Leo Duroche had a seminal influence on me during my graduate school years at the University of Minnesota (1974-1980). He introduced me to German literary Romanticism, which became one of my specialties. I also was a student in his bibliography and 20th-century German novel seminars. I found him to be charismatic and inspirational. He augmented my love of German literature and philosophy, and made it come alive as few other teachers could. His insights and his deep knowledge of literary criticism were at times awe-inspiring. I recall how excited I was to read his article on Heinrich Böll's Ansichten eines Clowns, which became one of my favorite post-war novels. He did not hesitate to offer praise when it was well deserved. For example, when he commented This is VERY good! near the end of a paper I had submitted on a novel by E.T.A. Hoffmann, I felt much honored. His smile was infectious, and his laughter still resounds in my ears. I will never forget this brilliant, supportive teacher and scholar, whose influence remains with me even today.

Leo was the unequal master of the pregnant, pedantic, ponderous, pause.

From the time I walked into my first graduate class in January 1972 and met this jolly and thought-provoking teacher, I was drawn to Dr. Duroche. Although I was a CompLit student, he encouraged me to get as deeply as I could into German and promoted my application to become a TA in the Department. One fond memory was serving as a TA in his German Lit. in Translation class, where he gave me a very positive role grading and teaching a number of classes. Twenty years after my first class, I sat in on another one and was invited to accompany him to the Conference of Literature and Philosophy even though I was teaching college-level International Business by that time. 

My very first graduate class was Dr. Duroche's Romanticism seminar and he figured out very quickly that I was fairly new to German and was more than congratulatory when I proved up to the task. Later, I was privileged to serve a semester as his TA and was overjoyed when he allowed me to lecture the large class several times. Years later, when I was teaching  in a completely other subject area in another university, he invited me to participate in a session of a Philosophy and Literature conference he was moderating. He was, for me, the standard of what a great graduate school professor could be. I miss that other German Department greatly and particularly Leonard Duroche.

I fondly remember Leo for his generous sharing of plant and tree knowledge as a Hennepin County Master Gardener.   He showed me how to ensure my trees were planted at the right depth by poking around the roots with a chopstick, so as not to damage the roots.  My condolences to Deb and Hillary.

I met Leo in 1987 while I was a student in the Humanities and Music departments at the U of M. The universities are full of people with keen intellects and of course, Leo had one as well.  But what I most loved and admired about Leo was his insistence that passion and compassion be part of the mix; that intellect alone, does not do us much good.  He was the first and only professor to write on one of my research papers--well researched and written with great feeling It was just a paper, but I've tried to embrace these two elements in my artistic, professional, and personal lives, and I have Leo to thank for encouraging me. He made a huge impact on my life.  Deb and Hilary, you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Deb and Hillary, My thoughts are with you. Leo's passing will mean a big change in your lives, an empty space and an empty heart, but many memories of joy and and all in good grammar.

Leo was one of my first professors (1974) in the graduate program of the old Department of German at the University of Minnesota. He was an inspired and inspiring teacher and a great intellectual stimulation to me in the fields of German literature and literary criticism in general and German literary Romanticism in particular.

Leonard was my Doktorvater, but oddly what I most remember from our one-on-one sessions together while I was writing my dissertation are our reminiscences of the wild mushrooms we had hunted in Minnesota and elsewhere. There's a Griffola frondose (hen of the woods) that grows on his street every September which will always remind me of him.  
And when I was translating books on architecture theory  he was already living at Sholom  he spent hours with me helping me find the English equivalents for Heidegger's German terms (and at the same time making sure I understood the philosophy). I will never forget his generosity, or the love with which he spoke of Deb, and of his sons and daughters.

Hillary and Deb, I remember when Hillary and I met on the soccer field, Leonard was at every game.

A fond farewell to a wonderful mentor, teacher and inspiration

Leo was a friend, mentor and teacher for me in my most formative years. He made college work for me and helped me to graduate. He will be so sadly missed.

Every time the Feast of St. Cecilia (November 22) comes around, I will think of Leo, who called me that day to share our love of music. May he enjoy the celestial strains and send sweet melodies to those who remain behind. My condolences to Hilary and Deb at this time. My thoughts are with you.

Thinking of you, Deb, and Leo's family.  Leo was a long-time friend and mentor.  A very important person in my life.  I mourn his passing and wish peace for all of you and for him.
Linda Kittler

What a remarkable life he created for himself and for all that he touched in all ways...
My condolences
A classmate
Sam Satkin
AKA
Barbara Jo Craig

LEO WAS A SPECIAL PERSON AND FRIEND. A GREAT CLASS MATE. AND ALL CAN BE PROUD OF ALL HE HAS ACCOMPLISHED!! JOHN ATCHLEY, TOPEKA, KANSAS

To Deb and Hilary: Sorry for your loss, from Aunt Donna and Uncle Damon, with lots of love!

Family, students, and flowers - they all will never forget you! Thank you for your love and dedication!

OBITUARY

Leonard LeRoy Duroche

June 3, 1933 – April 2, 2017

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