In Memoriam
This page is dedicated in memory of our members, patronesses and close friends. Most importantly, it is to tribute the honor of our members who have passed along.
Jo Lee Scarborough
Des Moines Register Obituary:
www.legacy.com/obituaries/desmoinesregister/obituary.aspx?n=jo-lee-scarborough-reid&pid=172551079&fhid=11274
Birthday: October 19, 1929
Education: Drake University, Cum Laude, Major in Speech and Drama and Minored in Voice, 1951. Pi Chapter
Offices: President
Awards: Sword of Honor
Musical Talent: Vocal
As president, Jo Lee hosted two receptions for Met star Roberta Peters at the Des Moines Golf and Country Club and for pianist Gina Bachauer at the home of Katie Noble. In 1972, Jo Lee was featured in Pan Pipes for Artistic Achievement of Gifted SAIs for her creative work in one-woman shows. By herself, she sings and acts an edited version of a Broadway musical. Her repertoire includes “I Do, I Do,” “The King and I,” “Fiddler on the Roof,” “Oliver” and “The Fantasticks.” She narrated “Carnival of Animals” for Des Moines Civic Ballet for performances in 1974-75.
Jo Lee and her high school sweetheart and husband of 60 years, Bob, retired in 1983 as co-publishers of Express Publication, Inc., a group of Polk County suburban weeklies. During that time, she wrote a column and did feature stories. They also formed RobLee Hill Publishing Company, publishing four books, three of them by Drake authors. From 1975-79, Jo Lee edited a national quarterly speech magazine, CAMWMEO of Zeta Phi Eta, a professional speech fraternity. A former president of the Des Moines Women’s Club, presently Jo Lee is chairman of the music scholarships committee of that club. She is a member of the steering committee of the Friends of Drake Arts and a member of the Drake Alumni Theater Board.
Jo Lee and Bob have two children, Shayla and Bob Jr., and have 4 grandchildren. Jo Lee attends many classes for senior citizens through Ray Society at Drake, gives occasional readings, and is mostly enjoying her husband and family and doggie, Anna, who “rules the roost.”
Education: Drake University, Cum Laude, Major in Speech and Drama and Minored in Voice, 1951. Pi Chapter
Offices: President
Awards: Sword of Honor
Musical Talent: Vocal
As president, Jo Lee hosted two receptions for Met star Roberta Peters at the Des Moines Golf and Country Club and for pianist Gina Bachauer at the home of Katie Noble. In 1972, Jo Lee was featured in Pan Pipes for Artistic Achievement of Gifted SAIs for her creative work in one-woman shows. By herself, she sings and acts an edited version of a Broadway musical. Her repertoire includes “I Do, I Do,” “The King and I,” “Fiddler on the Roof,” “Oliver” and “The Fantasticks.” She narrated “Carnival of Animals” for Des Moines Civic Ballet for performances in 1974-75.
Jo Lee and her high school sweetheart and husband of 60 years, Bob, retired in 1983 as co-publishers of Express Publication, Inc., a group of Polk County suburban weeklies. During that time, she wrote a column and did feature stories. They also formed RobLee Hill Publishing Company, publishing four books, three of them by Drake authors. From 1975-79, Jo Lee edited a national quarterly speech magazine, CAMWMEO of Zeta Phi Eta, a professional speech fraternity. A former president of the Des Moines Women’s Club, presently Jo Lee is chairman of the music scholarships committee of that club. She is a member of the steering committee of the Friends of Drake Arts and a member of the Drake Alumni Theater Board.
Jo Lee and Bob have two children, Shayla and Bob Jr., and have 4 grandchildren. Jo Lee attends many classes for senior citizens through Ray Society at Drake, gives occasional readings, and is mostly enjoying her husband and family and doggie, Anna, who “rules the roost.”
Carl Staplin - National Arts Affiliate and honorary member
Carl Bayard Staplin, PhD, Associate of the American Guild of Organists (AAGO), died Saturday, July 12, 2014 at Taylor House Hospice in Des Moines, IA. A celebration of life memorial service will be held on Monday, July 21, at 11:00 am at First Christian Church, 2500 University Avenue, Des Moines, IA, with music beginning at 10:45 am.
Carl was a wonderful husband, father, grandpa, teacher, mentor, musician, artist, scholar, and friend. He was Professor Emeritus of Organ and Church Music and Chair for the Keyboard Music Department at Drake University, Des Moines. Carl was also Minister of Music and Organist Emeritus at First Christian Church, Des Moines. Before joining the Drake faculty in 1967, Carl taught at the University of Evansville beginning in 1961.
Carl's love of music began as a choir boy and acolyte at the age of eight at St. Paul's Episcopal Cathedral in Buffalo, NY. He graduated from Amherst High School and Syracuse University before military service with the US Army. After completing his Master's degree at Yale University, he was appointed a research fellow at Washington University, where he received his PhD in performance practice and was elected to Phi Beta Kappa. While working in the Washington University library as part of his professional research, Carl found a previously mis-attributed manuscript composed by J.S. Bach, a thrilling discovery. Carl received special post-doctoral studies in organ performance, musicology, and improvisation in France and Germany. While in Europe he traveled extensively and recorded more than 35 organs in seven countries. He studied the English choir tradition in a number of English cathedrals, and completed a series of five recitals devoted to Bach's organ masterpieces, a total of 44 works in all. As a recitalist and guest clinician Carl presented over 200 concerts and workshops throughout the US including engagements in New York, Philadelphia, Chicago, Minneapolis, as well as Yale and the University of Colorado, and internationally in Germany, The Netherlands, Russia, Sweden, and Switzerland. Carl concertized under Phyllis Stringham Concert Management and was a touring artist for the Iowa Arts Council. Carl also was the first American organist to be invited to perform in the famed Laurenskerk of Rotterdam (The Netherlands).
Carl's recording of Bach's masterwork, Clavierübung III (the "German Organ Mass") was released by Calcante Recordings Ltd. This and other recordings by Carl have been heard on "Pipe Dreams," National Public Radio's weekly broadcast. Carl's doctoral dissertation on the chorale preludes of J.S. Bach was published in its entirety in a national organists' journal. Other publications included more than 20 organ, choral, and instrumental compositions released by eight national publishing firms.
For nearly 60 years as a church musician, Carl championed the organ as being the key component of the music worship experience. He believed passionately in the potential of music to spiritually uplift his fellow parishioners, and the power of creative musical improvisation to express one's faith. He was an active member of the American Guild of Organists (AGO), for which he provided leadership as chairman for Region 6 of the AGO, comprising 10 Midwestern states; director for the AGO national committee on professional education (COPE); and leader of the 1998 and 2000 national AGO organ pedagogy conferences. Carl also served for four years as national collegiate organ chairman for the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA), and was a member of the national editorial board for the American Music Teacher. In 2003 he was named a National Arts Affiliate and honorary member of Sigma Alpha Iota International Music Fraternity. Carl was a Patron of the professional music organization, Mu Phi Epsilon, and an honorary member of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia music fraternity. He also consulted for organ installations in numerous churches and institutions, and served as organist for the Des Moines Symphony.
Carl was a member of the Iowa Composers Forum. In recent years, his works were performed at Drake University, Iowa State University, Coe College, the University of Northern Iowa and the Iowa Composers Forum Festival. His choral works have been heard around the world; Carl's composition, O Clap Your Hands, was sung by the Drake University Choir and the Luther College Choir in several concerts and both national and international tours. Carl's compositions have also been broadcast over WOI-FM at Iowa State University on numerous occasions and he wrote a textbook entitled Make A Joyful Noise! - 500 Years of Sacred Music.
As a professor of music, Carl gave private instruction to 300 organ students and taught courses in music history, theory, and counterpoint. His students today hold leading positions in churches and universities throughout the US. They have been first place winners and finalists in state, regional, and national organ competitions. These include such prestigious contests as the national MTNA collegiate organ auditions, and AGO-sponsored local, regional and national competitions. His students have received grants to do post-graduate study abroad, and have continued their studies with leading artists in France, Germany, and England. Carl was extremely proud of and loved all his students, who became part of the Staplin family. Throughout his life it delighted him when his students phoned, wrote letters, and returned to Drake and First Christian, to share their music.
Carl was born on December 5, 1934, the son of Bayard and Anne Staplin. He is survived by his devoted wife of 53 years, Phyllis M. Staplin, Ed.D.; his loving children, Elizabeth Tausner (Eric) and William Staplin, Ph.D. (Ruth); and his five energetic grandchildren, Mena, Benjamin and Samuel Tausner, and Mary and Esther Staplin. Carl was predeceased by his brother, Robert Staplin, and his sister in law Jean Staplin. He was the uncle to his nephews, David Staplin (Lisa) and Dale Staplin (Beth), and his niece, Lynda Krueger (Rick).
Carl's family is grateful for his extensive circle of friends, which extended deep within Drake, First Christian, neighbors known as the '23rd Street Gang', and beyond.
Heartfelt thanks also go to the medical professionals at UnityPoint Health, University of Iowa Hospital, and Taylor House Hospice for their care of Carl.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Drake University Department of Music, First Christian Church, and the Des Moines Symphony. - See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/desmoinesregister/obituary.aspx?pid=171759737#sthash.Q1st5oHb.dpuf
Carl was a wonderful husband, father, grandpa, teacher, mentor, musician, artist, scholar, and friend. He was Professor Emeritus of Organ and Church Music and Chair for the Keyboard Music Department at Drake University, Des Moines. Carl was also Minister of Music and Organist Emeritus at First Christian Church, Des Moines. Before joining the Drake faculty in 1967, Carl taught at the University of Evansville beginning in 1961.
Carl's love of music began as a choir boy and acolyte at the age of eight at St. Paul's Episcopal Cathedral in Buffalo, NY. He graduated from Amherst High School and Syracuse University before military service with the US Army. After completing his Master's degree at Yale University, he was appointed a research fellow at Washington University, where he received his PhD in performance practice and was elected to Phi Beta Kappa. While working in the Washington University library as part of his professional research, Carl found a previously mis-attributed manuscript composed by J.S. Bach, a thrilling discovery. Carl received special post-doctoral studies in organ performance, musicology, and improvisation in France and Germany. While in Europe he traveled extensively and recorded more than 35 organs in seven countries. He studied the English choir tradition in a number of English cathedrals, and completed a series of five recitals devoted to Bach's organ masterpieces, a total of 44 works in all. As a recitalist and guest clinician Carl presented over 200 concerts and workshops throughout the US including engagements in New York, Philadelphia, Chicago, Minneapolis, as well as Yale and the University of Colorado, and internationally in Germany, The Netherlands, Russia, Sweden, and Switzerland. Carl concertized under Phyllis Stringham Concert Management and was a touring artist for the Iowa Arts Council. Carl also was the first American organist to be invited to perform in the famed Laurenskerk of Rotterdam (The Netherlands).
Carl's recording of Bach's masterwork, Clavierübung III (the "German Organ Mass") was released by Calcante Recordings Ltd. This and other recordings by Carl have been heard on "Pipe Dreams," National Public Radio's weekly broadcast. Carl's doctoral dissertation on the chorale preludes of J.S. Bach was published in its entirety in a national organists' journal. Other publications included more than 20 organ, choral, and instrumental compositions released by eight national publishing firms.
For nearly 60 years as a church musician, Carl championed the organ as being the key component of the music worship experience. He believed passionately in the potential of music to spiritually uplift his fellow parishioners, and the power of creative musical improvisation to express one's faith. He was an active member of the American Guild of Organists (AGO), for which he provided leadership as chairman for Region 6 of the AGO, comprising 10 Midwestern states; director for the AGO national committee on professional education (COPE); and leader of the 1998 and 2000 national AGO organ pedagogy conferences. Carl also served for four years as national collegiate organ chairman for the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA), and was a member of the national editorial board for the American Music Teacher. In 2003 he was named a National Arts Affiliate and honorary member of Sigma Alpha Iota International Music Fraternity. Carl was a Patron of the professional music organization, Mu Phi Epsilon, and an honorary member of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia music fraternity. He also consulted for organ installations in numerous churches and institutions, and served as organist for the Des Moines Symphony.
Carl was a member of the Iowa Composers Forum. In recent years, his works were performed at Drake University, Iowa State University, Coe College, the University of Northern Iowa and the Iowa Composers Forum Festival. His choral works have been heard around the world; Carl's composition, O Clap Your Hands, was sung by the Drake University Choir and the Luther College Choir in several concerts and both national and international tours. Carl's compositions have also been broadcast over WOI-FM at Iowa State University on numerous occasions and he wrote a textbook entitled Make A Joyful Noise! - 500 Years of Sacred Music.
As a professor of music, Carl gave private instruction to 300 organ students and taught courses in music history, theory, and counterpoint. His students today hold leading positions in churches and universities throughout the US. They have been first place winners and finalists in state, regional, and national organ competitions. These include such prestigious contests as the national MTNA collegiate organ auditions, and AGO-sponsored local, regional and national competitions. His students have received grants to do post-graduate study abroad, and have continued their studies with leading artists in France, Germany, and England. Carl was extremely proud of and loved all his students, who became part of the Staplin family. Throughout his life it delighted him when his students phoned, wrote letters, and returned to Drake and First Christian, to share their music.
Carl was born on December 5, 1934, the son of Bayard and Anne Staplin. He is survived by his devoted wife of 53 years, Phyllis M. Staplin, Ed.D.; his loving children, Elizabeth Tausner (Eric) and William Staplin, Ph.D. (Ruth); and his five energetic grandchildren, Mena, Benjamin and Samuel Tausner, and Mary and Esther Staplin. Carl was predeceased by his brother, Robert Staplin, and his sister in law Jean Staplin. He was the uncle to his nephews, David Staplin (Lisa) and Dale Staplin (Beth), and his niece, Lynda Krueger (Rick).
Carl's family is grateful for his extensive circle of friends, which extended deep within Drake, First Christian, neighbors known as the '23rd Street Gang', and beyond.
Heartfelt thanks also go to the medical professionals at UnityPoint Health, University of Iowa Hospital, and Taylor House Hospice for their care of Carl.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Drake University Department of Music, First Christian Church, and the Des Moines Symphony. - See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/desmoinesregister/obituary.aspx?pid=171759737#sthash.Q1st5oHb.dpuf
Marian Brown
Birthday: February 7, 1928
Education: University of Minnesota, Bachelor of Arts, Sigma Sigma. Drake University, Master of Music Education (Piano) Also Studied organ under the late Dr. Frank Jordan.
Offices: President
Awards: Sword of Honor, Rose of Honor and Rose of Dedication
Musical Talent: Organ
Marian received her Bachelor of Arts at the University of Minnesota and her Master of Music Education in piano at Drake University. She also studied organ under the late Dr. Frank Jordan. She held organ and piano positions in Des Moines for 45 years at St. John's Methodist Church, St. Mark's Lutheran Church, Westminster Presbyterian Church, and West Des Moines UMC, where she was organist for 33 years and has been Organist Emeritus since 2006. She also accompanied many ensembles and soloists and played for numerous weddings and funerals. When Marian retired from West Des Moines UMC, a Des Moines Register article said this about her time as organist: "It was the right choice for her and the right choice for the church. In all those 33 years, she moved through the facets of different ministers and styles of music with ease, concern, and passion." Marian has also been a member of the Treble Clef Music Club.
******Marian Ruth Brown, 84 of West Des Moines passed away on Tuesday, February 14, 2012 at Trinity Center at Luther Park. Private family services are planned with interment at Resthaven Cemetery. A memorial concert in celebration of Marian's life will be held at West Des Moines United Methodist Church at a later date. Marian was born on February 7, 1928 at Bismarck, North Dakota, the daughter of James H. and Ruth J. (Johanson) Hoskins. Marian taught high school music in northern Minnesota before coming to Des Moines where she met her late husband, Ross L. Brown. She and Ross were married on June 13, 1953. Her degree study included a B.S. from the University of Minnesota and a Master of Music Education from Drake University. She studied organ for many years with the late Frank B. Jordan, Dean Emeritus, Drake University. She served as organist at area churches for 45 years, the last 33 of which as full-time organist at West Des Moines United Methodist Church where she and Ross were members. She also taught piano to hundreds of students over more than 40 years. She was a member of P.E.O. Sisterhood, Sigma Alpha Iota Music Sorority, Treble Clef Music Club, La Sertoma, American Guild of Organists, and United Methodist Women. Marian is survived by sons David J. Brown (Julie) of West Des Moines, Ross Goodwin-Brown (Alice) of Amherst, MA and five grandchildren; Hannah Goodwin-Brown, Vera Goodwin-Brown, Ross H. Brown, Keegan H. Brown and Chase H. Brown. She was preceded in death by her husband Ross, daughter Holly M. Brown, brother John H. Hoskins, and sister Janet E. Hoskins. Memorials may be directed to the West Des Moines United Methodist Church or Care Initiatives Hospice.
Education: University of Minnesota, Bachelor of Arts, Sigma Sigma. Drake University, Master of Music Education (Piano) Also Studied organ under the late Dr. Frank Jordan.
Offices: President
Awards: Sword of Honor, Rose of Honor and Rose of Dedication
Musical Talent: Organ
Marian received her Bachelor of Arts at the University of Minnesota and her Master of Music Education in piano at Drake University. She also studied organ under the late Dr. Frank Jordan. She held organ and piano positions in Des Moines for 45 years at St. John's Methodist Church, St. Mark's Lutheran Church, Westminster Presbyterian Church, and West Des Moines UMC, where she was organist for 33 years and has been Organist Emeritus since 2006. She also accompanied many ensembles and soloists and played for numerous weddings and funerals. When Marian retired from West Des Moines UMC, a Des Moines Register article said this about her time as organist: "It was the right choice for her and the right choice for the church. In all those 33 years, she moved through the facets of different ministers and styles of music with ease, concern, and passion." Marian has also been a member of the Treble Clef Music Club.
******Marian Ruth Brown, 84 of West Des Moines passed away on Tuesday, February 14, 2012 at Trinity Center at Luther Park. Private family services are planned with interment at Resthaven Cemetery. A memorial concert in celebration of Marian's life will be held at West Des Moines United Methodist Church at a later date. Marian was born on February 7, 1928 at Bismarck, North Dakota, the daughter of James H. and Ruth J. (Johanson) Hoskins. Marian taught high school music in northern Minnesota before coming to Des Moines where she met her late husband, Ross L. Brown. She and Ross were married on June 13, 1953. Her degree study included a B.S. from the University of Minnesota and a Master of Music Education from Drake University. She studied organ for many years with the late Frank B. Jordan, Dean Emeritus, Drake University. She served as organist at area churches for 45 years, the last 33 of which as full-time organist at West Des Moines United Methodist Church where she and Ross were members. She also taught piano to hundreds of students over more than 40 years. She was a member of P.E.O. Sisterhood, Sigma Alpha Iota Music Sorority, Treble Clef Music Club, La Sertoma, American Guild of Organists, and United Methodist Women. Marian is survived by sons David J. Brown (Julie) of West Des Moines, Ross Goodwin-Brown (Alice) of Amherst, MA and five grandchildren; Hannah Goodwin-Brown, Vera Goodwin-Brown, Ross H. Brown, Keegan H. Brown and Chase H. Brown. She was preceded in death by her husband Ross, daughter Holly M. Brown, brother John H. Hoskins, and sister Janet E. Hoskins. Memorials may be directed to the West Des Moines United Methodist Church or Care Initiatives Hospice.
GRACE WALKER - Member with SAI for over 50 Years.
Grace Walker, 90, died peacefully at her home in Scottish Rite Park Retirement Community, Des Moines on October 18, 2011. Memorial services will be 1 p.m. Monday, October 24, at Plymouth Congregational United Church of Christ.
Grace was born on May 17, 1921, in Shamrock, OK, to James and Grace Winterringer and had lived in Des Moines since 1948. She served with the U.S. Navy during World War II (1943-1945). Grace married George S. Walker on February 4, 1945 in Shawnee, OK. As a member of Plymouth Church, she sang in the Chancel Choir and was a Bell Ringer. Her community service included membership in the Blank Hospital Guild, PEO, Des Moines Symphony Guild, Madrigal Music Club, and Sigma Alpha lota. Grace was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother.
Those left to cherish Grace's memory include her three children, Sharry (Steve) Ehlers of St. Louis Park, MN, Kevin (Jeanne) Walker of Homer, AK; and Jan (Joe) Early of El Dorado Springs, MO; two grandsons, Brian Ehlers and John (Colette) Ehlers all of Minneapolis; great grandchildren, Levi Walker Ehlers and Phoenix Belle Ehlers;and caring friend, Des Moines "daughter" Elaine Imlau. She is preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, George S. Walker; her parents; and two brothers. Memorials may be made to Plymouth Church for Adult Choral Music.
The family wishes to extend special thanks to the directors and staff of Scottish Rite Park for their kindness and care.
Grace Walker, 90, died peacefully at her home in Scottish Rite Park Retirement Community, Des Moines on October 18, 2011. Memorial services will be 1 p.m. Monday, October 24, at Plymouth Congregational United Church of Christ.
Grace was born on May 17, 1921, in Shamrock, OK, to James and Grace Winterringer and had lived in Des Moines since 1948. She served with the U.S. Navy during World War II (1943-1945). Grace married George S. Walker on February 4, 1945 in Shawnee, OK. As a member of Plymouth Church, she sang in the Chancel Choir and was a Bell Ringer. Her community service included membership in the Blank Hospital Guild, PEO, Des Moines Symphony Guild, Madrigal Music Club, and Sigma Alpha lota. Grace was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother.
Those left to cherish Grace's memory include her three children, Sharry (Steve) Ehlers of St. Louis Park, MN, Kevin (Jeanne) Walker of Homer, AK; and Jan (Joe) Early of El Dorado Springs, MO; two grandsons, Brian Ehlers and John (Colette) Ehlers all of Minneapolis; great grandchildren, Levi Walker Ehlers and Phoenix Belle Ehlers;and caring friend, Des Moines "daughter" Elaine Imlau. She is preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, George S. Walker; her parents; and two brothers. Memorials may be made to Plymouth Church for Adult Choral Music.
The family wishes to extend special thanks to the directors and staff of Scottish Rite Park for their kindness and care.
Elizabeth Kruidenier - Des Moines Alumnae Patroness and Des Moines Icon
Article published in the Des Moines Register.
http://blogs.desmoinesregister.com/dmr/index.php/2011/10/19/des-moines-icon-elizabeth-kruidenier-dies-at-85/
Article published in the Des Moines Register.
http://blogs.desmoinesregister.com/dmr/index.php/2011/10/19/des-moines-icon-elizabeth-kruidenier-dies-at-85/