On a personal note, I worked with Mr Nedzel in his first few years at Lincoln-Way Central as part of the crew for musicals. I can remember many a time busting out in laughter because of something he had said. While I was never directly his student, he made the time to talk to me and everyone at Lincoln-Way.

Not only am I proud to have called him a teacher and friend, but also a fraternity brother. He was a member of the Alpha Xi chapter of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia at the University of Illinois. I became a member of the Kappa Sigma chapter of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfoina at Valparaiso University in 2005.

Dear Tom Ritter,

Thank you for publishing such a tribute to Mr. Nedzel. As students under his direction, we can say first-hand what a truly outstanding teacher, mentor, counselor, father figure, friend, and role model he was. Fifty Marching Warriors lost a family member today, and that is all we can really articulate. His greatness will endure within every one of us. Thank you again.

Sincerely,

Abby Turay, Katie Kelly, Jaime Juhas, Allie Indovina, Cody Barry, Peter Grubisich, Jeremy Puttkammer, Jordan Harvey, Josh Adler, Derek Dalton, Angela Giaquinto, Ryan Spain, Amanda McDonald, Matt James, and Maddy Forberg

Students of Mr. Nedzel

Mr. Nedzel touched the hearts of so many students and parents through his dedication to both the Marching Knights and the Marching Warriors. His smile, sense of humor, and laugh always made my day! Many hearts are sad tonight. The Lincoln-Way School District has lost a truly great teacher.
Katherine Fairbairn

I'm tearing up listening to it, but here's some of the music Mr. Nedzel helped make by being a good teacher: http://www.youtube.com/user/snedzel#p/u

Mr. Nedzel was a gifted director, a passionate leader, and an amazing human being. Without his involvement in the Marching Knights organization, I honestly don't know where I might be today. I know I am not alone in expressing this sentiment. It's a terrible shame that such a wonderful person was taken from this world far too soon. I am proud to have been a student (albeit a troublesome one at times!) in an amazing program that he helped shape and mold. Rest in peace, Mr. Nedzel. As a good friend reminded me today, we always fly in a V and rally to the cry of "SIAM."

Mr. Nedzel was such an inspiration and wonderful teacher. He really helped a lot of us mold into the people that we are today. I just saw him a couple months ago and I wish I would have thanked him. I am still in shock he is gone. He left a legacy at Lincoln Way and with the Marching Knights and Warriors. My thoughts and prayers are with you, you will be deeply missed. SIAM

As a parent, I've never seen such dedication, organization and passion from an instructor. He changed my kids in such a way that I was never able to do.
He wasn't just a band teacher, he was part of our family.
God Bless.

To Mr. Nedzel's Family,

I have felt blessed to have the pleasure of meeting Mr. Nedzel on a few occasions, since I am an incoming freshman. He was so vibrant.. so encouraging. My heart just breaks!
We all will miss such an inspiring soul.
With much love and sympathy for your great loss
I will keep all of you in my prayers

Kayla Deacon

Illinois Marching Online : 9/10/09
Today, we talk with Steve Nedzel, director of bands at Lincoln-Way West.

IMO: What are some of your favorite memories from being a director at the bands that you’ve directed?

SN: My favorite moment thus far with the Marching Warriors was performing at the Dedication Ceremony for the opening of Lincoln-Way West. This was the first opportunity to display our new uniforms and debut the fight song to the community. The students were able to perform in our beautiful auditorium to a completely complete packed audience. The band and choir had active roles in this ceremony, which shows the magnificent support we get from our district and building administrators.

SN: My favorite marching band memory, overall, has to be marching with the Lincoln-Way Central Marching Knights in the 2009 Rome New Year’s Day Parade. The crowd was incredible as they waited for the Pope’s blessing and the following parade. Marching band is primarily an American custom so the Italians and Europeans that saw us got to experience our culture, and they were completely enamored with the whole concept. Our students had an awesome opportunity to be ambassadors to the world and give them our gift of music. We also had an impromptu concert and playing of “Hey, Baby!” with the University of Nebraska-Carney band with St. Peter’s Church as our backdrop. Our students had a great time getting to play with a college band.

SN: Another memory would be marching in the 2005 Presidential Inaugural Parade. Although it was extremely cold in DC at the time, it was impressive to be a part of such an honored American tradition. The students got to see and hear our military bands and bands from around the country. It was also an honor to march past the President on Pennsylvania Avenue. A band trip doesn’t come without surprises though, this was the trip where we did sightseeing throughout DC while it was about 15 degrees (including 4 hours at Arlington Cemetery) and a 24 hour bus ride home (should’ve only taken 13) due to a bad snow storm, bus break downs, etc. Certainly a trip I’ll never forget for a variety of reasons.

He was such a kind person, always there to offer words of advice. I will never forget my senior year concert band auditions. I decided to go from flute to clarinet - an instrument I never played before. During my audition, Mr. Nedzel actually gave me a lesson during my tryout! (I was going to be last chair no matter what) He said clarinets had to stick together. He also encouraged me to keep playing. I will never forget that. There aren't too many directors who would do that for a student :) I also remember him joking around with us at Marching Band practice. Practices could be challenging at times and he gave us a welcome mental break.

I will never forget him. Rest in peace, my friend.

As I noted on Steve's Facebook page. most people can't remember who won last year's World Series, Super Bowl, or MVP, but everyone remembers their teachers - especially ones that had a profound impact on their lives. It's obvious from the comments here and on Facebook, and the memorials at school, that Steve touched hundreds, if not thousands, of lives. I've never seen anyone who had the respect, admiration, and love of so many people. As one of Steve's uncles, I thank you for your caring and your support of Karen, Mike, and Andy. Steve will never be forgotten. To the marching band, go out there and play like hell next season for Steve. He'll be listening.

Richards Steinbock

I'm the little girl (now 62) who grew up in the house next door with Richards Steinbock and his sister Karen Steinbock Nedzel, Steve's mother. Our homes and times together were filled with music, love, fun, discipline, and unique parents all around. Mike and I were kids together for a time and what a great bunch the Nedzels et al. are as well. Karen and Mike, God bless you for this wonderful gift of a person you gave to so many people. My heart aches for all of you beyond words, so I think I'll just stop writing them.

Debbie Sheffer McClellan (aka "Little Debbie Smith")