Leslie L. Thimmig

MADISON - Leslie L. Thimmig ("Les"), wizard woodwinds player, composer, teacher, and mentor, passed from this life in the early hours of April 28, 2024, from cancer. Les was born on March 19, 1943, to Vera Jager and Leslie L. Thimmig. He grew up in Joliet, Illinois, not far from Chicago, where he played his saxophones as a teenager in jazz clubs. Les graduated from the Eastman School of Music with a Bachelor of Music degree in composition, and was awarded M.M.A. and D.M.A. degrees in composition from Yale University. Les taught music theory at Yale before joining the faculty of the University of Victoria, British Columbia, to direct the composition/theory department. In 1971 Les became a member of the faculty of the University of Wisconsin - Madison to direct the composition program. Later, Les added woodwind performance and jazz studies to his teaching curriculum. Les was completing his 53rd year at UW-Madison when he passed.

Les is an internationally known soloist and composer. His compositions have been performed in North and South America, Europe, and Africa. and his commissioned work for the Da Capo Chamber Players premiered in Carnegie Hall. Les's jazz career includes performances with the orchestras of Woody Herman, Lionel Hampton, Oliver Nelson, and Duke Ellington. He recalled fondly his dates in the Catskill Mountains with prominent band leaders of the 60's, and his work during the 70's, 80's, 90's and 2000's with leading artists.

Les is revered as a devoted teacher and mentor by his students. His positive attitude and skill at enhancing their performance, and his excitement at assisting graduate students preparing for doctoral evaluations, were essential to what Les believed was his obligation to the University.

Les is survived by his family, Adam Thimmig, his only child, and his wife, Kimberly Thimmig; Adam's mother, Patricia Crowe; and by his many grateful students, especially by Erica Mather, Chester Biscardi and Jeffrey Ernstoff.

A memorial service may be planned for a later date.

All Faiths Funeral & Cremation Service of Madison is assisting the family. Online condolences can be shared at www.866allfaiths.com.