Former University of Wisconsin Oshkosh music professor Thomas E. Neice died Dec. 10, 2016.
Neice worked at UW Oshkosh from the early 1960s through the 1990s. Neice’s two sons–Tom and Scott–along with his wife, Bonnie, are all UW Oshkosh graduates.
In his obituary, Neice was described as a “man of honor who had a passion for music and education.”
From Neice’s obituary:
“…After graduation Thomas and Bonnie moved their family to Oshkosh, WI, where he accepted a position as Professor of Music at the Oshkosh State Teachers College (University of Wisconsin Oshkosh). In the fall of 1962, as the then-new band director Thomas started the “Marching Titans.” The Marching Titans were active and played at football games, parades, pep rallies and public performances through the 1960s and 1970s. The band also performed a Thanksgiving-themed halftime show at the November 18, 1962, Green Bay Packers home football game. The game and halftime show were televised nationwide on CBS.
“Recognizing the exploding growth of the music industry, he also started the popular Music Merchandising program at UWO in the 1970s. Thomas taught brass instrumental, music theory, arranging, music merchandising and band at UWO for 36 years before retiring with Bonnie to Texas to be near his children and grandchildren. A life-long educator, he was loved by his students and had a positive impact on many lives.”
A celebration of Neice’s life was held Dec. 17.