Obituary of David A. Bilderback

On November 22, 1934, a small baby was born to Charles and Virginia (Litchfield) Bilderback, in Gilmanton, Wisconsin. They named him David Alan. After much tender and intense care, David grew into a robust lad who loved to make music. He chose University of WI-Eau Claire to study trumpet, voice, and every instrument he could get his hands and lips on. He directed school bands and choirs, gave music lessons, and directed Presbyterian Church choirs in Baldwin, St. Croix Falls (his favorite job), Portage and Wauwautosa, Wisconsin. He wanted everyone he taught to love and appreciate music and use it to live a rich life. As he got older, Dave turned to helping students by giving them 'guidance' in student life and college and career choices. He expanded his education at the Universities of MN and WI, receiving Masters and Specialists degrees. He never deserted his music as he sang in barbershop quartets, choral groups and weddings, and played "Taps" at funerals. He supported his children's and grandchildren's music education, putting in many well-spent hours teaching them piano, trumpet, flute and voice, and fostering good music habits, instincts and appreciation. In retirement he became a listener more than a performer and teacher. The St Paul Chamber Orchestra, Minnesota Orchestra, Stillwater Chamber Chorale, and Century College Jazz Band offered him unlimited music pleasures. His other retirement hobbies and interests included golf, gardening and travel. His final Opus, pancreatic cancer, was completed on February 21, 2015, at home in Mahtomedi, MN. The whole notes left at his passing include his wife, Ellie, son Mark and his wife Holly and their children Melanie, Kayla and Nick, and daughter Jennifer Robinson and her children Jasmine and Julia. Special thanks to Tammy and Nancy at HealthEast Hospice and Andres at BrightStar. A gathering to honor Dave's memory will be held in the summer.