Don Kneeburg
August 5, 2020
Don William Kneeburg, 81 of Glendo, Wyoming passed away peacefully on August 5, 2020.
Don was born in Asheville, North Carolina on August 26, 1938 to Roy and Sarah Kneeburg. As a young boy, Don was introduced to music singing in the church choir where his mother was the organist. Unlike other kids his age, he listened to classical music on his transistor radio which began his love for the arts.
He joined the school band and focused on learning euphonium until the day his dad came home with a trombone at which time he found his calling. Throughout his school years he served as band officer, student conductor and participated in All-State Bands and various summer music camps.
In 1957, Don attended Lenoir Rhyne College in Hickory, North Carolina. As a music education major, he played his first ‘paid gigs’ with the Kampus Kats. He was also tour manager and a member of his college choir. In 1960, he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree and was accepted to Indiana University as a graduate student. Don was a member of the Beversdorf Trombone Trio, was a graduate assistant, and in 1962 earned a Master of Music with Performer’s Certificate from the prestigious IU School of Music.
Don’s first official teaching position was at the University of Kansas teaching trombone, euphonium and tuba, as well as class instruction in brass instrument techniques. In the fall of 1965, Don returned to Indiana University as a faculty member, quite an honor!
In 1968 Don was offered the position of Assistant Professor of Music at the relatively new institution, the University of South Florida in Tampa. During his tenure at USF, he taught trombone, euphonium and tuba, music education courses, was Director of Wind Ensemble II, served as Acting Director of Bands, Director of the Brass Choir and was Music Director of Summer TheatreUSF. He played professionally in the Tampa Bay area as Principal Trombonist with both the Florida Orchestra and West Coast Symphony, with numerous visiting professional acts, and with the community organization Sunshine Brass.
Don’s first love was music. He continued to play even after more than 30 years of teaching. But Don loved other things as well: world travel, cooking (and eating!!), brass banding, history, nature, camping, hiking, and volunteering. He was modestly proud of the 40 mile trek he made at the age of 70 to Machu Picchu. He was very handy; he and his wife together built their dream log home in Wyoming where they lived for the last 20 years. He was an active member of the Platte County (WY) Historical Society, volunteered for seniors delivering meals and served on the Platte County Library Board, all the while, continuing to play his much-loved trombone.
Don was fun and funny. His sense of humor was dry and witty. He was kind and compassionate. He loved animals. He loved his wife and children.
Hundreds of students were influenced by Don, not only by his teaching of music, but by being a life mentor:
“Your quiet confidence, humility and professionalism have helped to make me who I am today”.
“Don was the greatest musical mentor I could have ever asked for in this life. He guided me through literature and encouraged me every step of the way”.
Don had a life-long impact on so many: his students, his colleagues, his community and his family. So many young people attending college often needed more than just the teachings of the instrument; some were quite lost. He had the ability to see the potential in these students, many who are now music educators, professional players in US military bands and in orchestras around the world.
Don is survived by his wife of 38 years (KD), his daughter Laura Berto (John), son David Kneeburg (Robin) and granddaughter Sarah Berto, siblings Roy Kneeburg (Frances), Betty Thompson (Harry) and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents Roy and Sarah Kneeburg.
View current weather.
Photo Gallery
Guestbook
Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle
Don & I met on the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. What a great adventure and I will never forget Don & KD and their friendship on that trip. I wish Don peaceful rest and KD comfort through this difficult time.
It's a sad time for so many. I'm sorry for your loss, KD.It's nice of you to share this. I hope you will stay well, and have some happy times to come.Take care.
So sorry for the loss of your sole mate! While I did not have the opportunity to meet Don, it is clear, you two have a very special love and a love adventure in your life together❤️ You have beautiful memories to hold on to😇
A very caring man who meant a lot to many people. He passed on his love of music, a great gift!
Thinking of you and your great loss. I feel blessed to have met your beloved. It has been inspiring for me to watch your phenomenal demonstration of strength. Keeping you in my prayers. 🙏🏽
Rest in piece, Don
Since I was a percussion major at USF (in the late 70s), I didn't have as much contact with Don as many of his students did. But, I did play under his direction a number of times and I always found that to be a fulfilling experience. Don was always clear in his directing style and kind and encouraging to the members of the ensemble. Being the maestro wasn't an ego trip for Don. He just wanted to make great music.
After USF, I was able to get to know Don more personally, since his wife was (and still is) my BFF. It was during this more recent connection that I was able to see what KD loved so much about Don. Yes, he was fun and funny. His love for music, animals, the planet and KD was obvious. He made KD happy, so that was really all I needed to know about him.
The world is a lesser place without Don Kneeburg, but he did his best while he was here. And his best was pretty darned good.
Peace, Don <3
I have very fond memories of Don. He was such an influence on my young music education at USF. He will be missed by all. ❤️
A very nice, gentle man so devoted to K.D. I only knew him for a short while, but I am happy I had that opportunity. Rest in peace, gentle soul.
My prayers are with you.
Don was a good man and a hard worker I enjoyed his company
Don was a huge part of my life. I came to USF with a cocky attitude and a bunch of bad habits. Don was a wonderful combination of patient, consistent and relentless! If I was a good musician, most of the credit belongs to him. In addition to his skill as a teacher, he was one of the kindest men I've known. He is missed!
So sorry for your loss!
KD, my heartfelt condolences go out to you at this difficult time. Don was an amazing man and you two had something incredibly special. A once in a lifetime love shared over 38+ years. Memories to cherish doesn't make it any easier but be kind to yourself, rest, reach out when you are able and know how dearly YOU are loved my friend. Xoxo. Love you Cathy Fineo-Meehan
KD, my heartfelt condolences go out to you at this difficult time. Don was an amazing man and you two had something incredibly special. A once in a lifetime love shared over 38+ years. Memories to cherish doesn't make it any easier but be kind to yourself, rest, reach out when you are able and know how dearly YOU are loved my friend. Xoxo. Love you Cathy Fineo-Meehan
My greatest condolences!! Taking care of your husband , and getting to know you and his family, was such a privalege ! Hold all your memories close to your heart , they will help comfort you thru these times ! 💗💗
Sending prayers and blessings for your family. May God bless and keep you all during this difficult time.
KD, I am holding you in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Don influenced so many people during his life. He lives on through those he touched. I will always cherish my memories of him and the life lessons that he passed on to me during the time I was his student.
KD – sorry for your loss. I red the obit. Don had a long productive life. I hope you are adjusting and looking forward. Take care …
KD, sending you light and love.
We are so sorry to hear of Don’s passing but know he is in a better place. Love and prayers. Rick & Arlene
My heartfelt condolences, KD. Don was my trombone teacher at USF from 71-72 and his quiet demeanor, observant ear and eye and, above all, the caring way he taught went a long way to developing me for a life time as a trombonist and musician. He even played in the quartet for my senior recital where we were so in tune on the final C major chord that a high 'C' could be heard on the recording! His tutelage lead to my successful 22 year career in the army band system and continues as I apply his lessons every day to myself and my students. COVID is a terrible thing, something that cannot be underestimated and I hope we all can take heed to stay safe. Take care and know your time with Don is not over, just awaiting a reunion.
KD,
My deepest sympathy for your loss. I have great memories of Don as my teacher, conductor and friend. He was such a calming voice to a young college student finding his way. Thank you Don!
I was so sad to hear of Don's passing. Don was a great influence on me and my musical identity. I started off driving down to Tampa on weekends from Gainesville where I was enrolled in the University of Florida. I eventually transferred to USF to complete my studies because Don was the teacher and mentor I needed. I have so many great and wonderful memories of my time in Don's studio, traveling to gigs with Don in the Queen Mary, and in he Brass Choir and Wind Ensemble at USF. I was so lucky to find a teacher who could point the way and then show me how to get to it.
Dear KD and Family, We are so sad to hear that the Covid 19 has claimed yet another life. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. May the resurrection hope sustain you. (John 5:21) Sending you our sincere sympathy.
KD, April and I are sharing in your sadness as you remember Don and keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.
I am so glad Don moved to our area of Wyoming. He contributed to our community in a most generous way and we are all better people for having known him. My sympathy goes out to you KD but what great memories you have!
Dear KD, I am so sorry to hear of your sad news about Don, the love of your life. I was glad to have met Don all those years ago at the incredible Band reunion you had organized for Fred. You and Don were such a beautiful couple, and it was clear to all of us that he loved you to the ends of the earth! I think of all of the awesome trips you and Don enjoyed together and your love of music, animals, and kind acts for your community. The blessings are that Don will no longer suffer and you have a lifetime of beautiful memories. I pray for peace and comfort for you as you navigate this sad time, and I send you my love and my hugs every day, KD………Love, Jeannette
Kind, compassionate, easy going, funny, particular, determined. Thank you Don for allowing me to get to know you in your later years. i will miss you.
Lenny Shamis RN Florida Regional Care Specialist
Namaste
KD, We are so sorry for your loss. The memories of the good times with you and Don in Tampa will always be with me. Don has left an indelible imprint on so many and his legacy through them will live on. He was the love of your life and best friend, he will forever be in your world.
KD, we are so sorry for your loss, you have our deepest condolences. Don was a wonderful man with a warm soul. I loved his laugh and dry sense of humor. I remember many meals the four of us shared. I know that he is the love of your life and best friend. The love never leaves you, his heart will be with you forever.
Was there a nicer guy than my Uncle Don? I don't think so! He was always calm, compassionate, caring and available to lend a hand or offer a kind word. His family and students loved and cherished him; he will be greatly missed by the many who were blessed to know him.
K.D.–We'll miss Don. He was a willing and intelligent addition to our little community and the county. People like you two enrich our lives here in the outback of Wyoming. We're glad to have known him.
Our sincere condolences to KD, Linda, and all of Don's family. I (Averill) first met Don when I was a grad student IU and was assigned to accompany his students. A few years later, we both ended up on the faculty of the University of South Florida in Tampa, and we developed a friendship that we enjoyed for many years. Don was a wonderful musician and performer and a warm, friendly, and kind person. His presence in this world will be sorely missed.
My sincere condolences to KD and family.Don was truly a great teacher and mentor to me and surely many others.
Dear KD,and Kneeburg family and friends,
We are so sorry to learn of Don's passing. What a fun, kind, and caring person he was (as well as talented). We have only positive and happy memories of him from our years at USF. We pray that your own memories will comfort you as you travel the road ahead.
Right now, words are not adequate.
I recently went through childhood keepsakes boxes that had been in my parents attic for 40+years. I had lots of band memories packed away. So I googled Don and was sad to learn of his passing. I took private trombone lessons from him while in high school in Tampa and played in the Tamp Bay Bones (I’m the short girl on left in the picture you posted) and participated in the wind ensemble festivals. I found several of the same T-shirts he’s wearing in pictures. Don had such a big impact on my musical life. I always remember him telling me to breath to fill up my back pockets. May his memory be a blessing.