Shortly after hearing that their beloved teacher, Steve Nedzel of Lincoln-Way West, had died Friday, current and former students had an impromptu gathering at Ranch Frostie to remember their teacher, mentor and friend.

Three incoming seniors at Lincoln-Way Central High School—Caleb Nielsen,  Nick Troyan and Brandon Moy—and Central alumni Zacke Naughton and Andrew Ritter shared stories over ice cream on the muggy Friday evening.

Nedzel, 32, died after suffering brain injuries from the result of a fall at his Chicago apartment. He was a music teacher and the band director at Lincoln-Way West, and before that he taught for eight years at Central.

Despite their profound sadness, the group of students shared memories and laughed. The stories ranged from trying to make Nedzel laugh on the podium to his accomplishments as a band director.

"The district will miss him," Naugton said. "He was a big part of all our lives."

Nedzel the conductor

Moy: In Wind Symphony, he couldn't get the "awkward turtle" (hand gesture) right, and instead did an awkward "palm tree"

Naughton: We all did (the awkward palm tree) before the last number of the concert and he smirked.

Moy: I remember when the trombone section was rushing their part and then he made them hold each note for about 30 seconds. Then he took his baton and said "I control the tempo"

Naughton: One time, he left the entire trombone section out of a program and then had to make them brownies.

Nedzel, the mentor

Ritter: He was always good for wanting to be part of the young crowd, but never getting it 100 perent. But he always was there to help.

Naughton: He made us all better people.

Ritter: My freshman year, I never knew what to think. One day he would be your best friend, the next he would be yelling at you, and then right back to your best friend. His first goal was always to help people. His second was to enjoy band.

Ritter: Teachers like the ones you have in an extracurricular are ones you build a special bond with, and they become a huge part of your life.

Naughton: He was a teacher and a mentor. He made me a better musician and a better student.

Nedzel, the band instructor and his legacy

Ritter: He never got enough credit for what he did with Marching Knights. He changed our drill all the time and made us better. (At West) he proved that numbers have nothing to do with a marching band. They had less than 50 people and every single one of them wanted to be there.

Naughton: It had to be really odd for half of the (Marching Warriorrs). They had to make their own paths and traditions after two years of being Marching Knights. He worked at it and made it is own. He took a band of 37 people and made them win. That program will go places. 

Troyan: Our section leaders at Central were going to put together a giant card, but now we're going to put together some memories on a poster board for the family.

Friends share memories on Facebook

"All I have to say is this: 'Her name was Lola...she was a showgirl...'" — Will Sniegowski, Lincoln-Way Central '06.

"He used to sing that to me except he would change the words to, 'Her name was Lyles, she was a show girl.'" — Kristi Lyles, Lincoln-Way Central '04.

"Steve and I had a plan to room together his final semester at U of I... until he found a 1-room for himself on campus! As a fellow member of Sinfonia, Steve was a good Brother and I will remember the times we shared. He loved life and his job as a teacher." — Jonathan Nicolosi, of Round Lake, was a college classmate of Nedzel's.

"You meant so much to so many. You will be missed as a teacher, role model, instructor and friend. Rest in peace Mr. Nedzel." — Bailey Naughton.

"Mr. Nedzel was the most passionate, dedicated band director I have ever met. He taught his students the importance of pursuing excellence and it showed every time the band played. He was a wonderful role model and mentor. He will be missed immensely. He now goes on to play beautiful music in paradise." — Mary Leahy.

"You were a fantastic teacher and touched many lives. You were nothing less than a supportive, encouraging, and helpful colleague to me. My condolences to all of Steve's colleagues and students, both past and current. He will be missed."  — Stephen Cannon.

Note: Andrew Ritter is the brother of Patch contributor Tom Ritter. Tom is a 2004 Lincoln-Way Central graduate.