Obituary
John Edward Preston
John Edward Preston, 86, of Sterling House-La Crosse, WI peacefully left this earth for Life Eternal on April 22, 2013.
John was born in Washington, D.C. on Sept. 19, 1926 to E. Donald and Louesa (Youngs) Preston. He had a happy and adventurous childhood in Cheverly, MD. A bugler cadet at Eastern H.S. in D.C., John joined the Naval Air Corps after graduating. His military service took him to Duke U., Texas, Florida, California, and Illinois. Following the war, John earned his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Music Education and Composition from Catholic U., and sang in the Cathedral Choral Society at the Washington National Cathedral. He was active in the Washington musical life.
In 1949 John married Lenore “Lynn” Jacobsen, a soprano in the choir at his family church in D.C. The couple moved to Rockville, Maryland in 1950, where John was hired as organist-choirmaster at Christ Church, Episcopal. John also obtained a job teaching band at Richard Montgomery Jr.-Sr. H.S., where he later took over the choral position. His teaching career as a choir director spanned 33 years at both Richard Montgomery and Bethesda-Chevy Chase High Schools. He left a legacy of excellent choral music and devoted students, who greatly enjoyed the many concerts, musicals, and operettas. The students, to whom he was unswervingly committed, were also endeared to his sense of humor and kindness.
At Christ Church in Rockville, John was a pillar of leadership through his 43 years of dedicated service as organist-choirmaster. His music ministry encompassed outstanding liturgical music with several choirs, bell choirs, and frequent concerts of major sacred choral works with professional orchestras and soloists. He also contributed compositions for his beloved Senior Choir and formed lifelong bonds in the parish.
After retiring from his teaching and church posts, John greatly enjoyed a tenure of 10 years as volunteer conductor of a choral group called Encore. Their concerts included performances at the National Cathedral and the White House. His post-retirement also included long-term organ substitute positions.
John wrote music throughout his career, some of which was published. He was a family camping enthusiast, an avid golf fan, and loved following most sports. Other interests included building model airplanes, home improvement projects, and writing verses to songs for special friends and colleagues.
In 1999, John and Lynn experienced the heartbreaking loss of their oldest child, Kathryn Anne Kirkpatrick, for whom they cared throughout her battle with brain cancer. John was also preceded in death by his beloved wife Lynn in 2004, and dear sister Margaret in 2010. He is survived by the following loving family: daughter Pamela (Terence) Kelly, son Richard (Amy) Preston; grandchildren Stephen, Patricia (Justin), Matthew, Jonathan, Tara, Kyle, Maureen, Irene, and William; sister Barbara Hayes; brother in-law Don (Susan) Aronson; six nieces, seven nephews, and one great-nephew; and two cousins.
In 2008, John moved to La Crosse, WI. He was given 5 years to enjoy the scenic upper midwest, the friendly and kind people in his midst, and the many beautiful concerts given by professional and student groups in the region. John was blessed with outstanding providers at Mayo-Franciscan Health Care, in particular under the Nephrology Unit led by Dr. Iyer. He also had excellent care at other local institutions, including Bethany-St. Joseph’s Nursing Home. John delighted in time spent with his new friends in and around La Crosse, and at his residences of Eagle Crest and Sterling House. He maintained a special friendship with his caring butler, Norman Page, and wife Arla. A Memorial Service for John will take place on Monday, May 20, 7:00 pm at Lower Coon Valley Lutheran Church officiated by Rev. Donald Fox. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Christ Church, Rockville.
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