Thomas Kasdorf

Kasdorf, Thomas Thomas R. Kasdorf, 85 of Kalamazoo, passed away Friday October 30, 2020. He was born on December 9, 1934 in Chicago IL to Roger Kasdorf and Ruth Fuchssteiner and united in marriage to the late Gail Brown in 1967. He is survived by his sister Nancy Wayman (Michael); brother Jim Kasdorf (Kate); sister-in-law Jane Todd (John); brother-in-law Bob Brown (Susan); nieces and nephews: Bob Brown Jr. (Melissa); Fritz Brown (Marisa); Andrew Brown (Jill); Catherine Webb (Kevin); A.J. Todd (Cathy); Stephen Todd (Kara); Eric Todd (Beth); Lucas Wayman (Stacy); Derick Wayman; and 21 grand nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Roger and Ruth Kasdorf and wife of 48 years, Gail. Tom Kasdorf was a choral giant and treasured leader in our community. He was a talented, charismatic teacher for high school students, college students and adults alike. As a consummate professional with high standards, he expected nothing less than the best from himself or his choral groups. He had the ability to get the members of the groups he conducted to sing their hearts out and achieve a level of performance they didn't know was within them. Yet, he was so much more. He was a mentor, colleague, and cherished friend who had a wonderful sense of humor that was especially evident when he was telling stories. He was also kind, patient, thoughtful, and extremely generous. Tom earned a bachelor's degree in Music Education from Northwestern University where he was president of the A Cappella Choir and the featured piano soloist with the Northwestern University Symphony Orchestra. Two years after his graduation he moved to Kalamazoo where he quickly discovered the rich cultural activity in Kalamazoo and most importantly met his future wife, Gail Brown. Tom was a vital presence in the community. He served as Director of Choral Activities at Kalamazoo Central and Loy Norrix for a total of 29 years. Highlights of his tenure included amazing musical productions each year. So, while Tom might have been surprised, the community was not surprised when in 1989 the auditorium at Loy Norrix High School was named after him. While teaching at Loy Norrix, Tom found time to form the Starlight Symphony Chorus which performed with the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra on the roof of the parking ramp next to Gilmore's Department Store. He also served as the music director for The Barn Theater's summer productions for five years. And while holding down three jobs, he earned a master's degree with high distinction in choral conducting from Indiana University. As if Tom didn't have enough to do, he served as the Director of Music at the First Presbyterian Church in Kalamazoo for 47 years. Concurrently, in the late 70's he became Music Director and Conductor of the Kalamazoo Singers, a position he held for 30 years. And, he served as Adjunct Associate Professor at WMU teaching Choral Literature and Choral Methods as well as conducting Collegiate Singers, the Treble Chorus, and Grand Chorus. In 1986 in recognition or Tom's significant creative contributions and leadership in the arts, he was awarded the Community Medal of Arts -- a lifetime achievement award sponsored by the Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo. Tom was deeply appreciative of the support he received from the Kalamazoo community so, it was natural for him to give back by serving on the boards of the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra and the Irving S Gilmore Keyboard Festival. Although Tom dedicated an unbelievable number of hours to his work, he also knew how to relax on weekends and in the summer when he exchanged his baton for a hoe. He loved gardening because it, like choral music, brought instant gratification and beauty. And he loved his family whose lives he enriched by exposing them to the world of music not only in Kalamazoo but also in New York and Chicago. Tom had a wonderful way of making everyone feel special. His encouragement to embrace our dreams and always do our best will forever be a part of Tom's rich legacy. Our community has lost one of its treasures, a true legend. Tom was an incredible man who touched more lives than we will ever know. Heavens choir is now perfection. A private graveside service will be held for Tom, with a celebration of life to take place at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the Gilmore Keyboard Festival, Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra, The Crossing (8855 Germantown Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19118 ) or a charity of your choice. To view Tom's personal webpage please visit: https://www.langelands.com