James A. Rogner, Organist Headed Chorale Ensemble

James A. Rogner, 47, an organist and choral director who led the James Chorale, died Sunday in his home in Lake View.

Mr. Rogner had been a member of the James Chorale, one of the city's oldest choral ensembles, since its inception 20 years ago. Five years later, he became its leader. He also was an organist and music director at First St. Paul Lutheran Church since 1975.

The James Chorale performs classical music, either a cappella or with musical accompaniment in landmark or architecturally significant churches, in conjunction with the Landmarks Preservation Council of Illinois. In 1991, Mr. Rogner led the group on a concert tour of Germany and Austria.

He composed several choral works exclusively for the group. In 1994, the group presented a wide range of poetry set to music titled "From the Pen of Famous Poets." Mr. Rogner composed the segment "Echoes of Edna," which a Chicago Sun-Times review said was "a lush showpiece for the 31-voice choir. The piece sets six of Edna St. Vincent Millay's works to music that never obscures the subtle and deeply introspective words."

He was member of the Chicago Symphony Chorus, where he served as assistant conductor, and the American Guild of Organists.

Mr. Rogner was born in Saginaw, Mich. He graduated from Concordia Teachers College in River Forest and received a master's degree in choral conducting from Northwestern University.

He was a volunteer at Howard Brown Memorial Clinic.

Survivors include his parents, Albert and Alice; a sister, Karen Clausing, and three brothers, Paul, John and David.

Visitation will be from 2 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Blake-Lamb Funeral Home, 1035 N. Dearborn. Services will be at 10 a.m. Friday in First St. Paul Lutheran Church, 1301 N. La Salle. Burial will be in Belvidere Cemetery, Belvidere, Ill.

Chicago Sun Times
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James A. Rogner, 47
CHICAGO—James A. Rogner, 47, of Chicago,died Sunday, Aug.13,1995. Born Oct. 21,1947, in Saginaw, Mich. Graduated from Belvidere High School in 1965, Concordia Teachers College, River Forest, in 1969 and received his masters of arts degree in choral conducting from Northwestern University. Employed as organist and music director at St. Paul Lutheran Church and conductor of The James Chorale, Chicago. Member and assistant conductor of Chicago Symphony Chorus. Member of American Guild of Organists. Survivors include his parents, Albert and Alice Rogner of Belvidere; sister, Karen (Warren) Clausing of Garden Prairie; brothers, Paul (Dona) Rogner of Elk Grove Village, John (Sue Elston) Rogner of Elgin and David Rogner of Oak Park.

Services at 10 a.m. Friday, Aug. 18, in First St. Paul Lutheran Church, 1301 N. LaSalle St., Chicago. Visitation 2 to 8 p.m. Thursday in BLAKE-LAMB FUNERAL HOME, 1035 N. Dearborn St., Chicago. Interment at 4 p.m. Friday, Aug.18, in Belvidere Cemetery, 1121 N. Main St., Belvidere, with local arrangements by Buck-Wheeler-Hyland Funeral Home, 218 W. Hurlbut Ave. Memorials to the church or The James Chorale, 4753 N. Broadway, Chicago, IL 60640. 8-15-3

Rockford Register Star, Rockford, Illinois