Dr. Sidney Richard Vise, 86, passed away on Sunday, August 26, 2018 at his home in Springfield, MO.  He was born December 22, 1931 in Little Rock, Arkansas, the son of Thomas and Frances (Hill) Vise.

Sidney graduated from Central High School in Little Rock. After earning a Bachelor's Degree in Music from Rhoades College in Memphis, TN, he enlisted in the Armed Forces.  He was stationed in Germany and Paris, France, where he perfected his French and attended many concerts. With the help of the GI Bill, he completed a Master's in Piano Performance from Northwestern University in Evanston, IL.  There he met a recent NU alumni, Ilga Katais-Paeglis, whom he married on June 6 ^th , 1959.

His first college teaching job took them to Birmingham, AL to Samford University. In 1961, he did post graduate work at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. His next stint brought them to the School of the Ozarks in Point Lookout, MO. There he and Ilga welcomed their children, Silvia in 1962 and David in 1965.

In the fall of 1965 Sidney joined the music faculty at Drury University.  While teaching full time, he completed a Doctorate of Music in 1975 at the University of Missouri in Kansas City.  Sidney served a term as the president of the Missouri Music Teachers Association and remained active in that organization.  He delighted in mentoring many talented students with whom he stayed in touch over the years. He valued his friendships with other faculty members in the "Drury Family."  During his tenure of 34 years, he served as Chairman of the Drury Music Department for 15 years, retiring in 1999. His administrative assistant, Darlene Dill, was invaluable throughout that time.

Summer camping trips with their young children, coast to coast, brought many adventures.  In retirement Sidney and Ilga's travels extended overseas, notably to Ilga's home country of Latvia twice, the second time bringing their children and grandchildren.  A lifelong goal to see Australia and New Zealand was realized.  An invitation to attend a former student's wedding took them to Taiwan via Hawaii, home of Sandy Rhines, his loyal piano student.  Many trips to Colorado and New Mexico where their children settled added joy to their lives. Sidney was the best world's oldest pool boy for Ilga, both of them playing water volleyball throughout the summers with The Weller Street Gang, their circle of friends for over forty years.

Sidney is survived by his loving wife Ilga K. Vise of 59 years; his daughter Silvia (Vise) Fleitz and her husband John Fleitz; son David Vise and wife Bea (Thompson) Vise; three brothers, James Clayton Vise and wife Mary (Orth) Vise, John David Vise and wife Sandy (Carter) Vise, and Benjamin Thomas Vise; grandsons Samuel Fleitz and Alexander Fleitz; numerous nieces and nephews and many dear friends.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 29 ^th at 2pm in Clara Thompson Hall at the Mabee Center for the Performing Arts on the Drury University campus, Dr. Peter Browning officiating.  Memorial contributions may be made to the Dr. Sidney Vise Memorial Fund, checks payable to Drury University Music Department, c/o University Advancement, 900 N. Benton, Springfield, MO 65802. Online condolences may be left at gormanscharpf.com .