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."
Friday, September 12, 2008
Saturday, September 6, 2008
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?
Friday, September 5, 2008
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.
Monday, September 1, 2008
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.
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.
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
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.
"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.
Saturday, August 23, 2008
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.
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.
Friday, May 23, 2008
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"
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"
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