Jack Pingel
March 7, 1937 - February 23, 2010

"I met Jack in 1958 at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. I had just finished my Army basic training at Fort Carson, Colorado, and was send to Fort Leonard Wood for eight weeks of band training. During those eight weeks I came to know Jack as a real prankster and a lover of jokes,slap-stick routines and---more importantly--, a good friend.. I moved to Wisconsin in 1965 (Bonduel) and was the band director there for 29-years. Jack came back into my life as an employee of the Wisconsin School Music Association. He came to some of our music conference meetings and to the state music conventions. I'm sorry that Jack has passed away. Best wishes to his family and friends -- Byron DeFries"

"I was one of Mr. Pingel's students at Madison Middle School 2000 and James C Wright. I cant say enough about how much he changed my life! Not only was he an incredible teacher, but he genuinely cared about his students with such a burning sincerity. I remember him buying lunch for kids who didnt have any, setting up special classes for those whose interests went beyond the status quo, and doing crazy things like dancing around in his hula skirt. I am extremely sad to learn of his passing but extremely touched to have known him. Students from MMS2000 and JCW will to this day discuss how much he meant to us. You are extremely blessed to have had him as a husband, father, grandfather, etc. As much as he was proud of his students, I dont think anything surpassed his pride in his kids. Every day was a different story "My son now plays bass for Madonna, Elvis, and The Beatles" "My daughter is now the greatest teacher in the entire universe!" I, along with all of his students, loved him greatly. He is greatly missed."

"Jack was one-of-a-kind! His smile, humor, optimism, faith, and joy for life were evident every time you saw him. But the thing I will always remember about Jack was his honest ability to be completely in the moment with you...he made you feel like you were the most important person in the world. It was honor to know someone like him! "

"I am sorry for your loss. Your father was indeed a very special man. As a young intern in the McFarland School District back in 1973, I was so smitten by this man they called Jack Pingel. He emitted a constant ray of happiness! I loved his positive and humorous attitude. I never got to know him well but I never forgot how much he touched my soul with his smile. You were blessed to have him as your husband, father and grandfather. It made me smile to know that the "Jack Gene" lives on. Your father is home and happy now. I am sure he is always around his family. Are you missing any remotes or keys yet? :-) I thank God I met Jack Pingel. Blessed thoughts to your family. Sincerely, Heidi Waddell"

"I knew Jack through his work with the WSMA festivals and also when I was involved with the honors band program. Everything Jack did, he did extremely well ... coupled with that great sense of humor no matter what the situation. In addition to his super administrative skills and his wonderful entertaining personality in any situation, was the heart of a man who cared deeply and sincerely for all those with whom he dealt. Thank you Jack, for all the times I should have thanked you and may not have. Thank you Jack, for being an example of the best in all of us. May God bless you as you have blessed all of our lives. "

""Side splitting" is what I comes to mind immediately... My first memory of Jack was 25+ years ago when I was chosen as a first chair tuba player in the Wisconsin State Honors Band. Jack was one of the conductors that year and made it a point to fill each day with laughter. I will never forget the image of walking through the cafeteria line for breakfast, and seeing Jack serving fried eggs...from atop his bald head. What a spirit! What a heart!"

"We want you all to know we were sorry to read of Jack's dying. We only met twice and both with something to do with Scott and our son Aaron and UWEC. He was very good to Aaron which we probably never adequately thanked him or all of you. Adam & Ilene Doty "

" My deepest sympathy to his family just received word now.i was in the first graduating class of McFarland High Schoolod 1965.Mr Jack Pingel was my sppech teacher band director,and home room advisor.He had a good sense of humor and was always making us students laugh.He told us many funny stories about when he was a radio announcer.He was also my advisor for the WMHL radio station at McFarland High School!He was a good teacher and will be remembered by many! with my deepst sympathy, Sincerely in Christ,Betty M. Jacobson"

"I was in the first graduating class at McFarland (1965). "Uncle Jack"... that's what we called Mr. Pingel. A few of us students would have P.O.W.'s. which stood for Party On Wednesday, in his office/band room. We would check out of study hall and go upstairs and straighten out the band room, but most of the time we would just chat. Of course, we had treats (cookies or something one of us would bring). He was the best teacher we could possibly have had, and we were so lucky to have had him in our lives. Jack was the reason I went to UW-Eau Claire. He had spoken about the wonderful communications/speech and music departments there. I have been involved with local theatre groups for the past 30 years, and in the Waunakee Community Band for 25 years, and that's all due to playing in the McFarland High School band, with Jack as our director, and his emphasis on the importance of music in our lives. It all comes down to the great influence he had on my life, not to mention also on the lives of countless other students. We were indeed very blessed, and we really will miss our good friend!"

"Dear Carole and family, I am so sorry to learn of Jack's death. I always enjoyed his sense of humor and the way he livened up staff meetings. I was in awe of his ability to teach junior high music. It takes a very special person to successfully engage students of that age. He will certainly be missed, but the positive impact he had on those he met will live on."

"While I was sad to hear of Jack's passing, the picture on this site IMMEDIATELY brought great memories and a smile. This is just how Jack would have wanted it. I worked with Jack off and on, beginning in the 1980's in the MENC, throughout my career as a WSMA judge, and as a music colleague in the Madison Schools. Any meeting with Jack was one to look forward to; there would be energy and humor and the information always "stuck" because his delivery touched our hearts and funny bones. And even though I saw him sporadically, I was amazed that he always remembered me or something about me. My heart goes out to the family. Keep the great memories close and Jack will always be with us. Julie Verban Band Director, Akira Toki Middle School, Madison"

"I remember Jack's commitment to students from when I was in elementary school with Carole as my teacher through to when he was mentoring university practicum students at Wright. He was a wonderful man and an excellent educator. He will be missed all who had the pleasure of knowing him. My condolences to Carole and their family."

"Dear Carole; We extend to you and your family our deep felt sympathy concerning your loss at this time. Jack will continue to live on in our hearts and minds forever. All those wonderful Sunday mornings after Mass with breakfast and broken egg yolks, college players, rehearsal hours together in the Kjer Theatre & parties, dances and music, musicals and all. We shared a special time in our lives together. It was a time of great joy and youth. Along with boundless energy and enthusiasm for what was ahead of us. What a time we had. You and your family are in our kindest prayers and thoughts. Lovingly,Nancy & Bill"

"May I express my sympathy to the family of Jack. You don't know me, however, I knew Jack and I want you to know that the few times that I had the opportunity to talk/work with Jack were moments in my life that I cherish. He was a great guy. i will miss him as long as I live. Roger Roznowski Green Bay"

"What a treat to have "Mr. P ingel" as part of the McFarland teaching staff. We had no idea what we were getting into when, in 1962, Jack told us we were going t0 be in the band, told us what instrument we would play and told us to march out to the edges of the street to make the band seem bigger. Shabby uniforms? No not us! We dressed well and played up to our image. His class was a treat every day because he, as well as other staff members, expected more of us than we expected of ourselves. We soon followed his lead and started improving and winning awards not only in band, but in life. SOMETIMES LIFE DEALS YOU ALL ACES! THANKS JACK Class of '67 French Horn ( Ruth Kirch) Class of '67 - Tuba (Byron Halvorson)"

"Jack was a great man and a better friend. He will be missed"

"Oh Dad, you are such an inspiration to us all, you have done so much for so many people - many times you didn't even realize that you were sharing your gifts with so many. You have always been my mentor dad, you inspired me in so many ways that led me to take so many paths in life that all equated to where I am today! When I was so very young, you taught me how to fix things, and to always try and never give up. You practically taught me to be a mechanical engineer with all the skills and knowledge you shared with me. You inspired my interest in Music, cars, tools, mechanics, science, computers, landscaping, physics, engineering, chemistry, humor, ethics, giving, compassion, unselfishness, public speaking and communication, english, history, politics, and so many more things that there is not enough space to articulate the impact you had on my life. I am so glad you are now in a place where you can share all these talents and so many more, to inspire and entertain an audience like you have never had before. The heavens are so fortunate to have you with them, as you will continute to be a legend again in your new afterlife. Love you so much dad! Thank you for everything you have given me! :-)"

"Dear Family of Jack Pingel: Jack was an amazing person, a master teacher, a talented musician, an inspiring mentor to many, and far funnier than most stand up comedians. He was also a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. But Carole, you and your children were his inspiration, keeping him sane and happy with your love, support, patience and strength. Will we all miss him? Always. Will we all fondly remember him? Always. Thanks for taking good care of our McFarland institution. "

"Dear Carol and family - I only worked with Jack for a short time in my middle school career but whenever I was in a room with Jack he lit up and electrified the atmosphere. I remember him as a person with boundless energy and positive spirit which affected all who came in contact with him. My sympathies to you all; he was a rare , wonderful man. Sincerely, Pat Lee-Meissen"