Robert E. Jorgensen

1978 Bandmaster of the Year Honoree
Supervisor of Music - Urbana School District #116

     Robert E. Jorgensen passed away at the age of 88 on April 19, 2008, in Monticello, Illinois. Robert retired as supervisor of music for Urbana School District #116 and also worked as an insurance agent for Mass Mutual. He was also a music teacher in Bloomington and Lewiston. During the summers he was employed at the Interlochen Center for the Arts.

      He served with the United States Navy during World War ll.

    Robert received his bachelor’s and masters degrees from Illinois Wesleyan University where he was a member of the Phi Mu Alpha fraternity but many members will remember him as an active member of Phi Beta Mu. Robert was a charter member of the Bandmasters Hall of Fame when it was established in 1984 and, preceding that, he was honored as an Outstanding Bandmaster (1978).

     Robert was a member of the Monticello Masonic Lodge #58, Monticello VFW Post, and the past president of the Monticello Lions Club. He was also a member of the Illinois Grade School Music Association and the AMerican Bandmasters Association.

     He is survived by his wife Mary E. “Betty”; three sons, Richard, Robert, and David; a daughter, Mary; and five grandchildren.