« He's Out Of The Basement And His Mind | Main | Christmas Best - They Don't Make Them Like They Used To »

RIP Mr. Rishoi

Stanley Rishoi, beloved Watertown High School music teacher for 17 years, passed away August 7, 2025, in Storm Lake IA. He was 90 years old.

I posted this on my blog 'redmeatblog.com' on December 25. 2023.

“There’s an old saying that goes like this: It’s not really drinking alone if the dog is home. That said, as I listened to Christmas music this afternoon and poured my second red beer I became a little nostalgic (blame it on the alcohol) remembering one of my more pleasant memories of Christmas in Watertown. must have been either a junior or senior in high school and Mr. Rishoi called me at home around dinner time and said that he was putting together a small group of carolers to go out that evening. I really don’t remember who ultimately participated but I’m guessing that the group consisted of some of the members of the a cappella choir. We met somewhere downtown (If I recall correctly, the stores were open on Friday nights.) and sang carols on the street corners for quite a while, eventually making our way to an old folks home near the court house where we were invited in to sing for a bit. It was snowing and, of course, very cold but I think a good time was had by all. Cheers! and Merry Christmas!!"

When I was a junior Mr. Rishoi directed 'The Music Man' musical. It was an enormous undertaking. People were chosen to play the various parts, costumes were ordered, dance lessons were given, the orchestra was organized, the sets were built and singing practices were never ending. He created a barbershop quartet that I was fortunate to have been chosen for (Jacey Squires, 1st Tenor). In one memorable, and somewhat embarrassing practice session, Mr. Richoi put an empty waste basket on my head because I was singing off-key (flat) allowing me to hear myself better. Lesson learned.

Mr. Rishoi had Watertown High School host the all-state choir in 1965. I still have a record of the performance which was directed by. Douglas McEwen. We also went to the All State Chorus in 1964 in Sioux Falls with half the a capella choir.

Mr. Rishoi was always a very dapper dresser with a white, I’m guessing silk, scarf draped around his neck in the colder weather.

It was of some interest to me that his doughter, Stacy, sang the Lord’s Prayer at the funeral. As a senior, Mr. Richoi assigned that to me for a singing competition, which I won by the way.

Mr. Rishoi was certainly a huge positive influence on thousands of students. He will be missed.

Posted by Rick | November 20, 2025 02:58 AM