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Memories for Gary From: Lindsey Doubek I was saddened to read about Mr. Stenehjem's passing, but as I read his obituary I couldn't help but remember the great times I had in Jim Hill Band. He was a wonderful teacher and he had a real love for his students and music. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Joan Haaland Paddock Gary is the reason why I became a musician. When I first met
Gary, it was in 1973 when he was teaching at Jim Hill Junior
High School. My brother had gone to school there, played the
trumpet, and now the trumpet was in a closet at home. Gary called
me in to his office one day (half year) and asked me if I would
like to learn to play that trumpet and join the band. He was
so encouraging...and fun! I learned a lot that half year before
Gary moved to Central Campus in Minot. I loved music and listened
to fine trumpeters (as Gary had suggested to me). Gary came back
a year later to audition trumpeters for his 9th grade band. I
played a tune by ear that I had on a recording. That tune was
the 2nd movement of the Haydn Trumpet Concerto. Gary had planted
the seeds of "how to play" "how to practice"
and "how to listen - and to whom." During the next
few years, I took private lessons with Mr. Stenehjem. Five students
went to him to ask for music coaching - these five students were
Brad, Kyle, Clyde, Mitch and Joan. We formed a brass quintet
and played together for 3 years, I think it was. Gary took time
out of his busy schedule to help us find music, listen to us,
give us coaching, and share in our excitement of making music.
Gary encouraged me to go to the International Music Camp. This
has come full circle as I did go (couldn't stay away! - one year
I went for 6 weeks. I still have all the letters from friends
and family during that time I was away from home. Many of those
letters were signed GAS.) After I had completed a masters degree
in music (trumpet performance) I was invited to teach trumpet
at the camp and in later years I conducted the Mountie and Ranger
Band. This summer I will return to teach trumpet for two weeks,
and my two children will go to the International Music Camp for
the first time. Gary planted that seed many, many years ago.
His inspiration to me has gone on through countless others with
whom I have been in contact as teacher and coach as I too chose
the profession of music. Gary played trumpet and organ at my
wedding.... for several years he has loaned trumpets to me when
I was visiting Minot and couldn't bring them all while traveling
from Oregon; Gary was very generous - always. To the family,
I express my sympathy in your loss but I also wish to celebrate
the life of this leader, teacher, and friend. I express praise
and thanks for his life as he had such a great influence on me.
I love him and I will miss him - he will live on through his
many students which span the generations. Minot has lost a great
"leader of the band" - but what they gained while he
was living his life and mission in music in Minot is priceless.
Hats off to Gary Stenehjem and thanks to God for his life and
contributions! Sincerely, ------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Kirk Roos Mr. Stenehjem was the reason I joined jazz band, and the reason
I stuck it out all through high-school. He was a great leader,
and made band fun! Not just by his excellent instruction, though,
but by his enthusiasm to jump in and play with us. During marching
practice he'd often play along with his trumpet. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: John M Brey To the family of Gary Stenehjem my symathy in the --------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Tracy Witham As a former student of "Mr. Stenehjem," I admired
his ability as a musician, his dedication as a teacher, and his
enthusiasm in bringing the best out of his student bands. Returning
to Minot for visits, it was a special treat to hear him play
organ at First Lutheran. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Donna Mindt My thoughts and prayers are with you during this most difficult time. I was one of Gary's band students at Central Campus. I remember those cold band days in Williston & Bismarck & then of course selling those "wonderful" fruitcakes to have money to go on those trips. He was a great teacher& always had a smile on his face even during those chemo treatments. May you find peace & comfort in all the memories you have of Gary. God Bless --------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Jim & Gail Lein Sorry for your loss, our loss, the community's loss. But May
2 is not The Day the Music Died. Gary's example and instruction
have helped keep it alive in all of us, including the non-music-major
members of the Brass Band. He shared his significant musical
talent in a way that brought much more music out of us than we
could have done on our own. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: capt Ken Rotter It was an extreme privlige to have known and played with Gary. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Krista (Gilbertson) Fodera Mr. Stenehjem, you will be truely missed. Thank you for your
dedication and love for music. I have so many good memories from
being in your class. Thank you for being my teacher. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Mark and Kathy (Darling) Lillemon We have so many fond memories of Gary. May he rest in peace. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Dale G. Niewoehner I was sorry to read of Gary's death. Frater Gary was a member
of the Epsilon Omega chapter of TKE, as was I. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Jack Wiley I am sorry to hear about Gary's passing. We taught together at Jim Hill Jr. High from 1969-74. I was the swimming teacher who had my class go get him from his class & throw him into the swimming pool. Shame on me, but those were fun memories. I always played pranks on him, he was a wonderful person. Our Regards to the family for the loss. Regards, Jack & Sue Wiley --------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Jason Hovde I will always remember Mr. Stenehjem helping me to learn the
trumpet at Jim Hill School. I started band later than most of
the kids, but he helped me catch up and pushed me to do my best.
I will always have fond memories of him. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Greg Darling I am very sorry to hear that Gary has passed. He was a close friend of my family since the late 60's when we moved to Minot. I enjoyed playing with Gary in the Minot Elks Band, and the ND State American Legion Band. We will always have fond memories of him and he will be missed. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Kris Shipley Gary's many talents will be missed by all at First Lutheran
Church. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Michelle Larson I am so sorry for your loss. Mr. Stenehjem was my junior high
band director back in the 70's at Jim Hill. He was always one
of my favorite teachers, even though he made you work hard at
your music. I've also been a member of First Lutheran Church
since my marriage in 1986 and have been fortunate to hear his
beautiful music throughout the years. He will be greatly missed.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: gayle sandvik arnson My sympathies for your loss. I did my student teaching with Gary at Jim Hill. He always had a smile when we would run into each other. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Mardi Taft Bolinske I was a student in the band at Central Campus during the time
Mr. Stenehjem taught there. I was the only female trombonist
in my class (1978), and he always made sure I was treated respectfully
by the other trombone players in the section. The band days are
fun memories for me, and Mr. Stenehjem is part of those memories
that I will keep forever. My thiughts and prayers go to his entire
family. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Julie Lafontaine-Wallace I have very fond memories of Gary as my instructor when I played in the MHS Band for my highschool years when I graduated in 1981. He also played the trumpet at my wedding in 1985. Another classmate I talked with Greg Goetz would like to convey his sympathy and he has also said he will miss him dearly, he was a great guy and he has very fond memories of Gary. Our sincere sympathy to the family. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Huwe family Our sincere condolences to the Stenehjem family. All three
of our children Marshall, Yolonda and Matthew Huwe were greatly
enriched by Gary's teaching and musical talents. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Teri and Michael Tingley Our deepest sympathies to the Stenehjem family. I participate in the Minot Community Concert band and when I first joined the band, Gary was the director. I am certain that he will be missed by many, and he will definitely be missed by me! With great fondness, Teri Tingley --------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Sarah Hanley Mr. Stenehjem was an inspiration to me and many, many others.
His spirit will live on forever in our appreciation of all kinds
of music. I will always remember junior high band fondly because
of him. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Heidi Luithle Mr. Stenehjem was a great music teacher! He will truly be
missed, I rememeber when I was an 8th grader and Mr. Stenejem
was retiring from Jim Hill he sold his garfield posters and old
jim hil band t-shirts. I was not in band but in choir, and he
would sub a few times, however if you were involved in music
you knew him. I also remember one of our choir/band concerts
he had given a student the opp to conduct the band, that student
knew nothing about conducting and Mr. Stenehjem had alot of time
to just love on his students! I graduated in 2000 and everytime
I would see Mr. Stenehjem we would not just have a "HI"
he would usually ask about how things are going and if I am still
in Music... I have a little boy now and a few years back Mr.
Stenehjem saw him and he gave me words of advice to get my son
who now loves music as well! I'm sure I could go on for hours
about this Great Music Man.... My deepest Sympathy goes to the
family and the thousands of People who have been taugh! ----------------------------------------------------------------- From: Jennifer Smith Claerbout Mr. Stenehjem musically inspired me in so many ways. I'm very sorry to learn about his death. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Guy Cresap Mr Stenehjem was my teacher at Central Campus in the 70s.
He was a kind considerate man and I was honored to have been
a small part of his life. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Julie McBride Dear Margaret and Arne and family. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Julie (Hanson) Thrailkill My husband and I wanted to send our sympathies to Gary's family. Not only did I have Gary as a teacher but he also played at our wedding. I am sure you have heard this several times. Gary did alot for the community and his church and he will be missed. God Bless --------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Nathan Hance I took trumpet lessons from Mr. Stenehjem during middle and high school(2000-2006) and enjoyed learning so much from this great man. I was especially grateful that he got me to play in the Brass Band and I loved playing under his direction; he brought so much knowledge and humor to the podium. He will be greatly missed. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Wayne Naas Dear Margaret and Family, ------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Sheldon Sime My Deepest sympathy for the Stenehjem Family. He was my teacher at Jim Hill and Central Campus. I will always remember after graduation when i would see him i would call him Mr. Stenehjem and he would insist i call him Gary because he would say that he was know longer my teacher but my friend. Also was always a good sport.I remember the days when Mr.Wiley our swimming teacher would have us all go get him out of his class across the hall and throw him in the pool. Its ironic because i was just telling my wife about that the other day. He will be greatly missed by all. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Andrew Beaumont Mr. Stenehjem's enthusiasm and passion for music and life
was infectious. He challenged myself and other members of the
bands at Central Campus in ways that made us better musicians
and better people. It's no stretch to say that he laid the foundation
for what became many award-winning performances at Minot High.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Bob Fraley I was a student of Gary's in the late '70s, both in private lessons and band at Minot's Central Campus. Gary's positive influence has shaped many young people over the years, especially mine. In his own way, he made the world a better place and he will definitely be missed. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Wendel A. VanWechel My deepest sympathy to Gary's family! I met Gary for the first time at the ND State American Legion Convention last year in Minot. I am a member of the ND American Legion State Band, Euphonium section. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Shelly Trueblood With my deepest symphathy to the family and Marty. I am Marty's
groomer at 4-Paws Grooming and did not know Gary had passed until
now. I recently had eye surgery and was unable to see to read
clearly. I will miss seeing Gary and also his freindly voice.
It will not be the same as I see him walking Marty all the time.
I hope that Marty is doing fine and someone is taking good care
of him also. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Bruce & Loreen Jorgensen Very sorry to hear about Gary. We knew Gary for many years with the American Legion. Bruce was in the Drum & Bugle with Gary. Gary also taught my daugthers at Jim Hill school. We will truly miss him. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Bruce & Loreen Jorgensen Our hearts are with you --------------------------------------------------------------------------- |