Lawrence Welk Show
 
Dick Kesner, Violin (1953-1959)
Popular Violinist Played A Stradivarius Violin

Dick KesnerDick Kesner was a popular violinist on the Lawrence Welk Show from 1953 to 1959. Kesner was born in Sioux City, Iowa in 1912 and began taking violin lessons at the age of 10. Durin World War II, Kesner served in the Army in the South Pacific where he organized a band to entertain the troops in between battles. After the War, Kesner attended the American Conservatory of Music in Chicago before joining the Freddie Martin band in 1948. In 1953, Kesner joined the Lawrence Welk band.

Lawrence Welk was so enamored with Kesner's violin virtuosity that he bought him a Stradivarius. Kesner left the Welk Show in 1959 to record music and do more concert performances. Kesner was replaced on the Welk Show by Jimmy Getzoff.    
Car Accident In 1962
Kesner died unexpectedly in 1962 at the age of 49 from a heart attack suffered while he was driving his car in Reseda, CA. He was survived by his wife, Muriel and three daughters.