Tuesday, July 28, 2009

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!!

Friday, July 24, 2009

GROUP PHOTO



Click on the photo to enlarge.

Thursday, July 23, 2009

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.

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

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!

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

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

Monday, July 20, 2009

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

Sunday, July 19, 2009

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

Friday, July 17, 2009

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.

Thursday, July 16, 2009

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






Thursday, July 9, 2009

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.

Sunday, July 5, 2009

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.

Friday, July 3, 2009

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!