Jeff Gerke

Instrumental Jeff Gerke

What he did was pretty amazing. And he did it on an eighth grade education. He taught us two lessons, good for life. Learn how to learn, and be fair and respectful with others. Leo's "Golden Rules". He should have been enshrined in the United Nations Hall of Fame for what he did in World War II. And he did not have the big and famous stages of Normandy or Iwo Jima for his courageous act. He pulled it off in a place better known for Durham wheat than for spectacular theatre. He did it at a time when Japanese in the US were being vilified and rounded up for internment in concentration camps. Mass hysteria in America. He did it at a time that could have ended his story. With one shot. Leo raised a middle finger to that fearful and insane policy, striking a blow for humanity at a very dark hour for America. He raised his finger on the biggest stage in North Dakota. At the biggest event of the year. With every one looking. And with everything at stake. Yup. This was the Leo Haesle of Grand Forks, North Dakota, maestro of instrumental music there. How he got there from his little home town of Marathon City, Wisconsin, and his incredible adventures along the way, will keep you begging for more.