We Need Your Input

If you haven't noticed, the entries to this blog/newsletter come in waves, with long separations between them. That's because very few of you are letting us in on what's happening in your lives. And as the person trying to keep this thing up to date, I have to tell you it gets pretty depressing writing primarily about illnesses and deaths. So why don't you drop me or Norma Deardorff Plummer or John Spencer or Wayne Malon a line with all your news that's fit to print. A picture or 2 (no more, because too many pics gets cumbersome) of you is always appreciated.
We thank you!

Great Adventure for Judy Dian Larsen's Son

Judy Dian Larsen's son, Eric, is starting on the adventure of a lifetime. It is his intention to reach the north pole, the south pole, and scale Mt Everest, all in a year's time. To read more of this incredible undertaking, click on the title of this entry to open the news article describing his plans.

Keep us posted on this, Judy. I'm sure everyone in the class is living vicariously thru Eric.

Semi-Annual Trip to New Mexico

I received the following message from John Spencer:

Judy, this is a picture of the truck load of winter clothing that Ann & I collected for the St Bonaventure Indian Mission in Thoreau, NM. The box on the truck holds approximately 1600 cubic feet or about 3000# of winter clothing, winter coats, blankets and kitchen utensils. We do this twice a year; in the Spring and again in the Winter, and we have been doing it for six years now.


John and Ann are an inspiration to all of us in that they devote a great deal of time and effort helping others. It's a genuine privilege to be able to call them friends.

Houseboating Adventures

The days in late September in northern Minnesota bring blue skies, warmish days, cool nights, and a calm, quiet existence. To this end, Ray and Marilyn Vibyral and Gordon and Allene (Rudolph) Rondeau traveled to Voyageurs National Park for a time of houseboating, fishing, and generally enjoying their beautiful surroundings and long-time friendship.


While many pictures were provided, we felt these best showed the results of their fishing endeavors.

Gordon seems to have done very well.
Ray, on the other hand, seems to prefer the inanimate type of fish; however, perhaps he was practicing a new kind of "catch and release".

Golden Anniversaries Abound

We've reached that stage in life when many of our classmates are celebrating their golden (50th) wedding anniversaries. Allene Rudolph and Gordon Rondeau were first to share pictures of their celebration, but unfortunately, so far no one else has let us join the parties. We know Carol Reeves Carlquist and her Wally celebrated their 50th anniversary with a European cruise. And we know Lowell and Sandy Price Potvin have almost reached that milestone in their marriage. We also know Al and Barb Frelich Bloedorn celebrated their 50 years of wedded bliss just recently. I'm also sure many others of you are about to join this special group. But so far, we haven't received any other celebratory pictures, or notices, for that matter. In this day and age, it's an amazing accomplishmnet to reach the magic 50, so come on and send pictures and announcements, so the rest of us can share this special occasion with you.

Brian Rericha Passes Away

Carole Johnson Lehmann just sent us notification of the death of Brian Rericha a few days ago. It's becoming increasingly difficult to receive news such as this, yet I realize none of us is getting any younger. Our thoughts and prayers are with Brian's family at this difficult time; we certainly share their feelings of loss:
Brian Frank Rericha
"Brian Frank Rericha, age 69, of Downers Grove 69 years, passed away September 8, 2008. He was a retired engineer. A veteran of the Army served 1957-1960. He attended Downers Grove North HS, University of Texas and University of Illinos. Memorial Service Saturday, September 20, 2008 at 2:30 PM at Adams Winterfield & Sullivan Funeral Home, 4343 Main Street, Downers Grove, IL. Interment Private. He is survived by his wife Mary of 48 years; sons David, Robert (Rebecca) Rericha; grandsons James, Luke Rericha; brother James Rericha; 2 grandchildren. For information 630-368-1000 or www.adamswinterfieldsullivan.com"
As a postscript to this post, Norma Deardorff Plummer attended Brian's memorial service and had this to add:
"I went to Brian's memorial service on Saturday. His sons both delivered eulogies and it was very touching. Brian was obviously very much of a family man. Both Bob Pasquini and Bob Hacker were also there so the Class of 57 was well represented. His wife (Mary) told me he had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer 4-1/2 months ago and went very quickly. I understand that is a very nasty form of cancer. There was a new grandson born 6 weeks ago (the second), so that's a nice positive for the family."

Florie Sick Baumann Exhibits her Paintings

Please join us for a cheese and wine reception on:
Friday September 5, 2008
5pm to 7pm
Exhibition runs continuously from
September 1 - October 31, 2008 10am to 5pm daily
FOLIO WINEMAKERS STUDIO
1285 Dealy Lane
Napa, California 94559
707.256.2757 (ph)

It's been a struggle, but I finally managed to "invite" you to Florie Sick Baumann's art exhibition in the California wine country. Tho the invite for the wine and cheese reception is a day late, the exhibit of Florie's paintings will continue thru the end of October. All you 57ers in the vicinity of SanFrancisco should make it a point to visit the studio; Florie is a very talented painter, and you'd be doing yourself a big favor by checking out her work. Besides, wouldn't a trip to wine country be lovely at this time of the year?

Betty Myers Edgell has Much More Than a Hobby

Betty Myers Edgell has been teaching quilting for over 30 years and has co-written four books on quilting, the most recent being Cotton & Ewe. She and her friend give quilting programs all over the state of Texas. Her main area of interest is reproduction quilts such as those made in the 1800's.

As one who can barely thread a needle, I am in awe of Betty's talent and perseverance. I've seen many quilts at the numerous craft shows held here in the Ozarks, and I must say Betty's quilts appear to be second to none.

Our Own Candidate

Imagine my surprise when I received an e-mail from Frank Fusco announcing his entry into the presidential race this year. While I was raised to believe it's better to never discuss (argue?) politics or religion, still I have to say my vote will go to any '57er who runs for anything.

Click the title of this post to learn more about this exciting turn of events. Be sure to turn on your sound, then click the box when the page has loaded.

Another Classmember is Gone -- Bob Slahetka

Carole Johnson Lehmann contacted us with news of Bob Slahetka's passing. The following obituary was on the Downers Grove Reporter website (thanx to all who helped me recover this info):

"Robert Michael Slahetka, 69, of Newport Richey, FL, formerly of Countryside, passed away August 18, 2008. Robert was born Feb. 2, 1939 in Downers Grove, IL. He was a retired Countryside Police Officer. Robert is survived by his companion, Maureen Mcmasters and his five children, Robert (Kim) Slahetka, Chris (Sandy) Slahetka, Grace (Gary) Galecki, Sally (Sam) MacKenzie, Amy (Ed) Strobl and 13 grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother. Visitation Thursday, Aug. 28, 2008, Mass Friday, Aug. 29, 2008. Arrangements by Grace Memorial Gardens and Funeral Home, 727-863-5471."

Bob was ailing and unable to attend our 50th reunion, but he kept in close touch with John before it was held. Our sympathy goes out to Maureen and Bob's family; we all certainly share their sorrow.

Long-Lost Family Found

While I hesitate to personalize this newsletter/blog, I think what's happened in my life is fascinating enough to share.

As you may or may not know, I lost my brother, Dave VanSelow ('54), to pancreatic cancer on December 8, 2007. Needless to say, the holidays were pretty dismal, especially since Dave was my last remaining relative --- or so I thought.

One night in January, the phone rang, and a voice told me to sit down. I thought I recognized the voice as my mom's baby sister, with whom I'd had no contact in probably 20 years, and who I assumed had long-since passed on. Well, it was indeed my Aunt Jaine, alive and well, and living in Woodstock, IL, the Nichol family's town of origin. How we lost touch, I'm not sure, but somehow we did and were not able to find one another, so as years went by, we both just kind of gave up.

To give you a bit of background, my mom went to live with an aunt and uncle in Downers Grove when she was 4, because Grandma Nichol was a widow with 5 kids to support, including a newborn, my Aunt Jaine. My Downers grandparents made sure mom was in fairly close touch with her kin as she was growing up, tho several bouts of rheumatic fever made this difficult. After she married my dad, mom made it a point to take us to Woodstock a couple of times a year, that is until she became quite ill when I was 7. Around that time, the trips to Woodstock stopped, and so did any kind of a relationship with my mom's family for me, tho my Aunt Jaine stayed fairly close to mom, then me after my folks died.

The reason for her call was to tell me of a family reunion in July. And, to make a long story short, we went, and I finally met the remaining 8 cousins I have. Best of all, I not only got to spend time with my aunt, I was able to help her celebrate her 92nd birthday on July 13.

She's an amazing woman in amazing health. And to me, she was literally a gift from God, who arrived just when I needed her most. We now make it a point to call each other every couple of weeks; and we've vowed never to "lose" one another again.

Dave Grant Suffers Fatal Stroke

Carl Werth received a letter from Dave Grant's ex-wife informing him of Dave's passing on April 13, 2008, from a stroke. Carl e-mailed John with this info. Our sympathy goes out to Dave's family; our thoughts and prayers are with them.

Above is the picture Dave sent us after we spoke to him before the reunion. He was unable to attend, but sent us this picture in lieu of himself. I think it's safe to say "he will be missed".

As a postscript, Garland Edgell recently located Dave's obit and sent it to us:
"Oct. 15, 1939 — April 13, 2008
David S. Grant, of Redmond, died Sunday of a stroke. He was 68.
A memorial service will be held at a later date.
Mr. Grant was born Oct. 15, 1939, in Elmhurst, Ill., the son of Russell and Louise (Brown) Grant. He earned a master’s degree in history and education from Grinnell College.
Mr. Grant was a teacher at Monroe Junior High School in Eugene, where he taught social studies for several years. He also worked as a driver for Northwest Energy for 16 years, where he drove a propane truck. He was an Eagle Scout. He enjoyed writing editorial letters in The Bulletin and spending time with his dogs. He moved to Redmond in 1989.
Survivors include his former wife, Caroline, of Springfield; a son, Gordon, of Portland; a daughter, Heather Smith, of Springfield; a brother, Jon, of Foster City, Calif; and two grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Redmond Humane Society.
Autumn Funerals of Redmond is in charge of arrangements."
And Garland adds, as a tribute to Dave:
"A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell, where his influence stops
Adams, Henry Brooks"

Ginny Schattenberg Yassen Seriously Ill

We received the following notice from Gordon Rondeau today:

"I was contacted yesterday by [Joy] Tennie Nooner, as she was looking for her friend Virginia Schattenberg. Seems she had a wrong phone number, so I gave her the one I have. She later called back to say ,Virginia is in a bad way. She has Cancer and the Doctors have told her not to hold out hope. They are doing chemo, but don't expect it to work. So as of now she needs our prayers."

John Spencer added:

"In the mean time if you would like to send her a card or note her address is 630w. Bonita Ave. Apt 6F, Claremont, CA 91711."

Let's all keep Ginny and her family in our thoughts and prayers at this very difficult time for them.

John's Daughter Makes the Paper

Katherine Spencer Inskeep is a busy working mom, so recipes that can be done quickly, with little effort, are what she looks for. Her abilities are described in the Longmont, CO, Times-Call newspaper --- check it out by clicking on the title to this entry (and personally, I think she looks like her mom).

More Class of '57 Parents

Lynne Rutherford Ramsey lost her dad on April 26 at age 92; our sympathy goes out to you, Lynne, and to your family. We hope you find comfort in the fact you were able to share so many, many years with him.

Cataracts X 2 for Judie

Just learned Judie Schneider Sostak will be having cataract surgery today and again in 2 weeks: first the left eye, then the right eye. She's really "looking" (that's a pun!) forward to this, since she's been assured, once the surgeries are complete, she'll again be able to tell a red traffic light from a green one. I'm thinking, anyone driving near her is also looking forward to the success of these operations....
Please keep Judie in your thoughts and prayers for great results.

Class of '57 Parents, cont'd.

We just learned Chuck Austin lost his mom March 24 at the age of 92; she was living in LaGrange Park at the time of her passing. As Chuck put it in his e-mail to John: "Truly, a life well lived". Our deepest sympathy goes out to Chuck and his family -- losing a parent at any age is very hard.

Bound for Washington DC

Garland Edgell has once again located a group picture, this one from a senior class trip (or perhaps a DGHS trip) to Washington DC in the spring of 1957. I must admit I have absolutely no memory of this trip, and I wonder if I knew about it at the time, for I most certainly would have been an eager participant.



1. Donna McKay
2. Shirley Matuzas (Thanx to Carole Johnson Lehmann)
3. Gail Slansky
4. Mr. Corr
5. Charles Austin
6. Tom McMillan (he was a junior, class of '58)
7. Bob Pechinski
8. Garland Edgell
9. Rosemary Baker (Again, thanx to Carole)
10. MaryAnn Lola
11. Betty Cline

Garland had the following to say about the trip:

"The Washington trip wasn't exclusively for Seniors I guess because there were some non-seniors on it. It was done on spring break 1957.

Mr. Corr was one of two faculty - the other was a woman. There were only the four boys and a bunch of girls. I think the girls were really disappointed in that.

The group saw the capital, toured the White House, Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, etc. We then took a ship from Baltimore down to Newport News, VA and toured Williamsburg. We ended up in Annapolis on Easter Sunday and attended church there with the midshipmen. I really liked the museum at the Naval Academy.

We took the train both ways and got little sleep. But we were young then.

There were a lot more on the trip than what were shown on my photograph. All girls. So at that dinner, there were probably at least two other tables I think. Wonder if anyone has any of the others."

If any of you have pictures or more info about this trip, let me know; I feel like I really missed out.

Class of '57 Parents

After questioning earlier about living parents of class of '57 members, how wonderful it was to learn that several are still with us: Lynne Rutherford Ramsey's dad, age 91, is living in Westmont; we think Chuck Austin's mom, age 91, is still enjoying life in Oak Brook and Palm Desert; altho we don't know her age or where she resides, we understand Larry Woodcock is fortunate to still have his mom; Roger Compton's mom, age 95, still lives at home, tho has a live-in helper (thanx to the Rondeaus for this info). Anybody else we should know about?

Another Senior Chemistry Class And More of the Same??

Garland Edgell recently came across these pictures ---- the picture above is another senior chemistry class, and the one below is a group of students on the high school steps, seemingly another of the chemistry class. It's beginning to look like Mr. Holt's hobby was photography.

John's Doing Great!

An e-mail from Ann Spencer on March 21 gave us the good news that John's surgery went without a hitch. In fact, Ann said John told her he had no pain; and less than 24 hours after the back fusion, John was walking the hallways of the hospital. Keep John in your thoughts and prayers for a short and successful recovery --- he's had a tough road to travel in an effort to solve his back problems; hopefully, this time it's a success!!

This and That

Haven't written in a while so....

John Spencer is again having back surgery. Seems like his surgeon is using him for target practice or something, since this will be his third operation in about 6 months, all in an effort to correct John's lumbar problems. Please keep John in your thoughts and prayers, especially next Wednesday, March 19, that this operation is successful in freeing John from pain, and that everything goes without a hitch.

I recently received word of the passing of Jim Kay's mom, Catherine, on January 25; she was 97 years old. Isn't that incredible?! Got me wondering if any of the other class of '57 parents are still alive. If you have any info about this, please let me know; contact John, Norma, Wayne or me via e-mail, so we can pass the word along to others.

Along those lines, if there is anything you'd like to see in this "blog-letter" (for lack of a better description), please let us know. We're flying blind as far as format, content, whatever, so we can use all the help you're willing to offer. Let us hear from you, because this blog-letter belongs to all of us.

Lastly, again, please remember John Spencer in your thoughts and prayers, that his back may be cured once and for all, that he comes thru this 3rd operation with flying colors, and that he's back to normal in no time at all.

Allene Rudolph/Gordon Rondeau Celebrate Golden Anniversary

A surprise party honoring Gordon and Allene Rudolph Rondeau on their 50th wedding anniversary was held February 10 of this year; they were married February 6, 1958.

The Hawaiian-themed gala was hosted by the Rondeau's children & grandkids. Included in the entertainment was hula lessons for all willing participants (great work, Gordon!).

Among those in attendance were Ray and Marilyn Vybiral (shown here), who traveled all the way from Wisconsin for the event. Another long-distance traveler representing the DGHS class of '57 was Bob Kostner and wife Carol who are now Razorbacks living in the state of Arkansas. Roger Compton, class of '57, and his long-time companion, Dru Ingram, were short-distance travelers, coming from the DG area to the party.

Our warmest congratualtions to Allene and Gordon as they embark upon another 50 years of wedded bliss.

We've Lost Dawn (Penny) Howells Padgett

A letter from the family of Penny Howells Padgett informed us of Penny's death on January 29th "after fighting a case of pneumonia". We've known for quite some time Penny was in failing health, but she was a very private lady who preferred dealing with her problems by herself. Her family asks you "take a moment to remember our Mom as she was when she touched your life". They go on to say "her deep caring and her everyday thoughtfulness is a source of inspiration to each of us, and make us all better for having been close to her". It was Penny's request "not to have a service or flowers. In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution to your local SPCA".
Please keep Penny's family in your thoughts and prayers. Our deepest sympathy goes to them during this time of grief.

Joanne Kopka Carlson Passes Away

I received the following January 13th e-mail from Gordon Rondeau:

"Hi Classmates; Thought you'd want to know. We just got a call about 15 minuets ago from Clay Carlson. His wife of 45 years, JoAnn [Kopka] passed away. He said she apparently went to sleep about 10:30 last evening (January 12). He got ready to go to bed & went to check on her & she was gone. She apparently died shortly after 10:30 last evening. She has been in Hospice care for about a month. Your prayers for her family would be appreciated.
There will be a memorial service for her on thisSaturday,the 19th @ 1PM near her home.
Guess all that could be done for her was. Wish I had better news.
Byby4now Gordon"

Joanne wanted so badly to attend our 50th reunion, but health problems wouldn't allow her to; this was the first reunion she ever missed. Please keep Joanne's family in your thoughts and prayers at this very difficult time for them.

A Senior Chemistry Class

John received the following from Fred Langford today:
"Found an old picture - I should have found it before the reunion".
Well, don't worry about that, Fred, because we'll see to it that the whole class can share it with you. And by the way, Happy 2008 to you and to the rest of the class reading this (and even to those who aren't).