Updated 09/06/2016
Because the 50th reunion booklet was filled with information about each of us, let's use this forum to update classmates for the past five years of our lives or whatever you want to share that was not in the booklet.
For example:
- travel,
- retirement,
- births of grandchildren and/or great grandchildren,
- deaths of parents or others close to us,
- life changes,
- move to a new location,
- anything you want to share
Each new notice will be put at the top of this list with a date posted. Ruby was the first classmate to post. Thanks.
#21 ~ Roseann Barry Trindle ~ 09/04/2016
In the last five years we have experienced a parent's worst nightmare. Our daughter, Jill Marie, 45 years old, lost her courageous battle with cancer. She left her son, Nicholas (Nick) who was a freshman in college. He finished his freshman year and then decided he wanted to be in the Coast Guard. After graduating, he was assigned to the cutter, Spencer, port out of Boston, Ma.
During Jill's battle, our son, Chris, and wife, Christina, were blessed with the birth of their second daughter, Breanna Marie, who is now two. Her older sister, Sofia Rose, is now five and just started kindergarten. Jack and I just renewed our 50th wedding vows privately with Fr. Val Peters at Boys Town Chapel. Then celebrated with our family at our favorite restaurant.
Looking forward to seeing those that will be coming to our class reunion and will miss those that can't make it. All take care.
Our son ,Chris and his family
Our grandson, Nicholas, USCoast Guard graduate
Nick at his favorite fishing place
#20 ~ Steve Magnuson ~ 09/05/2016
Mary and I are now full time residents of Sheridan, Wyoming. Florida home prices finally came up from the 2008 crash and we sold our home in Florida in July, 2014. Mary came to Sheridan immediately, but I had an airplane kit that I had been building that I said I would fly to Sheridan, not drive it. I lived in a houseboat and then a motel room until I flew to Sheridan in early April this year. The plane is a RANS S-7 that looks similar to a Piper Cub but has an all glass panel, autopilot and a 100 hp Rotax engine in it. Flying in Wyoming is such a joy compared to flat Florida. We added one more grandchild in the past five years for a total of three. My 97 year old father in Alliance died August 6, which leaves my son,Seth and daughter-in-law, as a connection to Alliance.
#19 ~ Betty Merritt Rohloff ~ 09/02/2016
#18 ~ David VanDusen ~ 08/19/2016
Finally sending a recap of the last five years. Our travels have been limited as life intervenes with the best of plans. We were able to go to Riverton, Wyoming to visit my sister and her family plus go to Cody Wyoming to visit Ellie's brother and his wife. Had a really good visit. Since moving to Norfolk we have been able to spend more time with family members.. We have our share of downs as I lost my brother Ed in Feb. 2012, my oldest sister Marlene in Feb. 2014 and Ellie's mother in Nov. 2013. Hope the rule of threes is done for a while, Ellie and I are doing well overall and are looking forward to the reunion.
#17 ~ Glenda and Charley Rusk ~ 08/15/2016
#16 ~ Betty Lurvey Sup ~ 08/09/16
Chris and Katie Sup Rezac
#25 ~ Judy Bushnell Prelle ~ 8/01/16
I am still in the Dallas area and still working as a mobile notary doing mainly real estate loan closing and some general notary work in hospitals, offices, etc. This job actually stemmed from Jim Brice and Anita when the three of us were at our 40th class reunion and Jim was then and Anita soon after did reverse mortgages! Best job ever for me! I try to take a few nice trips each year seeing this beautiful country of ours and visiting family and friends. I have four grandchildren, two oldest graduated college this past year and one married. Would be excited to have a great grand in the future! Hope you all have a wonderful good time at the reunion.
#23 ~ Larry Christensen ~ 7/26/2016
A phone call to Larry Christensen ~ Larry has moved from Riverton WY to Mesquite, Nevada (55 miles north of Las Vegas).
#22 ~ Dave Andrick ~ 7/25/2016
Just a note to say the last five years have been wonderful. Much antique collecting, gardening, and country home restoration. Totally enjoying retirement and the relaxing quiet and peace of the country. I do not plan to attend the reunion as a family wedding in Jamaica is that week.
#20 ~ Rich Voss ~ 06/11/2016
Hi! Classmates, Not a lot has happened in the last five years. All three of my children are doing great, as are my eight grandchildren. My oldest
grandson graduated from high school this May. He has been accepted to attend
the School of Mines in Rapid City. I am very proud of them all. Peggy and I are now taking short trips to
surrounding states enjoying some history and scenery that we did not take time
to do when we were younger. We still enjoy " Big mac". It's a great place to
spend time with my family, as they all live in Omaha. They love to get out of
the city and go boating and water skiing. I tried to water ski two years ago
and my ankles still hurt. his last winter I have had two surgeries ~ Melanoma skin cancer (too many years sailing without protection) and surgery
for cervical laminectomy. I hope to play golf again later this summer. I will try to make it to our reunion. The best to all of you.
Mary and I will be celebrating our 5th and the kids have several plans for over the same weekend. I ordered a hoody; thanks to who ever set that up.l Sorry we won't make it this year.
#18 ~ Connie Sherlock Ackerman ~ 5/26/2016
#17 ~ Kathy Thomas Fladmoe ~ 4/24/2016
#16 ~ Jane Gorder Tushaus
#15 ~ Jacki Vallentine Yardley
#14 ~ from Gary Ehrlich, 01/11/2016 ~ Happy New year to the class of 1961!
My plan is to attend our next re-union and I look forward to
seeing all of you again. I was so surprised and pleased to be
invited to the last one after all the years since I had been there.
You all truly made me feel like I had returned home!
#13 ~ from Sharyn Jordan Rohm 01/02/2016~ The past five years
have gone by so fast. We are still in Greeley. In 2009, we lost my mother. She
passed away in Burlington, IA where she made her home in the Assisted Living
Facility there. She was loved by everyone and even has a tree planted in her
name. In July, 2013 I had my left hip replaced and its so nice to be able
to walk without pain. I just wish I had done it sooner. In
February, 2014, we lost my youngest son, Roger, at age 44. He passed away
at Regional West Medical Center in Scottsbluff. We took his ashes to
Alliance and buried them beside his father; that was his last
request. Then in May, 2014 we
went to Rapid City to see our granddaughter graduate Magna Cum Laude from her
high school. I am retired and Jim
is working at nights for an office cleaning company. He enjoys it and we are
grateful. In October, 2015, we went to Breckenridge, CO. to celebrate Jim's
brother's 80th birthday. It was a beautiful area. We had never been there
before, but oxygen deprivation was a big problem for all of us who aren't
used to high altitude (10,000 ft. plus). We had a wonderful time. As you can see, we
don't do a lot of travelling. Other than that, life goes on. I send best wishes
to everyone and hope to be attending the class reunion.
#12 ~ from Cheryl Edwards Harris, 12/28/2015 ~Update of Last Five Years ~ The last 5 years: Since we were together in 2010, we have added three new members to our family. Matt and Derek, our two oldest grandsons were both married (Becky and Olivia) and Matt and Liv had our first great-grandchild. They’re almost even better than grandchildren because you don’t have to babysit often. J His name is Broox and he has kept us all entertained. My bucket list was pretty short – I wanted to go on a cruise to Alaska – which we did in 2014. It was cold and beautiful. I have retired from serving at the altar but still do some of my “deacon” things. The Mission Store and the Bulldog Backpack program keep me busy. We went on a mission trip to Omaha in the spring and introduced most of the group to mission work. We have become “snow robins” – aren’t they about the first birds back? We have gone to AZ for several years for a month. Last year we went to Casa Grande for 2 months!! That’s about all I can take. We loved it and are going back to the same place this year. I play a little golf but there are too many other things I want to do more – unlike my husband who would move his bed to the course if I’d let him. We’re fortunate to have great kids and grandkids. We’re healthy and happy just being. Look forward to seeing you all in Sept. Cheryl
#11 ~ from Cheryl Edwards Harris, 12/28/2015 ~ Christmas Letter
drug discovery, and environmental research. Polly was hired to create a new department
dealing with drugs and cancer research.
Granddaughters Emma, Laura (John) and Kaitlynn (Jamie) are all at CSC and
great-grandson Broox just had his first birthday and first Christmas in
Dec. Think we could have just wrapped up
a bunch of boxes and he would have been happy.
#10 ~ from Barbara Boness Jesperson ~ 'MERRY CHRISTMAS" to all my fellow 1961 classmates.
#9 ~ from Doug Bedient ~ 12/20/2015 ~ 2015 Bedient Happenings
#8 ~ from Penny Wright Wika ~ 12/15/2015 ~ Change would be the keyword to describe my life the past five years. Semiannual trips to New York City and yearly or twice yearly cruises to Europe, the Caribbean, Alaska, the Panama Canal or New England/Canada have been replaced by doctors' appointments and physical therapy sessions for Norris, my husband for the past 41 years. Extreme balance and fatigue problems, coupled with dementia, make Norris's life challenging. I will be unable to attend our 55th reunion because he needs me here in Wamego. We retired from teaching at Highland Community College's campus in Wamego in 2013. Highlights of the past five years were taking two cruises on the Mississippi River in 2013 with Norris and attending the World Figure Skating Championships in London, Ontario, Canada, with my brother John in 2013. I also continue to cover school board meetings and write feature articles for the local newspaper. My new email address is pjwika25@gmail.com
#5 ~ from Tom Kosmicki, 12/13/2015 ~ Hello
Sharon. I will begin this note by saying that I admire your
willingness to undertake what you are doing for us with your record-keeping and
notes on fellow ‘61er’s. Reading through your compilation is very
interesting and entertaining. I will also take this opportunity to wish
everyone keeping up with these things A Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!! I am in Ogallala, NE, and have been retired
from Pharmacy work for about six years. My wife Marlene has been retired
from teaching for about ten years. I have found that I much prefer the
retired life-style more than the working life-style. We have children in
Littleton, CO. ( Lorie Barwinski and family ) and in Lincoln, NE. ( Andrew ).
That gives us an excuse to travel in both directions. We enjoy
camping, golfing, photography, and travel. Marlene does volunteer work,
I am getting very good at “piddling”, and we both try to keep up with the
exercising, which seems to be getting harder to do as time goes by. For
the last ten or twelve years, we have been fortunate to enjoy several days each
summer in Pringle, SD with host Carolyn Cole, Jerry Culp, Ken Lincoln, and
spouses. I would like to get on your birthday list...June 22, 1943.
Gosh, that sounds like a long time ago. Thanks again, Sharon, for
spending so much time and effort on our behalf. Sincerely Yours, Tom
Kosmicki, St. Agnes Class of 1961.
#3 ~ from Marcia Knigge, 10/28/2015 ~ Here is your update for the last five years: Still married to Leyn Sherlock, still have two children - Connie and J.R., still have 5 grandchildren - Erin 24, P.J. 21, Alexa 13, Rebekah 9, and Josh 5. Erin is attending the University of Wyoming, P.J. is working with a harvest crew and farming, Alexa is an eighth grader, Rebekah is in third grade, and Josh is a preschooler and so excited to be in "real" school. I am still active in my sorority and volunteering. I regret I won't be able to attend the reunion as I have a state sorority meeting that weekend which I need to attend since I will be state president next year. Hope you all have a good time.
#2 ~ from Mark Lotspeich, 10/27/2015 ~ Thanks for all you do--like herding cats, huh! A few changes have taken place in the last 4+ years. I stopped doing part-time practice in October 2012. This preceded selling our place in Ohio and moving to Littleton, Colorado, in December '12. Since we had no house we lived with our son and his wife here for four months while house hunting until we finally purchased our own home. This summer we celebrated our 50th anniversary (like many other classmates, I would guess).
#21 ~ Roseann Barry Trindle ~ 09/04/2016
In the last five years we have experienced a parent's worst nightmare. Our daughter, Jill Marie, 45 years old, lost her courageous battle with cancer. She left her son, Nicholas (Nick) who was a freshman in college. He finished his freshman year and then decided he wanted to be in the Coast Guard. After graduating, he was assigned to the cutter, Spencer, port out of Boston, Ma.
During Jill's battle, our son, Chris, and wife, Christina, were blessed with the birth of their second daughter, Breanna Marie, who is now two. Her older sister, Sofia Rose, is now five and just started kindergarten. Jack and I just renewed our 50th wedding vows privately with Fr. Val Peters at Boys Town Chapel. Then celebrated with our family at our favorite restaurant.
Looking forward to seeing those that will be coming to our class reunion and will miss those that can't make it. All take care.
Our son ,Chris and his family
Our grandson, Nicholas, USCoast Guard graduate
Our
granddaughter, Breanna Marie, 2years old
Our
granddaughter, Sofia Rose, 5 years old
#20 ~ Steve Magnuson ~ 09/05/2016
Mary and I are now full time residents of Sheridan, Wyoming. Florida home prices finally came up from the 2008 crash and we sold our home in Florida in July, 2014. Mary came to Sheridan immediately, but I had an airplane kit that I had been building that I said I would fly to Sheridan, not drive it. I lived in a houseboat and then a motel room until I flew to Sheridan in early April this year. The plane is a RANS S-7 that looks similar to a Piper Cub but has an all glass panel, autopilot and a 100 hp Rotax engine in it. Flying in Wyoming is such a joy compared to flat Florida. We added one more grandchild in the past five years for a total of three. My 97 year old father in Alliance died August 6, which leaves my son,Seth and daughter-in-law, as a connection to Alliance.
#19 ~ Betty Merritt Rohloff ~ 09/02/2016
I apologize for getting this in so late. Time has a way
of slipping away before I know it. I regret not being able to attend the reunion this year.
My health has not been good and I have been housebound since February. My
daughter and son-in-law live with me and have been a great help to me. I no longer have any family in Alliance as my sister moved
to Fremont. She was just here for a visit. I'm fortunate to have lots of family here. I've had eight
more great-grandchildren since the last reunion, three born this year. My family brings me great joy. I hope you will all have a great time at the reunion. You
will be in my thoughts. My best wishes to all of the class of '61.
Finally sending a recap of the last five years. Our travels have been limited as life intervenes with the best of plans. We were able to go to Riverton, Wyoming to visit my sister and her family plus go to Cody Wyoming to visit Ellie's brother and his wife. Had a really good visit. Since moving to Norfolk we have been able to spend more time with family members.. We have our share of downs as I lost my brother Ed in Feb. 2012, my oldest sister Marlene in Feb. 2014 and Ellie's mother in Nov. 2013. Hope the rule of threes is done for a while, Ellie and I are doing well overall and are looking forward to the reunion.
#17 ~ Glenda and Charley Rusk ~ 08/15/2016
#16 ~ Betty Lurvey Sup ~ 08/09/16
I enjoy seeing the photos and reading everyone’s information
from the blog. Thank you so much Sharon!!
I have retired from teaching but substitute a little at Prep.
I have been looking at smaller homes/ranch which is overwhelming when I know
that I must remove lots of stuff and don’t know where to begin. So I pick up a
book and read.
Last October my granddaughter, Rachel, was born and what a
happy baby. My daughters say that’s all grandma. So I am blessed with 3 boys
and one girl. Both of my girls and families live in Omaha and in the same
neighborhood. See you all in September.
Cole
 |
Greetings to all- When Sharon sent the first email, telling us to
state what we've done in the last 5 yrs., I thought it would be an easy thing
to do. Now there is little time left, and I'm finding it hard to remember what
I did do in the last 5 years!
First of all, Fred and I are still married (celebrated 54 years
last April), still living in the same place at Crawford, and still enjoying our
retirement. We have been thoroughly blessed with good health, though our gait
is decidedly slower. Slim and trim, we are not, but at this age, who cares.
Most note worthy, is that we now have a great-grandson.
I had no idea that when I retired, I would be so busy, but I never
have to look far for something to do. I love to garden and putter in my yard.
Flowers are my passion. Reading is probably my favorite pastime, as well
as leading a Bible Study Group.
We don't do a lot of traveling, but do take short trips, here and
there to see things that interest us, as well as going to watch our grandson's
in their sporting events. Since our kids both live in SD, I feel that we travel
plenty often.
Looking forward to seeing everyone.
#25 ~ Judie VonTour Fistler ~ 8/4/2016
#24 ~ Pat Colburn Presswood ~ 7/29/2016
In the last 5 yrs, I did go to a Puerto Rico resort for eight days with my daughter two yrs ago.
It was awesome. Boat rides, historic
places, rain forest, Bacardi Rum factory. Sorry to be so late in getting this information to you, but I'm a care giver to
Jim. He is quite ill; all due to agent orange in Nam. In hospitals every month for the past year.
I am still in the Dallas area and still working as a mobile notary doing mainly real estate loan closing and some general notary work in hospitals, offices, etc. This job actually stemmed from Jim Brice and Anita when the three of us were at our 40th class reunion and Jim was then and Anita soon after did reverse mortgages! Best job ever for me! I try to take a few nice trips each year seeing this beautiful country of ours and visiting family and friends. I have four grandchildren, two oldest graduated college this past year and one married. Would be excited to have a great grand in the future! Hope you all have a wonderful good time at the reunion.
#23 ~ Larry Christensen ~ 7/26/2016
A phone call to Larry Christensen ~ Larry has moved from Riverton WY to Mesquite, Nevada (55 miles north of Las Vegas).
#22 ~ Dave Andrick ~ 7/25/2016
Just a note to say the last five years have been wonderful. Much antique collecting, gardening, and country home restoration. Totally enjoying retirement and the relaxing quiet and peace of the country. I do not plan to attend the reunion as a family wedding in Jamaica is that week.
#21 Linda Munger Mandelberg ~ 7/24/2016
Regret I will not be in attendance. Thinking about my
bio and boring as it is…nothing new. Life remains the same. I am
well. I am still in Washington. I live in same house. I am
older….but am told that makes me “better”…you can believe that if you wish. Pray that the reunion is a big success. My best to
all.
#20 ~ Rich Voss ~ 06/11/2016
Hi! Classmates, Not a lot has happened in the last five years. All three of my children are doing great, as are my eight grandchildren. My oldest
grandson graduated from high school this May. He has been accepted to attend
the School of Mines in Rapid City. I am very proud of them all. Peggy and I are now taking short trips to
surrounding states enjoying some history and scenery that we did not take time
to do when we were younger. We still enjoy " Big mac". It's a great place to
spend time with my family, as they all live in Omaha. They love to get out of
the city and go boating and water skiing. I tried to water ski two years ago
and my ankles still hurt. his last winter I have had two surgeries ~ Melanoma skin cancer (too many years sailing without protection) and surgery
for cervical laminectomy. I hope to play golf again later this summer. I will try to make it to our reunion. The best to all of you.
Rich Voss' family ~
Mary and I will be celebrating our 5th and the kids have several plans for over the same weekend. I ordered a hoody; thanks to who ever set that up.l Sorry we won't make it this year.
#18 ~ Connie Sherlock Ackerman ~ 5/26/2016
I have spent the past five years in Alliance
working for Palmer Monument Company. I
have been on several trips, and have gone to visit my children who don't live
here. I had my father's 1947 Pontiac
coupe refinished and have shown it in some car shows. All of us girls who live around here still
get together for lunch every once in a while and have a really good time. I am looking forward to seeing everyone at
the reunion.
#17 ~ Kathy Thomas Fladmoe ~ 4/24/2016
I retired in 2010 and have been busy ever since. My
4th (and last) grandchild was born in 2011 and a large portion of my time has
been spent babysitting him. My first great grandchild was born in 2015,
and I help babysit her also. My mother died in 2013, just short of 99
years old.
Besides children and my two tuxedo cats, my time is occupied
with yoga class; gardening; C.A.S.T. (Christian Adult Singles Together);
an "old people" breakfast group; an evening class at church; a
volunteer job at "Concern for Neighbors Food Bank"; and rehearsals/concerts
with "Around the Sound Community Band." I had not touched my
clarinet for 18 years when I joined, and it is a great pleasure to be playing
again in an excellent band and also in a clarinet ensemble.
One of the things on my "bucket list" is to visit
all 50 states. I had already been to 27 and hope to visit the remaining
23 while still in good health and mind. Looking forward to the class
reunion!
#16 ~ Jane Gorder Tushaus
I am very sorry I haven't responded to the reunion
details. One year ago at this very time
Bernie was diagnosed with stage four glioblastoma brain cancer. It did progress rapidly and was a very
difficult and unbelievable experience to encounter. He died October 21st 2015. I have been
working at keeping the store running since then. As of April 1st this year, we
celebrated our 40th anniversary of book selling. All of my kids were here to celebrate. My son did a beautiful memorial video and
hope to have him let me know how to post it for those who would be interested
in seeing all our moments in time. Thank
you for understanding how difficult this has all seemed. I still cherish the memories of my wonderful
years in Alliance. I still cherish every
year I was there to touch base with all of you.
If anything happens that I can be there, I will see you then. Thinking of all of you, Janie
#15 ~ Jacki Vallentine Yardley
It's hard to believe we've been
retired for ten years this July! We have concentrated on family the past
five years. We have three wonderful grandsons with whom we try to spend
time. Our youngest, Spencer, is 13 and lives in Coeur d'Alene, ID
with his parents Amy and Franz. He loves to swim, use the trampoline,
and visit churches.
Chris and Michelle live here in
Richland. Both their boys played baseball in college, one at Gonzaga and
one at Seattle University. Our oldest, Brian, was married in January
in Manhattan Beach, CA where he and Molly now live. Kent and I
sang at the wedding(at their request!); we sang "One Hand One Heart"
- the one we sang for our own wedding 53 years ago. Our second,
Eric, will be married in December. He is playing AA baseball for the
San Antonio Missions, a minor league affiliate of the San Diego
Padres. We have attended many baseball games, starting when the boys
were in Little League. We attended Spring Training last year but stayed
home this year.
In 2013 we attended a Yardley Family
Reunion at Fort Robinson. It was "interesting" being the oldest
of the family units.
Most of our traveling was
done while living in Europe; now we enjoy spending time at home. For
our 50th anniversary, we were delighted to travel to Las Vegas to see Garth
Brooks, just Garth and his guitar - up close and personal at the
Wynn/Encore. We continue enjoying the Broadway productions each year and
from time to time go to Spokane for concerts there.
Like many of you, (tongue in cheek),
we have made friends with many doctors and dentists! I had both knees replaced
and had cataract surgery (Amazing how much brighter the world is!). We are
very fortunate to have our health and live in an area with wonderful,
competent, caring medical professionals.
I love reading about where you all
have been and where you are today. I wish you all good health and
continued good luck.
Jacki
#14 ~ from Gary Ehrlich, 01/11/2016 ~ Happy New year to the class of 1961!
The years since my first profile have been really
busy, and my life has changed a lot since then. We have much to
talk about when I see you at the next re-union.
In February 2015 I left California and moved to Gold Canyon,
Arizona to be near my family. California has gotten too crazy and too
expensive, so a change was in order. My oldest son has lived here since
graduating from college 20 years ago and my youngest son is moving here in two
years when he retires from the Air Force. My daughter lives in Austin, Texas,
but I'm working on her to join us here also.
Gold Canyon is a small town of +/-10,500 15 miles east
of Mesa on Hwy 60. The town has grown up around some wonderful
new golf courses, and I was able to buy a home on the 9th fairway
of beautiful golf course with an unobstructed view of the
Superstition Mountains. My mornings and evenings are spent on my patio
watching the sunrise and sunset while enjoying the wild game that is always
there. This was a great choice for my last home ! I extend an
invitation to any of you who might be in the area to come by for a visit.
I have lots of room and you would be welcome to stay and relax.
Sadly, my sister Beckie (class of 1957) died shortly
after I moved here. We had been talking about me coming here for years
and we lost her within weeks after I arrived. She had lived here since
1965 and all of her children and grandchildren still live nearby. I see them
often.
I want to thank all of you who sent me get well wishes after
my recent motorcycle accident. I got out of the hospital last week after
two months and it is great to be home. A 58 year old woman ran a stop sign
while texting on her cell phone and hit me. Fortunately, I was wearing a
helmet and the proper riding gear, and that saved my life. The statistics
prove that cell phones and texting are 7 times more dangerous than drinking and
driving and I am now officially a statistic.
#12 ~ from Cheryl Edwards Harris, 12/28/2015 ~Update of Last Five Years ~ The last 5 years: Since we were together in 2010, we have added three new members to our family. Matt and Derek, our two oldest grandsons were both married (Becky and Olivia) and Matt and Liv had our first great-grandchild. They’re almost even better than grandchildren because you don’t have to babysit often. J His name is Broox and he has kept us all entertained. My bucket list was pretty short – I wanted to go on a cruise to Alaska – which we did in 2014. It was cold and beautiful. I have retired from serving at the altar but still do some of my “deacon” things. The Mission Store and the Bulldog Backpack program keep me busy. We went on a mission trip to Omaha in the spring and introduced most of the group to mission work. We have become “snow robins” – aren’t they about the first birds back? We have gone to AZ for several years for a month. Last year we went to Casa Grande for 2 months!! That’s about all I can take. We loved it and are going back to the same place this year. I play a little golf but there are too many other things I want to do more – unlike my husband who would move his bed to the course if I’d let him. We’re fortunate to have great kids and grandkids. We’re healthy and happy just being. Look forward to seeing you all in Sept. Cheryl
#11 ~ from Cheryl Edwards Harris, 12/28/2015 ~ Christmas Letter
 |
| Cheryl and Todd |
Merry
Christmas & Happy New Year from us to
you.
Don’t have any great pictures of all the family – so you
just get us. We wanted to touch base
with all of our friends and family that we love. I’ll confess that I started this before
Christmas but………
The year has just disappeared – seems like it was only
yesterday that we were celebrating Jan. 2015!
Jan. and Feb. we were in sunny AZ.
We rented a park home with an AZ room in Casa Grande and loved it. I did water aerobics, jewelry making, worked
with stained glass and learned to Zentangle, which I love. Todd was fortunate to become friends with a
couple of men who work part time at two golf courses and are able to comp a
guest. He was in heaven!! We just rented
a place in the same park for Feb. and March of this year. Grandson Jacob is a sophomore in Hill City
and we wanted to stay in Jan. to see some of his basketball games.
Kids and grand kids are doing well. Everyone is still in the same job except for
John’s wife, Polly. She is back in the
world of science working for Li-Cor in Lincoln, NE. LI-COR designs, manufactures, and markets,
innovative instruments, software, reagents, and integrated systems for plant
biology, biotechnology,
Todd is still volunteering every day at the Mission Store
(6-8 am). I’m there quite often, too,
but not at 6 am and am still coordinating the Backpack program for the schools. The golf course is still his home away from
home. I did golf a little more this
summer and enjoyed it.
We keep involved in church and went on a Mission Trip to
Omaha last spring. We worked in “The Open Door Mission” which is a place that
ministers to the homeless and low income.
We plan to go back again this year.
Last year 8 of us went from St. Matthew’s. They all want to go back plus we have some
others that will be joining us. We also
worked in a small restaurant downtown that is one of only 40 in the US that is
a pay-as-you’re-able restaurant. Both
places were eye openers and a blessing to work in.
We seem to have already had more snow than normal – maybe we
should rethink staying here in Jan. J
My excuse for not finishing the letter was that I wanted to
get pictures at Christmas. One of the
most enjoyable things about the cards we get is seeing our friends and
families. The pictures I took weren’t
too good but managed to get something of everyone but Jacob. He is almost 6 foot tall now and about 12
inches around (well – almost). He’s a
very good ball player and it will be fun to watch him the next couple of years.
 |
| Jeff and Brigit |
 |
| Brigit, Cheryl, and Polly |
We hope your Christmas was a blessed one and that the New
Year brings you much love and good health. Todd and Cheryl
 |
| Jeff, Jamie, John |
 |
| Broox |
 |
| Kaitlynn |
 |
| Liv and Matt |
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| Polly, Emma, John, Laura |
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| Tara and Jamie |
#9 ~ from Doug Bedient ~ 12/20/2015 ~ 2015 Bedient Happenings
Our Machu Picchu and Galapagos Islands trip was a highlight
of 2015. We went at the end of the dry season so greenery was sparse but
the scenery was most impressive and the animals of the Galapagos were as great
as advertised.
In addition to Peru and Ecuador we spent several weeks in
Florida with friends and were glad to be away from the cold. John and his
kids joined us at Disney World for spring break. Bus trips with a local group
of retirees were fun as always.
Daughter Margo and Jim and the seven kids relocated from CT
to Danville, KY last spring. Our drive is about 5 hours rather than 15 so
we are seeing them more regularly. The kids like KY and a rehabbed barn
is home to three saddle horses as well as cats. A highlight this year was
the 13th birthday of Emma, Jack and Madeline!
Son John is in Granger, IN and working in South Bend.
The athletic and school events of Ben, Emerson and John are always highlights
and we enjoy their visits here.
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John Harold, Ben, Barb, Doug and Emerson Bedient
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Charlotte, Barb, Wesley, Madeline, Jack (standing), Spencer,
Emma & Charles Dilworth
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We are well and looking ahead to 2016. We’re working
at reducing some of our volunteer activities so that we are not as tied to
southern Illinois. By June 30 some major time commitments will be reduced
and we’ll be freer to depart without much prior planning.
May 2016 bring you prosperity, good health and
blessings. Barb and Doug Bedient
#8 ~ from Penny Wright Wika ~ 12/15/2015 ~ Change would be the keyword to describe my life the past five years. Semiannual trips to New York City and yearly or twice yearly cruises to Europe, the Caribbean, Alaska, the Panama Canal or New England/Canada have been replaced by doctors' appointments and physical therapy sessions for Norris, my husband for the past 41 years. Extreme balance and fatigue problems, coupled with dementia, make Norris's life challenging. I will be unable to attend our 55th reunion because he needs me here in Wamego. We retired from teaching at Highland Community College's campus in Wamego in 2013. Highlights of the past five years were taking two cruises on the Mississippi River in 2013 with Norris and attending the World Figure Skating Championships in London, Ontario, Canada, with my brother John in 2013. I also continue to cover school board meetings and write feature articles for the local newspaper. My new email address is pjwika25@gmail.com
#7 ~ from Joanne Campbell
Kresl ~ 12/15/2015 ~ Joanne continues to live on the farm near Hemingford.
She has 5 children and 9 grandchildren. (Joanne doesn't have email. This
information was sent from Virginia Englehaupt Campell)
#6
~ from Sharon Phillip Singleton ~ 12/13/215 ~ To catch up on my life, you
are welcome to go to our travel
blog. Merry Christmas to all of you. I hope to see you next
September at our 55th class reunion. My synopsis of the last five years ~
I have done a travel blog since I retired in 2006, more so we can remember what
we have done, but many friends and relatives enjoy reading it also. Sorry
to say I lost my Mom at age 92 in 2014. Grandchildren ~ still seven of them
between the ages of 10 to 26~ and they still manage to keep me feeling young.
Tony and I took our first cruise ever a couple years ago to Hawaii and
found we loved that mode of travel, but it's hard to give up the convenience of
our motor homes. We continue to see classmates Janice Phillip Lawrence
and Cheryl Edwards Harris down south during the winter months.
#3 ~ from Marcia Knigge, 10/28/2015 ~ Here is your update for the last five years: Still married to Leyn Sherlock, still have two children - Connie and J.R., still have 5 grandchildren - Erin 24, P.J. 21, Alexa 13, Rebekah 9, and Josh 5. Erin is attending the University of Wyoming, P.J. is working with a harvest crew and farming, Alexa is an eighth grader, Rebekah is in third grade, and Josh is a preschooler and so excited to be in "real" school. I am still active in my sorority and volunteering. I regret I won't be able to attend the reunion as I have a state sorority meeting that weekend which I need to attend since I will be state president next year. Hope you all have a good time.
#2 ~ from Mark Lotspeich, 10/27/2015 ~ Thanks for all you do--like herding cats, huh! A few changes have taken place in the last 4+ years. I stopped doing part-time practice in October 2012. This preceded selling our place in Ohio and moving to Littleton, Colorado, in December '12. Since we had no house we lived with our son and his wife here for four months while house hunting until we finally purchased our own home. This summer we celebrated our 50th anniversary (like many other classmates, I would guess).
#1 ~ from Ruby Roberts Coleman, 9/25/2015 ~ Life is pretty much the same…just older and somewhat
slower. I moved from a townhouse to a
lovely, more secluded condo. In January,
2016, I will be great grandma again to another boy. My other great-grandson will be five a few
days later. I am still doing
genealogical research, writing, lecturing, webinars and also active in my
church (Episcopal).
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