The late Jerry Sande simply loved music and a $100,000 gift he included in his will ensures that Fort Dodge residents will be able to enjoy the sounds of the symphony for years to come.

Sande, a Humboldt native, played the bassoon in the Fort Dodge Area Symphony for 48 years. He was, as Paul Hochmuth, the symphony’s business manager put it, ”part of growing the symphony into what it is now.”

After spending so many years growing the symphony, Sande, who died in 2016 at age 66, cemented his connection to it with a very large gift that was just recently revealed.

His generosity wasn’t limited to the Fort Dodge Area Symphony, however.

He also left $50,000 to the Humboldt Music Boosters and $15,000 to the Cherokee Symphony.

Additionally, he gave his bassoon, made from wood from the Black Forest in Germany, to his alma mater, Iowa State University in Ames.

Sande was a talented musician. His world revolved around music, according to his sister, Linda Arends, of Humboldt. She said he made the reeds that are necessary to play the bassoon and gave private music lessons.

His devotion to the symphony was evident both when he performed on stage with it and when he worked behind the scenes to make it a vibrant organization.

Music lovers throughout the region were fortunate that a man of such talent and dedication was a part of their local symphony. His family, fellow musicians and friends can take pride in the fact that his legacy will last long after the final note of the next symphony concert fades into silence.