Melichar, Edwin James 94, died peacefully at home on October 23, 2023. He was the son of James A. Melichar and Mary M. (Kos) Melichar Edwin (Ed) graduated from Cedar Falls High School and continued his education at Iowa State Teacher's College. After his graduation he began his teaching career in Toledo, Iowa where he met his future wife Margaret Carol Gesling. His next job was in Thornton, Iowa, where he again taught band and science. He continued his education at the University of Iowa in Iowa City where he received his master's degree in music. Ed and his family moved to Minnesota after he accepted a position in the Edina School System in the music department. He taught in the Edina School System from 1959 through 1987. During his tenure there he headed the music department at both Edina High School and Edina West High School. Ed touched the lives of hundreds of students in band, orchestra, and marching band. Ed was inducted into the American Bandmaster's Association as one of the few members who was actively teaching at the high school level. Ed loved many activities including teaching, sailing, fishing, and telling jokes, jokes, and more jokes. Ed touched many of his students' lives who often came back to thank him and tell him the effect he had on their lives. He left this world a better place by using the gifts he was given to their fullest. Preceded in death by: Wife Margaret Carol (Gesling) Melichar; parents James A. and (Mary M.) Melichar; numerous aunts, uncles, brothers-in-law(s), sister-in-law(s), cousin(s), daughter-in-law, nieces, and nephews. Ed is survived by: Siblings: Paul J. (Marianna) Melichar, Sonia M. Callahan, sister- in-law Louis Stout, numerous cousin(s). Children: Mary (Bruce) Whitehead, Michelle (Philip Domek) Vidmar, James (Lori) Melichar, Paul Melichar, and Ed Melichar, 17 grandchildren, and 6 great grandchildren. A mass and celebration of life will be held on January 12th, 2024, at: St. Patrick's Church 6820 St. Patrick's Lane Edina, MN 55439 Visitation will be from 9:00am to 10:30 with a Mass to follow along with a luncheon. Pastor: Father Allen Kuss The Family suggests instead of flowers, memorials be made to: Edwin James Melichar Scholarship Fund Care of: Edina Bands (Attn: Boosters) Edina High School 6754 Valley View Road Edina, MN 55439 edinabands.com/ If you choose to make a donation on-line, please fill in the "Name for the printed program" box as shown below. Name for printed program: Edwin Melichar Scolarship Fund
After all these years of playing, I still regard him as one of the best band directors in my experience. I am lucky to have had the chance to work with him.
Bruce Miller
Edwin James Melichar
Melichar, Edwin James 94, died peacefully at home on October 23, 2023. He was the son of James A. Melichar and Mary M. (Kos) Melichar Edwin (Ed) graduated from Cedar Falls High School and continued his education at Iowa State Teacher's College. After his graduation he began his teaching career in Toledo, Iowa where he met his future wife Margaret Carol Gesling. His next job was in Thornton, Iowa, where he again taught band and science. He continued his education at the University of Iowa in Iowa City where he received his master's degree in music. Ed and his family moved to Minnesota after he accepted a position in the Edina School System in the music department. He taught in the Edina School System from 1959 through 1987. During his tenure there he headed the music department at both Edina High School and Edina West High School. Ed touched the lives of hundreds of students in band, orchestra, and marching band. Ed was inducted into the American Bandmaster's Association as one of the few members who was actively teaching at the high school level. Ed loved many activities including teaching, sailing, fishing, and telling jokes, jokes, and more jokes. Ed touched many of his students' lives who often came back to thank him and tell him the effect he had on their lives. He left this world a better place by using the gifts he was given to their fullest. Preceded in death by: Wife Margaret Carol (Gesling) Melichar; parents James A. and (Mary M.) Melichar; numerous aunts, uncles, brothers-in-law(s), sister-in-law(s), cousin(s), daughter-in-law, nieces, and nephews. Ed is survived by: Siblings: Paul J. (Marianna) Melichar, Sonia M. Callahan, sister- in-law Louis Stout, numerous cousin(s). Children: Mary (Bruce) Whitehead, Michelle (Philip Domek) Vidmar, James (Lori) Melichar, Paul Melichar, and Ed Melichar, 17 grandchildren, and 6 great grandchildren. A mass and celebration of life will be held on January 12th, 2024, at: St. Patrick's Church 6820 St. Patrick's Lane Edina, MN 55439 Visitation will be from 9:00am to 10:30 with a Mass to follow along with a luncheon. Pastor: Father Allen Kuss The Family suggests instead of flowers, memorials be made to: Edwin James Melichar Scholarship Fund Care of: Edina Bands (Attn: Boosters) Edina High School 6754 Valley View Road Edina, MN 55439 edinabands.com/ If you choose to make a donation on-line, please fill in the "Name for the printed program" box as shown below. Name for printed program: Edwin Melichar Scolarship Fund
Published on January 3, 2024 Star Tribune
James P. Reed
After all these years of playing, I still regard him as one of the best band directors in my experience. I am lucky to have had the chance to work with him.