L. Donovan Schuler
January 11, 1928 – September 11, 2019
He was preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Lottie. He is survived by his wife, Alice J.; daughters, Chrisa McQuiddy (Patrick), Lisa Silvey (John); son, Mitch Schuler (Cynthia); grandchildren: Shana, James, Meghan, Seth, Ben, Zach; 10 great-grandchildren; brothers, Arlyn, Richard, Robert (Emily) Schuler.
VISITATION: Monday, September 16, 2019, 10-11am, followed by 11am MEMORIAL SERVICE, at the West Center Chapel
Interment:
Laurel, NE. Memorials to Alzheimer’s Association or Wounded Warrior Project.
17 Comments
To Alice and family my condolences to all of you, He is singing with the angles and was a great brother
Dear Alice and family,
As a former student of “Mr. Schuler’s” in Oakland, I remember well the lessons he taught me in band and chorus. My love of music was heightened by his instruction, and so many of the things he taught us are still with me all these years later. I am grateful that I was able to contact him when working on our Class of 1962 book after our 50th reunion and could let him know how much I appreciated him.
My sympathies go out to all of you. His music will live on in so many lives!
I am so sorry to hear of Mr. Schuler’s death.. In high school at Oakland, NE, he was my guide in many ways such as teaching me some of the subtleties of music to choices in high school repertoire, to how to accompany. I have often bragged that he was my teacher. I became a music teacher as did many others and children of his students as well. I fondly remember seeing him at MENC Conventions on an annual basis. He left a legacy that will continue for a long, long time. My condolences to all of his family. He was a highly talented an and dedicated teacher.
I met and sang from Mr. Schuler when I attended summer music camp at Wayne State College (1963-1967) as a high school student from Underwood, Iowa. Don was an inspiring teacher and a wonderful role model. I remember fondly when he and Myron Armour sang duets on the faculty recital. After graduating from high school, I majored in music at WSC, graduating with the B.F.A.E. with High Honors in Music in 1971. Subsequently I completed the M.A. and Ph.D. in Music Education at the University of Iowa and directed choirs at the high school and university levels for nearly 40 years. Mr. Schuler, along with my high school music teachers including Jim Elsberry and Gary Wheeler (both WSC alumni), and my WSC professors encouraged and motivated me to pursue my dreams. I am so grateful to have known him and to have benefited from his inspiration. May the Lord comfort you as you grieve your loss.
Don Schuler was a remarkable man who truly cared about fine choral music and he valued each and every student that came under his tutelage. He will be missed but his legacy lives on!
Sending my condolences to the Schuler family. As a member of the Top Choir (class of 1972) I will always remember Mr. Schuler. He was a wonderful and inspiring teacher. I have many memories of him and our class and he definitely played a part in me becoming a music teacher myself. A life well lived.
My sincere condolences to the Schuler family. Me. Schuler was my favorite teacher in high school. I was in many groups and he asked if he could give me voice lessons. He gave me such confidence that I did not have. He was such a wonderful teacher. I have never forgotten what he did for me.
Prayers to his wife and family. Me. Schumer was very instrumental to me and all of us who had him as our teacher and leader. I thank him for his guidance to us regarding music but more so for his guidance and support while we were in high school. For me, he guided and helped me to understand music, the theory but more so to show that it was easy to sing and play the cornet. He helped all of us to feel very comfortable with music. May Mr. Schumer have peace. All of us thank him for his guidance and support. Thank you, Mr. Sculer.
Such wonderful memories of a gentle and strong man. He always helped us give more than we thought we had in us. Heaven’s choirs sound more glorious with his voice.
Sending prayers to your entire family. As a teacher who shared his talents with us, as family friends,ccoffee after concerts, beginning our love of musical theater, Chrisa sharing her parents with me on overnights, remembering Don building a stereo/hifi, watching Don and Alice float on the dancefloor on New Year’s Eve, Don shaped the adults and parents we became. Between Dad and Don, they were why teaching music became such an important part of my life. Sharing stories is one of the greatest healers. With sympathy, Tim and Debbie Anderson
Alice and family—I am so sorry for your loss. Mr. Schuler was one of my favorite teachers at Oakland starting with flutophone in the fourth grade.. In fifth grade he had so much patience with those of us learning to play an instrument. I loved being in band and chorus. He taught us so many of life’s lessons. I have thought about you and your family over the years and regret not reaching out. I remember babysitting for Chrisa, Lisa and Mitch. You were a neat family. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. May you find peace and healing in the coming days. With deepest sympathy, Sheila King
Dear Alice and Family, Throughout elementary and high school, the band room was my favorite place to be thanks to Mr. Schuler. Nothing gave me more pleasure than the musical experiences at OHS. Mr. Schuler taught us to love music and his expectation that we could play or sing difficult music and perform it well, pushed us to work hard and achieve so we could be proud of our accomplishments. And when we did well, he stood back and beamed at our achievements. He helped mold the lives of 100’s of students throughout his teaching career. We were blessed to have had such an outstanding person and musician choose to teach us. His life and legacy lives on through his students and all those he touched through his love of teaching and music. May God’s peace be with you and comfort you in your loss. Sincerely, Janet Johnson Reckmeyer (class of ’63)
I had the privilege of knowing Mr. Schuler my senior year (class of ’68) at Westside High School. Although I haven’t seen him for over 50 years, I remember him as one of my favorite teachers. I played a major role in the school musical, The Mikado, under his capable direction that year. Mr. Schuler was kind, gentle, and hard-working. It was special to see his handsome photo in the World Herald., just as I remember him. Thanks to your family for sharing him with so many appreciative students!
Mr. Schuler was an inspiration to so many young people. He challenged his students to do their very best and we wanted to do our best for him.. He was dedicated to his profession and a wonderful role model for the students that he taught. I am so sorry that his beautiful voice is silenced.
Sending our thoughts and prayers to comfort your family during this difficult time.
Deepest Condolences,
Westside Community Schools
Human Resources Department
Mr. Schuler was my cooperating teacher at Westside High School in 1970. I was going to the College of St. Mary. I’ve always remembered him as a very talented music teacher and kind and patient man. May he rest in peace!
Donovan’s grandmother, Maggie Buffinton Schuler, and my grandmother, Pearl Buffinton Lilleholm, were sisters. My prayers and sympathy for the family.
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