Paul Manz

Child of God, born to Otto and Hulda (Jeske) Manz in Cleveland , Ohio , 10 May 1919, entered Eternal Life October 28, 2009. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Ruth, and two sons, infant David and Michael. He had long served the church as organist, composer, recitalist and teacher.

Trained as an educator at Concordia River Forest , IL , he earned a Master's Degree in Music at Northwestern University . He began his music ministry at Mt. Olive Lutheran Church , Minneapolis , in 1950. He was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship to study under the tutelage of Flor Peeters. In 1956 he won First Prize with Grand Distinction in the Organ Competition at the Royal Flemish Conservatory in Antwerp , Belgium . Among his other awards are The Northwestern University Alumni Merit Award; The Luther Institute Award; The Wittenberg Fine Arts Award; The Confessor of Christ Award from the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago - Christ Seminary Seminex; and many honorary doctorates. He was known for the art of improvisation and was identified by the American Guild of Organists as one of the 101 Most Influential Organists of the 21 ^st Century.

He is survived by six children, John Manz (Ellen) of St. Paul, Peter Manz (Stephanie) of Portland, Mary Mueller Bode (Joel deceased) of St. Paul, Anne Mueller Klinge (David) of St. Louis, Sara Mueller Forsberg (Dale) of Minneapolis, John Mueller of Spokane; daughter -in -law, Patricia Manz (son Michael deceased) of Spokane; twelve grandchildren; Erik (Kimberly), David (Caitlin), Rachael, Rachel, Rebekah, Katherine, Sarah (Dave), Erin (David), Jessica (Scott), Laura, Peter, Anna; and five great grandchildren; many treasured friends, colleagues, former students, and legions of people in the pews. The family is grateful to Dr. Alden Tetlie, his staff, and all the gracious caregivers at Saint Anthony Park Home.

Memorial Eucharist, Sunday, November 8, 2009, 2pm at GLORIA DEI LUTHERAN CHURCH, 700 South Snelling Avenue, Saint Paul, MN 55116. Private Interment.

Memorials preferred to: Ruth and Paul Manz Scholarship Fund. Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago 1100 East 55th Street Chicago , Illinois 60615 . This fund for organ students who wish to pursue a career in church music is managed by the The Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago , in conjunction with the American Guild of Organists, Twin Cities Chapter.