Armond J. Rezac, 90, passed away Dec. 17, 2014 at Koda Living Community.
Armond John Rezac was born on May 23, 1924, in Lonsdale, MN to Louis and Julia (Vosejpka) Rezac. His love for playing music surfaced early in Armond’s childhood and stayed with him throughout his lifetime. Starting piano lessons at age 7, taught by the Sisters of Notre Dame, he excelled in music. After high school, he studied at the U of M and MacPhail School of Music in Mpls, and then started playing clarinet and sax with dance bands.
In 1944, Armond enlisted in the U.S. Army. During basic training in St. Louis, MO, he auditioned for the band. Afterward, the Sergeant approached him, “Is there a Rezac here? Report to the band barracks.†As an Army Air Force Bandsman playing clarinet and saxophone, Armond was stationed at Smyrna Airfield, TN. In 1945 he was at Turner Field, Albany, GA. The band played for troops at USO Dances, Officer’s Clubs, Concerts, Military Marching Parades, visiting Generals and other Army Dignitaries. In April, the bandsmen stood Honor Guard as the train passed slowly by carrying the body of President Franklin D Roosevelt, who died that day at his retreat in Warm Springs, GA.
Receiving his honorary discharge in Feb 1946 with mustering out TRAVEL pay, Armond came home and jobbed with territory bands. In 1947, to be closer to home, he joined the Clem Brau Band from Arlington, MN, also accepting the position as Arlington High School Band Director for the 1947-48 school year.
On May 7, 1949, Armond married Sylvia Simon of New Prague, MN at Holy Trinity Church in Veseli, MN. Moving to Owatonna, the couple taught music lessons and managed the Traficante School of Music. Armond also traveled to five various towns teaching accordion lessons. Later, the couple opened their own Music Teaching Studio in their home. Armond continued playing with various local dance bands.
He started his own 4 to 5 piece band in 1954. For 55+ years, Armond’s band played major ballrooms, social clubs, charitable functions, weddings, special events, Landmark Ctr in St. Paul , Walker Arts Center in Minneapolis,, Chart House in Lakeville (10 years), The Mississippi Queen Excursion Boat, and the Annual St. Olaf College October Fest, to name a few. In 2010, Armond celebrated 56 consecutive years of playing at the Steele Co Free Fair.
Armond was President of the Musician’s Union, Local 490, for several years in the 60’s. During the 1991-92 school year, he served as a Jazz Clinician for the Owatonna High School Jazz Band.
Completing the course required by the DeVrie School of Electronics, Chicago IL, Armond worked as a TV Tech for Neste in Waseca, and Vic’s TV and Radio in Owatonna. In 1986, after 17 years with Sears Electronics Dept., he retired and worked part-time at Tone’s Music Store, and co-hosted with Jerry Peters a weekly big band show on KRFO radio from Owatonna.
Armond was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, KC’s, Elks, Eagles, Forester’s, American Legion, Steele Co. Historical Soc., Owatonna Arts Ctr., and Associate Member of MN Ballroom Operators Assn.
Survivors include his wife, Sylvia, 3 children; Bob (Diane) Rezac of Owatonna, Beverly (Steven) Pochardt of Owatonna, Nancy (Marc) Crowson of Eagle ID. Seven grandchildren, Michael Riley, Elizabeth Pochardt, Julia(Pochardt) Pickrell, Rebecca Crowson, Adam Crowson, Emma Crowson, Callie Rezac. Two great grandchildren; Tyler Riley, Moriah Riley, and one great –great grandchild; Landon Riley. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Armond gave great joy with his music to so many people. He wanted everyone to know it was his immense pleasure to provide such happiness through these many years.
The family would like to thank the staffs at Sterling House, Koda and Hospice for their tremendous care, love and support these last few months.
The family requests those with photos with or of Armond , please bring them with a memory written on the back for the familiy’s remembrance book.
Memorial service will be held 11:00 AM Monday January 5, 2015 at St. Joseph Catholic Church with Father Edward McGrath officiating. Visitation will be on Sunday January 4, 2015 at Michaelson Funeral Home from 2-5 PM with a rosary service at 2:00 PM, visitation will also be at church on Monday one hour prior to the service. Military Honors will be provided by the Steele County Military Funeral Unit. Burial will be in Calvary Hill Cemetery in Lonsdale,MN. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials to St. Mary’s school Music Department, Owatonna Music Boosters, or the Owatonna Library.
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