Popular Band Director Dies in Fall

Students, teachers and parents in suburban New Lenox remained in shock Tuesday over the death of a popular band director.

Steve Nedzel, 32, the chairman of the music department at Lincoln-Way West High School, died last Friday after a fall at his home.

"This was very surprising and of course very sad.  Our faculty is very saddened by it," said the school's principal, Monica Schmitt.

Nedzel had worked for the school for 10 years and directed the marching band, pep band and percussion ensemble.

He even wrote the school's fight song and composed the lyrics for it.

"Every time that song is played, every time those words are sung, that's going to be him," said Tom Venutolo, the school's choir director. "He put his best into each thing that he did.  Each musical item was something important to him."

A week ago, Nedzel lost his balance on the front porch of his Wrigleyville apartment and struck his head on the concrete.  He died three days later.

A memorial service for family and friends will be held at All Saints Lutheran Church, at 630 S. Quentin Road in Palatine, IL on Saturday. A separate memorial service for Lincoln-Way students and parents will be held at Lincoln-Way West on Saturday, July 2, 2011 at 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to the Steve Nedzel Memorial Fund, c/o Lincoln-Way West High School.

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