Richard T. Holmberg

Richard T. Holmberg 77, of Estero, FL died Tuesday, November 24, 2015 at Joanne’s House at Hope Hospice. Richard had been a resident of Southwest Florida since 1997 coming from Munster, IN. He was born May 21, 1938 in Faulkton, SD a son of the late Elmer T. and Maxine M. (neé Ruhaak) Holmberg. In 1956, he graduated Valedictorian from Faulkton High School. He attended Northern State University in Aberdeen, SD on a scholarship and graduated Cum Laude in 1960. He went on to Northwestern University in Evanston, IL where he received his Master’s in Music degree in piano performance. Richard then attended the University of Michigan pursuing his Phd. in performance and he finished his education at Ball State University in Muncie, IN. After college he accepted a position at Munster High School in Munster, IN where he taught Choral Music until his retirement in 1995. Upon his retirement to Southwest Florida he became active in the Naples Orchestra and Chorus where he served as the director for 4 years. He also served on the Board of Directors and eventually as President of the Naples Music Club. He was also involved with the Classic Chamber Concerts serving as secretary to the board for 10 years. In 2000, he was offered a position and taught music at The Community School of Naples. Richard was the founder of the New Chorale of Southwest Florida. He was a member of the Greater Naples Northwestern University Alumni Association also serving on their board of directors. He is survived by his companion of over 50 years, Gene A. Fort of Estero, FL; his two sisters, Lynn K. Dahl of Presho, SD and Kay J. Lutz of Carrington, ND; his nieces and nephews, Wendy M. (Steve) Keszler of Geneva, MN, Dawn M. Lintvedt of Presho, SD, Teddi L. (Jonathan) Dalton of Aberdeen, SD, Richard B. (Kaci) Dahl of Sioux Falls, SD, David G. Lutz of Northern, MN, Terry L. (Ruth) Lutz of Cando, ND and Kimberly K. (Michael) Nelson of Cando, ND. He is also survived by his special friends, Mary E. Auburn of Naples, FL, Nancy and James Smallman of Munster, IN, Linda and Ronald Eisenhauer of Crown Point, IN, Sandra A. Karottki of Dyer, IN, Paul and Anne Brown of Crown Point, IN and Tom & Carol Fraser of Dyer, IN. A memorial service to celebrate his wonderful life will be held Tuesday, December 15, 2015 at 6:00 PM at the Unitarian Church of Naples 6340 Napa Woods Way Naples, FL. Additional services will be held at a later date in Munster, IN with a graveside service at Chapel Lawn Cemetery, Schererville, IN. The family suggests that memorial contributions in his name be made to the Berggren Music Education Foundation at Northern State University, Aberdeen, SD or to the Northwestern University Bienen School of Music, Evanston, IL or to the New Chorale of Southwest Florida c/o Mr. Wiley Williams 10331 Yorkstone Dr. Bonita Springs, FL 34135. Arrangements are being handled by Shikany's Bonita Funeral Home.

Richard T. Holmberg

May 21, 1938 - November 24, 2015