Eschweiler, Geneva Joyce Stegner Died February 6, 2019 in Minneapolis Born November 4, 1926, in Graceville, Minnesota. Geneva graduated Magna cum Laude from St. Olaf, and later earned her Master of Music in Voice Performance at MSU, Moorhead, MN. In 1948, she began to teach in the Fergus Falls Public Schools, became active in the Fergus Falls Schumann Club, and also directed choirs at Bethlehem Lutheran, Federated, First Lutheran and Episcopal Churches. In 1962, Eschweiler started working at MSCTC--Fergus Falls as a voice teacher, and, in 1968, stepped up as a full-time instructor and Director of Choral Activities at the college. Her Madrigal Singers performed for the Minnesota Choral Directors Association and at MMEA and other madrigal festivals throughout the upper Midwest. In May of 1993, Eschweiler retired from MSCTC, having completed 45 years of musical service to the Fergus Falls area and the upper Midwest. That summer, she moved to Minneapolis to be near her grandchildren, and established The Music Loft, a private voice studio in her home, where she and her daughter, Sarah Eschweiler (MFA, MFAC), taught together until May of 2018. Geneva enjoyed her children, grandchildren, colleagues, students, and friends; supported new choral conductors; and grew beautiful gardens She is survived by her children, Charles Eschweiler, Dr. Dorothy Maddison (Ian), and Sarah Eschweiler; as well as daughter-in-law, Caryl Eschweiler; and grandchildren: Ted, Philip, and Emma Eschweiler, all three of whom were also her voice students. She was preceded in death by her parents, Bejamin F. Stegner, Jr. and Sarah Scholberg Stegner, and her siblings, Jane, Vincent, and Mary. Friday, September 27, 2019: 5:30 p.m. Reception & pick-up rehearsal 7:00 p.m. Service & dessert to follow First Unitarian Society of Minneapolis, 900 Mount Curve Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55403. Conductor: Amanda Weber Memorials to: Fergus Area College Foundation, 1414 College Way, Fergus Falls MN 56537. Specify "Geneva Eschweiler Music Scholarship" in the memo area. Check to the foundation. Thursday Musical, PO Box 16568, St Louis Park, MN 55416. "Geneva Eschweiler Scholarship" in memo. Check to Thursday Musical. F. Melius Christiansen Endowment Fund: Check to FMC Endowment Fund. "Memory of Geneva Eschweiler" in memo. Send to ACDA MN / FMC Endowment Fund, 13288 Downey Trail, Apple Valley, MN 55124

Published on September 27, 2019