March 30, 1927 – October 7, 2012
Howard J. Rizner, 85, of Hillsdale, passed away Sunday, October 7, 2012 at his home. He was born March 30, 1927 in Dearborn to Joseph and Victoria (Plomer) Rizner. He was married December 27, 1951 to Barbara Knoblauch and she survives.
Howard Rizner’s career of teaching vocal music in the Hillsdale Schools for over thirty years saw the development of an award-winning music program resulting in thirty-one first division ratings at the choral festivals and five performances at the Midwestern Music Conference, as well as several guest appearances and successful tours with the Chamber Choir. His reputation as an outstanding middle and high school choral director was established during a 32 year tenure in the Hillsdale School System.
Mr. Rizner was a past president of ACDA-MI, and was the 1999 recipient of the prestigious Maynard Klein Award, the highest honor given by the organization. His many honors and awards include MSVA Teacher of the Year, MSVA Emeritus, the Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia “Orpheus Award,” the Michigan Delta Kappa Gamma Society “Friend of Education” Award and 2010 “Artist of the Year” by the Artworks of Hillsdale County.
He studied at the Detroit Conservatory of Music, Eastern Michigan University, the University of Michigan and Western Michigan University and was founder-director of the Hillsdale Arts Chorale from 1972-2008.
The family will receive friends for visitation on Friday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at the VanHorn-Eagle Funeral Home in Hillsdale and funeral services will be held Saturday, October 13, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church of Hillsdale.
