Blake Edwin Wiener

Blake Edwin Wiener, 62, of Schaumburg, Illinois, passed away on March 25, 2016. Born on May 8, 1953, in Jamestown, Ohio, Blake grew up in Ohio and Michigan, attending elementary school in Michigan, grades 5-10 in Finneytown Public Schools near Cincinnati, Ohio, and graduating from Glenwood High School, Canton, Ohio, in 1971. In 1976 Blake earned a Bachelor’s degree from Bowling Green State University in Ohio, specializing in music education. In later years he continued his graduate studies at Northern Illinois University and VanderCook College of Music in Chicago. Blake was a musician at an early age, playing the piano at age 6, the flute in junior high, and oboe in high school. Because oboe was not a marching band instrument, Blake played the cymbals with great flourish and hilarity. At Bowling Green Blake began playing the English horn which became his favorite instrument. Being a music educator was Blake’s greatest love. After teaching music for two years in Plain Local Schools in Canton, Ohio, Blake moved to Illinois where he taught in Medinah School District #11. He taught band and general music at the middle school and elementary level, mentoring band students from 5th grade through high school. He was proud of his extracurricular work as a woodwind specialist with Lake Park High School marching band, especially in 1996 when they won the Bands of America Grand National Championship. Blake’s influence went beyond the classroom. He worked with oboe and saxophone students in the mentor program through Bensonville Park District. He also provided guidance and support to young people entering their first years of music education. Blake taught private oboe and English horn lessons and in later years assisted the woodwinds section of the Plainfield High School marching band program. An avid lover of figure skating, Blake learned to ice skate living in Michigan in his early years, and followed the Olympics and other skating events throughout his life. He was fond of tennis and enjoyed attending the Association of Tennis Professionals Tournament with his father in Mason, Ohio. He is well remembered by his friends for his outlandish wit and humourous antics, as well as his cooking, entertaining, and decorating skills. Blake is survived by his father, Paul E. Wiener; sisters, Beth Brokaw and Beckie Ballinger (Rusty); nieces, Rachel Brokaw Kieltyka (Joseph) and Tess Ballinger; and nephew, Quinn Ballinger. Blake is preceded in death by his mother, Alice L. (Allred) Wiener, and his aunt, Ann Pennington. Blake will be laid to rest in Washington Park East Cemetary in Indianapolis, Indiana. A celebration of his life will take place from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. on April 30, 2016 at the Medinah Baptist Church Atrium, 900 Foster Avenue, Medinah, Illinois, 60157. Because of his devotion to music education, a scholarship fund has been established in Blake’s name. Memorial contributions may be made to the Blake Wiener Woodwind Scholarship fund at VanderCook College of Music, 3140 S. Federal Street, Chicago, Illinois, 60616

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Blake Edwin Wiener

May 8, 1953 - March 25, 2016