Tom Lee's Photos

Click on the title to enjoy Tom's great photos.

MORE GROUP PHOTOS

Just in case you didn't like the one photo, here's the rest of the pictures that were taken by the photographer. Jay Gurney never did look at the camera! Click on the title to see them all.

Colleen's Photo Stream

Click on the title to view all of Colleen's great photos in a slideshow!!

GROUP PHOTO

Click on the photo to enlarge.

Recognize Anyone You Know?

Sacred Heart School First Communion for some of the future Class of 1969.
Click on picture for a much larger view.

Kayaking Photos

Thank you to the Reunion Committee for all your hard work in the success of the gathering last weekend--and the kayaking.

Kayaking down the Missouri was wonderful. Next time, we could plan on going to Vermillion and beyond --- or upriver toward Springfield. Now that would be a workout, wouldn't it????? We would have awesome adventures no matter which way we went, though.

Until next time, take care everyone.

Linda's kayaking picture here

Ready For Groveland Park

Young (14)Weniger waiting for his ride to Tyndall.
It's been said this old photo resembles Tom (serial killer) Ripley from the movie "The Talented Mr. Ripley". A historical note: That cool collarless blazer belonged to my older brother Larry. He was deeply offended that I borrowed it w/o his permission (No doubt he would have said NO!)
We got in a huge row over it, and I ended up throwing him down the stairs and through that door behind me. We have put all of that behind us now.
Thanks again to everyone who made this event possible.
I had the very best time!

Bill Hasn't Changed a Bit!

Bill laughed his way through the weekend too. It was so great to see Bill and everyone else having such a great time!

Class of '69 "Wanna Be"

Who's the guy in the background that Lee and Don are trying to ignore? Looks like he's trying to nibble on Don's ear! Yes, that is Ken Bertsch. Didn't know that you two were that close! I think Ken had just as much fun as we did at the reunion. Thanks Ken, for all of your help in front of and behind the bar!!

No More Tree House!

John Bicknell is describing to Sandy the tree house that used to be in his back yard on 15th Street. Seems several people remember it well!

This Is So Much Fun!

Becky and Sandy are enjoying a few "old" memories that they can still remember!

Smile! Smile! Smile!

Pat, Marsha, and Sharon are doing what we all did all weekend--smile and laugh!

Medeck and Melick

You two must have walked down the aisle together at graduation! You're looking pretty good!!!

Did You Golf in These?

Yes Doug (Mr. Lynn Brady) you do have nice feet for a guy!

You What!!!!!

Brooke's reaction when Ross told her, "Hey Honey, I just volunteered us to be on the committee again for the 45th reunion!!!!!"

The Pro Golfers

The golfers were fun but I think we would all agree that if we do this again we will make it a Scramble instead of straight golf. I think the time spent under and in the trees at Hillcrest was not fun but the company was wonderful. Hope everyone had a good time despite the trees and in Don's case the post problems. Click on the title to see the rest of my reunion photos! PKM

Weekend Highlights!

Click above to check out some photos. When you get to the photo set, play them in a slide show for best viewing!!

"Everyone's Been To The Moon!"

I agree with Mike Oleson--it was a wonderful weekend! The committee went to the moon and back to organize and pull off a fabulous time for all of us. The casual evening events were a hit as well as the activities to choose from on Saturday. Everyone I talked to said this was the best reunion yet. Those that could not attend really missed something. If it's true that laughter is good for the soul, then our souls are soaring!!! My cheeks and stomach muscles are sore from all of the laughing! There were some great surprise attendees, like John Bicknell (my tree house buddy), Bob Gunderson, and Nick Kollars. It was great to see the two "studs" and would loved to have seen the "Spud!" Maybe next time! I sincerely hope that we will have a 45th (we will be 63)! By then the committee might have recovered from this one and will be willing to do it again! Beth Goetz, you have five years to get your comedy routine ready!!!
Golf on Saturday was a riot. It took Pat O'Leary 17 holes to figure out that those containers of sand for divot repair were not urinals!! Sorry to the groups behind us about the "wet" sand!!! And Don Gereau had quite a difficult stance for his second shot on #10! He did move his ball so as not to ruin his love life! Of course, Sharon hit the ball a mile with her new driver as usual, and I spent most of my time on the golf course playing the wrong holes! What's golf without a sense of humor!
I had a fabulous time seeing everyone. Hope you will share your pictures. Take care until we all see each other again!!! Ceci

And we had fun, fun, fun.....

Many "Thank-you's" are deserved for such a great event....First, to the reunion committee--all the details were planned, everyone praised the decisions for food, activities, and timing, and the weather was perfect. Next, "Thanks" to the people who attended. Everyone seemed to really enjoy catching up with the news of the last 10 years, kidding each other with stories, secrets revealed, and admissions of deals proposed, as far back as kindergarden....
We really do have a fantastic class. Seventy some classmates, and many spouses, made the reunion one we will never forget. The friendships put the icing on the cake.
We will work on making pictures available. If you have some to share, please let Ross know.
I happen to have a picture of Ross, Brooke, Becky and Seth to post--but I'm sure they would point out that the entire reunion committee did a great job......Thank You !!!!
Mike Oleson

Lynn Brady

How about that Reunion Committee!!!!
You are the best ever, group of Get It Done folks and are the ones we should be electing to political office.
Thanks from one easily distracted procrastinator.
We are looking forward to seeing all of you and a great time together.
Doug and I are still in Kansas City- 28 years. I’m still working in nursing and still loving it. Our two children are responsible (in spite of us), grown people. They are both married to awesome mates and are brewing us up a nice batch of grandbabies-three so far. The youngest was born July 5th. You’ll just have to wait and see if you recognize us. We’d appreciate it if you’d just see our young, 1969 faces when you look at us.

Lyle Castle

It’s a little hard to believe it has been 40 years! When I see the signs around here giving Congratulations to the class of 2009, it reminds me that it really has been 40 years.

I’ve been blessed to be married to my High School sweetheart, Cindy Dwight from Springfield, SD for 35 years. Earlier this year we celebrated 41 years since our first date. Naturally she remembers the dates better than I do. We have two kids, Alexis (Lexi) and Tyler, and now three grandkids, all girls, Aylie 22 months, Briella 3 months, and Madelyn 2 months.

Everyone lives in the Chicago area and we are avid fans of the Bears, Bulls, Blackhawk’s, Cubs, (Cindy, Lexi and probably Brie), White Sox, (Lyle, Tyler and now Aylie). I think this Cubs/Sox thing could get more interesting as time goes by…Aylie really is a Sox fan, so this should be fun. We just celebrated our first Fathers’ Day where all the guys qualified.

We still have the same software business we have been involved with for 20 years. We have a niche product in a niche market, but we have developed a solid reputation for delivering a good product, and we have great people on staff. I still enjoy the business, even the travel, OK not the 6 hour storm delay in Hartford, but most of it, so I don’t see retiring any time soon. Cindy and I talked about it this spring and I think she was freaked with the idea of me with nothing to do. Cindy has been a substitute teacher for years, but when she got an opportunity to teach full time, she jumped at it. She is now tenured and will probably teach for the next couple of years, the kids and parents love her.

I have been involved with Men’s International Missions for over 10 years. Mostly we work on children’s homes or church’s; this year we have trips going to Costa Rica, Baja Mexico, Belize, and Haiti. It has been an incredibly rewarding part of my life.

Sometimes I listen to channel 6 on Syris, the “60’s” radio station. The kids tell me you have to really be old to listen to that…they have even bought me some current CD’s and the music isn’t bad, but it’s not the same. I know it’s a bit of escapism to listen to the old tunes, but was there better music? The Temptations, Aretha, and the Stones, yes, it has been 40 years, but was there ever a better time to grow up?
Look forward to seeing you at the reunion…Lyle and Cindy Castle

John Bicknell

Hi everyone, I was just back in Yankton over the 4th for a family reunion and will not be able to attend the class reunion. Natalie (Hawerlander, class of 1970) and I have lived in Colorado since 1979 and currently reside in Parker which is a suburb just south of Denver. We have two daughters and each of them have two daughters, ages 5,4,3&2. My dream of being surrounded by beautiful women has come true. They all live in the Denver area and we spend as much time as possible with the granddaughters, one of the best blessings in my life. We enjoy the great outdoors of Colorado as much as we can. My personal passion is endurance road cycling and I have ridden my bicycle over many of the mountain passes in the state. I also spent many years reffing high school wrestling. Being a Buck wrestler was one of my fondest mememories along with being in the band/orchestra, Mr. Larson and who could forget Lucy Weed banging her wand on a music stand and stomping her heel. I am currently in private practice as a business broker and work out of my home office, what a life style! You all have a great time this weekend.

Linda M. Hiltner

Hi fellow classmates from the Class of 1969. Whew! Still doesn't seem possible that 40 years have gone by. I am getting to the age where my children are almost as old as I am since I have this delusion that I'm only in my late 20s. This is what my mind thinks anyway but my body says otherwise and has its age-appropriate requirements of periodic naps, driving slower, and taking time to appreciate life and Nature more.

However, back to the age thing. Pretty soon my children will pass me in age --- then what???

On the other hand, I seem to be passing my Mother since she claims to still be in her 50s. We are all just part of the generational sandwich: the older generation being on one side, the younger on the other side, and we are in the middle -- for now that is. So, speaking for myself, no matter how hard I try or wish or may mentally be/feel young, the reality is I can't hang on to youth forever. Well, that's for another long discussion and is enough philosophy for now. If anyone wants to discuss philosophy further, see me at the reunion, ok?

Let me see, over the last 10 years, both my beautiful daughters left home and went on with their lives. My oldest (Kady, on the far right in the wedding photo) finished college at the University of Wisconsin and joined the Army. She is stationed in North Carolina and is due to get out of the Army this winter.

Kady and I attended the same university at the same time and graduated the same year but at different times. That was awesome since I was pregnant with her when I finished by Bachelor's Degree in Sioux Falls.

BTW, Kady got me a digital camera for Mother's Day this year, which is the only reason I have access to any wedding photos so soon after the wedding. You see, I am technologically challenged and not afraid to admit it. My old 35mm film cameras would have had to do if Kady hadn't gotten me the digital camera. Thank goodness for children and my brother who understands this digital and computerized age we live in and are willing to help me out.

My youngest daughter (Dannette, the bride) joined the U.S. Marines while still in high school and finished her service a few years ago. She got married to David (claims to be a Redneck) on June 21 in North Carolina, which is where I hung out this past winter to be closer to both my daughters.

While in North Carolina, I (in the dark green dress) discovered I am a Midwesterner at heart and possibly to the core. I knew I would be returning to either Minnesota or South Dakota after the wedding. Once or if grandchildren arrive at any time and if they are in North Carolina, I may have to review where I will be living. And, the Midwesterner-to-the-core thing may only apply until I travel to Alaska, which is another adventure on my list of things to do one day. The U.S. is so big and there's so much to explore, see and do, and people to meet along the way. Of course, the road does seem to be getting much longer the older I get.

Let me see, backtracking a little bit, I graduated from the University of Wisconsin (2005) with a Master's Degree that I have loosely applied to my work life. One of these days, I'll get on that again.

Immediately after graduation in 05', I left Wisconsin and spent some time in South Dakota. Then, when my oldest daughter was stationed in California, I went to visit her and see some country, as well as visit family and friends along the way. Since then, I have traveled to both coasts to visit my daughters wherever they were stationed and also worked as a ranch hand, waitress/cook, and as a professional test assessor/scorer for companies in Minnesota and North Carolina. My nomadic lifestyle has some advantages and some disadvantages and is a discussion for another time or a book.

The kitty (named Bo, as in Bodacious) is my traveling companion and a great joy to me. We found each other three years ago when I was a ranch hand for my friends at their ranch in Southwestern South Dakota over the winter. Yikes, I just realized I've turned into one of those "older" people who travel with their cat!!!! Oh well, at least Bo and I seem to have fun or she tolerates traveling and me quite well. She walks on a leash --- as much as one can take a cat for a walk that is. She definitely has a huge Spirit for such a tiny little body.

Well, I have babbled on long enough. Can you tell my degree was in journalism? Once I start writing, I have a hard time stopping. The starting part can be the hardest, though. Hence, the waiting until almost the last minute to post anything on the blog.

See ya'll (picked that up in North Carolina) at the reunion.

Linda M. Hiltner

MIKE & LORI FOSTER:

After graduating from the University of Nebraska College of Law in 1975, I practice law in Lincoln, Nebraska; Sioux City, Iowa; Des Moines, Iowa; and back to Lincoln, Nebraska. In 1981, I lived and worked in the Chicago, Illinois suburbs for 4 years and then went into my own solo-practice in New Castle, Indiana for 16 years. In 2004, I relocated to Southwest Florida.

After being single for 12 years, I married Lori in April of 2008 on the Gulf beaches of Naples, Florida. In 10 minutes, she became a mother of 4 (Michelle, 39!; Jeffrey, 37; Steven, 33, and Danielle, 19) and a grandmother of 5 (Jeff's Mariah is 15!). I have been looking forwared to this for several months but could not quite figure out this blog site until now. Lori and I will actually arrive in Wednesday; and it will be really great to catch up on old friends.

Randy Ramsley

Greetings..........I am really hopeful that I will be able to return to Yankton for the event. Some really fine friends have agreed to watch the place sooooooooooo.

I have been living in Southern Utah for 15 years now. I work on a sustainable farm located on the eastern gateway to Capitol Reef National Park (pictures and stuff at www.mesafarmmarket.com )

The farm takes up most of my time. It is a culmination of a vision I have had for many years. Something of a dream/nightmare. We are currently building a goat dairy/farmstead cheese operation. The licensing process is brutal. We are milking 20 does this season and producing about 15 lbs of cheese a day. Formage blanc, chevre, and feta with a little kefer and yogurt for fun. We also produce 36 loaves of artisan bread baked in a wood fired stone oven each day. And we also farm 6 acres of organic fruits and vegetables.

If I could find the time I would be playing guitar...lets see... only 90 days till the frost... but hey I get to come to Yankton for a fun weekend. I really am looking forward to seeing you all.

Sharon Pike

It's been great fun to hear about classmates! I'm feeling pressured/threatened by peers to jot something before they do it for me. At our 10 year reunion, I lived in Colorado, at 20th in California, at 30th in Colorado and now 40th back in California…. So does that mean I’m moving back to Colorado within next 10 years??? Seriously doubt it as my husband Ken and I are loving life in the Palm Springs area. I was working hard, now I’m hardly working, but enjoying golf… although some days, golfing seems like hard work. I have 7 step grandkids ages 5 to 20 that live in Newport Beach (only100 miles away) and in Nashville,TN so many visits to see them. I experienced a wonderful ‘three generation’ trip to France recently with my aunt and my niece. I seem to have tapped into my creative side with owning a paint-it-yourself pottery studio for 6 yrs, followed with faux painting, and now working on a journal/book based upon the incredible relationship I had with my parents throughout my life. I lost them both within the last several months and have spent much of the last year in Yankton, so coming home for our Reunion is one of my regularly scheduled flights!

Pam Marchand

You can tell that I am spending my time much as I did in High School driving up and down Broadway(or Brokaw Blvd) the only thing that has changed is I added a cell phone. Ross said I had to do this or he would. I was a little afraid of what he would say so here go's. I am in Yankton and loving it. I have been the Yankton County Treasurer for the last 14 years. Yes I am that nasty person that collects real estate taxes and licenses your motor vehicles its a dirty job but someones got to do it. I do like my job its ever changing and it helps to keep the mind working. Other then work spending time with family and friends. Looking forward to seeing all of you.

You're crackin me up.... ;-)

This is great---come on---defend yourself...!!!

Does anyone remember this guy? He may show up too--

Name tags will be welcome--bring your glasses and hearing aids.....HA!

Mary Anne Nelson

It's been a long time since I have seen many of you, but I'm really looking forward to seeing folks!I have been living with my family in Niagara Falls, NY for the past 15 years. My husband Bill is a native of Buffalo, NY so I relocated to his neck of the woods. Unlike many, I suppose, I started late with having a family. We have 2 children, Hannah, 15 and Jonathan, 11. After graduating from Augustana College in 1973, I taught one year at Flandreau and worked in the Twin Cities doing theatre and singing in clubs. Then I came back to South Dakota and received two Masters Degrees from USD, one in Theatre and one in Music, applied voice. Then followed several years of hanging out in New York and acting and singing in regional theatres in the midwest, but finally in 1984 I took the plunge and went to Luther Seminary. It had taken me 13 years to figure out that's what I was supposed to do. Even while I was in school, I continued to earn money for classes by taking off a term to go do a show. I was ordained in 1990 and took my first call at a large church just outside of Rochester, MN.When Bill and I met in 1990, we stayed in MN for 4 1/2 years and then moved out to Buffalo-Niagara where I took a call in an urban inner city situation where I stayed for 10 years working with people in poverty. It was great work, but over time I got pretty worn out. I was a pastor in 2 other congregations in that area, one in Jamestown and one in Grand Island. When my Mom fell last year and was hospitalized off and on over 5 months and I was flying back and forth almost every month, Bill and I began to think about moving back to the midwest. By this time, Bill was also a Lutheran pastor, so we both interviewed at churches in Aberdeen, and got the calls. We moved back to South Dakota in April, and I'm loving it!I love the peace of mind that I have when my son decides to go for a bike ride and I don't have to worry about him. My children never even walked around the block alone where we lived before because of drug dealers etc. It was the work I had chosen to do, but my kids didn't have much freedom. It's so fun to be in a place where people are friendly and for the most part sincere!I have great memories of my friends from school days in Yankton. It was a good place to grow up. When I'm there now I don't think I see anyone I know, but hey, maybe I just don't recognize you! Let's see how we do in July. Peace, Mary Anne Nelson-(Loefke)

Do You Recognize These Cute 6 & 7 Year Olds?

They are: Pat Osborn, Vicki Willman, Mike Oleson & Colleen Menke.

Signed, Wish I Was As Cute As You Guys!

Let's Hope That Some People Have Changed Since High School!

The earlier blog with these pictures was just to small to get the full effect! What is with your hair dos!? Looks to me like a cow left a little something behind on your head!

Signed,

Someone who should know better because of that "payback" thing!

Mr. Halstead's Chemistry Class

Looks to me like you guys are taste-testing fudge instead of doing a chemistry experiment!

From,

"Not Smart Enough to Take Chemistry"

Nice Legs Guys!!!

The two on the ends are classmates (Dave Padrnos and Lee Weber). Looks like it was the pep rally where they were the cheerleaders. Does Lee Weber have any pants on!?!?!?

See you at the reunion! Hope to see those legs too!--maybe!

Good Grief!!!!!

Nice hair! Nice glasses! You didn't win any prizes for "Best Looking Prom Couple", did you! Ceci, were you thinking--"how are we going to do the good night kiss thing with all of our teeth in the way?" Bill, I'll bet you were wondering if anything was going to come crawling out of that pile (and I mean "pile") of curls! Yikes!!!! Ceci, hope you have a new style by the reunion, or has it been so long ago that that style has come full circle? Bill, hope you just have hair!!

Best Regards,

You'll Never Know

A Break From Skiing at Lewis & Clark

Jerry, at least we got to see your bio. Sandy and Warren, we are still waiting!

From,

The one who took the picture! The one you left floating in the lake after I wiped out! The one whose ski nailed her in the _____! The one who had fish nipping at her feet as she waited for you to come back! Can you tell that I'm still ticked!!!???

From a "Babe" to a "Beauty?"

The old morning routine to get back to looking like the cutie on the left!

Signed,

Someone who has a lot more pictures a lot worse than this! Better get your bio on the blog!

Joe Zilla

After attending three colleges, all across the state, got married and finished at Mount Marty with a degree in nursing. Worked several jobs and then went into the Army for 14 years, finished in the reserves. During the active duty times, lived in 8 states and in Central America. The Army sent me to school to learn how to pass gas, and that is what I do for a living. It is a good job and gives me the chance to travel around the state performing that job. We have 4 children and three grandchildren, the kids are in the area and we get to see frequently. The grandkids are also in Mitchell, so we really get to spoil them. I wish we had learned earlier, that grandkids are so much fun, would have skipped the middle and gone right for the grandkids. Joan and I learned to love to travel with all the moving in the Army so we try and take as many trips as possible. Nothing else exciting in our lives, no prison terms, no pictures of large fish, just family life.
Joe Zilla

Jon Harberts

Aloha classmates of '69,
I assume that you, as I am, amazed that it has been 40 long, yet very fast years. After graduation I stayed in Yankton for a couple of years working at the Mocamba Club.
I then spent 2 summers working at Breezy Point resort in northern MN., spending the winter in Louisville, KY w/ my brother ( Jim Harmon, class of '62) while he attended college.
In '72, I attended Southern State Teachers College, in Springfield. Later to become USD/springfield.(now a prison, like Yankton). There I played football & tennis. I then transferred to Black Hills State in Spearfish, & graduated w/ a B.S in Biology and played a couple of years of soccer. There I befriended Bill Franz (class of '71) & we are still best of friends.
In '78 I moved to Boulder, CO. & lived w/ Bob Guthmiller, who later was my "best man". There I started to work at the Good Earth Rest., & moved to Denver in '81 as a kithen mgr., again partying/rooming w/ Bob. There I did a lot of downhill skiing & became quite good.
In '84 I had the opportunity to move to Maui, HI, as a rest./niteclub mgr. There I got involved in the state sport of Outrigger Canoe Racing for 7 yrs, where we raced on & between all the islands. A lot of fun and a chance to get into excellent shape. I was also a vegetarian for 8 yrs. (excl. fish & seafood, of course)
On Maui, I met my wife who had lived 16 yrs in San Fran., & 16 yrs on Maui. Before we were married we went on a 3 week sailing trip to Tahiti with her mom & boyfrind on their 36' Sloop sail boat. We were married in Oct of '90. We then moved to Mpls, Mn in May of '91, just in time to experience the 100 yrs blizzard of Holloween & Thanksgiving, when we got 40" & 14" of snow. "Welcome to MN!!!" There I worked 15 yrs.for my brother who had a very large & very successful office furniture business. I have had a couple of other short term jobs since he sold the business & suddenly died in May of '06. My dad (Ralph) died in '82, & my mom (Mickey) in '85. I have also worked for the last 4 yrs. at The Home Depot for about 22 hrs/wk in the lumber dept., which is fun because I get to drive all the forklifts.
We have 2 very under achieving boys, ages 18 & 15 1/2. Both are physically healthy & morally sound, for which I am trully grateful as I pray for them every day. In Sept. of '06 I moved out of my house, after yrs of a tumultuous marriage, & a 1 yr., 60# weight loss. The divorce should be final any day.
The best news from all of this, is that it has afforded me the opportunity to reconnect on a truly commited basis with our Lord & Savior Jesus Christ, resulting in my public baptism in April of '07. (ref. Rom. 10:9-10, 2 Chron. 16:9) Two of my favorites are Prov. 16:9, & Jer. 29:11.
Looking to seeing you in July! Blessings to all of you. Jon

Can Anyone Identify These Old Gals?

Since Joan, Sandy, Sharon and Marsha (in no particular order) have not yet sent in their blogs, I warned that I would just have to do it for them! I all "butt" gave up finding a picture of the "flab" (I mean "fab") four, but finally found this one showing off their best "ass"ets! When you vacation together (last year) you should never turn your back (backside) to the camera. Maybe they will identify who's who at the reunion! Looking pretty good for 58!!!

Got ya! Ceci

Judy Olson

Greetings to the YHS class of ‘69 from Minnesota!
Like the rest of you, I can’t believe we are old enough to be celebrating our 40-year class reunion! I’m anxious in more ways than one to attend the reunion knowing I may not recognize someone who I used to call a good friend!
My life hasn’t been terribly interesting to most people, but I think I’ve done okay.
My best years in the professional world were as an art teacher and fine arts coordinator (athletic director for the arts) until 1991, when the arts in our rural Minnesota area suffered at the hands of the notorious ‘budget cuts’. After my position was eliminated, I began my tenure as a housing director at a congregate living complex for senior citizens. I truly like my job and have come to appreciate those senior citizens Tom Brokaw so appropriately refers to as “The Greatest Generation”. They have so much to teach the rest of us about values, work ethics, faith and respect.
I also currently write two articles a week for our local newspaper. I do enjoy interviewing folks who have a story to share and trying to tell their story to the rest of the world. One of my most interesting interviews was with Al Franken, and the toughest with Iraq and Afghanistan soldiers and their families.
I was an EMT for many years until this old woman decided it was time to give the younger folks a chance at climbing in cars and out of ditches!
My ‘fun’ includes working in my yard and playing drums in the Milan Community Band. We have been entertaining in parades and concerts for 33 years. I still enjoy my position as “the drummer” and am rewarded by watching kids from two to 92 dance when we pass them by in a parade! We play some old time rock and roll and some country songs. But, no oom-pa stuff! We’re not THAT old!
Brad and I divorced three years ago after 33 years of marriage. We remain friends and are proud of our two children. Jeff and his wife are both deputies in Wright County. Heather and her husband have given us three of the greatest grandkids in the world: Soren, Maren and Gillian!
Looking forward to seeing each of you in July!! Judy

Jerry Pfeiffer

Hello everyone from the Northwest. Sadly I am not going to make it back for our 40th. ( I can just hear all the disappointed sighs.) It sounds like the reunion will be a good time but we will be on the east coast for a wedding/family gathering on Roberta's side of the clan. I have enjoyed reading all the latest from those willing to share. For me, we have been living in Oregon since 1976. I have been working for IBM the last 10 years since they bought out my previous employer. The electronics industry has treated me pretty well for the past 25+ years, but I am looking forward to the day that I can call it quits. Our daughter, Charolette, is a sophomore at Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, WA and hence the reason I am not retired now. I hope you all have a great time at the reunion. Maybe someone will post photos after it is all over. If any of you are out in the vicinity of Beaverton, Oregon look us up. We are in the book. I can also be reached via email jerrypff@netscape.net. Feel free to drop me a note at any time. It would be great to hear what I missed out on in July.

My best to everyone,

Jerry

Brooke McDonald & Ross VanDerhule

Wow, time flies when you're having fun! Happy to be back in SD, living in Sioux Falls, wishing our kids were closer. Brooke still busy with her nursing career, Ross commuting to Yankton to work at his brother's company. Our three children are all in Denver. Emily and Polly are married, Jeff is involved with a gal. Polly has two children and we try to get to Denver a couple times a year just to spoil the grandkids. Our free time is filled kayaking, exercising, gardening, hunting, reading, and beating each other at Scrabble (Brooke cheats). Can't wait to see all who can attend the reunion, and will miss those who don't. Everyone have a great summer!!

Bob Guthmiller

Hello everyone. After graduation I spent three years in the military. While everyone was being sent to Viet Nam I spent my time in Central America. I then attended college in South Dakota but went out to Boulder, Colorado for spring break. That was the end of that. I returned to South Dakota to finish the semester and have lived in Colorado ever since. Whether it’s skiing or fly fishing it’s a great place to be. I worked for IBM for a number of years where I met my wife, Tammy. I now am a marketing manager for Yamaha Marine Group. I manage their independent marine dealer network in 15 states in the heartland and west, including the Dakota’s for a period of time. I travel a great deal. I get to boat a lot and hook up with Yamaha fishing pros around the country. We have a boat on a slip about 10 minutes from our house here in metro Denver. While it’s not a large lake it’s been fun to teach the neighborhood kids how to ski and wakeboard over the years. We have two wonderful daughters. Our older, Brittany just graduated from the University of Colorado and is working in the marketing department at Janus Capital Group. Our younger, Lindsey will be a sophomore at the University of Kansas next year. I’m trying to rearrange some work commitments to make the reunion. If I do attend the first thing I’ll do is apologize to Tom Lee. I read the first paragraph of his blog and said to myself, “Yeah, I figured as much.” Sorry Tom.

Dana Nelson

Back in Yankton again after several years at two different times in Pierre. In between I squeezed in about 2 1/2 years in Topeka, Kansas. I've been back in Yankton for a little over six years this time. I am currently the Director of Operations at the South Dakota Human Services Center (State Hospital). The job isn't as important as it may sound, but I do supervise most of the non-medical and non-clinical things at the hospital. I supervise security, switchboard, housekeeping, dietary and the mailroom. I also am the hospital liaison with the Department of Corrections Minimum Security Unit on grounds and work on a variety of special projects for the hospital that don't seem to fall in anyone else's scope of work. Prior to that I had the pleasure of working on the staffs of former Governors Bill Janklow and George Mickelson in Pierre for about 15 years. It sort of made my government career. Still officiating football, basketball and track for sideline entertainment. I've been married twice (not that good at it I guess), and have two successful daughters, Heather (Pierre) and Audra (Sioux Falls). I also have a granddaughter (Madison is her name and she lives in Pierre), who is ten going on 18. I've had lots of fun times in the past 40 years, but I am really looking forward to this reunion. I am hoping that a lot of people who I lost touch with will come. See you in July.

Fair warning.....

We have an idea that some of you are reading these blogs, but not willing to send in a picture or a few lines about yourself.....we sure would like you to join in the fun. If you are not comfortable on this site---just send the write-up and picture to moso@tds.net
Otherwise, we just may have to dig up some more pictures from way, way back....Who are those young kids?

Bob Gunderson

Hello fellow classmates--40 years--WOW, it's been a long and bumpy ride. As most of you remember, I left Yankton in the summer of '68. My dad went to work for the State of SD and had to move to Pierre. Even though I did not graduate from Yankton, it is where I was born and raised. I married a local Pierre girl and through that marriage I was blessed with four children: Bryan, Teresa, Jason, and Kristin who are all in their early or late 30's. And with them have been further blessed with 10 grandchildren, 7 girls and 3 boys between ages 7-17. Boy does that make me feel OLD!!
I have been divorced for 7 years and not remarried. And on a personal note, I have worked as a mechanic, of some sort since high school. I own my own transmission repair shop in Pierre for the past 15 years.
My hobbies include umpiring softball for the past 26 years, car racing, yes I drive on dirt ovals and have for the past 15 years. I love to fish but don't get out as much as I would like but I do a lot of hunting, from waterfowl, upland game, deer and antelope. I even went to Africa on safari to hunt--what a rush!!!!
Well, I should stop now as if I were to tell you everything now, we would have nothing to talk about at the reunion. See you there, Bob