Thomas George Neadle, a well-known church organist for 60 years, died on Oct. 20 at the age of 80 in Golden Valley. His health deteriorated; he later developed COVID and died from an infection.
The Death of Neadle
Neadle spent most of his life in Minneapolis, where he used to play the organ with over 1,500 pipes. When he moved to Golden Valley in 2008, he bought a smaller organ and played it frequently, but when he became ill, his neighbors noticed that he was no longer picking up his newspapers, and they did not hear him play until they learned that he had died.
In November, a memorial service was held at Heights Theater, and organ music was played in his honor. The funeral service was held at Washburn McReavy Crystal Lake Chapel on Oct. 31 at 11 a.m., and visitation was scheduled an hour before. The funeral service is followed by interment at Crystal Lake Cemetery, where he is finally laid to rest, a source posted.
Playing Organ in Church Services
When Needle was 17, he heard that Plymouth Apostolic Lutheran Church needed an organist and applied. He played at church services almost until his death. People who knew Needle described him as quiet and introverted until he sat down at a keyboard.
Thomas George Needle was a lifelong pipe organist who provided hymns and shows tunes. He performed as the "king of instruments" in churches, theaters, and the town's most opulent mansion, according to a startribune.com report.
According to Ed Copeland, head organist at the Heights Theater, Neadle was an icon, and his death leaves only a few people in the state who can play the organ well.
He is an entertainer in addition to playing at church. Before Friday night shows at Heights Theater in Columbia Heights, he entertained moviegoers by playing the WCCO Mighty Wurlitzer. He also performed on the residential pipe organ at St. Paul's James J. Hill House.
About Plymouth Apostolic Lutheran Church
Needle spent several years serving Plymouth Apostolic Lutheran Church and played the organ in services at the church, located at 11015 Old County Road in Plymouth. Pastor Ryan Kandoll leads the church.
The church holds in-person Sunday worship at 10:30 a.m., and those unable to attend the worship in person can view it live through the church’s Youtube and Facebook accounts. Sunday services include Adult Bible Study, Sunday School, and Worship Service. Bible Study is scheduled every Wednesday.
The church will celebrate the installation of Pastor Ryan Kandoll on Dec. 11, the event will include Sunday service, and lunch will be served. On Dec. 24, the church will also hold Christmas Eve Candlelight Service, inviting everyone to celebrate with them.
The church also accepts donations from kind donors. Those willing to help the church can send their donations online, and the church accepts checks. Donations will be used to maintain the church and to help the community.
