Jack’s major contribution to MDT was negotiating with Dick Cisek, President of the Minnesota Orchestra, to jointly produce the live-music and dance annual presentations of the Nutcracker (already in place, but not controlled by either organization). This holiday ticket income floatedmuch of MDT's full-year expenses. As a thank you, Loyce Houlton, MDT Artistic Director, had set-designer Jack Barkla make a 1/2 size model of the nutcracker used in the ballet for Jack Hoeschler. It graced our Christmas tree for years, and now resides at our grandsons’ home.

Jack Hoeschler, our lawyer ‘in pectore’, served pro bono in confidential areas for VocalEssence; he was a valued friend and we were very grateful for his wise counsel. Jack also served voluntarily on legal matters for the International Federation for Choral Music – U.S. Division. This was a new enterprise for IFCM and his advice was most welcomed.

Jack was the person you could call when you had a legal question that needed a succinct response – and a humane one – and that is what Jack provided. His deep love for choral music made him a great supporter of the work of VocalEssence and of me personally. He always delivered his opinions with humor…and that was great!

– Philip Brunelle, Artistic Director and Founder, VocalEssence

Jack Hoeschler was a man of ideas.

To my delight and good fortune, Jack served as a member of the Board of Trustees throughout my tenure as President of the Minnesota Humanities Center (2001-2010). Whether in our regular Board meetings or in his frequent drop-ins at my office, Jack bubbled with ideas: What if we did this? Why don't we partner with them? Have we considered another perspective?

Jack's questions weren't rhetorical; they were serious: he wanted to engage you around his ideas, to debate with you, to hear your responses and proposals - all in an effort to discover the best, most viable way forward.

The Humanities Center was fortunate to have Jack in its corner, and I am eternally grateful that I got to know and work with him.

May Jack's memory be a blessing to all who knew him.

Stanley Romanstein, January 2023, President and CEO of the Minnesota Humanities Commission (2001-10)

Jack served for two years (7/1/78 - 6/30/80) on the board of trustees for the Minnesota Chapter of The Nature Conservancy (TNC). There is no record of committee service at that time. However, during the tenure of chapter director, Peggy Ladner, annual dinners were held for former trustees and Jack attended more than one. He told staff that the Conservancy did a good job of keeping former trustees “warm” through these annual events. In 2015, Jack and spouse Linda agreed to be honorary hosts for the Green Tie Affair, a biannual fundraising event held in the Twin Cities.

– Peggy Ladner, Former State Director in Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota