Mailbag -- Letters to the Trailboss

John Herdan to Trailboss
Stan:
Just a quick endorsement for the power of the web site; I'm walking through Mills Fleet Farm in Alex looking for the shortest line when a voice behind me says, "Hi John, I don't think I would have recognized you except for your picture on the class web site." I spin around and there's Pat Collins Owens. The length of the line is now no longer relevant, and I hop in line with her and we have a great conversation. Let's hope people keep sending in pictures so we can have more conversations like this. It was great!
John

Trailboss to John Herdan
Try to deal with your celebrity with humility and grace, John. Hmm. Mills Fleet Farm – where the stars come out. --TB

Betty Pederson to Trailboss
Stan:
I haven't been in touch with most of the class for 30+ years so it is really nice to read your 65 Roundup website.
I found out about the website on a recent trip to Dallas. While there, my husband and I had dinner with Diane McCarthy Hendricks and her husband, Bill. Diane said she would be sending you her information soon.
I just want to let you know I am still alive and kicking and will send a bio later. I have to think of what I want to say. It has been great reading all the articles on the site. I have to say, I don't recognize a lot of the people, but they probably won't recognize me either.
My name is Betty Pederson Putzka. I live in Palmdale, California. My parents have both passed away, so we don't get back to Alex like we used to. Last year we were there for a week or so on vacation. We just happened to go to The Corral too. Great place for ribs!
I will also email this website to Barb Muyres Drexler. I don't remember if she is missing on the list or not.
More later. Thanks for the great website.
Betty

Trailboss to Betty
Diane McCarthy, you are so busted! Now let’s see if Diane gets her note in before Betty.
Regular Blog readers who get their Pedersons, Andersons and Johnsons mixed up…please know that Betty is of the "Locker Pederson" family. --TB

Lorlee to Trailboss
Stan:
I looked back to that old trivia quiz on the web site. Here’s an answer to the Runestone question. Harvey Hammergren was the head of the Chamber of Commerce --- His wife was Gladys.
Now you may wonder how I know that. Well, I have a salad tong set engraved with their names and the Chamber logo on it that apparently was the Christmas token passed out one year. Got it from my Mom and have it after all these years. Amazing what you carry with you.
Lorlee

Trailboss to Lorlee
I'm sure the salad tongs are very nice, Lorlee, but if you hurry down to the Runestone museum you can still obtain the pride of the Birthplace of America, A Bobblehead Ole. --TB

Anonymous to Trailboss
Stan:
You know, Cathy Bakke is correct. That is Darwin Hogey, not Duane Haugen in the hunks photo I sent to you anonymously last month. That should settle the controversy. I am, after all, 58 years old and shouldn't be expected to remember ALL the boys from Central.
Can I still be your secret source?
Anon

Trailboss to Anonymous
Yes, if you've got anything good on Paul Strandberg.

Trailboss to Paul Strandberg:
Barbara Lee Larson, Betty Larson, Mark Larson, Nancy Larson, Sandy Larson, where have all the Larsons gone? We don't have an address for one Larson. What gives? -- TB

Greg Schmidt offers you a cold one at lake cabin

By Greg Schmidt
I am living in Coon Rapids, Minn. and work for IBM, supporting the American Express Account. I have been married to my wife for 23 years and we have 5 ½ grandchildren. Number 6 is due in December.
We have a cabin on Lake Irene by Miltona and spend most every weekend there. My wife (Mary Sibell, Class of ‘71) is a tailor and designer of women’s clothing. Her mother lives in Osakis. She has a sister in Glenwood and one in Alexandria. The one in Alex owns the Radio Shack.

At 86, Dad still does shaver repair
My parents still are living in Alexandria. Do you remember Schmidt’s Electric and Furniture on South Broadway? My Dad will be 86 this year and is still fixing electric shavers in Alexandria. He sold his furniture business in 1965.
We have five children. The oldest, Terry, is a circuit board design engineer in Minneapolis. Dave is owner of the L Motel in Alexandria. Scott is a computer helpdesk technician and lives in Dallas, Texas. Mike is a maintenance engineer here in Minneapolis and our youngest – Jenny is an accountant in Minneapolis.

Troubleshooting American Express from home
I work from home most of the time, and spend all my time on the computer -- fixing problems that arise at American Express.
For hobbies I fish, golf, travel, and work on my stamp collection. I have six states left to visit and then I will have seen all 50.

Pole barn across from Chet's Lakeside
My wife told me I had to get off my duff, as I put most of my time sitting. So when we bought land on Lake Irene, we decided to build a cabin inside a pole barn. We did all of the work ourselves, including the electrical and plumbing. It turned out very nice and is now winterized, so we spend time there in the winter also.
We will probably retire there in the next few years. If you ever eat at Chet’s Lakeside on Lake Irene (They celebrated 50 years of business so you should know where it is) we are right across the street from them in a green and white pole barn. You can also see our building from Highway 29. Please stop in and say Hello. I always have a cold one in the fridge for company and we really like having people stop by to visit.
I am looking forward to seeing you in August.
Greg Schmidt

Bernice Tvrdik Trousil reports in, has two grandkids

Bernice Tvrdik Trousil mailed a nice letter to the Trailboss this week. Bernice has lived in Alexandria all her life. Married a local boy 38 years ago. They live on County Road 21 SW. The couple raised a girl and a boy and they now have two granddaughters.
Bernice worked almost 20 years at the Alexandria Clinic, then took a change of pace and started working part-time at an Eye Clinic.
When her daughter lived in Egypt, they visited her there several times and must have seen the pyramids and antiquties while there.
Her hobbies are card stamping and scrapbooking and, of course, the grandchildren.
Bernice helped us get a couple of classmates tracked down: Vonita Johnson is now Vonnie Godding and Eldonna Keipe is Eldonna Hvezda. Both live in Alexandria.

There's more. . .
Bev Roers Korkowski lost contact with Joyce Angus 15 years ago. When Bev saw Judy and Joyce Angus on the "lost" list she put on her posse hat and went to work. Last night she corralled Joyce.
Here's her account: "Yesterday was my lucky day… found a bunch of Ed Thompsons listed in her part of California, called one of them in the morning and left a message. Believe it or not, I got lucky the first time! It was, indeed, Joyce’s number, and she was very surprised to hear my message. We had a great conversation and hopefully we’ll see her in August. Her sister Judy lives in the Twin Cities, and I had remembered her husband’s first name was Phil and the last name I thought started with “Bo…..” so I had actually started looking thru the phone book without success. See what I’ll do to track someone down????"

Great job on the Angus roundup, Bev. We'll watch for notes from each of them.
(Geez -- Hope I never owe you money.) --TB

Still More. . .
Deputy Bonita Gilbertson has leads on Pete Hintzen, (somewhere in CA?); Kathy Kakac (Kathy's brother Bruce says he'll help with an address), Jeannie Affeldt Guenther, (married to Bill from Class of 63); Sandy Esterberg and Daryl Phelps (married and moved to metro). No confirmations on anything just yet, but they all should be forthcoming.
Good work, Bonita -- TB

Darrell Williams, A spy who came in from Maryland

By Trailboss Stan
Darrell Williams graduated from Jefferson in 1965 and enlisted that fall in the Air Force. His brother had been drafted. The Air Force physicians said he was color blind so they made him a Radio Intercept Analyst. He was actually working for the National Security Agency doing electronic monitoring. Remember the USS Pueblo? That's the Navy side of eavesdropping. Darrell spent 18 months in the Phillipines monitoring south China weather reports and then relaying them on to U.S. networks.
After a closing tour in Maryland, he couldn't wait to return home and to civilian life. He married Judy, a woman he'd met in Maryland, and started a career as an electrician, something his father also did.
But a serious auto accident disabled him and he's been on Social Security for the past 20 years. He keeps busy with home chores and serving as a local fix-it man.
"Having two daughters with 90-year-old houses keeps me pretty busy," he laughs. One lives in Duluth and the other in Minneapolis. A son is a member of the Renaissance Festival circuit that plays in Shakopee every fall.
Darrell and Judy have two grandchildren that he describes as truly a joy.
"Looking forward to seeing you again. They say I look a lot like my Dad did. . . bald and gray!"

Darrell Williams and Co., circa 1958

Class of 1965 graduate Darrell Williams just turned in his update to the '65Roundup. In it he mentions going to School District 460. Above is a portion of an all-school photograph taken in 1958. That's Darrell in the back row, left. Stan Rolfsrud is seated directly in front of the teacher, Mercy Peterson. As one might suspect, Mercy never hit anybody. Seated to the left of the Trailboss is Class of 65er Carol Navratil. Not pictured are 65ers Kathy Kakac and Lorlee Bartos. Others in the picture are the late Eddie Keller, seated at the piano, and Mary and Doris Kluver, at teacher's right. Now look in Darrell's row of desks, reading from the back, Darrell, Alan Chan, Marlow Kluver, Roger Kluver, and Solveig Rolfsrud (Stan's sister Sam). Starting from the back in the next row of desks are Stephen Rolfsrud, Donovan Williams (Darrell's bro), Jimmy Pospisal, Earl Anderson, and Dick Halsted, who could draw really good animals. There were actually five Rolfsruds in the orginal photograph. Stan's sister Linda and brother Virgil got cropped in this version for the internet.(sorry). See Darrell's story. -- Trailboss

Music man is also a family man -- ever more so now

(John Herdan still lives in St. Joseph. He hasn't moved in years and was wondering how come he was on the "lost" list. After all, his correct address is in the old ReOnion. Well, sir, that's because, in this day and age, most people move every seven years, so we didn't go with the expense of mailing letters on the come to 15-year-old addresses. Have you seen the class treasury lately? So that's how come, John. Guess you're lost until you're found, buddy. Great to have you here at last. -- Trailboss)

By John Herdan
The day after our Aug. 6 Class Reunion my bride and I will be celebrating our 29th wedding anniversary. I am married to Judy Murphy who is a graduate of East Chain High School. We met in a wedding when she was maid of honor and I was best man.
I am the middle school band director at Cathedral High School in St. Cloud. We have four band directors in a 500-student program. My program has been very successful. We have had two groups invited to perform at the state music convention in the last four years. Probably the most fun part is the jazz program. I have been involved with all-star jazz groups in the St. Cloud area for eight years now and currently have 12+ kids involved in the three groups. I directed one for a couple years and still fill in playing and directing.

Bobby Vee helps out
One of the highlights of working at Cathedral is the annual fund raiser we have done with Bobby Vee (yes, that Bobby Vee) whose kids all went to Cathedral. In the past few years groups that I have played in have opened for Herman’s Hermits, Three Dog Night, Tommy James and the Shondels, and Little Richard. This year we worked with Buddy Holly’s original Crickets. What a great bunch of guys.
Judy now works in the pacemaker clinic at the St. Cloud Hospital after many years in intensive care (including a year at Douglas County Hospital). She works eight hour days for the first time in her life but lost the flexibility that 12 hour shifts gave to spend more time at the lake. One of the downsides of her ICU job was like the night I stopped to see her several years ago and ran headlong into Kay Davis only to find out Judy’s patient was Bill. He had a brain aneurism and sadly didn’t make it.

Jetski fanatic, lighthouse builder
We do still maintain a home on the north side of Lake Latoka near the beach. You can usually catch us there anytime from the 4th of July until fall sports start in August. My son Michael and I became kind of famous a couple of years ago when we built three 12-foot tall lighthouses and had them on the shoreline. The patriotic version can still be seen on our dock all summer. I have turned into a jet ski fanatic and can usually be found sailing over somebody’s wake. Gary Seth spends lots of time repairing my busted equipment.
One of the crazy things in my life is how my kids have turned out. Sportswise I could only be elected to hall of shame (probably academically too- there were quite a group of us that made the top half of the class possible). But my kids have fared better. Since the last reunion: Michael, age 25, was starting fullback on the football team at Cathedral and a state champion in track. He ran two years of college track and played one year of college football. He also played two years in the college jazz band traveling to New Orleans. He was a manager for Border Foods (Pizza Hut) and is now finishing his degree at UM Morris. Stephen, age 23, was an 800 yard rusher his senior year at Cathedral and was a part of the State Champion Fergus Falls Community College football team. He is an RN at Merit Care Hospital in Fargo. Katie, age 20, our 4.0 student, was on the Cathedral Volleyball team that finished 4th in the state. She is a double major in music and Spanish at UW River Falls. She will be playing 8 concerts with the Minnesota Orchestra next fall and may be traveling to Europe twice to play her saxophone. Jennifer, age 15, was on a Junior Olympic volleyball team that won the President’s Tournament in the Twin Cities. She plays clarinet and is finishing her 9th grade year. Her twin brother, David, also 15 for those of you who weren’t sure how twins work, plays a mean game of football. He had nearly 30 sacks last year and is a projected starter as a sophomore in the fall. He was in the middle school all state band last year and is a featured jazz soloist on bari sax in several groups in this area. Just yesterday he was elected Sophomore class president for next year.

Found his parents, brothers
There is an explanation to all of this. Some of you know I was adopted when I was only a week old. Eleven years ago I found my Mom and Dad (married to each other) and three full blooded brothers. They are all smart, athletic, good looking, and all the other traits my kids inherited. After lining up my three sons next to my three brothers I had to stop blaming the milkman. It’s been a blast having a family and they are an important new part of my life. My baby brother just got elected Mayor of Sauk Rapids. Good thing we don’t have the same last name in case he screws up.
That’s a lot of changes since the last reunion but life is great and change only keeps it exciting and keeps us young for sure. I look forward to seeing you all but don’t wait till the reunion if you’re in Alex or St. Joe

++++++++

(John Herdan looked over the archives of this Class of 65 blog recently and added the following update and comments. -- Trailboss )

The courtship of Bill and Anne
Anne and Bill Riggs and I have become very close personal friends because of the 12 years Bill and I spent playing in the Alexandria Big Band. Bill and Anne know that I take full credit for them getting together. I tell the story in their presence regularly.
The first year Anne taught in Alex, she had prep the same hour that I had Bill Riggs' social studies. She would walk by Bill, who was standing in the hall between classes like all good teachers, and she’d give him a smile and a wink. As his eyes followed her down the hall, he would unconsciously hand me his grade book and say, “Here, go do current events.”
Now those of you who ever had me give you credit for a current events report know that this was a good deal for all of us as you and I got easy points -- and Bill got a wife. As an aside, my oldest son Michael had Bill for a teacher at UM Morris -- much like my mom and I both had Gordon Melby for a chemistry teacher. I do have to say Bill has aged more gracefully than Mr. Melby did.

Herdan just had twins, Paul
To Paul Strandberg: It was only twins, not triplets, but it is fun trying to teach two 15 year olds to drive at the same time.

Dad owned Blue Ribbon bakery
I, too, used to go over to the Fountain of Youth for food. For the record, the fried rolls came from Tubby’s Bakery which was on 6th Avenue next to Floyd Bolin’s Dairy. The Fountain was the only place in the obscurity of a large crowd that I dared to eat anything from a competing bakery. To this day, those are probably my favorites but my Dad never made them. The cream horns and crispies (also known as cow pies) came from the Blue Ribbon Bakery which my Dad owned until 1971. Both Dad and Gene Braunschwieg (Chuck’s dad) drove trucks. Tubby bought Dad out in 1971. He only owned the bakery for a short period before selling it to Duane Braun.
Tubby moved to Arizona and just passed away fairly recently. Tubby’s family is still in the bakery business in the area as his brother owns the Cold Spring Bakery, which I manage to find on occasion. Our bakery is still on the corner of 4th and Broadway and is now “The Roer’s Family Bakery.” The food is still good and you can still find a few of the old favorites. They even have a display of some old pictures and a few items from when it was the Blue Ribbon Bakery.

Tonsils in a jar
I’m glad someone remembered St. Luke’s Hospital on the corner of 9th and Elm. I had my tonsils out there. We found them hidden in a cupboard in a jar when we cleaned my parent’s house out in 1991.

Seeger's snakes, The Flippers
I’m sure some of the girls in our class must have participated in the traditional homecoming “snake dances” which would have then allowed them at least temporary admission to Seeger’s Pool Hall. In the front, down the steps, and out the back. Another radio station that I think was a favorite back then was KOMA in Oklahoma City. They were one of the few stations I remember that would play the music of “The Fabulous Flippers.” I have a friend who just came across some re-releases of The Flippers. I will see if I can come up with it by August. Does anybody remember the first drive-in in Alex? It was owned by Ed Loske and was on the right hand side of North Nokomis just after you came over the bridge. I believe there is a car wash there today.

Confessions of a doorbell ringer
For those of you who went to St. Mary’s, I had the privilege of working for a few years with Sr. Rita Barthel who was the first principal of St. Mary’s. She certainly remembered a lot of you. She supplied the first names and I filled in the last names. Among the select few were Mike Geiser, Mike Gillespie, and Jim Clifford. She did also say, what I disgustingly remember as true, that “Judy Blanchard was perfect.”
Several of the nuns that taught at St. Mary’s were at Sister Rita’s funeral a couple of years ago. At that time I admitted to them that it really was me, Pat Osterberg, Paul Osterberg, Jimmy Kain, and assorted others that would pull the old "front doorbell, back doorbell" routine on them regularly. We would lie in Jon Inward’s yard, with one person hidden in the front bushes and one hidden in the back. The nuns had lots of windows and never closed the shades. Their front and back doorbells had different rings so with a well-timed “front” and a well-timed “back” we could get them going back and forth like the bear in the rifle game at Andy’s Interlachen Inn. Fortunately for me, Father Tim Baltes (Alex grad) was thereat the funeral to hear my confession and give me absolution. The nuns thought it was hysterical.

Krueger's Creek
I also work with Alex grads Barb Degrote (younger) and Rollie Krueger (older). Rollie said he’s not related to the Krueger’s of “Crick” fame but did go parking there with his girlfriend.

One last question: "Chicken Man?"
Here’s one last question for you. Does anybody remember why Marlin Madsen, when he saw me at Bud Christensen’s funeral, hollered all the way across the room, “Chicken Man!” ? And don’t forget to ask me my deer hunting story with Mr. Madsen, Andy Karlsgodt, Ted Lohrman, Clayton Amundson, and other assorted teachers.

It's all happening at the zoo. . . It's true

Most of the Herdan family at the New Orleans Zoo in March. John, Michael, David, Jennifer, and Judy. David broke his ankle just in time for the trip.

Junior High Hunks -- Too Cool for School

Controversy rears its head again. Cathy Bakke, somewhat of an authority on hunks herself, writes to say the original caption on this photo isn't quite right: "Looking good and hanging out behind Central Junior High are Dennis Haugen, Bobby Watson and Mike Burkey." Cathy thinks the guy on the left is Darwin Hogey, not Dennis. She says Barb Schultz would know for sure. Barb, how about it? Darwin lived in Denver for a time. And while we are at it, where are the Haugens?

James Schrupp died June 16, 2001, at age 55

James Marlow Schrupp was born in Alexandria, son of Richard and Dorothy (Vipond) Schrupp. Jim graduated from Jefferson High School in 1965 before serving in the U.S. military for four years. He served in the U.S. Navy aboard the U.S.S. Enterprise during the Vietnam War. Following Jim’s service, he moved to San Diego with his family. Jim worked in supply at the Naval Air Station at Miramar, California.
In 1990 he returned to the Alexandria area where he lived in Viking Towers. Jim enjoyed hunting in his early years. He continued to fish whenever he had the chance. He was an avid Twins and Vikings fan; he enjoyed many sports. Jim was also a fan of John Wayne and his movies.
He loved volunteering as a tutor at the elementary schools. He served on the Financial Committee and was Chairman of the Resident’s Council at Bethany Home. He was a member of the local American Legion, VFW, and Vietnam Veterans of America organizations.
Jim also enjoyed eating at Alexandria’s restaurants. Despite Jim’s failing health, he continued his friendships and always maintained a positive outlook on life.
Jim died on June 16, 2001, at Bethany Home, at the age of 55. He is survived by his sister, Virginia, and her husband, Blaine Fluth of Minneapolis; several nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and an uncle; and his good friend Gary David Martin of Alexandria.
James was preceded in death by his parents; and two brothers, Donald and an infant twin, Richard. A memorial service was held on June 21, 2001 at the Bethany Home Chapel with Reverend Dan Christ officiating. Kim Byrne provided music. Military honors were accorded by American Legion Post #87, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #936 and the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 235. Interment was in Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis. Arrangements were with the Anderson Funeral Home.

Mom and Pop have Shop in Detroit Lakes

Rick Floding and Barb Vendel -- Spring 1965

Trailboss gets a 2fer
Sound Shop Partners
run business together
By Rick Floding and Barb Vendel
As we're still married, you get two contacts for the price of one here.
We've been living here in Detroit Lakes since '76. We own and operate a true Mom and Pop retail store, 'The Sound Shop'.
We've raised up four kids, and we're happy to report that they are not living at home, plus they are all gainfully employed.
Tina, our oldest, lives with her boyfriend just a mile down the road from us. She now teaches at the high school where she graduated.
Nathan, our Chiropractor son, unfortunately (for us) lives in Washington or Barb and I would be getting free adjustments.
Jed gave up his full time musician gig to become a Veterinary Technician. Jed lives with his girl friend Lacey and a half dozen animals in Portland.
Our youngest, Roxanne, is married to R.J. and they are Chemical Engineers living in Dayton, Ohio with their two dogs.
Are we waiting for grandchildren? Jeez, we're still waiting for the first three just to get married! Yeah, I still ride motorcycles, but I think the most enjoyment I get out of life is when things are 'right' and Barb and I are sharing a good meal and a bottle of wine.
We'll try and make to the reunion.

Colonial Club Reunion II 

Colonial Club Reunion 

Winter Carnival 1962 -- The Peppermint Twist

Hey Ric. Do you remember anything about this photo?, we asked. Rick Beresford's prompt response: "Sure I remember! That was the Winter Carnival at Central in early 1962. Lynn Spellman had been elected Queen, and if I'm not mistaken, Bud Bruzek was the King who crowned her. Carol Engstrom and I were the eighth grade "attendants," and a kid named Gary Riley was the 7th grade guy attendant (his dad was a veterinarian). The Silvertones were playing a few songs on the gym stage at Central, and Mike Geiser (cool vest... way ahead of his time) came up to sing Peppermint Twist (by Joey Dee and the Starlighters) with us. Karl Tegland (above right) was playing his Fender Jazzmaster and I was playing a Fender Musicmaster (wish I still had it), and I think we both played through Karl's Montgomery Wards Airliner amplifier seen in the picture."
Thanks for the great memory, Ric. Did you guys have any drums?

Terry Alan Porter 1947 -- 1990

Terry Alan Porter was born in Alexandria on Feb. 27, 1947, the son of Roy and Lorraine (Anderson) Porter. He attended school in Alexandria before entering the United States Navy. Terry served in the Navy for a period of time and later the reserves. On August 17, 1968, Terry married Brenda Diment.
The couple lived in Alexandria before moving to Omaha where he was a salesman for eight years. They returned to Alexandria where Terry was self-employed in the construction business. He was a finisher for the company that put new sidewalks on both sides of Broadway from 7th to 15th Avenue as well as many others throughout town.
Terry was kind and generous to many of his friends. There were very few people who didn’t know Terry. In his spare time, Terry enjoyed ice fishing on our many area lakes. Most of our winter months one could find his fish house on his favorite “hot spot” on Lake Le Homme Dieu. One of his favorite fishing buddies was his dog “John Wayne.”
Funeral services for Terry were June 7, 1990, 2 p.m. at the Calvary Lutheran Church in Alexandria with Pastor Reverand Keith Forrester officiating. Interment was in Kinkead Cemetery, Alexandria.
At the time of his death, Terry was survived by his wife; two sons: Todd and Troy Porter of Alexandria, his parents, Roy and Lorraine Porter of Alexandria; five sisters: Sandra Lee (Mrs. Dale) Dvorsak of Alexandria; Patricia Ann (Mrs. Gene) Odegard of Alexandria; Kathy Mae Porter of Willmar; LaVonne Marie (Mrs. Daniel) Ellingson of Alexandria; Teresa Jane (Mrs. Steve) Roquette of Alexandria; and his grandmother, Leona Anderson of Alexandria.
Pallbearers were Bob Watson, Tom Watson, Gary Ellis, Rus Oorlog, Peter Lund, and Jim Quinn.
Organist was Becky Worley and soloist Harland Angen.

Beach Boys

Hey. Who's the kid with Geiser? Jacobson. He moved to California before graduating.

Wedding Bells rang May 7 for Susan and Byron

Hutchins -- Peterson
Congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. Byron Peterson. Couple wed May 7 in Minneapolis. Reception in Shoreview. Honeymoon in Italy. Back home in Plymouth. Joyous event witnessed by a number of Byron's fellow Jefferson High pals. See details.

"We had a great time at the wedding," Sara said. Here are Jeff High grads Byron, Jeannie Aga ('63), Mary Berglin ('63), Sara Smith Sevey and Bobby Watson. "The wedding was beautiful, we danced our feet off at the reception and now the newlyweds will honeymoon in Italy. Both will be at the reunion so you'll get a chance to congratulate the newlyweds then," Sara promised.

Robert Pladsen 1947 -- 1993

Robert W. Pladsen of Louisville, Colorado, died Thursday, March 4, 1993 of cancer at Avista Hospital. He was 45.
Robert was born on April 2, 1947, in Mankato, the son of Chester and Mabel (Owens) Pladsen. He graduated from Alexandria Jefferson High School in 1965 and then entered the United States Navy.
He attended Staples Vocational School and then began working in Washington, D.C. He settled in Louisville, Colorado in 1983. Bob was employed by King Soupers as a grocery stocker for ten years. He enjoyed playing golf and photography.
He is survived by his mother, Mabel Hoosline of Bloomington; a brother and sister-in-law, Gary and Maria Pladsen of Virginia Beach, Virginia; three sisters, Pamela Reinken of Bloomington; Barbara and George Burgard of Colorado; DeAnn and Tim Lenhardt of Laurel, Montana; and many nieces and nephews.
Memorial services were held at the First Presbyterian Church in Osakis with Reverend John Gibb officiating. Musicians are Lynn Olson as organist and Dana Hetland as soloist.
Bob is preceded in death by his father, Chester Pladsen in 1965, his stepfather, Earl Hoosline in 1992 and four grandparents.

Richard Kvilhaug 1947 - 1997

Richard Kvilhaug
Richard Norman “Rick” Kvilhaug was born June 18, 1947 at Deaconess Hospital in Minneapolis to Norman and Dolores (Anderson) Kvilhaug. He died unexpectedly on February 2, 1997 at the age of 49.
Rick was confirmed at First Lutheran Church of Alexandria by the Rev. Phil Westby. Following graduation in 1965 from Jefferson Senior High, Rick attended Brown Institute in Minneapolis and graduated with a major in broadcasting. He worked for KCMT-TV and WTCN-TV before beginning work with the United Telephone Company. He later worked for the West Central Telecom and Cell America and worked for Cellular 2000 as Territory Manager until his death.
Rick married Joyce Davis on Dec, 16, 1967. They had two sons and a daughter.
Rick served as the Mayor of Garfield and was on the City Council for 20 years. He was a member of the National Guard, the Garfield Chamber of Commerce and a 25-year-member of the Garfield Volunteer Fire Department.
He was a member of St. Luke’s Lutheran Church, serving on the church council and other committees. He was president of the Lake Area Fireman’s Association, assistant director of the Douglas County Civil Defense and a member of the Citizens Committee for the National Guard.
He was preceded in death by his father, Norman, in 1994.
Surviving him are his wife; children: Rick Kvilhaug of Alexandria; Matt and Stacey Kvilhaug of Garfield; his mother, Dolores Kvilhaug of Alexandria; two brothers: Robin Kvilhaug of Minneapolis; Rallie and wife Kris Kvilhaug of Alexandria; sister, Renae and her husband Bruce Haugen of Alexandria; and several aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church of Garfield on Feb. 5, 1997. Interment was in Kinkead Cemetery with Dave Martin, Roger Rehborg, Gary Seth, Bill Betterman, Jim Dauphinais, Doug Berg, Greg Van Kemper and Craig Mounsdon serving as pallbearers. Military Honors were provided by the National Guard. Taps was played by Bill Riggs.

The Judge cops plea; knows the snitch, forgives

"Sometimes the lights all shining on me
Other times I can barely see
Lately it occurs to me
What a long strange trip it's been"

(Grateful Dead lyrics from "truckin")

O.K., it's me sitting around with long hair and a Marlboro box in my pocket. The photo appears to have captured me contemplating the relative merits of Zig Zags, as opposed to double-wide EZ Riders. Consistency really is the hobgoblin of small minds, and I have steadfastly avoided hobgoblins at all cost. This has allowed me to take on a number of personas, yet avoid a multiple personality disorder diagnosis. When I think of it all, I just get a Cheshire cat kind of smile on my face. I think I know the identity of the photo-providing snitch. He/She is absolved, and sincerely thanked for bringing back a whole set of memories. -- Crow

Ever the professional, Judge Jim Clifford continues to focus on the finer points of Miranda.

Special Deputy Joyce Okerlund Klug corrals 10

Joyce Okerlund Klug wrangled the names and addresses of 10 classmates for the 65Roundup, earning the title of Special Deputy Klug on our Class Posse.
Joyce had been employed by Fingerhut for 33 years, but when they turned the key in the door, it was time to mosey on. In October of 2002 she took a job at Sun Opta Aseptic. She works in the company's factory where they make soy milk.
Joyce and her husband, Duane, don't have children, but they do have a German Shepherd named Bridgette. "She is just a little spoiled," Joyce laughs, "but what do you do?"
The couple enjoys an occasional visit to the casino and also spending time with their friends.
Joyce agrees that The Corral is a good choice for a reunion.
"Hope to see you August 6!," she says.

Al Sheriff -- 1926 - 2005

Albert "Al" Harold Sheriff, 79, died peacefully in Glenwood Springs, Colorado on April 29, 2005.
Al was born in Kansas City, Kansas on February 7, 1926 to Albert and Thistle Sheriff.
At age 17, Al enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and fought in several battles in the South Pacific. He received the Marine Corps Purple Heart after he was wounded on Guam.
Upon his return to the United States, Al married Corabelle "Corkey" Edith Briggs.
Al and Corkey moved to Manhattan, Kansas, where Al played baseball for the Kansas State Wildcats and attended college at Kansas State. Their sons were born and Al continued to play baseball and had a short stint with a professional team called the Topeka Owls. He played semi-pro baseball in the summers in Iowa and Minnesota, where they fell in love with the northern Minnesota lake country.
In 1957, they moved to Alexandria so Al could teach and coach, and after career moves to Angwin, California and Manhattan, Kansas, they returned to Alexandria in 1968, where both Al and Corkey taught for 20 years. After retiring, they enjoyed traveling and taking care of their Minnesota and Texas properties. In 2004 Al and Corkey moved to Glenwood Springs, Colorado to be closer to their sons and families.
Al was a strong, positive and friendly individual who always had something constructive to say or offer. Friends, students and athletes will remember Al for his love of life and his supportive and constructive attitude.
Al is survived by his wife of 57 years, Corkey of Glenwood Springs; his sons, Al and David, grandchildren, Amy, Katy, Sam and Emily; great-grandchildren, Addison and Cooper; sister, Shirley Niedens; several nieces and nephews.
A military burial is scheduled at Ft. Logan National Military Cemetery in Denver, Colorado on May 9.
A celebration and acknowledgement of Al will be held in Alexandria on Saturday, July 23, 2005, with time and location to be announced.
Echo-Press

Sandi Pennar Bonsteel remembers Peggy Watters

Although it has been over 40 years since I last saw her, the notice of Peggy Watters’ death really hit me hard, and I cried like she was my sister. That reaction is due to the fact that we were once that close, and is also due to guilt that I had not kept in touch with her over the years, even though I had thought of her often.
I had tried to call her one weekend long ago, when I was home from nursing school, but there was no answer. I thought I would try another weekend, but as often happens, life got in the way, and that time never came. I am so filled with regret over that now with our 40th reunion approaching, and the excitement of meeting up with old classmates, and reading the blog with all the reminiscing going on, I had inquired about the possibility of finding her. Even though she was not technically from the class of ‘65, she would have been, but she had left our class in the 10th grade.
When I look back, I really think that those Jr. High years were the most special times. Life was simple, and we were not yet that goal and career oriented. We were uninhibited, carefree and downright silly. We had the greatest times, just being kids. Peggy and I were "best friends" in Jr. High, and those times were a real experience for me.

Got her deer, every year
As many of you know, her dad was the Game Warden, and Peggy was like a right hand to him in many cases. She carried a lot of responsibility at that age, and I was in awe of her. I was amazed at her efficiency and thought she could do just about anything, and seemed so much more mature than the rest of us. She had been driving a car for years, was an accomplished horsewoman, and could handle a gun. She went hunting with her dad, uncle and grandpa, and always got her deer every yr. (She probably knew how to field-dress it too!) I spent many a weekend at their place. Often we would go out with her dad when he was making his "rounds", and depending on the season, that would include checking hunting and fishing licenses, looking for deer poachers, etc. This was pretty exciting to me, as I had led a pretty quiet and sheltered life. This was like another world, and I felt quite privileged to be part of it.
My favorite memories were during the Douglas County Fair, as their farm had a menagerie in preparation for the Game and Fish Booth. When I got out there that weekend, her dad had just deodorized some skunks, and various crates also held a raccoon, a porcupine, and other small mammals. There was a glass cage of rattlesnakes brought back from her uncle’s home in Wyoming, various waterfowl, AND a black bear cub! He was tethered with a chain at the side of the house. It was really cool as he would stand on his hind legs holding a bottle of orange pop in his front paws and guzzle it down. As long as you were feeding him he was not a threat. He ate just about anything. (I don’t think PETA would approve of any of this!)

He zigzagged all over
The next morning, her Mom saw that one of the Canadian geese they kept in a pen had escaped and was trying to taxi across the lake (the wings were clipped so he couldn’t fly, but he was moving fast) Peggy, her sister JoAnn, and I jumped into the boat and she revved up the motor. We were in hot pursuit as he zigzagged all over the place. We saw that he was headed towards the rushes and knew we would lose him once he got in there, as we couldn’t get to him with the boat, so she sped it up. As we got closer, she cut the motor and we all went in after it with a net. The term "herding cats" comes to mind. That thing was mean and put up a fierce battle, but we finally snagged him and got him into the boat, and brought him back to the pen. When her dad got home later, he didn’t believe any of this had happened, but her Mom had been our witness, and finally convinced him that it was true. After all, we were battered and soaking wet, so he finally bought our story, and was pretty amazed.
The next morning, when I got up, I stumbled, half awake, out to the clothesline to see if my jeans were dry yet, and heard/felt a presence behind me… the bear cub was charging me! Luckily I outran him, as his tether only went so far! That woke me up in a hurry! Another memory of that weekend at the fair was of Peggy walking around the fairgrounds like a snakecharmer, with a bullsnake around her neck. There were some very startled reactions. We got a huge kick out of that.

Rolling in laughter
We had so much fun every summer. She was such an amazing and adventurous girl. We went horseback riding often, and she taught me how to reload shells and to shoot. I remember the first time, as I wasn’t prepared for the recoil of the rifle, and the scope hit me in the nose and knocked me flat. She was laughing so hard, and after the initial shock, I started laughing too, even though I’d had the breath knocked out of me and my face was starting to bruise and swell. She had such an infectious laugh, and the laughter made me forget the pain. She also attempted to teach me to drive. My first "driving lesson" was when her dad was checking icehouses. Peggy and I were waiting in the car, (the official Game and Fish vehicle) and she decided to let me practice driving on the ice---how could you go wrong? I accidentally put it into reverse and rammed into an icehouse. She was rolling over in laughter, but her dad was not amused, as this did not put him in a very good position, but the owner/occupant of the icehouse was unhurt and had a good sense of humor.
In the 8th grade I had also started hanging out with Paula and Claudia, and Peggy became a part of that group too. Soon we had quite a bunch of friends in our group, and this continued through 9th grade. We had some pretty wild slumber parties out at her house, as many of you may remember, and we would be up all night doing crazy things like walking across the field at 3 a.m. to borrow a cup of sugar from a neighbor, and other things we dared each other to do. Some of you may remember the time the pet ferret got into someone’s sleeping bag. I don’t recall whose it was, but it caused quite a reaction. I'm sure many others have fond memories of those days. They were the best of times!
Then as we moved on to Sr. High and Jefferson, it seemed that Peggy was not hanging out with us as much. I do know that she had always hated school, and looking back I think she was possibly depressed. By then were all pretty involved in school and activities and pursuing individual careers and plans, and she was withdrawing from us. Then one day, I learned that she wasn’t returning to school, as she was getting married. It was a huge shock to me at the time, and it came as a total surprise. We never saw her again.

Heartbreaking
So now after 40+ years, I was finally getting around to trying to contact her. It was so heartbreaking to find out she had passed away. I hope that she found happiness and had a good life. She was a special part of mine. Maybe some day I’ll get to tell her.
So, my fellow classmates, there is a moral to this, and though we hear it often, we just don’t realize how close to home it is. Don’t put off those opportunities you have to tell someone you care about how you feel, as one day it may be too late.

Sandi Pennar Bonesteel

Heckler hounded by streetwalker, read all about it

(The following press release was dispatched to the editorial offices of The Alexandria Echo Press by publicity hound Tom Obert, the son of John Obert, who used to run the place. We shall see how much weight that carries when and if Tom's item runs. Obert has also submitted information to the paper concerning the completion of his recent Walk-a-thon, which supposedly involved power-walking every street in Alexandria. We imagine the EchoPress headline might read, "Alexandria Streetwalker a Member of the Class of 1965." Anything to publicize our reunion, right Tom? ---- Trailboss. 12:15 Wednesday)

Obert rebuts -- 12:18 Wednesday
Publicity hound? I'll have you know we retired to a life of solitude in a small Midwestern town. On the other hand, if the Heckler doesn't give our story at least 6 columns on the front page, we're going to be upset! We completed the Alex walk this morning at Noonan Park, appropriately enough. This afternoon we are having a champagne celebration and have invited CNN, ESPN Classic, and Comedy Central to provide full coverage. FOX was also invited but didn't think the story was weird enough (maybe if we had walked with towels over our heads?).


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

The Jefferson High School Class of 1965 is looking for the following people for its 40-year reunion:

Jeannie Affeldt, Donna Alm, Dorothy Anderson, Doulgas Anderson, Glenn Anderson, Paul Anderson, Raymond Anderson, Joyce Angus, Judith Angus, Michael Bolin, Roger Brown, Mary Brustuen, Diane Bullert, Mike Burkey, Jolene Burwell, Tom Byrne, Jerry Chapman, Joyce Chlian, Julie Christopherson, Richard Divine, Dorothy Diment, RaeDena Englund, Jack Erenberg, Sandy Esterberg, Linda Evans, Henry Faber, Ken Faber, Rick Floding, Peter Forster, Mike Foss, Patty Foth, Romona Froemming, Sherry Gorder, Tom Greenwood, Maury Gulbranson, Marlene Harbig, Beverly Hartung, Robert Helie, Ruth Helie, David Hepper, Pete Hintzen, Dee Ann Huffman, Wendy Isley, Diane Jackson, Carolyn Johnson, Cheryle Johnson, Jane Johnson, Richard Johnson, Robert Johnson, Vonita Johnson, Russell Josephson, Kathy Kakac, Eldonna Keipe, Robin Kochie, Richard Koon, Robert Koon, Jeanette Koubsky, Larry Krebs, John Kusske, Barbara Lee Larson, Betty Larson, Mark Larson, Nancy Larson, Sandy Larson, Barb Lovel, Diann Marquette, Chris McCabe, Diane McCarthy, Alan Mersey, Wanda Meyer, Barbara Muyres, Sherryl Nack, Paul Navratil, Dorothy Nelson, Kathy Nelson, Gloria Nord, Joyce Okerlund, David Olsen, Margaret Olson, Ron Olson, Dave Overly, Betty Pederson, Carol Peterson, Gordon Peterson, Patricia Peterson, Daryll Phelps, David Prazak, Terry Prine, Kathy Rich, James Ritten, Wayne Rouillard, John Rudd, Janice Schlosser, Patricia Schmidt, Robert Schorn, Gary Schulke, Michael Schultz, Bonita Schwanke, Janet Schwegler, David Serie, Gary Severson, Bonnie Seward, Joan Skoglund, Gloria Springer, Richard Steinmetz, Robert Steinmetz, Sharon Stoltenberg, Betsy Thomas, Eugene Thomas, Patricia Thompson, Lonnie Thornton, Barbara Toon, Nancy Unger, Barb Vendel, Diane Walker, Patricia Wheeland, Colleen Whalen, Frances Wolters, and James Yager.

Anyone with information may contact Stan Rolfsrud at Trailboss@swpub.com or Tom Obert at 320 759-6571.

Marlene Trousil Dynda making the best of 40,40,60

Marlene Trousil Dynda married her best friend, Gary, in 1966. He was a member of the Alexandria Class of 1961.
"It's really scary celebrating our 40 year class reunion, approaching 40 years of marriage, and pushing 60," Marlene observes. "Getting older sucks!", she adds directly. "The hair is gray, the eyesight is going, my hearing is selective, and the body just doesn't look the same in the mirror. Oh well, we'll make the best of it every day."
The Dyndas were blessed with three children; Julie, Cyndi, and Brian. Julie, 38, and her husband Craig, and their two children live in Shakopee. Cyndi, 37, and her husband Clint, live in Alexandria with their two children.
Brian, the youngest, was killed in a tragic farm accident in 1973.
Marlene is employed at the Douglas County Hospital in a cashier/business office position. Gary just retired, and loves it! So far he's keeping busy with the "honey do" list. Marlene can't wait to join him so that she can do the same!
Every year the couple tries to take a vacation in January, just to get away from the cold, and they always have a great time. They particularly enjoy sharing in their grandchildren's activities.
"Our grandchildren are the spice of our lives," she says.

Two sweet and gentle souls visit quietly together

Mike Geiser and Bobby Watson share a special moment to recall a bygone era, when Mike led a high school poetry group while friend Bobby organized and ran Youth For Christ meetings. - - - At least that's what Bobby asked the Trailboss to say here, anyway. In a short note, Bobby explained it this way: "My wife, Sharon, is looking forward to hearing stories about me, so do me a favor, and kinda pretend like I was a quiet dude in high school! :-) "

We'll try, friend, we'll try. But. . . .

Here is a fact-based synopsis of their life together:

My wife and I will be married 37 years in November; we knew each other just a little more than a month when we got married. Suffice it to say, our first trip back to Alexandria after we were married really was a tad bit of a shock to Sharon.
We have two children, Melissa and Christian. Melissa has two girls - Alicia who will be 11 in August, and Cassie who was 8 in April. Chris has Madison, who's 5 years old, and our newest addition is Ella Melina, who is 10 months. We're grandparents to FOUR granddaughters, and are told by both children (and their significant others) that we need to be happy with that - no more in sight!

We love the girls and it really is true that being a GRANDPARENT is great!
Melissa and the "big girls" have made a tradition of spending every minute available at "Bobby's" cabin on Lake Darling in Alexandria. They love the lake, love the weather, love hanging out in their adopted home town. Now, they're training our littler girls to love it as much as they do.

Tell Karen the check is in the mail!

Bobby Watson

(There you go, Bobby. Just as you asked, your complete historical biography displayed on the official '65Roundup Blog, without ever using the term "Hellraiser.")

Why we are classmates forever

Some reaction to our obituaries from Lorlee
Reading the obituaries has been very poignant. I am always startled to realize that they are gone. And while I have not kept in touch with any of them, their deaths have touched me more deeply than I expected.
Peggy Watters invited me to my very first slumber party…. What a life force.
And with no intention to create a controversy, Margaret Linser was a townie who didn't adopt an attitude toward country kids. Based on my reaction to her death that meant more to me than I credited. I even dreamed about seeing her at the Reunion and joyfully saying "Oh, good, you aren't dead."
Gary Goodrich was in all of my classes and reading about his life was important to me.
So keep posting those obits. -- Lorlee Bartos

OBITUARY
Peggy J. Watters Nelson

1947 -- 2000

Peggy was born on March 31, 1947 in Alexandria, to Lloyd J. and Dorothy Watters and died July 7, 2000 in Kimberly, Idaho with family at her side. She was married to Raymond Fiebranz from 1964-1983. They raised a family and worked many years together farming and on other small business endeavors. Peggy was married to Vernon G. Nelson from 1989-1996.
Peggy went to work in the plastics industry starting in 1983 at Juno Tool & Plastics, then Donnelly Custom Molding of Alexandria, and General Polymers/Ashland in Shakopee, MN and Chicago, IL until July of 1999. During her career in the plastics industry she enjoyed many different facets of employment. She cherished the special people she worked with and many became dear friends to her.

Fabric of life
Throughout all of her life, Peggy was a strong spirited, independent and determined person who triumphed in her accomplishments and struggled with adversities that were the threads and fabric which composed her life. She loved her family and friends and had many treasured and precious memories.
Peggy is survived by her mother, Dorothy Watters of Kimberly, Idaho; sisters, Mary Marquardt of Carefree, Arizona and JoAnn Loveland of Hanson, Idaho; brother, Jim Watters of Glenrock, Wyoming; children, Kathern and Greg Niblett of Alexandria, MN, Linda Fiebranz of Stanley, Idaho, William and Pamela Fiebranz of Blaine, MN and Robert and April Fiebranz of Brooklyn Park, MN; grandchildren, Steven Niblett and Lauren Niblett of Alexandria, Jennifer LeSarge of Blaine and Madilyn Fiebranz of Brooklyn Park; and several nieces and nephews. Peggy was preceded in death by her grandparents, infant daughter, Karen Fiebranz, and her father, Lloyd J. Watters.
A memorial service was held in Alexandria at the Anderson Funeral Home on Tuesday, July 18.

Who's coming to dinner?

Karen Schjei Benson reports: The following members of the Class of 1965 have registered to attend the Aug. 6 Reunion buffet at The Corral in Nelson: Harvey and Pat Ziebarth Kolodjeski; Tom and Ruth Obert; Patty Collins Owens; Jim and Sara Smith Sevey; Will and Kathleen Sherry Skadsberg; and Paul and Susan Strandberg. Hurry now and join this group. Seats near the Strandbergs are limited. Send $25 if you are going to bring a sweetie or $15 if you are coming as a single to Karen Benson at 916 Ridge, Stoughton, WI 53589. Your check is your receipt. We'll post attendees' names online. Questions? msbenson@charter.net or trailboss@swpub.com

You think this looks good? You oughta see his hands.

Plagued by anxiety, Jerry Deleski finally surfaces

Stan: I may be tardy, but I am not delinquent.
I've been tardy because I've had an anxiety problem relating to Andy Warhol and the 15-minutes of fame thing.
Almost two years ago, I was at my brother-in-law Jim's house on the day he caddied for Tiger Woods prior to Tiger's appearance in the PGA tournament at Hazeltine. One would have guessed that Jim had just been elected to a very high office in government or something. There was media all over the place and the phone was ringing off the hook. Calls came from Canada, Australia, and South America.
I made a wish at that point. If my 15 minutes ever showed up, I would hope that it would be a bit more subdued.
Then I was reminded that I may have already attained Warhol status: A client of mine convinced me to audition for a position in an event that an unnamed major corporation was putting together.
Jerry Doughboy?
So I showed up in the warehouse district of Minneapolis and walked into a very large, open room full of cubicles and photographic equipment. With no explanation of who was involved, I submitted to an afternoon of photo-taking at a pay rate that made me feel like I was doing something illegal.
As it turned out, I was called to return for another day of the same. This time when I walked into the room, it was totally different. Everywhere you looked were corporate logos that said Pillsbury on them. There were cooks and ovens everywhere and food being prepared everywhere. It seemed like a large, yummy, cooking convention.
I, along with one half of the other guys, was given a crisp white shirt with french cuffs and large blue Pillsbury cufflinks and a blue tie, also with their logo on it. The rest of the guys were given short-sleeved shirts of various varieties.
We were told to mingle and shake hands with everyone and act like we were at a convention. All the time there were photographers taking photos. So I did.
Several weeks later, I was contacted and told that my photo, of all taken, had been selected and scheduled to run in all major magazines at Thanksgiving time. Good Housekeeping, Better Homes and Gardens, Redbook, Family Circle, Ladies Home Journal, etc. Thus my Warhol moment.
There was a problem, however. The full page ad featured two hands taking up about half of the space in the middle of the photo and all of the Pillsbury products in the background. No faces were shown.
One of the guys had a short-sleeved shirt on and a forearm and knuckles like a blacksmith. The other hand had a long sleeved shirt with the Pillsbury cufflinks. If one was to guess this guys occupation you'd most likely guess, white collered, wimpy office boy. That would be me.
The ad said something about Pillsbury bringing together two ends of America for the good of all Americans.
Now if no one in America, not even your mother, recognizes you, does this qualify as a Warhol moment? Thus my anxiety.
Blog to the rescue
Then along comes VanAmber and the '65 reunion blog. My phone is ringing and my email is jumping . People both from the Class of '65 and others are reconnecting. My anxiety is lifted. Who needs Tiger Woods? I've got Jim VanAmber.
I have since exchanged correspondance with VanAmber and it was great to reconnect. I've only had regular contact with three former classmates: Chris Mc Cabe, Jim Clifford and Mike Geiser. So the blog has been a good place for me to do some catching up.
I saw the item Byron Peterson provided. In July of 1969, around the time of Apollo One moon mission, I was stationed at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri. I had been married less than a year and hadn't seen my wife in months. It was hot. I was living on the upper floor of an un-air conditioned army barracks. Sleeping on a cot that had no mattress. (The prisoners in the stockade we were assigned to guard had rioted and set off the automatic sprinklers and soaked their mattresses. According to the Geneva convention prisoners must be provided with mattresses. So guess whose they got?) I was miserable. It was one of the lowest periods of my life and it didn't appear there was an end in sight.
I had earned a 24-hour pass, but I declined. I wasn't in the mood to tag along with my single buddies and witness the fury they were about to unleash on the townfolk on the other side of the gates.
So I decided to stay back and catch up on my mail. Thought I'd send out a bunch of don't worry I'm ok letters. Letters that would say: time's flying, food's good, people are nice, I'm ok.
So Saturday morning I'm all set up with paper and envelopes. Suddenly, someone yells from down below that I've got a visitor. I walk down and Byron Peterson is standing there. Turns out that he heard I was at the fort and he tracked me down. He said, "We're going golfing, pass or no pass." So Byron takes me for a day of golfing and then back to his off base housing and reintroduces me to a couple of things I didn't know existed anymore: A cold beer and a grilled hamburger.
Byron brought me back to the base--after hours, out of uniform and without a gate pass. Then exhibiting the skills of the mouthpiece he would later become-- he talked his way past the MP's and got me back to my barracks.
I don't know what Byron's choice of beverage is these days, but whatever he's sippin' on at the reunion, I'LL BE PAYING FOR IT.
My wife, Linda (Lundberg class of 66), and I own a cabin on Lake Latoka in Alex, so we are there frequently in the summer.
Shooting the minnow
I know where the Corral is too. Last summer my younger brother Zeke stopped by the cabin on a Friday night. He wanted me to accompany him to the corral to witness a promotion they were having. I returned to the cabin later that evening wearing a bright flourescent green T shirt. The writing across the front of the shirt in large black letters said---I SHOT THE MINNOW---THE CORRAL--NELSON, MN.
Linda asked if I got two T shirts and I explained that I didn't buy the shirt, I earned it. Then I explained how and she was no longer interested in wearing one. If you're not familier with the promotion, I can tell you that a live crappie minnow usually stops wiggling by the time it reaches the bottom of your stomach.
After all of this, I forgot all you wanted was a brief bio: I own an Insurance agency in Roseville. Linda is retired from the Wayzata school district after 17 years as a para-professional. She volunteers two days per week in a second grade classroom and enjoys it immensely. Our son, Brian, is an insurance agent and works with his Dad. Daughter Jodi will graduate from the University of Miami in about three weeks and will be married this summer.
So big things to lookforward to this summer: a graduation, a wedding, a 40th class reunion, a fishing trip with Chris Mc Cabe, and a hunting trip with Jim Clifford.
I'm forwarding a check to Karen.
Thanks Stan, for assembling and managing the blog. It's been fun and interesting.
One question though: How come whenever I'm reading something on the blog I get the feeling you're standing behind me looking over my shoulder with a grin on your face?
Take care, see you in August.
Jerry Deleski