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Emeritus music professor Robert Kendall dies

KendallRobert425x250St. Olaf College Associate Professor Emeritus of Music Robert Kendall, 83, passed away at the Minneapolis Veterans Home on March 20.

Kendall came to St. Olaf in 1965 and taught music theory and organ before retiring in 1992. During his tenure at St. Olaf, Kendall also directed the Organ and Choir Workshop, held during the summer, for several years.

Before coming to St. Olaf, he taught public school in East Syracuse, New York, and served as the director of music in New York, North Carolina, and Michigan. While teaching and performing at St. Olaf, he also served in Minnesota churches. He was the church organist at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Northfield.

Kendall earned a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree from Syracuse University, where he studied under renowned organist Arthur Poister.

He is survived by his wife, Beth, children, and grandchildren. A musical tribute was held May 7 at the St. John the Evangelist Episcopal Church in St. Paul.

Read Kendall’s obituary here.