped instill a life long love of music for me.

Jim Refine

August 14, 2019

Rick, so sorry to hear of the loss of your Brother.Thoughts and prayers are with you, take care and hope to see you soon Jim

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