Frederic Nitschke

Frederic A. Nitschke, 91, of Rochester, passed away peacefully on May 31, 2017 at Samaritan Bethany. Fred was born June 16, 1925 in Mankato, MN to Arthur and Alwina (Mueller) Nitschke. He attended St. Johns Lutheran School in Good Thunder, MN and High School at Concordia Academy, St. Paul MN. Fred then graduated from Concordia University in Seward NE with a double major in Music and Education. He earned a MA degree in Educational Psychology from U of MN in 1954. Fred studied organ for 2 years with Arthur Jennings at the U of MN and 3 years with Gregg Fountain at Oberlin Conservatory, as well as several Master Classes. He studied Choral directing for 12 summer sessions with Paul Christiansen at the Christiansen Choral School and served as teacher/principal, music director at Janesville, MN; Minneapolis, MN; Elyria OH and Rochester MN. Fred was Minister of Music and Youth at Great Bend, KS before moving to Rochester, MN in 1957, serving as teacher and/or principal at Trinity Lutheran school which merged into the present Rochester Central Lutheran School. He began as the organist/choir director at Trinity in 1957. Fred was president of the former S.E. MN teachers conference and served many years on the MN South District Music and Worship Committee and assisted SE MN district Director of Education, Ray Maag, in visiting and critiquing district Lutheran schools. He served as treasurer of Lorain Co. AGO in Ohio and is a charter member of SE MN AGO serving 4 terms as dean and many years on the executive board. Fred married Twyla Ostlund of Kenosha WI in 1953. She was a private piano teacher and organist. They were blessed with 3 sons : Peter Paul and Joel. Fred was a licensed Ham Radio Operator, had his private pilots license, an avid gardener, and was captain of his pontoon boat on Lake Zumbro. Fred is survived by his three sons, Peter, Paul and Joel. He was preceded in death by his wife and parents. A funeral service will be held 11:00 AM Thursday, June 8, 2017 at Trinity Lutheran Church, 222 6th Ave. SW, Rochester. Visitation will be held from 10:00 AM until the time of the service. Burial will be at Oakwood Cemetery. To share a special memory or condolence, please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home 5421 Royal Place NW Rochester, MN 55901