By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
Ralph A. Bredenberg
October 1918 October 2009
Brendenberg-ralph
Viewing for Ralph “Mr. B” Bredenberg will be held from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Oct. 7 at Allen Mortuary. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Nov. 7 at Crossroads Church.
Ralph was born in Turlock and graduated from Turlock High School. During his college years, he attended Modesto Junior College where he studied under Frank Mancini. He later completed his formal education at San Jose State University studying under Thomas Eagon.  
After completing college, he began his teaching career which spanned a period of 50 years of service to students. His first teaching position was at Corning High School in Corning, Calif. in 1941. His teaching career was interrupted by a four-year stint with the U.S. Air Corp where he served as both a band musician and director.  
He returned to California and took the job of director of bands at Chowchilla High School from 1945-1953.  In 1953, he began the first of 23 years at Capuchino High School in San Bruno, Calif. He then served as a consultant for the San Mateo Schools.  
Upon his retirement, he moved back to Turlock where he spent another 13 years as band director at Turlock Christian Elementary, Junior High and High Schools. He retired from a long-time music career in 1991. In addition to his work at various schools, he was also involved in church music as a choir director for over 30 years and was the orchestra director at the Turlock Evangelical Free Church.
Mr. Bredenberg’s hands have accomplished the following: President Kennedy’s inauguration, Pasadena and Portland Rose Parades, All-Western Band Review, Hollywood Christmas Parade, many pro and college football halftimes, many sweepstakes at band reviews and command performance ratings at festivals.  He was a guest director at All State Boys’ Band and ACSI Junior High Honor Band at Biola University and has adjudicated at marching band and concert band competitions.
He is survived by his son, Ralph (Catherine) A. Bredenberg of Palo Alto, Calif.; and grandchildren, Megan and Kate Bredenberg, also of Palo Alto.  
He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Margaret; and siblings, George Bredenberg and Margaret Nordell.
Please share your memories at www.allenmortuary.com.