Dale Willard Luehmann
April 7, 1951 - August 8, 2008

"My deepest condolences to Dale's family. I realize this tribute is a year late, but I only recently learned of Dale's passing. How bittersweet that he passed away 5 years to the day from when we met. I will never forget our meeting. We were at an art gallery in Sausalito, both looking at the same painting. We started sharing our thoughts on the piece and that was the start of a very warm, loving relationship. He travelled to SF and Sausalito quite often. Even though it was a long distance relationship, it was beautiful. He was the most kind, generous man I have ever met. Always soft-spoken, with a kind word to say about anything or anyone. Even though his life took him out of St. Charles, he remained a small town guy, with old-fashioned principals and morals. Early in 2008, my job relocated to New York and I am sad to say we lost touch. I hope his final moments were peaceful and that he knew how many people cared for him. He is deeply missed by those who knew and loved him, I'm sure."

"Sending my deepest sympathy. I worked many years side by side with Dale and I am so saddened to hear of his passing. I moved away in 1993 but saw him whenever I returned to Reno. He was truly a wonderful person and will be dearly missed. The world is a better place to have had Dale's wit,charm and sense of humor. God Bless you all. Nina"

"knew Dale since 1986 from our time on day shift at Harrah's and after he retired. We talked a lot about music as he had a degree in the field. I talked him into turning pages for me at a couple of my piano concerts and we had a great time in spite of his being nervous about the responsibility. I still remember an outdoor performance with an orchestra as the wind gusted blowing over the violinists music rack and my music as well. Dale was right in between us holding things down as the performance went on. It is a great memory about a truly nice person. He was a great guy, had a wonderful sense of humor, and this news is hard to accept. He is missed for sure. "

"Its going to be hard to say something more than all that has already been said. Everyone has mentioned piano. I remember Dale jumping up on the stage of the old school where the piano was and playing "House of the Rising Sun" while everyone else was having fun on the gym floor. I also remember the game that Dale Loeffler talked about and the coach saying "He's like a horse running through that line". I also remember earlier on in the season when the coach chewed him out for using a wrestling hold during a one-on-one tackling drill. Dale never had a bad word to say about anyone. He will be missed! May God Bless. Jerry, Miko, Judy and Junko Ihrke"

"I remember Dale form high scholl, he was a wonderful perosn, always willing to take that extra step for a friend, his wonderful talents on the piano were amazing, He will be missed, my sympathys to the family, May God be with you all at this time."

"I've known Dale since way back in 1st grade. I remember that he liked to chase the girls at recess and he'd kiss them when he caught them. My friend, Janie, really hated that so he chased her frequently. When May Day rolled around, Dale brought May baskets so the girls had to chase and kiss him! Gary got to know Dale as a neighbor after moving to St. Charles. They were in Explorer Scouts and High School sports together. Gary and I spent a lot of time with Dale in high school. (For the record, regarding the aforementioned cat incident, we'd like to clarify that the Karo syrup originated at a house on Church Avenue.) Gary lived in an apartment with Dale, Rollie, Dick, John and Ken for 2 years while they attended WSU. The stories from those 2 years are wild and crazy! (Either Dale or Dick knows how 2 goldfish found their way into John's milk carton. It will forever be a mystery now.) As I write this and remember Dale, one thing stands out about him and that is that he was just fun. I will never forget his great, infectious smile and those dimples. I was in awe of his talent as a pianist. He was so gifted. Our most sincere sympathy to Bonnie and Jay and their families. We feel blessed to have had Dale in our lives. Kate and Gary Feine"

"I haven't seen Dale in years but still have wonderful memories of our friendship. I was often at the Hughes home next door and shared lots of good times with Dale and Dave Hughes.Dale would show up with a story and his two different socks on "just to make a statement". We would spend an evening at Dale's place listening to him play the piano. It was great! What a wonderful talented guy. There is no doubt he is still sharing stories (perhaps about us) and making beautiful music with the Lord. He will be missed!."

"the last time I saw Dale was such a surprise. We were on a trip to Tahoe, stopped in a Casino, not knowing anyone, and hear someone scream out "burger". It was Dale. He ran over and greeted us so warm and welcoming, just like he always was. He showed us a great time there that evening. Dale saved my butt in high school when I served up a touchback, stepping over the end zone line for 2 pts for the opposing team, he proceeded to score a touch down to give the "saints a 6-2 victory. whew. As a country boy from Elba (whitewater park) Dale helped me adjust so much to the life in the "big" school in St Charles, he taught me a lot, and made me much more comfortable. He knew how to genuinely laugh and make you welcome. I treasure the times I could go over to his home and just listen to him play piano, he was so talented. I still laugh to this day when we got busted for playing golf in Caledonia and recieved a summons from the police for failing to pay green fees (there was never anyone at the course to pay??) but my Dad sure laughed. May he continue to make people smile in heaven, and may we all share the memories. Dale"

"Dale and I grew up as very close cousins. Not just living two blocks apart in St. Charles, but as playmates. I still remember calling almost everyday and going to their house. Bonnie, I am sure I may have been a pest for you and your parents at times. Dale and I did a lot together that I will remember forever. Neighborhood play, fishing with Dale and my uncle on the Mississippi River, fishing in northern Minnesota, squirrel hunting, golfing on sand greens in Whitewater State Park, and many more. (There was also the syrup on the Spanish teachers cat story that I was not part of.) As Dale Loeffler mentioned, his talent playing piano was enjoyable to listen to. He would just sit down and play with no music. Growing up with Dale, Bonnie, Jay, Willard, and Betty gives me great family and friend memories that will last forever. Dale was a great buddy and cousin! We will miss him, however the memories will last forever. Bruce"

"I worked with Dale at Harrah's until 1990. We shared many laughs along the way. He had such a special way to tell a story or a joke and he always had a spare joke to share with anyone that he met. Dale made such an impression on people that no one will ever forget him or his smile. I called Dale numerous times in the past few years just to say hi. I regret that we were not able to stay in closer contact over the years. I will miss him dearly. I have a photo of us on the golf course when we were much younger that I would like to share with the family. Could someone close send me an email address so I can share it with you. My sincerest sympathy Dave Catron ---> firengn123@yahoo.com"

"I, too, was lucky enough to work with Dale and enjoy his unique and delightful sense of humor. Dale was a consummate professional at his work and a special friend who could always make you smile with his ironic perspective. Dale will truly be missed by those who were fortunate enogh to know him. God Bless Dale."

"To Dale and his family, I'm Jeannie Rogers , in Louisiana, a loving friend to Dale, and I'd like to share this tribute to Him with you all. Dale was a wonderful and gentle Man who could always make me smile. When we were planning his first visit to my home. He insisted on bringing gifts. For that first visit he was apprehensive , so he suggested that perhape he would drive to Louisiana, so he could just back the car into my driveway--in order to make a fast get-a-way, i guessed, but he said "No, so you can just say to me .."o k honey, unload the trunk and get back in the car and go away-- just leave all the stuff on the back porch" ". He took a risk, got on the plane, and showed up and we hit it off almost immediately. I loved his wonderful sense of humor, his bright mind, and his quiet and always gentle style. And, I loved Him. He always kept me guessing about what would be in his hand.. but there would be a gift and hug and smooch whenever he arrived. He was crazy about my farm and, Oh my, he even begged me for a "honey do" list. What a rare Man he was. He built me a sprinkler system for the garden, hung a strong clothes line for me, helped me dig thistles out of the hay meadows, baked cookies.. whatever he saw that needed attention, he just dove right in and did. We walked in the woods, went swimming in the lily-pad covered pond, and watched white-tailed deer in the woods. He fell off a log and rolled down a hill, and laughed and laughed like a little kid. We walked the streets of New Orleans and did the art shops , listened to jazz and danced. He visited me 5 times and we had another visit planned for October.. I'll miss that and Him. Through knowing Dale, I know what kind of family he came from... fine people with principles, generosity, values and lots of love. He did well by you as he interacted with others. I hope that our Heavenly Father has blessed him for his inquisitive mind and compassionate nature, and given him those fast fingers he needed to play the piano, like his heart and soul made him want to play it. May he fill the Heavens with his music and may the notes he struck, in our lives, never fade away. "