Boulder, Colo. — A celebration of life for Charles "Charlie" Kassinger, 84, Boulder, was Tuesday, Dec. 11, at First Christian Church in Boulder. Mr. Kassinger died Thursday, Dec. 6, 2007, from complications of Alzheimer's disease.

 

He was born in 1923, in Lawrence, Kan. He received a bachelor's degree in music education from Kansas University, where he played in the KU band. He received a master's degree in music education from the University of Colorado in 1958. He lived in Lawrence and Boulder and spent his winters in Mesa, Ariz., and summers Estes Park, Colo.

 

Mr. Kassinger served in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II and played trumpet and viola in various ensembles. He was stationed on Okinawa, where he performed for newly liberated American prisoners of war.

 

He taught instrumental music in Lawrence public schools and then in Boulder Valley public schools until he retired in 1984. He also taught private lessons at home and tuned pianos. He conducted the Boulder Concert Band and formed the Charlie Kassinger Band in the 1980s.

 

He married Shirley Louise Sloan on Aug. 8, 1948. She survives, of the home. Other survivors include two sons, James, Louisville, Colo., and Robert, Chicago; four grandchildren; and a great-grandson.

 

The family suggests memorials to the Alzheimer's Association, Colorado Chapter, 455 Sherman St., Suite 500, Denver, CO 80203.