Gilbert Gil G. Lettow

Gilbert ?Gil? G. Lettow, 64, of Mason City, died Thursday, November 22, 2007 at Mercy Medical Center North Iowa. Funeral services will be held 10:30 AM Monday (November 26, 2007) at Trinity Lutheran Church, 213 N. Pennsylvania Avenue with Pastor Kathy Graves officiating. Interment will be held in Elmwood-St. Joseph Cemetery. Visitation will be from 3:00 to 6:00 PM Sunday (November 25, 2007) at Major Erickson Funeral Home, 111 N. Pennsylvania Avenue and continue at the church one hour before the service. Memorials may be given to Trinity Lutheran Church, Mason City Schools Instrumental Department, or the Music Man Square Foundation. Gilbert Gustav Lettow was born June 4, 1943, in Eldora, the son of Gustav J. and Elsbeth (Zoske) Lettow. He grew up on a farm near Radcliffe and graduated from Radcliffe High School in 1961. Gil studied music education at Drake University, earning a bachelor?s degree in 1966 and a master?s degree in 1967. On December 27, 1963, Gil married his school sweetheart, Pam Hinderaker. Their three children are Todd (Bonnie) Lettow of Hampton, Lori (Mike) Moritz of Waukee, and Jennifer (Kevin) Custer of Cedar Falls. They are the proud grandparents of seven grandchildren, Erin, Mitchell, McKenna, Kelly, Tommy, Craig and Charlie. He is survived by a sister, Daniece (Ron) Hage, of Muscatine. Faith in God was an integral part of Gil?s life. He was an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Mason City, serving in many leadership roles. Gil began his legacy of lifelong teaching as a band instructor for the South Hamilton School District. He joined the Mason City schools in 1972 as associate music director, and led the Instrumental Music Department from 1980 to 2002. He also led the Mason City Municipal Band for 21 years. After leaving Mason City, he served as director of bands at West Ridge Middle School in Austin, Texas, before retiring to Mason City earlier this year. Upon his return, he joined The Music Man Square as program administrator. Gil believed in leading by example, and his passion for music and love of kids enabled him to push students further than they believed they could achieve. Through music, Gil wanted to teach students such life skills as hard work, self discipline, working as a team, and an appreciation of music. His eye was never on the trophy, but he believed if you focus on the right things by teaching kids the skills they need and instill in them the attitude that they can do it, then the sky is the limit. He was an inspiration to countless numbers of students, as well as adults, who had the privilege of working with him.

Visitation:
3:00 PM to 6:00 PM at 111 N. Pennsylvania Avenue on November 25, 2007 (map/driving directions) 5:00 PM to 5:00 PM at 111 N. Pennsylvania Avenue on November 23, 2007 (map/driving directions)

Service:
10:30 AM at 112 N. Pennsylvania Ave, on November 26, 2007 (map/driving directions)