Ian James Nie

Ian James Nie, age 75 of Beloit died on Thursday, July 25, 2024, at Beloit Memorial Hospital. Ian was born in Tianjin, China, August 13, 1948. He was a member of the graduating Class of 1966 at Beloit Memorial High School.

Ian graduated from North Texas State University with a BA in Music. He continued his piano and performance studies for 3 years in Florence, Italy, under the tutelage and mentorship of Italian pianist and pedagogue Maestro Orazio Frugoni. Ian returned to the states to earn a Masters Degree in Music from UW-Madison and a PhD. in Education from New York University with a concentration in music.

Ian joined the faculty at Beloit College in the Music Department and devoted his life to creating an environment of learning and extend music appreciation, not only in the audience but, more importantly, in the performer.

With the help of his family, Ian founded and became Director of the Turtle Creek Chamber Orchestra (TCCO) Ian was able to enjoy a few of his years in retirement from Beloit College, devoting nearly full time to performing, conducting, nurturing, and growing TCCO, the manifestation of his first love of music, and performance, to support and encourage young musicians in hope that they would continue to love it as much as he for his entire life.

Ian married his wife, Emily (Treder) on September 6, 1980, and enjoyed 44 years together in active pursuit of their love of music, arts, crafts, and raising their extended family, Tiny and Kitta, Ian’s beloved cats, and dogs Leo, Zulus, Rory and Rya. They brought him joy.

He is survived by his sister, E-Ping Nie Medalia, (Jim Medalia); sisters-in-law Ruth Bishop (John Bishop), Brother-in-law Paul Treder, nieces and nephews Kari Reid, Chris Reid (Elvia), Heather Pearson (Chris), May-Ying Nie Medalia, Stephanie Bishop, Laurie Bishop, Chad Bishop, grand niece Zoey and grand nephews Hunter, Alex, Victor and a legion of friends and former students to whom he devoted so much of his time and love.

He is preceded in death by his parents, James K. Nie, and Kuan-Yao Lam Nie, sisters-in-law Marjean Rath and Kathleen Reid.

Ian’s Funeral Service will be at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, August 2, 2024 in the United Church of Beloit, 657 Bluff Street, Beloit with Rev Carol Taylor officiating. Family & friends will be received in the Church on Friday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. Following James’ service, the cortege will process to East Lawn Cemetery, for interment. In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to the Turtle Creek Chamber Orchestra. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared on our website.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.