This section of our web site is dedicated to MASL members who are no longer with us. We will keep the articles about the members on this site - placing articles about most recently passed members first. To find a member, either page down or press Ctrl-F (PC-based) and type the member's last name into the search box. You may also see a list of members by clicking here.

Verna Casserly (Edleson)
February 5, 1907 - July 25, 2010

Verna Casserly, also known as Verna Edleson, died Sunday, July 25, 2010. A member of the Musical Pirates, the first all-girl orchestra in the United States, Verna played the violin. She also played with theSaint Louis Women's Symphoney and the Saint Louis Philharmonic as well as other groups. At the age of 103 she was the oldest living member of the MASL having joined in 1937.

Services: Visitation will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, 31, 2010 at St. John Nepomuk Church, 1625 S Eleveth St. The funeral mass will be at noon with burial at Resurrection Cemetery.. Details to follow.

Ralph W. Schibig
June 6, 1925 - June 21, 2010

Schibig, Ralph W. fortified with the Sacraments of Holy Mother Church, Monday, June 21, 2010. Beloved husband of the late Ann C. Schibig (nee Dunn); dear father of Marc, Monica and LeAnn; devoted PaPa of Gabriella, Michael and Jacob; dear brother of the late Delores White; our dear brother-in-law, uncle, cousin and friend. Mr. Schibig was a proud member of the Waterloo German Band.

Services: Funeral from KUTIS AFFTON CHAPEL, 10151 Gravois, Friday, June 25, 9:45 a.m. to Seven Holy Founders Catholic Church for 10 a.m. Mass. Interment Sts. Peter and Paul Cemetery. Contributions to  Cardinal Glennon Children's Medical Center appreciated. Visitation Thursday 3-9 p.m.

Will Rufus Carter, Jr.
January 29, 1929 - April 6, 2010

Born in Saint Louis, Alto Saxophonist Will Carter passed away April 6, 2010 at Mountain View Hospital in Las Vegas. He had been battling illnes for the past four years.

Services: A memorial service will be held Tuesday, April 13, 2010 at Wade Funeral Home Twin Chapel at 4800 Natural Bridge Blvd, Saint Louis MO starting at 10:00 a.m. with viewing and a musical tribute. The Funeral Service will begin at 11:00 a.m.

John H. Becker
June 19, 1919 - February 26, 2010

Dixlieland jazz banjo player John Becker passed way February 26, 2010. John began playing banjo at the age of eleven.  His professional career began in 1937. A well-known band leader he played with the Jazz Incredibles and many other groups. The video below is from an appearance with the River City Ramblers.

Services: No visitation is planned. Burial will be a private, family-oly ceremony. Cards may be sent to Larry Becker, 6515 Winnebago St, Saint Louis, MO 63109-1244. You may also call (314) 724-7931 or e-mail Larry at ljbecker@swbell.net.

Natasha Rubinstein
October 13, 1950 - January 2, 2010

Natasha Rubinstein, cellist with the Muny Orchestra, died unexpectedly Saturday, January 2, 2010 while out walking. As a freelance cellist and founder of Elegant Ensembles, and the Eden Trio she frequently performed in chamber music recitals. In addition to her work with the Muny Orchestra, she also performed at the Repertory and the Fox Theatres as well as the Webster University Symphony Orchestra.

Services: A memorial service for Natasha Rubinstein will be held on Wednesday, January 6, 2010 at 2:00 pm at Berger Memorial Chapel 4715 McPherson Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63108. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to a charity of your choice.

Bette Hope Waddington
July 7, 1921 - December 21, 2009

Bette Waddington, former Musicians Association of Saint Louis member and Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra violinist, passed away on December 21, 2009, at the age of 88. Her twin sister, Marjorie McMullen, who lives in California, survives Bette.

Services: A memorial service will be held for her on Sunday, January 3, 2010 at Heritage House, at 2800 Olive Blvd., between Jefferson and Compton in the City of St. Louis. The time of the service is 4:30 p.m.

Leanne C. Butts
October 5, 1960 - October 21, 209

Former member and former Executive Board member Leanne Butts lost her battle with cancer early this morning. In addition to being an accomplisched string bass player, she had a Masters degree in Nursing.

Services: 1:00 pm, Thursday, Oct. 29,2009, St. Paul Cemetery - 7600 S. Rock Hill Rd, Affton, MO 63123 with a reception afterwards at Bethel Community Church, 210 Chestnut Ave, Webster Groves MO 9(63119.

Lloyd A. Bartlett
December 13, 1925 - October 16, 2009

Former member Lloyd Bartlett died in Tucson, AZ in his home October 16, 2009. Lloyd joined the MASL in 1941 and was a life member when he resigined in 2003.

Lee C. Zumwalt
May 2, 1923- September 25, 2009

Saxophonis Lee Zumwalt lived in Saint Charles and was 86 when he passed away. He loved his family and playing the saxophone for God's Glory.

Artuher "Jim" Krohn
November 24, 1923 - August 25, 2009

Jim Krohn, long-time violinist with the Saint Louis Symphony passed away August 25, 2009.

Charles James “Jim” Ligon
March 26, 1916 – August 9, 2009

Jim Ligon grew up in Somerset, KY. He played clarinet and tenor sax with Barney Rapp, Billie Rogers, and the Jerry Wald big bands. He also played with Russ David in the 50’s. He spent his retirement years in Ocala, FL with his wife Betsy who preceded him in death. 

Services: 11:00 a.m. Friday, August 14th at St. Louis Cremation, 2135 Chouteau Ave., St. Louis, MO 63103. Memorial contributions may be made to The Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation, info at www.mhopus.org.

Franklin E. Pierce
March 30, 1929 – August 6, 2009

Franklin Perkins came to Saint Louis from New Jersey. He was Head of the Music Department at John Burrows from 1972 to 1997. In addtion to teaching, he was a church organist/music director and composer.

Services: Memorial service at First Presbyterian Church of Kirkwood, 100 E. Adams Ave., Thursday, 2:00 p.m. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to National Kidney Foundation or American Heart Assn. A service of the SCHRADER Funeral Home and Crematory.

Melvin J. Breidenbach
December 5, 1918 - May 21, 2009

Melvin J. Breidenbach died May 22, 2009. Melvin played tenor and alto saxes in addition to clarinet. He joined the MASL September 16, 1954. His last known address was in Saint Charles, MO.

Alexis W. Shumate
November 14, 1918 - April 17, 2009

Alexis W. Shumate died April 17, 2009. A piano player, he joined the MASL October 22, 1937. His last known address was at Prince Edward Island in Canada.

G. Dana Kinsman
November 16, 1914 - March 24, 2009

G. Dana Kinsman died March 24, 2009. Noted as a performer on piano and organ, he joined the MASL December 3, 1966. His last known address was in Jacksonville, Florida.  

Fred M. Del Gaudio
October 4, 1928 – December 10, 2008

Del Gaudio, Fred M. on Wednesday, December 10, 2008. Beloved son of the late Anthony and Rose (nee Gowatch) Del Gaudio; dear brother of Gene and Jerome Del Gaudio; brother-in-law of the late Arline and Diane Del Gaudio; our dear nephew and cousin. Dear friend of Peter and the late Linda Hurd and of the many musicians of the Musicians Association of St. Louis, Local 2-197. Fred joined the MASL December 28, 1944.

Services: The Stygar Family of Funeral Service is caring for the Del Gaudio family at the STYGAR MID RIVERS Funeral Home, 5987 Mid Rivers Mall Dr., ( St. Charles) where services will be held on Monday, December 15 at 11 a.m. Private interment at Calvary Cemetery. VISITATION Sunday 2-7 p.m. www.Stygar.com.

Jean Chard Sr. of Brentwood, Mo., died Dec. 1, 2008, in Ellisville, Mo. He was 87.

Mr. Chard was a retired music teacher for the Maplewood-Richmond Heights School District. He served in the U.S. Coast Guard from 1942 to 1945. He was born Feb. 18, 1921, in St. Louis Mo and joined the MASL April 3, 1981.

Mr. Chard is survived by his sons, Jean (Cynthia) Chard Jr. and Dennis Chard; grandchildren, Christopher and Michael Chard; and other relatives.

Services: A graveside service will take place Dec. 10 at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery. Arrangements were made by Schrader Funeral Home.

Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society or the Alzheimer's Association.

Donald W. Shone
December 8, 1931 – November 25, 2008

Donald Wayne Shone is survived by his wife, Patricia A. Shone (nee Herrmann); two sons, Donnie and David; one daughter, Tessa Shone; and two grandchildren. He became a member of Local 2-197 June 16, 1966.

Services: The funeral was Dec. 1 at John L. Ziegenhein and Sons South County Chapel with interment at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the charity of one's choice.

Marshall A. Zwick
January 14, 1920 - September 22, 2008

Zwick, Marshall A. Monday, September 22, 2008. Beloved husband of Jeanette 'Jeanne' Zwick (nee Thielemann) for 66 years; dear father of Terry (Debbie) Zwick; dear grandfather of Katherine (Steve) Pickardt; dear brother of Marvin Zwick; our dear cousin and friend to many. Member of M.A.S.L. since 1940, Coast Guard Band in WW II and the former organist for the St. Louis Hawks Basketball and Bilikens Basketball.

Services: Funeral from KUTIS AFFTON CHAPEL, 10151 Gravois, Friday, September 26, 11 a.m. Interment Sunset Cemetery. Visitation Thursday, 3-8 p.m.

Contributions to the American Heart Association or the American Lung Association appreciated.

Charles E. Dierker
January 2, 1926 - September 21, 2008

Dierker, Charles Edward Sun., Sept. 21, 2008. Beloved husband of Leotis Elaine Dierker (nee Sebastian); dear father of Marcia (Rick) Swenson, Rebecca Valicoff, Cynthia (Rey) Gerner, Lisa (Steve) Hudson and Andrew (Risha) Bricker; dear step-father of the late Terry Zinser; dear grandfather of Corinne, Adam, Nathanael, Jonathan, Zachary and Joshua; dear great-grandfather of Victoria, our dear brother-in-law, uncle and friend. 10/14/1943

Services: Funeral from KUTIS AFFTON CHAPEL, 10151 Gravois, Thurs., Sept. 25, 12:30 p.m. Interment J.B. Nat'l. Cemetery. Member of D.A.V. Visitation Wed., 4-9 p.m.

Richard E. "Dick" Beckman
April 6, 1931- August 28, 2008

Beckman, Richard E. 'Dick' 77, of Highland, IL, died August 28, 2008. Beloved husband of Del I. Beckman (nee Murray); dear father of Jan M. (Steven) Hughes, Nancy B. (Gregory) Kyrouac, Lisa B. (David) Trout, Shari L. (Marcus) Randall and Lt. Col. William R. (Adeliza) Beckman, Retired U.S. Army; grandfather of 26 and great-grandfather of 2. A 1949 graduate of Cleveland High School, retired plumber and owner of Houseman Supply, Highland, IL, and saxophonist, played with the Jack Engler Orchestra and Gary Dammer Orchestra, both of St. Louis.

Services: Visitation is 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., Monday, September 1, 2008 at SPENGEL-BOULANGER Funeral Home, 1501 N. Ninth St., Highland, IL 62249; 888-654-7234. Funeral Service is 10 a.m., Tuesday, September 2, 2008 at the Funeral Home. Interment is at Jefferson Barracks, National Cemetery, St. Louis, MO.

Memorials may be made to the Digging Wells for Clean Water c/o Rotary International

Robert "Bob" Buschmann
February 13, 1932 - August 13, 2008

Buschmann, Robert 'Bob' fortified with the Sacraments of Holy Mother Church, Aug. 13, 2008, peacefully at age 76. Beloved husband of 54 years to Patricia Buschmann (nee Truhlar); dear father of Tom (Barb) Buschmann, Terri Brauch (fiance Tom Dempewolf), Kathy (Jimmy) Munie and Mary Ann Buschmann; grandfather of Julie, Eric, Samantha, Ethan, Amy, Matthew and the late Jay.

Bob served as U.S. Navy Musician during the Korean Conflict and was a member of the Navy Musician's Association. He performed with the Johnny Polzin, Russ David, Bob Kuban and Rich Lauenstein Orchestras among others. In 1956, Bob joined the Musicians' Association of Saint Louis, Local 2-197 AFM, and was a member for over 50 years.

Retired after 43 years as a rental uniform service manager, 21 years with Todd Uniform, 53 year member of American Legion Post #37. Bob was an avid fisherman and loved boating with his family at Mark Twain Lake.

Thank you for the compassionate care provided by his BJC doctors, staff and hospice, and to the staff of Alexian Brothers Sherbrooke Village.

Services: Funeral from KUTIS AFFTON Chapel, 10151 Gravois, Tues., Aug. 19, 9:30 a.m. to St. Mark Catholic Church for 10 a.m. Mass. Interment J. B. National Cemetery.

If desired, memorial contributions to the American Cancer Society, American Heart Association or BJC Hospice. Visitation Mon., 4-7 p.m.

John E. "Mo" Brodie
June 21, 1943 - July 27, 2008

John will be deeply missed by his wife, Sharon A. Brodie, of Arnold; a sister, Ann Misel and husband, Jim of Costa Mesa, Calif.; three daughters, Jennifer Quandt and husband, Jim of Effingham, Ill., Angela Tarter and husband, Scott of Springfield, Ill., Michelle Lorton and husband, Matt of Chatham, Ill.; two stepdaughters, Becky Anson and husband, Greg of Taylor Ridge, Ill., Beth Anne Qualls and husband, Brad of Muscatine; a stepson, Brian Steele and wife, Dianna of Muscatine; grandchildren, Jason Quandt, Steven Quandt, Justin Quandt, Erica Snyder, Brody Snyder, Hailee Tarter, Lukas Lorton, Lane Lorton, Alex Sellers, Miyah Sellers, Danielle Shenk, Amanda Whitworth, Sydney Weggen, Mason Qualls, Jamie Qualls, Brandon Qualls, Brenden Steele and Emma Steele; great-grandchildren, Alexandria Vanacker, Kailee VanAcker; nieces, Lesa Blake and husband, Gary of Costa Mesa, Calif., Laura Corboy and husband, Brian of Everett, Wash.; great-nieces and nephews, Matthew Blake, Bethanie Blake, Sean Corboy, Aleta Corboy and John’s two cats, Frank and Betsy.

Services: 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 16, Comtrea Center, Arnold, Mo.

In lieu of flowers, condolences and memorials may be made out to Missouri Baptist Cancer Center in care of Sharon A. Brodie, 1317 Apple Hollow Drive, Arnold, MO. 63010.

Fred Julius
November 16, 1925 - June 2, 2008

Dear husband of the late Jayne Julius; devoted father of Shelley R. and Sharon J.; dearest brother of Donald S. Julius; beloved son of the late William and late Rose Julius; dear brother-in-law of Gail (Holly) Bird and Betty Webb; special cousin of Sharyn Benninger of Marlton, NJ; our dear uncle and friend. The family would like to express its deepest thanks and appreciation to the wonderful caregivers and owners of Home Care Assistance and of BJC Hospice.

Funeral Service Wednesday, June 4, 11:00 a.m., at New Mt. Sinai Mausoleum, 8430 Gravois Rd.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions preferred to the Alzheimer's Association, 9374 Olive Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63132. BERGER MEMORIAL SERVICE.

Silvio Pucci
December 24, 1920 - May 24, 2008

Beloved husband of Sylvia Pucci (nee Kerber); loving father of Patricia (Melvyn) Vonder Haar, Linda Pucci, Gino (Margaret) Pucci, Robert and Mario (Sandra) Pucci; proud grandfather of 12 and great-grandfather of 6; dearest brother of Ben and the late Ozzie; our dear uncle, cousin and friend to many. Mr. Pucci 'Pooch' played with the Russ David Orchestra for over 25 years.

Funeral from KUTIS AFFTON Chapel, 10151 Gravois, Thursday, May 29, 9:15 a.m. to St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church for 10 a.m. Mass. Interment Resurrection Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions appreciated to the American Parkinson's Disease Association. Visitation Wednesday 3-9 p.m.

William "Bill" Archer
July 22, 1940 - May 23, 2008

Member Bill Archer is survived by his wife Evelyn (also a member). Bill is also survived by his mother, Leola B. (Holmes) Archer; sister, Suzanne L. Gill and husband Allen; daughters Melody and Merrily; nieces, nephews, and grandchildren.

A Memorial Service will be held for Bill on Thursday, June 26, 2008, 6:30 P.M., at Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 9 South Bompart Avenue, (intersection of Lockwood & Big Bend) Webster Groves, MO.

Bill's professional performing credits include innumerable appearances as a jazz soloist, lead alto saxophonist, clarinetist, and flautist; guest solo appearances in colleges and universities; soloist/clinician appearances at music educators’ conventions; solo appearances with the St. Louis Symphony “Pops” Orchestra and the Mighty Mississippi Concert Band; playing engagements with the Glen Miller Orchestra, the Tex Benecke Orchestra, the Woody Herman Thundering Herd, the Lee Hyde Orchestra, the Russ David Orchestra, Bob Crosby and the Bobcats, Gladys Knight and the Pips, Barry White and the Love Unlimited Orchestra, Al Pierson’s Big Band U.S.A., Sammy Davis, Jr., George Kirby, Tony Bennett, Frank Sinatra, Suzanne Sommers, and Danny Thomas.

Members who are no longer with us: 

Name	Joined MASL	Deceased	Obituary
Verna Casserly	09/16/1937	07/25/2010
Ralph W. Schibig	05/05/1979	06/21/2010	*
Will Rufus Carter, Jr.	02/12/1957	04/06/2010
John H. Becker	01/07/1937	02/26/2010	*
Natasha Rubinstein	06/13/1969	01/02/2010
Bette Hope Waddington	04/04/1961	12/21/2009
Leanne C. Butts	07/02/1981	10/21/2009	*
Lloyd A. Bartlett	09/13/1941	10/16/2009	*
Lee C. Zumwalt	02/23/1985	09/25/2009	*
Arthur "Jim" Krohn	04/10/1962	08/25/2009	*
Charles James “Jim” Ligon	01/14/1954	08/09/2009
Franklin E. Perkins	04/03/1973	08/06/2009
Dave Schrage	10/04/1969	05/13/2009	*
Melvin J. Breidenbach	06/16/19	05/21/2006	*
Alexis W. Shumate	10/22/1937	04/17/2009	*
G. Dana Kinsman	12/03/1966	03/24/2009	*
Fred Del Gadio	12/28/1944	12/10/2008
Jean Chard, Sr.	04/03/1981	12/01/2008
Donald W. Shone	06/15/1966	11/25/2008
Marshall A. Zwick	02/22/1940	09/22/2008
Charles E. Dierker	10/14/1943	09/28/2008
Richard E. "Dick" Beckman	04/06/1931	08/28/2008
Robert "Bob" Buschmann	02/13/1932	08/13/2008
John E. "Mo" Brodie	12/15/1988	07/27/2008
Fred Julius	07/29/1943	06/02/2008
Silvio Pucci	02/14/1946	05/24/2008
William “Bill” Archer	03/19/1965	05/23/2008
Edna Wells	02/07/1980	04/24/2008	*
Wallace Eckhardt	01/15/1948	04/17/2008	*
Robert Shields	01/09/1947	03/17/2008	*
Charles Wasserman	07/10/1963	03/08/2008	*

* If you can provide us with a copy of an obituary, please do so. Thanks.

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