Dr. Eldred A. Thierstein
1935 - 2020
Dr. Eldred A. Thierstein - Eldred was
born in Newton, Kansas, June 5, 1935. Eldred married Emma Joan Voth
in the Bethel College Church on March 17, 1959. They were married for
61 years.
Eldred valued education. He graduated
with an A.B. in Music from Bethel College in 1958. He was awarded an
M.M.E. from Indiana University in 1963. In 1974, he received his
Ph.D. from the University of Cincinnati's College-Conservatory of
Music. His beautiful baritone voice graced the operatic stage in
Cincinnati with the Cincinnati Opera from 1964-1973. While he was an
exceptional vocal talent, his magic came in the classroom as an
instructor. Dr. Thierstein was a beloved member of the faculty and
chair of the Music Department at Hillsdale College from 1978-2000.
Dr. Thierstein also served as a member of the faculty at Kentucky
State University from 1972-1978. Dr. Thierstein authored the seminal
work on the Cincinnati Opera, Cincinnati Opera: From the Zoo to Music
Hall. Eldred loved music. He and his wife Joan have been ardent
supporters of the Jazz community in the Phoenix metropolitan area for
the past 20 years.
Eldred died in Scottsdale, AZ on
Wednesday, July 15, 2020, and was 85 years old. Dr. Eldred
Thierstein's interment will be at St. Barnabas on the Desert
Episcopal Church, in a private family service, Scottsdale, AZ on
Monday, July 27, 2020. Eldred was, first and foremost, a devoted
husband and loving father. He is survived by his wife Joan, son Joel,
granddaughter Emily, daughter and son-in-law, Gretchen and Jon
Kitchel, granddaughter Heidi and grandson Jaron.
