John Bielenberg

John Raymond Bielenberg, age 75, of Decatur, Illinois, passed away on Thursday, September 10, 2015. He was born on September 7, 1940, in Chicago, Illinois, to Raymond Gerber Bielenberg and Margaret Bernice Groh. A concert violinist and educator, John graduated from York High school and the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign, where ge studied music and education, receiving multiple Bachelors and Masters degrees. He toured with the Boston Pops orchestra and performed several times with Tony Bennett. A hard working and dedicated father and husband, John was preceded in death by his brother, David John Bielenberg, and his wife, Dixie Lee Rodehaver. He is survived by his five children: Susan Elizabeth Bielenberg, Jonathan Raymond Bielenberg, Jennifer Lynn (James) Fife, Margaret Anne Gilbert, and Elizabeth Wyeth (Christopher) Hage. He is also survived by eight grandchildren: Gabriel, Nathaniel, Daniel, Samuel, Keelyn, Darcy, Issac, and Cora. He celebrated his final birthday, on September 7, 2015, surrounded by family. His wishes were for a small private family gathering in lieu of a formal service. The family wishes to thank the kind staff of Decatur Memorial Hospital, who cared for him during his final days. Brintlinger and Earl Funeral Home are handling the arrangements. "
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