William Kenneth Gaeddert

William Kenneth Gaeddert, 80 (he was known as either Bill or Ken during his life) passed away on Tuesday, May 7, 2019 at Lawrence Memorial Hospital. He was born November 27, 1938 on the family farm in Thomas County, Kansas, the son of Katherine (Katie) Fleck Gaeddert and W. G. (William Gorshing) Gaeddert. He was preceded in death by his parents, and Gaeddert and Fleck aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Bill graduated from Oakley Consolidated High School, Oakley, Kansas (1956), Bethany College, Lindsborg, Kansas, B. Mus. (1960), Illinois Wesleyan University, M. Mus. (1964) and the University of Iowa, Iowa City, MFA (1973), Ph. D (1976). He married his wife Barbara (Knisely) in July 1967. She survives at the home. They were married 51 years.

His teaching career included Lebanon Public Schools, Lebanon, Kansas, 1960-62; United Township High School, East Moline, Illinois, Director of Choral Music, 1964-66; Northwestern State University of Louisiana, Instructor, 1966-70; Baker University, Baldwin City, Kansas, from 1979 until he retired with the rank of Professor in 2001.

He was a member of Plymouth Congregational Church in Lawrence, the National Association of Teachers of Singing, and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia. He was recognized in Who’s Who in American Music: Classical and Who’s Who in the Midwest.

After he retired, Bill established the William Gaeddert Voice Studio which continued for six years. Lifetime interests have included attendance at concerts and recitals, travel, woodworking, and furniture refinishing.

He will be missed by colleagues, students, friends, cousins, and Barb.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, May 17, 2019 at Owens Musicial Arts Building at Baker University in Baldwin City.

Memorial contributions may be made in his name to the Lawrence Community Orchestra or Theatre Lawrence and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.

5 Condolences

  1. Bruce Woodruff on May 10, 2019 at 1:36 pm

    So sorry to hear of Bill’s death. I have wonderful memories of our time together that will last a long time. Blessings to you, Barb. at this difficult time.



  2. C3 on May 11, 2019 at 11:36 am

    Grace & peace, Barb. In keeping with liberal arts tradition, being in Bill’s class broadened my horizons in meaningful and lasting ways. But it was after college that I had the opportunity to really get to know him (and you, Barb) – for which I am truly thankful. Brävo!



  3. Dean Bevan on May 12, 2019 at 8:44 pm

    I’m deeply saddened to learn of Bill’s death He was such a talented man and always such a good friend to me. I treasure the time I spent with him–loved getting together after a theatre performance and benefiting from his impromptu reviews, so knowledgeable about the vocal performances of course, but also about the whole production. I enjoyed our shared western Kansas background, and was grateful for his wit and wisdom. My thoughts and prayers are with you, Barb.



  4. Philip Hannon on May 13, 2019 at 8:19 am

    Grace and Peace be with you Barb in this time of morning. May you know that God’s loving arms are wrapped around you during this healing time. I am so honored that I became acquainted with you and Bill through my family ties to the Callahan sisters and Tom Russell. Your kindness ran true and deep within our family. Continued blessings to you as Bill has journeyed on.



  5. Jack Crim on September 25, 2019 at 3:06 pm

    My best thoughts, prayers and condolence to Barb. A treasured colleague and friend, of whom I have thought many times through these forty years.



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