Mr. P is one of the few teachers that I remember from high school orchestra. He was an inspiration that I did not realize until way after graduation. He will be remembered fondly by all.

I was saddened to hear about Mr. P. His impact and influence of music in my life remains in my heart. As a military musician stationed in Europe, I thought of him when I visited the birth places Beethoven and Bach. I carried him with me when I saw the Brandenburg Gate. I will always carry him in my heart.

A great and passionate man. Will always hold a special place in my heart.

I loved that he always called himself Pap Donenbrock.  He went out of his way to get to know the students and was a bit of a prankster!  He will always be missed!

Mr. Papenbrock was the teacher who had the most profound impact on my life. He taught me so much more than music. I still find myself using some of the little one liners he would use in class at Paxon Jr. and Sr. High. I have carried on with the music and still think of him often. Thank you for the gift of music you gave to so many of us.

My thoughts and prayers go out the Papenbrock family.  Mr. P was a wonderful teacher and I will always remember him as the one who opened my mind and the door to classical music.

Don was a fantastic mentor to me when I moved to Jacksonville and started teaching Orchestra at Wolfson Sr. High in 1978.  I could always call and ask his advice, help, how to fill out forms for contest, check out his library for string/full orchestra music, how to fundraise, you name it.  Don was there and willing to help, no problem.  I don't think I'll ever forget taking our students to All State in Tampa my first or 2nd year.  We all stayed in the same hotel and helped monitor our combined students.  A roomfull of my guy students had a pillow fight and exploded the pillows.  They put what was left of the pillows into a couple of pillow cases.  When we checked out the students rooms before leaving the hotel, all looked okay and we didn't notice the problem with the pillows.  While we were getting everyone loaded up, one of the housekeeping staff came over and started yelling at us in spanish about who was going to pay for the pillows, etc.  I was about ready to have a stroke, but Don took charge of the situation.  He took the housekeeper aside, calmed her down and I'm pretty sure slipped her some cash to smooth out the situation.  We were able to load up the kids & leave the hotel without appearing as the headliners for Americas Most Wanted.  Don's demeanor and his way of dealing with people did the trick.  He also helped me with advice on how to deal with the pillow exploding offenders.  I was very fortunate and thankful for having know Don and will miss him.  My prayers are with Liz and the rest of the family.

Mr. Papenbrock was one of my best teachers throughout Jr./Sr. high school at Sandalwood. He tought me how to play violin and was one of the most inspirational people I knew.  I feel so priviledged to have known him and even had him play cello at my wedding.

Dear Mr. P,

You will be missed.  I have fond memories of orchestra class and have thought of you over the years.  I always looked forward to attending class because of your sweet and jovial demeanor.  I also always admired your teaching skills and your ability to motivate and move forward a group of awkward teenagers.  My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.  Kim (Walker) Lucado, Sandalwood Jr. Sr. High, 1989

I was fortunate to have Mr Papenbrock for orchestra teacher at Paxon High School from 7th-12th grades. Although my violin playing never set the world on fire Mr.P was always fun and gave me an appreciation for music that I have today. Whenever I listen to Dvorak's New World Symphony I still think of Mr. P
 I was also a student when Ms.Papenbrock started and some of us knew then there was something special about those two!! The last time I saw Mr.P was at a Jacksonville Bulls game when I was in my seat high up and there he was wih his 2 boys.
 Mr. P will be missed but with the number of lives he touched... well he will always be around where it counts..in our hearts!!

"Mr. P." was a very important part of my teenage life.  I had always played the piano, but then he put a viola in my hand and I played it from the 8th grade on and participated in the summer musicals that he conducted as well.  He called my parents a few years ago just to ask about how I was doing, and I had long since graduated from Sandalwood High School back in 1984.  "Mr. P." you really left a great mark on many young lives.  I hope that your passion and pursuit of excellence will live on forever.  --Dr. Matteel D. King, Sandalwood Orchestra, Class of '84

We will miss you, Don; I've enjoyed our friendship over the years. My favorite memories of you are:
1. When you conducted the orchestra at our wedding!
2. When you helped make Jingle Bells sound like a piece by Tchaikovsky! LOL
3. Our evening chats on the phone, while we both waited for Rocky to finish work for the day!
God bless you, Don. I love you, and squeeze you tight with a hug in my mind. Save us a seat up there in the music section of heaven.
Love,
Judy Di Georgio

I'll miss Don calling me every year to recount our performance with Smokey Robinson.  We had a great time.  He will be missed!

Mr. Papenbrock was an excellent role model to each life he touched.  He shared the gift of patience with the many of us whom he recruited to play in the orchestra in the 7th grade.  He said we would persevere from the first songs of "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star" to the more challenging pieces of music, which came from the many hours of symphony practice that we would endure. It was his self perseverance that helped us achieve the common goal. Would we have ever believed it at that time? He was right, we did achieve the goals he set before us from one year to the next until graduation day when we where his â€œmaster piece.â€  Thank you, Mr. Papenbrock for being that mentor that our parents and we truly appreciated. We were all blessed that you were part of our lives.  
We thank you Mr. P!!! You will be missed by ALL.
God Bless, Christy Dickinson Lynch (Sandalwood, Class of 1981)

Mr.P will always be remembered as one of my favorite teachers.  Sandalwood High Orchestra (c/o 80) was the best!  Tons of fun memories.  Rest in peace, Mr. P.

You were an awesome teacher and guided me through some terrible teen times. You made me appreciate music and gave me opportunities to express myself (probably when I did not deserve them) You were a great influence and I will remember you always! You will be missed.

Mr. P was a wonderful director, teacher, and caring person.  For those of us lucky enough to have been under his direction at Paxon Sr. High and the Youth Symphony, I want to say thanks.  He pushed me to stretch my abilities.  I was allowed to join the Youth Symphony in 9th grade ( I did not have to wait until 10th), simply because he needed a Bassoon.  I was hardly up to the ability level of most there, but he still encouraged me to stay and try.  I knew him even before I was a student at Paxon because my mother, Nell Johnson, taught at Paxon.  I consider it my good fortune to be able to say I knew him from my 2nd grade on.  I am grateful for all of the "musicians" he supported through the Duval County Public Schools.

I started out playing piano for Mr. P in eighth grade and then played viola through high school.  Although I was never very good, he was always kind and encouraging.  I had such good times in orchestra and learned to appreciate all kinds of music as well as making lots of happy memories.  My sister, Judy, played violin for Mr. P and after he and she would have some kind of "disagreement" Mr. P would call our Mother and tell her how "defiant" her daughter was.  The next day he would call Mother again and apologize for the previous call! My deepest sympathy to the family.  Heaven has gained a wonderful new angel musician and teacher.

Pat Cole Goddard
Paxon Class of 1966

Our thoughts & prayers go out to the Papenbrock family. Many great memories at Sandlewood. As I followed my sister Eveyln Horn-Kerr Class of 79 into orchestra. I remember my 1st concert playing Winston Hoe Down. It was great!  Mr. P was a great teacher & friend to myself & my sister. We have great memories with Mr. P that will last forever! He has a special place in our hearts.

There's a special place in my heart for Don Papenbrock.  I approached him in my junior year at Sandawood and asked him to teach me to read music and play the double bass.  He gave me lessons after school and the following year I was in the orchestra.  I was in to many areas of study such as acting, guitar, singing, electric bass, and pop music.  Don would support it all.  He would smile and say "Yeah Man!"

Now, I've had a 38 year career in music education and performance, I teach kids how to sing, act, play violin, cello, bass, and guitar.  I've played in symphonies, jazz bands, and rock bands.  

Thanks Don, Yeah Man!

Heaven now has a Saint conductor for it's Orchestra. Thank you for blessing our lives! One of my favorite teachers who inspired my love and appreciation of music, taught me how to play the cello for 6 years at Sandalwood-c/o 86, and showed me school and summer musicals could be fun! I'll miss you Mr. P.

Mr. P was my orchestra teacher for five years at Sandalwood Jr./Sr High.  He was very passionate about music and shared that enthusiasm with his students.   He will be missed but his legacy will live on.

Mr. P was a wonderful man.  I will always remember my days at Sandalwood with fond memories and funny times.  It takes a special person to endure year after year of first time string players playing for the first time.  Thank you, Mr. P, for being you.

Don and Tim,
What a great legacy your dad has left you!  Be proud and strive to carry it on.  I remember when your mom was his intern at Paxon.  Your lives have truly been blessed.

Debbie Cooey Caplan
Paxon Class of '71.

Mr. Papenbrock taught all his students to enjoy life.

In the six years I was a part of Sandalwood's orchestra, his classroom on the North side of the building was the place where you didn't have to deal with everything else - just enjoy the music!

You will be missed but never forgotten.

Class of '89

My thoughts and prayers are with the family.  Take comfort in your wonderful memories.  (Paxon Class of 1967)

Mr. P was the best teacher. I'm very saddened by his passing. I'm very sorry for his family's and his friend's loss. (Sandalwood High School, Class of 1991)

My first experience orchestral experience as a musician was under the direction of Mr. Pappenbrock at Paxon HS (1968-1971) His encouragement and example were a strong influence in my decision to pursue a career in music.

He was a fine cellist, musician, educator, and mentor to hundreds of students throughout our community.

A man whom exemplifed passion for his job in every aspect.  Graduating from Paxon in 1971, I remember many performances in the auditorium of the school from his discplined students. I am sure they will carry this passion that he had on in their lives. My condolences to the family in your loss.

Tim, Don and Liz: You don't know me, but I feel as if I have known all of you for many years.I first met Don in 1960 when we both lived on Riviera Pkwy. We were three Canadian girls who had come from Toronto to Jax on a lark, and all of us are still here. We were all single then and I remember many good times with Don. We all married in time, and lost touch for awhile. But Don and I reconnected several years ago and have kept in touch since.What a great guy he was, and I feel his loss deeply. He was so proud of his sons and always spoke so affectionately of Liz. I will miss our phone chats. My thoughts are with you at this very sad time.

Shirley D Nelson- Ponte Vedra Bch, FL.

You are a true champ in your abilities to stand strong for music in our education system.  Thank you for your patience with my violin and viola, Mr. P.
Class of '71

When Mr. Holland's Opus came out, I called Mr.Papenbrock and told him that he was the real world Mr. Holland. That seemed to make him very happy as he had just seen the movie himself.  When I was at Paxon Jr and Sr High he was my favorite teacher too.  He expected the best from us.  I still play my cello in church every Sunday because of him   Darlene Lane Papa

Don Papenbrock was a big influence in my life 1954-1960 at Paxon Jr/Sr..I played trumpet in the band and orchestra..he was a mentor, a great musician and a great friend to me when I needed him most..a surrogate father figure..Franklin S. Bandy, CMSGT, USAF [RET}, Springfield, VA

I was saddened to hear about Mr. P's passing this past week.  I had the honor of being his student in the Sandalwood Orchestra from 1984-1990 where I played the violin.  He was not only my teacher but that developed into a wonderful friendship that I cherished.  I had many special moments during my 6 years with him.   I will always remember the kindness and support that he showed to me and all of his students.  I am forever grateful for him sharing his love of music during an important time in my life as a student.  Although years have gone by he was always in my thoughts.  He was a great a man who had such a huge impact on many lives.  My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.  Mr. P will be greatly missed!!!

Being a student at Sandalwood in the mid to lat 80's, Mr P was always a nice man. I was never one of his students, I was a chorus student... Prayers to his family in this time of need. Sandalwood C/O 1989.

Don was an outstanding teacher and a fine cellist. I knew him first in 1957 when I taught the orchestra at Robert E. Lee High School. Don was also in the Jacksonville Symphony at that time. It was fun to play chamber music with him. I know he'll be missed by many.

Mr.Papenbrock was my orchestra teacher at Sandalwood back in the late 80s, and I think of him often: his stories, his impatience with us when we failed to practice or pay attention, his playful sense of humor and his love of his students. I always thought of him as my "in-school dad". His Orchestra room was a haven and I would duck into it and hang out there whenever I could, as would many of us. We just felt comfortable and safe there, around him. I think I'll dust off my old viola and play a squeaky Brandenburg Concerto or a Pizzicato Popcorn just for him. Mr. Papenbrock, you will be greatly missed, and I feel sorry for those students that do not get to know you.

When my family moved to Florida seven years ago and I sought a cello instructor to continue lessons, Mr. Don was highly recommended.  He chose to come out of retirement to give me private lessons.  We were pleasantly surprised to find out that we both grew up in Iowa, and discovered that my husband had been his paperboy years ago! We both attended San Juan del Rio Catholic Church and Don shared his love of his faith me.  We became good friends through our love of music and our Catholic faith.  I will miss the way he always made me laugh.  I love you and miss you, Mr. Don. Rest in peace, dear friend.

I remember Mr. "P", he was truly blessed with his musical skills and super personality. He will be missed but always remembered. Paxon Band 1954-1958

Out of all my teachers I had in school, Mr. P was the most inspiring. In 1995 a movie came out called "Mr. Holland's Opus".That was Mr.Papenbrock! Thank you Mr. P for touching my heart with music. Your students love you and will miss you. God bless you.

Mr.Papenbrock was my Orchestra director from the 7th at Paxon Junior High,through the 12th grade,at Paxon Senior High.He had a special quality about him that inspired and encouraged us. I really have no idea how one person could  teach a classroom of so many students, with so many different instruments.He even talked  me into joining the Jacksonville Youth Symphony while he was the director ! That took some talking.I will always have fond memories of Mr. Papenbrock, as well as my Orchestra classmates.I played viola, graduated from Paxon in 1965.I still own two violas, but never play them !
My thoughts are with his family.

RIP Mr P!!! I will never forget your kindness to me in my years at Sandalwood(1977-1982)!! Always a smile and a kind word!! And yes,,,a few smashed batons!!! What great memories-our orchestra trips,especially the Bahamas!!Thanks for the memories Mr P!! Love Ya!!

Oh Mr. P, the numerous times you threw "The Baton" across the room to get our attention. The love of music is because of you... To Don & Tim and the rest of the family, may his memories hold you close and keep you.  My thoughts and prayers are with you. See ya Mr. P..

Mr. "P" was my Orchestra teacher for 6 years at Sandalwood High School back in the late 70's. He will be truely missed. He was such an amazing person. He has changed many lives with his knowledge of music and how he took the time and that extra step to help you. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.

I remember in the seventh grade, taking a music test and seeing Mr.P make the violin "say" the words to "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star"...within a few days, I enrolled in Orchestra and stayed in it from 7th-12th grade.  Some of my fondest high school memories and best friends were  in his class. I couldn't wait to be a senior (Sandalwood 1989) and play "Climb Every Mountain" during our graduation ceremony.  It made graduation even more special and emotional.  He was by far my favorite teacher.  The picture shown is exactly how I remember him. I am so sorry to hear of his passing, my heart goes out to the family and friends of this special man. You will be missed "Mr. P.", but never forgotten!

I will forever remember Mr. P and the time I spent in Orchestra at Sandalwood... He was an amazing and patient teacher.  He will be missed.

I had never heard a cello "speak" before the Mr. P demo at Paxon Jr. High School but I  was beguiled. Orchestra was a privilege and a joy with such a kind and patient teacher. The only time my violin made the heavenly sounds of its' potential was when Mr. P played it.;-) He was an amazing musician and a wonderful teacher!

I was a band student with Coleman Hawk ( Paxon '66), but Mr. Papenbrock was in the same music suite and taught many of my friends at Paxon.  I was so excited when he married "LIZ", because that was my name, also.  Later years, I would see his son(s) perform
at The Alhambra.  He always spoke and had such a pleasant demeanor.  I married a musician & my son has always played, but he was NEVER blessed with anyone like Mr. P.

Mr. Papenbrock was the driving force that took Paxon Junior and Senior High Orchestra to "State"Competition" during 1965-1971. His search for perfection made it where you didn't want to let him down by  coming to class unprepared for rehearsals! Everyone earned their seat/wings in the "Eagle Orchestra" and we were proud of our accomplishments with Mr. Papenbrock's guidance. He possessed that fabulous "gift" reserved for the best of teachers.... as a musician and teacher he LEAD BY EXAMPLE and we were proud to follow in his footsteps. Sandra Kedzior Reeder 1971

Mr. P was my Orchestra Teacher and Conductor for Sandalwood Jr. Sr. High School from 1973 until I graduated in 1978. I remember all the great times in that class, and Mr. P always shouting out the word "Scrunch!!" for the position of our fingers to go into. He was a great teacher and musician, and I know he will always be remembered by so many of his students. My Sympathies to his family. Mr. P, may the music go on forever for you! God Bless!!!

Like many others, Mr. P touched my life in so many ways. Mom planted the seed for my love of all types of music and Mr. P cultivated that to the max. He had a way of instilling in me the desire to practice to perfection and the determination to do my part for us to win at state. What memories in that Orchestra Suite!!! His encouragement, teaching music and discipline, his great smile and laughter, even throwing his stand over our heads into his office in frustration! He never did that before in all those years, but it got everyone's attention so we could go on and win State. As a senior, it was also fun watching the love story unfold for Mr. & Mrs. P. They made such a cute couple. He was a mentor, a leader and a friend. What a great man to have had the priviledge to know. My condolences to his family and friends. Don, rest in peace. God Bless.

I remember it like it was yesterday, the day Mr. P put a violin in my arms in the 7th grade, Paxon Jr. He gave so much to so many of us, he believed in us, and we loved him for that. He led the Paxon Orchestra the last time I heard it, at our graduation of 1968. His legacy goes on.

What an inspiration you were to us all!  You were always there for us, be it for the music or the daily life sagas.  You offered advice and encouragement.  I enjoyed my years in the youth orchestra under your tutelage and learned so much about orchestral playing.  
I remember, while in junior high at Lake Shore, the blossoming romance with "Mrs. P.".  As young adolescents, we used to giggle and smile a lot when we saw you together.  Those were the days!
You will be missed by all the lives you touched.  We still talk about you to this day and laugh about all the crazy things we did with you and the groups in our high school years.
God Bless!

I have such wonderful memories of many summer musicals and years at Sandalwood under Mr. P's direction.  He is a wonderful addition to Heaven's mighty orchestra!   Carol Goodroe Wilkinson

Always striving for perfection...always willing to help a struggling student, and finding new ways of extending the use of his students is what I remember about Mr. P.  Remembering from the 7th to the twelth grades.  He made a wonderful impression on this little girl and lead us my senior class to the winning of the state finals in 1968.  Giving opportunities to me to play and sing in and outside the school even for community events.  What a wonderful man.  He has already been missed for years not having kept up with him over the years personally...but in my heart he has always been apart of my life.  I thank the Lord for his goodness of having Mr. P. as a friend and a teacher.  Praying for you and your family Mrs. P.  God bless you with peace and comfort at this time and in the future.  Beverly Austin Johnson

Growing up, Don's son Tim was one of my best friends. I have a lot of good memories at the Papenbrock house (especially boating and water skiing). Ms. Papenbrock, Tim and Donny- I'm sorry for your loss and you'll be in my prayers. Much love.

In memory of the man who conducted our Paxon High School Orchestra.  I loved playing when he was the director and will never forget his expertise.

We cannot feel life's losses without first feeling the blessings of its fullness.  Mr. Papenbrock certainly had a very full life that touched many people.  As my teacher for 6 years, he had a great influence on my life.  I am blessed to have known him.  He will always be in my heart and memories.
Deepest sympathy to his family in this time of great sorrow.
Eloise Bergeron Johnson
Sandalwood class of '79

My wife Karen and I will always remember Mr. Papenbrock.  We were both in the first orchestra at Paxon (September 1954) when he directed both the band and the orchestra.  He was a great teacher and mentor to many young musicians in the Jacksonville area.  He will be missed.

John (Paxon '58) and Karen Van Zant

Remembering the man who launched my music journey, starting me as a beginning violin student in the 7th grade orchestra at Paxon Jr. High.  Had it not been for his teaching and the music opportunities he created for his students, my life would have taken a totally different path.  

One of the most influential people in my life; another example of how music can touch and change lives. He was one of those people who left the world a better place.
Susan Moore Raguse   
Paxon HS  Class of 1973

Being in Mr. P's orchestra at Paxon Junior and Senior High Schools was a wonderful experience. I recall many experiences fondly...except practicing!  The trips were a fun and truly extraordinary time in my life...great memories. Thank you, Mr. Papenbrock, for making high school so special.

Remembering the man who launched my music journey, starting me as a beginning violin student in the 7th grade orchestra at Paxon Jr. High.  Had it not been for his teaching and the music opportunities he created for his students, my life would have taken a totally different path.

One of the most influential people in my life; another example of how music can touch and change lives.  I last visited him at home in March 2009 and we spoke occasionally by phone.  He was one of those people who left the world a better place.
Susan Moore Raguse  
Paxon HS   Class of 1973

I went to Sandalwood and was in the band. Mr. P and Mr. Swatzell were really cool and easy learning from both. We are talking about 1977- 1981 Those were the days and I truley enjoyed them . Rest in peace Mr. P. Job well done

What an inspiration he was to us all!  He was our youth orchestra director for all of my high school years and I enjoyed playing and learning under his tutelage.  I had "Mrs. P." as my junior high orchestra director at Lake Shore and it was fun (as a young adolescent!) to watch the romance blossom!  LOL
We think of him often and laugh about all the fun we had "way back when."  God Bless!

Remembering the man who launched my music journey, starting me as a beginning violin student in the 7th grade orchestra at Paxon Jr. High.  Had it not been for his teaching and the music opportunities he created for his students, my life would have taken a totally different path.

One of the most influential people in my life; another example of how music can touch and change lives. I was fortunate to visit him at home in March 2009 and we talked occasionally by phone.  Don Papenbrock is one of those individuals who left the world a better place.

Susan Moore Raguse  
Paxon HS, Class of 1973

Don Papenbrock is certainly the most influential figure in my life aside from my parents.
His incredible gift as a music director and his ability to transcend all age groups makes him a giant in my eyes.
He is the true meaning of the word "mentor"
I will miss him immensely.

I will always have fond memories of Mr. P. He was very influential to my life when I needed him most. He taught us all more than the love of music. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.

I had the pleasure and good fortune to work several years at Sandalwood with Don.  He was and outstanding Music Educator, colleague, and friend.  He touched many lives in his long career, and he will be missed. 

RIP Old friend

Steve Ogilive

I spent the 7th grade thru my senior year @ Sandalwood with Mr. P in Orchestra.  I even spent my summers playing in musicals including a few years after graduating.  He very much enjoyed what he did and gave a lot to his classes.  That is how he will be remembered.

A true professional who always had time to offer a kind word.  I worked with him at Sandalwood High School until his retirement.  Robert C.(Bob) Dorough.

A true professional who always had a kind word. I worked with him at Sandalwood High School until he retired.  Robert C. (Bob) Dorough

A true professional who always had a kind word for those around him.  I worked with him at Sandalwood High School until his retirement. Robert C.(Bob) Dorough

Mr. Papenbrock was always my favorite teacher at Paxon. I played in the orchestra from the 7th grade through 12th, played in the youth orchestra and also the summer musicals. I will always remember the the wonderful times we had in orchestra. I also remember when Ms. Papenbrock was an intern at Paxon and when they were married. Long time ago, lol. Anyway, he was truly a blessing and touched the lives of many students. He will be missed.

What a great guy! I very much enjoyed being in the youth symphony and his orchestra at Paxon. I'm sure he's conducting as we remember him here.

I had Mr. P as a music teacher at John Gorrie Jr. High School & he was also the orchestra leader when I went on to Paxon in the 50's.  Always a friendly man and an asset to all music programs.
Sandra Mosley Mizell

Mr P gave so much to the youth of our city and to music. While we wer ein then band, we looked forward to the times we joined the orchestra to make goo dmusic. Our prayers are with you all.

How do pay tribute to such a great man?  Mr. P. taught me a subject that I loved and still love, music.  He made it so enjoyable.  I'll never forget our first concert in the beginner's orchestra.  We could actually play something after just six weeks.  My parents were pleasantly surprised.  I am so sorry for your loss. I have so many wonderful memories and will always have a very special place in my heart for Mr. P.

Sincerely, 
Susan Crews Roberts
Class of 72

AVIS DE DÉCÈS

Donald Earl Papenbrock

25 septembre 1929 – 22 décembre 2010

Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home

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