Dear Leslie and family,

The title "Music Man" rings true when I recall Gordon first as teacher, then neighbor, but always, friend.

He had not only the desire, but also the ability, to get the best out of all of his students, and bring us yet a little bit higher than even we could have imagined. He inspired and led us to an appreciation of music that will go on for generations.

I remember the weekly private lessons during the school year at DCHS and also the daily lessons during summer break. And summer band in the park. He always tried to make the performances fun. His instruction made it possible for me to entertain people from stages throughout the US and Canada for a number of years.

I suspect God is using Mr. D. to organize the heavenly music for Jesus' triumphant return.

God bless you all, and comfort you, and give you peace.

Scott and Heather Wilcox

Bakersfield, CA

Dear Leslie and Family--I was so sorry to hear of Mr. Danuser's death.  I realize now that I was one of his first students at Dodge Center, tho he was always so enthusiastic I never suspected that he was also learning.  He taught me to play clarinet, flute, and sax and even to conduct the band at the B squad basketball games.  We went to contests everywhere with him and even had our little dance band play on Rochester TV.  It was all great fun except when I had to play solos at the evening performances by the best acts of the contests.  That was quite terrifying when I was asked to do it for the first time as an 8th grader, but with his help I got through it.

He was a great teacher and a great help to many of us struggling to get through our teens.

Time heals all wounds.

Dear Leslie,

I was very saddened today to learn about the passing of Uncle Gordon.  The last time I saw him my sister Sue and I visited with him at his home for several hours and then took him to the Mantorville cemetary to see the graves of Aunt Virginia (or Ginny as he always called her), ma and pa.  He was such a wonderful, caring man.  He always spoke of you and your sons with such love and pride.   Please accept the condolences of my sister Sue and I for your loss. 

Your cousin,

Becky

Dearest Leslie,   So sorry to hear of Uncle Gordon's passing. I remember him and his music so well. One of my fondest memories were that of him at the piano singing some of the wonderful old songs with my beloved mother. Together they were so amazing. He was truly a gift to the world. My prayers are with you and your family. Please do keep in touch. It would be wonderful to hear from you once in a while.   Love and prayers,  Cathie, Connie's youngest daughter.

Leslie and family,

My name is Elaine Bergeron from Rochester, MN.  I have nothing but fond memories of your dad.  Both he and my elementary band teacher were members of the Turkey River All Stars and I truly enjoyed listening to them.  I remember the band trip to New Orleans and how your dad made sure that I could be a part of everything as I was disabled and used a wheelchair. He taught me so much.

My prayers and thoughts are with you all during this difficult time.

Elaine Bergeron (RCC Band Member)

We were very saddened to hear of Gordon's passing.  Gordon and Virginia were so kind to our daughter's growing up.  Each Halloween if they were in Stoddard, the girls would get a candy bag from Gordon & Virgina, it became a tradition.  They were a very special couple whose hearts were filled with love and proud of each of you and all of your accomplishments.  We heard many stories about your lives. 

My fondest memory is when they would ask if our dog, Socks could spend the night with them.  I think they "adopted" Socks each weekend they were here.  You will be in our thoughts and prayers as you say goodby to a very special gentleman who touched many, many lives.

Leslie,

When I arrived at Rochester Community College in the fall of 1967,  Gordon was the person who helped me the very most.  He taught me to play sax and clarinet. I still have his Conn Tenor which I bought from him when he got his new Buffet Tenor.  We had lost contact with each other over the last 10 years or so, something that the miles between us caused but I still think of him and what a good friend he was to me when I was a student at RCC.  I start teaching my 39th year on the Monday  and I still remember many of the things he taught me and the things we did together when we were both a lot younger.  I know he will be missed by all who knew him.  My sympathies  to you and your family.  He will remain in my memory forever.

Mike Wilder

My parents, who still live in Rochester send me the obituarym, and I wanted to send a quick note from two of Mr. Danuser's former students, who remember him with great affection.  Diann and I met at RCC in 1976 playing in the football pep band: the first week of college for both of us.  Playing in his band was a great experience for both of us - above and beyond the teenage romance!   (We just celebrated our 33rd wedding anniversary.) We both remember a great tour he led to New Orleans, on what turned out to be the longest train ride in history.  One of my fondest memories was playing at a N.O. high school where the band teacher introduced his as "Dr. Gor-dahn Dinosaur" - we were cracking up the whole time, and so was he, but we made it through the concert somehow.  Looking back 35 years, we both got a great deal out of the time playing in his band, and in my case, playing and just kind of hanging out with Mr. Danuser was one of the things that cemented my ambition to make music my career.  After RCC I got a degree in Music Ed from UW-La Crosse and went straight on to grad school, finishing a PhD in Musicology.  These days, I play professionally (bass trombone) in the Madison Symphony Orchestra, and I am professor of music and department chair at UW-Whitewater.  It's been many years since I've spoken to Mr. Danuser, and I certainly regret that I never really let him know what an impact he had on me.   I will pass these memories on to his family though.

With affection, Mike (and Diann) Allsen

To Leslie and family, My condolences to you and your family. It has been so long. I didn't know Uncle Gordon played for Presidents, He was a special man, I remember when I spent a summer in Rochester  and he played some instraments and led the band in town. They are good memories. He was always in my heart. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Hello, Leslie,

It has been a long time since we had family time together.  As I read the other comments, it is clear that your dad was an inspiration to many that he came into contact with.  I am touched to see that some of his students wrote and referred to him as "Mr. D"  That was what my students called me when I was teaching high school English for 27 years, and I always loved that.  I guess your dad was the original Mr. D, and I am proud to have followed in his footsteps.  I also have wonderful memories from youth, and I felt Uncle Gordon's love.  I hope I have the same impact on my students, friends, and family that your dad did.  I pray for your comfort and peace at this time, knowing that both your mom and dad lived a life full of joy and love.  God bless you always.

I'm the youngest son of Ned and Sylvia Danuser. Though I haven't had contact with Gordon for many years, I have many fond memories of visiting him and Virginia (and Coco too) as a child. I've also seen him perform several times, and enjoyed every one.

My condolences to you during this time. It should be a great source of comfort that he touched so many lives and will have a lasting legacy that spans generations.

I consider myself incredibly priviledged to have studied under Mr D in school.  He persuaded me to switch from the alto sax to the baritone sax, and then learn the oboe.  And for a time I was able to play with him,  Les Fields,  Mr Stoddard, and the other members of the Turkey River All Stars.   What I best remember is the gracious way he would help Mr Stoddard walk to the piano.  I think Mr Stoddard was perhaps suffering from dementia in addition to being physically frail,  but he absolutely loved playing the piano with "The Turkeys"  and once he got to the instrument,  it all came back to him in a flash.  If It hadn't been for Mr D's patience,  Mr Stoddard would have missed that joy and pleasure.  That graciousness and compassion made a tremendous impression on me - and something I hope to imitate in my life.

please know you are in our thoughts and prayers in Florida. I have known mr danuser as my across the street neighbor  for 34 yrs. I remember going over to his house and playing with the dog they had years ago and helping mow there grass when i was younger. I am so glad that my girls got to meet him last time we were home last sept!  I also am grateful he helped me "fix" my clarinet when it needed it in high school! Whenever i see his house now i will think of him and mrs danuser! god bless - love anne, joe, mackenzie and madeline leonard ( the schwartz's daughter)

GORDON WAS A SPECIAL PERSON IN MY LIFE.    I WAS ATTENDING DODGE CENTER HIGH SCHOOL WHEN "GORDY" TOOK ME UNDER HIS WING.  HE WAS A STRONG INFLUENCE IN MY LIFE AT THAT TIME.   HE TAUGHT ME, NOT ONLY TO PLAY THE SAX, BUT A LOT ABOUT LIFE.   I CONTINUE TO PLAY MY REEDS AND THINK OF GORDY OFTEN.   FOR THE LAST SEVERAL YEARS I HAVE TAKEN HIS PLACE WITH THE "TURKEY RIVER" GUYS, AND WHEN ASKED TO "SIT IN FOR HIM" WILL TRY HARD TO FILL HIS SHOES.   

I GREVE FOR HIS FAMILY AND WISH THEM THE BEST.

I WILL MISS HIM.

BARRY CLAPPER, MANKATO MN

To Leslie & Family,

With sympathy

Mary (Iwinski) Kubat-(DCHS- class of 1960)

I always remembered Mr D as a tremendously talented musician and wonderful person.  I had the privalege of playing with him many times over the years and enjoyed band out at RCC with him as well.

My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Warren Bandel

Your dad was one of the most influential people in my...our lives and really helped me find some direction when I was trying to decide what to do after high school.  He recruited me into the band at RJC and got me started toward my music ed degree.  I learned how to play nearly every instrument under his direction and we always had so much fun in band.  I still remember to good time we had when we took the band to the National Junior College Basketball Tournament in Hutchinson, KS.  He kept us entertained the whole trip with his jokes and stories.  Once in awhile I would run in to him at a Turkey River gig and he was always glad to see me and ask how things were going.  Both my wife an I talk of his often and look back on those days in the JC band as some of our best.  Our condolences to your family.

Jim and Judy Cooper

Spring Valley, MN

Leslie,

I remember your dad so well.

We had so much fun playing in summer band concerts because your dad always had some good jokes to tell and chose fun somgs to play.

I remember seeing the high school marching band and you were majorette.

I always wanted to be like you but chose to play an instrument instead.

When I graduated and went to Rochester Community College, your dad helped me so much.

I was very lost at registration.

Your dad saw me and came and spent time with me and helped me through the whole process.

All of us in band loved him.

He had me play one of his prized saxophones for pep band.

I played bassoon and he needed some help and made a deal with me  -  if I would play for pepe band, he would let me use his sax.

What an honor that was for me.

I was nervous about playing it and not getting a scratch on it but had lots of fun.

Whenever I saw the Turkey River All Stars, I used to brag that I knew the clarinet player.

People wouldn't believe me sometimes until I would talk with your dad.

I will always remember all the fun and learning he gave me.

Mary Diercks

Elementary Music, Loyola Catholic School

We are saddened by Gordons passing.He was a very positive force in enriching the lives of so many students in the Dodge Center school system.My wife Virginia and I both often reflect on our experiences in the Band and think back fondly on the many positive experiences Mr. Danuser created for us.He always did more and cared more than was required by his profession and employer.He will be remembered and missed.God bless you all in this time of saddness.

Leslie and Mark,

So sorry for the loss of your father.  Ken and I will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.  I was thinking about your parents at John and Denice's wedding.  Your Mom was taking a walk around our property (going down the hill to the creek), Ken was concerned that it would be too much for her.  She simply annouced that getting old was not for sissies, and no Virginia it certainly is not.   It is so wonderful to be blessed with the love of our Lord and the knowledge that your Dad and Mom are together once again in paradise

Your Dad was so good to John and Denice.  He was an inspiration to John and always will be. 

Love

Karen