The Mehlville School District’s “Mr. Music Man,” also known as Bill Nottelmann, always has been in a class of his own.

Now, the 87-year-old south county legend truly is in a class all by himself as the first inductee into the Mehlville/Oakville Alumni Association Hall of Fame, according to a school district news release.

Nottelmann graduated from Mehlville High School in 1936. Over the next 70 years, he taught music, opened a pair of music stores, founded the Mehlville/Oakville Alumni Association and even helped spearhead the writing of the book “Reflections: a History of the Mehlville School District and Its Communities.”

In short, Nottelmann widely is considered the biggest supporter ever of the Mehlville School District.

Nearly 150 well-wishers attended the March 30 induction ceremony in Nottelmann’s honor at the Genesis Banquet Center. Midwest BankCentre Chairman Frank Ziegler served as master of ceremonies.

Joining Ziegler at the podium to share words of admiration for Nottelmann were Call Newspapers General Manager Bill Milligan; former Sen. Irene Treppler; Nottlemann’s first-ever music student, Norman Heimos; Mehlville Superintendent Tim Ricker; Mehlville music educators Mary Petrillo, Don Kinnison and Aurelia Hartenberger; Mehlville North Area Superintendent Eric Knost; Nottelmann Music Co. employee Mike Junge; and Nottelmann’s grandchildren, Michael and Jennifer Gerfen.

Mehlville/Oakville Alumni Association acting President Matt Casalone capped off the evening by presenting Nottelmann with an award signifying his induction into the Hall of Fame.