ForeverMissed
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Tributes
August 23, 2021
August 23, 2021
Hi Nancy. Prayers for you all throughout this time... and again July 31, and again yesterday, and today. May each opportunity to remember and give thanks for Jonathon's life be blessed. 

Cousin Sherry
December 28, 2020
December 28, 2020
I meant to ask Jon the last time we talked if he ever heard the Oasis song Whatever. "I'm free to be whatever I, Whatever I choose, And I'll sing the blues if I want." He and I talked last May, 2020, and Oasis lyrics would have been suitable virtual beer conversation. But Oasis slipped my mind and we talked instead about politics and painting and music. 

Jon is my cousin, classmate, bandmate, painting partner, and friend (forever). A few years ago by the way, Jon granted me Special Redwood County Dispensation for calling him "Jon." A genuine honour, although his Dispensation probably wasn't necessary, but maybe it was. Regardless, thank you again, Jon(athon).

I liked being with Jon. We never really argued and rarely disagreed. I liked the way Jon floated over so much. He had a rare grace that I did not have, but I have occasionally tried to channel. Upbeat and on his own clock. In April 2013, I went to a house party after one of his Cedar Falls productions, and I drifted amongst his students and I could see how they liked him. Jon freed them to follow their dreams while the rest of the world could do whatever they wanted.

About four years ago, I asked Jon to record a few takes of God Plays Dice for me. He and I had collaborated before. Most notably when we were high school sophomores, we got my dog Fritz into the Communist Party. This time I wanted him to be the Voice of God. Jon had a great Voice of God.

And to note, Jon did something remarkable. He grew up in a Land of Sports but then he grew into a Land of Opera. That move probably makes no sense to most of the world whatsoever. Farmers and bankers, they make sense. But opera was sensible to Jon and his opera productions were genuinely entertaining. I will miss his productions. But mostly I will miss Jon.
December 25, 2020
December 25, 2020
I am so lucky to have had the privilege of learning from Jonathon Thull. I was the collaborative pianist in his studio at UNI and appreciated his enthusiasm, immense talent, loud beautiful voice, gentle and encouraging lessons, and irrepressible spirit. It’s amazing how the vulnerable act of music-making touches so many souls, and he affected so many. Sending all my love to his family and friends, and to AJ Plummer and Kelsey Madsen and countless other students.
December 25, 2020
December 25, 2020
I have vivid memories of Jonathon from our conversations at station events, or at performances, or - just as vividly - after work in Cedar Falls as we were heading to our cars to drive home. Even in a brief, informal chat, Jonathon always made you feel that you were the most important person in the world right then, one he cherished like a long-lost friend and for whom he had endless time and attention. He brought that exceptional fullness of attention - warm, appreciative, supportive, enthusiastic, humorous, honest, open, positive, kind - even to a chance encounter. To him, every human being was special, and he always conveyed that perception without effort. And of course, he would spare NO effort in helping others whenever and as much as he could. Such an expansive heart and joyfully humane spirit, combined with such gifts of mind, talent and character, made him a unique light in the world - which nothing could ever dim. His memory really IS a blessing and an endless inspiration!
December 23, 2020
December 23, 2020
I will remember fondly the many good times with my voice teacher and friend, Dr. Jonathon Thull. He was a consummate mentor and shaped how I understand and appreciate art and beauty and the finer things in life. He constantly saw something more in me than I saw in myself and was a reminder of all that I love about music. A little bit of light has left the world with his passing but I’m encouraged by the many lives he touched that he leaves behind. We’re certainly the better off for having known and worked with him, and it always makes me smile when a bit of his technique peeks through when I’m working with my own students and I see it “click” in my students the same way it did for me. In the end, all I have is sincere gratitude for the life you lived, Jonathan, and for the kindness, care, and thoughtfulness you showed me.
December 19, 2020
December 19, 2020
Jonathon, you are my soulful and faith-filled friend who I dearly miss. Behind your brilliant smile and deep baritone voice is a prayerful man. We were Cantors at St. Mary’s where you sang your prayers in a traditional Catholic setting under the watch of many saints and a living congregation that misses you.

We prayed and shared communion in the serenity of your front porch behind a forest of flower gardens that you and Nancy planted. You taught me to sing in a sun-filled room where we shared stories about the theater. Nancy and you have built such a beautiful home based upon dreams and vision. The two you fought hard these past years.

Jonathon, I will continue to pray with you.

Your friend,

Kirk

“A good man died today…Don Quijote is not dead, believe you must believe.“

December 10, 2020
December 10, 2020
Jonathon Thull died today at 1:58 after an heroic battle against myeloma.

For most of my childhood I hadn’t a closer friend.
His was a biblical name. The following is a description of that biblical character

—The name Jonathan means “The LORD gives,” or, as some might translate it, “the LORD has given.” (Note that LORD in all caps, denotes the unpronounceable name of God.) That was an apt name for the son of Saul. God had given Jonathan a generous portion of noble qualities, but Jonathan himself was also a gift from God.

Jonathan demonstrates real friendship, real love.

Love is not an even exchange. It is a sacrifice. Even when love is mutual, as it was between Jonathan and David, one party normally ends up giving more than the other. It might be a little more or it might be a lot more. But the person who gives more isn’t keeping score.

We might mistake the one who gives more in a relationship as passive or weak, but those who decide how much they want to give and to whom regardless of what they receive back are anything but! Such people are strong and decisive, and what’s more, they are showing us how God loves. God gives what He wills to give and He doesn’t keep score. Jonathan is a great model of this.—

That was the Jonathon I grew up with and I am sure the man he became.

Oh Nancy Ann Hagen and the families of Kathy and Chuck Bodger and Bjorn and Sandra Barner Joe and Sara Thull and Alice and Ray...
December 10, 2020
December 10, 2020
   Jonathan Thull, or “Toolie” as I fondly called him, was one of the most remarkable people I have ever had the privilege of knowing. He was just the best man ever...a wonderful mentor, and a true friend. I had known Toolie since the fall of my sophomore year at Cornell. I recall being worried about my new voice teacher possibly being a General Patton, which would have made me nervous, and in turn, affected how I sang and my desire to do so. God and the universe had a very different plan for me: I got the absolute best voice teacher (for me) in the world--I got Toolie.

   Toolie had an infectious passion for music and singing; you couldn’t help but want to sing when you were in session with him. He had a fantastic sense of humor and his own set of endearing quirks; I always appreciated him accepting mine. Toolie was a very patient man and was very flexible. I would always get really warm when I sang, so he would open all the windows and turn on all the fans for me (even in winter when it was snowing out), just so I would be comfortable--what a trooper!

   Often, we would laugh about the most ridiculous things during our lessons; and I believe that through this comical bond is where our friendship started to develop.  He was extremely kind, trustworthy, sincere, thoughtful, compassionate, and caring. He was there for me during some of my most unpleasant life lessons, both in college, and as an adult. He always knew the right thing to say to put me at ease and bring me comfort. He brought a smile to my face with his big “light-up-the-room” smile and even bigger heart. I remember he would always take time to visit with me on his way out at the end of the day when I was taking my pottery and sculpture classes. He was excited to see what new art pieces I had made and hear my ideas for future ones. He showed interest in my creativity, which always made me feel really special.

   Without having met Toolie, my life would be very different and I would be a very different person: he helped me grow into the woman I am today. He taught me about courage, the importance of kindness and never giving up, and believing in myself. He believed in me; even when I didn’t. He was a rock of a friend that helped me weather many storms and a guiding force that encouraged me to follow my dreams and my heart. 

   Toolie was, is, and forever will be an inspiration to me and my life. I will always miss him. I gained an angel...and Heaven gained Opera Man!
December 1, 2020
December 1, 2020
I had the distinct privilege of meeting Dr. Jonathon Thull when he was on the University of Northern Iowa School of Music faculty. In addition to his many teaching responsibilities, lessons, and coaching, he assumed the role of stage director for UNI’s production of Die Fledermaus.

When our paths crossed, Iowa Public Radio had just started a new classical series called, Opera in October and Arias in April. Even though Jonathon was swamped with teaching as well as directing duties, he made time in his busy schedule to come to the station to talk about Strauss, Jr. He somehow effortlessly unraveled the crazy Die Fledermaus plot, highlighted the most famous opera arias, and talked about the terrific UNI singers, orchestra, and set. Even though I wasn’t an opera aficionado, Jonathan immediately put me at ease and helped me cover all the important opera bases.

His gentle and charming spirit, along with his added theatrical touches shone through on the final UNI production. He even updated the Die Fledermaus storyline to New Year’s Eve of 1999 by incorporating the possibility of a Y2K disaster.

After having the pleasure of meeting and interviewing Jonathon, I could understand why everyone held him in such high regard. Jonathon was not only a wonderful and caring person but a very creative and profound soul who will be terribly missed by all who had the honor of knowing and loving him.

My heart goes out to Nancy and to all of Jonathon’s family, students, and friends. The heavenly choir has been blessed with an incredible voice.
November 19, 2020
November 19, 2020
I met Jonathan in 1999 and began studying voice with him in the fall of that year at Cornell College. Looking back, I'm amazed how patient and supportive he was to me and to all his students, he instilled a love of all music, but especially classical and helped me bridge my musical life from undergrad to grad school and the professional world. 
Over my four years at Cornell, Jonathan was a mentor and more importantly a friend, he was someone I could confide in and I knew genuinely cared about my well being. He was also there for me during some of the most difficult moments of my life, including coming out and the death of my father, being the quiet supportive presence in the midst of my chaos. 
As a professional teacher and singer, Jonathan is the model of person I strive to be, loving, caring, and non judgemental. He touched so many lives and I know the world is better because of him.
Rest well my friend! Thank you for everything!
November 10, 2020
November 10, 2020
“So...you’re signing up for voice lessons right?”

We had just wrapped up the freshman year musical at Cornell College and the tall, bearded, slightly quirky music director had confronted me at the cast pastry.

Truth? I had NO plans to take voice lessons in college. I told him so.

“Nonsense. You’re too good to not be studying. I’ll find some room in my schedule...”

And that is the story of how I started 4 years of vocal study with Jonathon Thull. He taught “ the theater kids”. He had such a heart for us big dramatic souls because he was one himself. Lessons were filled with as much laughter as they were frustration and my hopeless mimicry of his French pronunciation. He even had the grace to only tease me a little when I completely massacred the Habanera in a voice jury.

He empowered me and enabled me to do more with my vocal abilities than I ever thought I was capable of. He even insisted and got clearance for me to do an unofficial senior recital because non-music majors technically weren’t supposed to do them. He was his students constant advocate.

More than that though, he cared about us as people. He clapped his hands in delight when he found out John and I were dating, exclaiming-“you’re PERFECT together !” And- although I promised I would never tell, he snuck me a shot of whiskey on the loading dock to calm my nerves before I took the stage in my first leading role. “It’ll help with the low notes” he said.

I am gutted that we lost this mentor, professor, performer, artist, and friend. My thoughts are with Nancy, and his family.

I am also incredibly grateful to have been among his students. I can almost hear that big baritone laugh now.

Thank you Thull. I will think of you whenever I sing.
November 8, 2020
November 8, 2020
Jonathon was so many things to so many people. I remember first meeting him when he came to the U of I. So handsome, big booming laugh, bright smile, and the life of the party. 

I helped him move into that little house/bachelor pad that he and Nancy transformed into an oasis. He had 2 forks, a couple of plates and tons of opera scores. He returned the favor by helping me move...almost every single year, LOL! 

If you had a flat tire, repair work in the apartment, no matter what the task, JT got it done. After an especially hard break up Jonathon sat up with me letting me cry all night, and bringing me food and drink every day until I snapped out of it.

I haven't even gotten to how talented this wonderful man was! There was nothing he couldn't do in the musical world. He had that heart and soul that completes a performance. His heart and soul completed pretty much all of our college experiences.

We can all learn a lesson from his incredible positivity, and not backing down without a fight.

Jonathon, you are terribly missed, but are living on in all of hearts. We love you and Nancy to the moon and back.
November 7, 2020
November 7, 2020
Jonathon- You are a beautiful, talented soul and will be so greatly missed. I feel very blessed to have known you. Your voice and spirit will always be with us. Hugs to Nancy and all your family. Love!
November 6, 2020
November 6, 2020
Jonathan gave me my first opera role ever! My freshman year at Iowa, Jonathan was a grad student directing Amelia Goes to the Ball, and I had a couple lines as a maid...26 years later, I’m still going strong. I have have him to thank for that first boost of confidence!
November 6, 2020
November 6, 2020
I’m usually pretty good with words, but I’ve erased and rewritten this ten times now and it still doesn’t feel like enough.
I came to Cornell with a love of singing and music, but no confidence in my abilities to perform. After a toxic 4 years of High School theatre, I was so anxious that I almost didn’t sign up for voice lessons. Thank goodness I did!
Jonathon was more than a coach: he saw the best in me, saw what I was capable of, and more than anything else, made music fun for me again. He helped me find the joy in every aria and to have the courage to take risks and make mistakes. He pulled me out of my perfectionistic- shell, helping me to connect emotionally with music again, after many years of only engaging intellectually and technically. He transformed the way I practiced, performed, and experienced music.
My senior year of college, I found myself at a crossroads: I had been accepted into 2 Masters programs- Northwestern’s Music Performance program and DU’s Musicology program. I didn’t know what to do. When JT asked if I’d made up my mind, I burst into tears in his office and told him I was scared of choosing the wrong one. He told me there was no wrong choice and asked me what I loved most about connecting with music? He helped me to realize that my favorite part was studying it, finding the nuances of a piece and figuring out why they were there.
Great teachers are so hard to find and even harder to describe: I can’t put into words what made JT great. He was caring. He knew when to challenge and when to support. He knew when to be serious and when to tell me to lighten up. He was transformative.
Rest well, JT. Thank you for being you.
(Copied from earlier Facebook post)
November 6, 2020
November 6, 2020
19 years ago I walked into a college voice studio for the first time. As a high school student (and colossal fool) I had searched high and low for a college where I could major in music Ed and not take voice lessons. After all, I was a choir guy and we’re ensemble singers! Who needs solo voice lessons? Leave that to the performance snobs! But inside I knew the real reason...I didn’t want to sing because I didn’t think I could. Like REALLY could. I was insecure, embarrassed, and felt like I could never measure up to those around me. So I scoffed at it instead.
I was, nevertheless, unsuccessful in my quest, and having loved everything about Cornell College I was determined to keep an open mind and positive attitude. I walked in and was greeted by the warmest smile, biggest handshake, and most contagious belly laugh I’d ever heard! A gentle giant in a mock turtle neck, jeans and a blazer as he so often wore. It was only after a short time and Doc’s gentle guidance, encouragement and belief in me that I experienced a confidence in my voice and in myself that I had never felt before. He took me under his wing, a nobody from Washington State without a lick of classical voice experience and helped me grow with phrases like “Foreman, you have the perfect Tenor physique...barrel chested and no neck!” and “let’s try some vocal Tai Chi”!
I can’t tell you all the songs we sang or the exercises we employed, but I can clearly recall the laughs, the love and the feeling that I belonged in his studio. I WAS a singer and I COULD measure up. I wasn’t embarrassed by my voice and I was proud to call myself a singer.
Once hired after college as a high school choral director, I couldn’t wait to introduce Doc to my students. I wanted them to know what I knew and experience the man that had such a profound impact on my life. I wanted them to hear, first hand, all the weird singing analogies we grew to love, to see the same excitement and joy in Doc’s face, to see his big grin, when they had a breakthrough! We brought Doc in as many times as we could for solo festivals and clinics. He was the consummate professional and was so giving of himself to his students, even when his health began to fade.
The last time we talked I had the joy of sitting with him on his front porch. We laughed through our Covid masks about fond memories and new experiences with my students. And our last topic: how we could have a singing clinic this fall, outside of course, so he could work with my students again! He never stopped serving and he never stopped dreaming of ways to serve. We had hoped for something this October and agreed to play it by ear. With that, I walked down his driveway, looked back and told him I loved him. He replied, “Love you, brother!”, and smiled...
I am a better husband, father, teacher, mentor and friend because of the four incredible years I spent in Dr Thull’s studio. I am filled with joy recalling the many accomplishments we had together and the memories we made as colleagues in the vocal world. And though sad at today’s news, I am encouraged in my belief that Doc is now whole, free from pain, and in the presence of his Father in heaven.
Students and former students, if any of you experienced anything in my program that was good and honest and pure and even remotely impacted you in a positive way, know that it was in large part due to the significant role Doc played in my life. You and I are better because we knew him.
So tonight, tomorrow and in the countless interactions with others I hope to have in the future, I will smile more, I will laugh more, I will encourage more and I will make sure my students always know vocal Tai Chi.
Love you, brother!
November 6, 2020
November 6, 2020
(Copied from an earlier Facebook post)
In the two years that I studied voice with Dr. Jonathon Thull at Cornell College we began work on the song cycle “Six Songs from A Shropshire Lad.” The lyrics are from A. E. Housman’s larger collection of poems, but the poems selected for the cycle deal with the beauty of life and foolishness of war and meaningless death. Music was written by George Butterworth, who himself was killed during the First World War. Because of the nature of my degree, I was only required perform a half recital (about 25 minutes of music). I only learned half the cycle.

When I returned to college to complete my music degree (and gain an education degree) I insisted on including the full cycle in my senior recital. On a whim, I invited Dr. Thull (and honestly very few others) because I so desperately wanted him to be present for the full work. He happened to be feeling well enough to attend with his wife, Nancy Ann Hagen. Here is one of the poems in the cycle:

“Loveliest of trees, the cherry now
Is hung with bloom along the bough,
And stands about the woodland ride
Wearing white for Eastertide.

Now, of my threescore years and ten,
Twenty will not come again,
And take from seventy springs a score,
It only leaves me fifty more.

And since to look at things in bloom
Fifty springs are little room,
About the woodlands I will go
To see the cherry hung with snow.”

I already miss you, JT, but I am beyond grateful for you, your work in me, and this memory in particular. If I can be half the mentor you were to me for even one of my own music students, my career will have been a success.
November 4, 2020
November 4, 2020
I met Jonathan as the spouse of my colleague Nancy. Long ago, Nancy and I put in long hours together and when I needed be in Iowa City I would stay at their house. This is where I got to know Jonathan. Nancy and I were tired and punchy but Jonathan had a way about him that made the stress of our day evaporate. He was funny, deep, accommodating, a good listener, and his presence always made me feel better. I won’t ever forget that and I hope I can be more like he was. -John Pemble
November 4, 2020
November 4, 2020
Nancy, It's so wonderful to hear Jonathon's voice and to look through so many beautiful and joyful pictures. Sending so much love to you. -Charity

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