Assignment to DFLers, Democrats, layabouts

Strandberg, Bartos, Obert, Engstrom, Riggs,
all other outspoken boomer Dems:
Please advise, Obama or Clinton? And why?
Turn in your brief essays by second hour to
Dziuk University, in care of trailboss@swpub.com

Obert breaks winter's icy grip

Makes way to the open waters of Lake Darling

Chided by the trailboss for a wimpy and incomplete report on the remarkable spring blizzard that forced the cancellation of the Jefferson High Prom, cub reporter Tom Obert has responded with a new picture and a new story. Originally, the snowbound Obert merely shot a few photos through his frosty windows and never gave a mention to the tragedy of prom postponement. He has since risen from his warm log cabin couch to wire this photo of open water and has dialed in various radio and television stations to complete his report. We don't know who actually took this photograph, although its low angle would suggest that Ruthie was tasked with the job.

Here's the latest:

By Tom Obert

Cub Reporter

As someone who never "prommed" in his day (something to do with deep psychological issues that persist to this day), I was amazed to see the news coverage our prom concellation received. First, it was widely reported on Twin Cities television that the Blizzard of '08 was so bad that it led to the cancellation of prom night in Alexandria. Later, it was even reported on national network news!

I can also report that Bonita had a birthday on Saturday. The caller to KXRA reported that she was turning 60. Ever in search of a scoop, I e-mailed Bonita wondering if she skipped a grade. Rather than saying she could have skipped two grades (as I may have done) but wanted to be a class of 65er, she responded that the caller had been in error (though she admitted to counting backwards from her birth date). I can also report that Tom Kiehne turned 61 on Thursday.

Unfortunately, Tom spent his birthday traveling from Austin, Texas to Alexandria because his mother was terminally ill. Fortunately, he did make it in time to see her, and he is sure she was aware that he was there, before she died on Friday night.

Prom cancelled due to WEATHER

Bonita getting just a bit snappish
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Our Mrs. Gilbertson, peeved at this "no show" spring, writes:
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Last night, April 26, the Jefferson Senior High Prom had been scheduled. Because of the blizzard, it was cancelled at around 10:00 a.m. Saturday morning. I can't recall a prom being cancelled in the past and especially for a snow storm. Just think of all of the broken-hearted students AND BUSINESSES who were affected by this.
Hair and nail salons, florists, resaurants, and limo rentals. Now when they reschedule the prom for either next Friday or SUNDAY!?! night the students have to try and get new appts. for their hair (which, if the prom is on Sunday, where do they go?), remake dining reservations, hope the corsages don't die AND try to get the night off, if they work. It's a nightmare. I feel so sorry for the businesses who lost a ton of money and the students who planned this big night for months and/or weeks.
Dave and I returned to Alexandria April 2, a day later than we planned, as we ended up having to stay in a little town in Wisconsin on the April 1 because of a major snowstorm. We have been very blessed to be in Alexandria for the three major snowstorms of the year. When we left for Florida in January, we never thought that we would be shoveling snow when we returned. I know I sound whiney but come on!!
We were on our first pontoon ride on May 13th in 2007 and had our flowers, tomatoes and everything else planted by May 18th. I am getting a touch snappish about the whole "no show" spring. Can anyone do anything about it? If so PLEASE, PLEASE do it!!
Bonita
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(Trailboss says: Better now, Bonita? Hope you like the file photos I found. Couldn't find one with you looking real peeved though. Wonder if Dave could provide one? Write again soon. Thanks for the participation. Sorry about the subject. TB)
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Perhaps just as owly as Bonita is the Cub Reporter, adrift in his log cabin beside the cold waters of Lake Darling. Only a day or two ago the cub was gaily reporting the opening of the Alexandria Golf Course and speculating, for anyone who may care to know, as to just what his average score might be this year and how, as he ages, he is getting to be a better ball striker because. . .

Normally a good Minnesota snowstorm would get the cub out of the house for a donut and maybe a picture, but in his unusually depressed condition he now claims to be unable to get the strength to push his door open. Yesterday he filed this dismal report, and then simply shot a few sad photos through the window.

(No report or word yet on the prom from the cub.)

Now here's Tom Obert, our Cub Reporter:
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"The blizzard of 2008 continues into today. A measurement off our bedroom deck shows a uniform depth of 17 inches of snow below. A no travel advisory is in effect. The snow is predicted to continue all day, mixing with rain later this afternoon (boy, that will be fun!) That is not the sun in the photo above - it's the camera flash. I couldn't get the door open, so had to shoot through the glass. But it does show a nice overhang of snow coming over the eave - and, surprisingly, a significant amount of open water on lake."

Trailboss says: I see the icy overhang, Tom, the window valance and the flash off the pane, but not so much the significant amount of open water on the lake. Maybe if you could get closer.

Tom Kiehne's mother dies at 82

June Kiehne passed away at 11:33 last night. She would have been 83 on June 1. She is survived by her husband, Merill; daughter, Jill; and sons, Jerry and Tom.
The viewing will be Monday, 5:00 - 8:00, at Anderson Funeral Home. The funeral will be Tuesday at 10:30 at Anderson Funeral Home, with a pre-viewing at 9:30. The family has not requested anything specific with respect to donations.

The Kiehne's address is:

305 8th Avenue, E
Alexandria, MN 56308

She loved Jersey Boys too

We overheard this exchange between JHS school chums Sara Sevey and Kathy Skadsberg. Thought you might like to listen in too. TB

Good Morning Sara,
Yes, we just saw Jersey Boys last week. It was fantastic. Some funny notes: while crossing Hennepin to get to Solera for a quick bite before the show, we were right behind Carol Oksness and Sheri Platto :-) Small world. They were heading to Solera too. We chatted a couple of minutes but it was loud and crowded so except for hi, etc. couldn't get much real talking in.

Also..... I have NEVER seen so many OLD people in one spot in my life....and only about 20 percent MEN and the rest WOMEN..
I thought maybe we stumbled into an AARP convention or GRAY PANTHER meeting. But then the lights dimmed and the show was so much fun.
Intermission brought the longest ladies room lines I have ever experienced but I guess that goes with the group.

The show ended and we walked out the side door, were crossing the side street and there were about 20 "young people" leaning up against a building , taking a smoke break and one lovely said "where the hell are all these old people coming from?" She raised her little camera above her head and took a picture of the masses exiting the Orpheum. HAHAHAHAHAHAHA

We were a little afraid of all those seniors on the road at once, so we headed to Palomino for an apres drink. Of course, the windows overlook the corner which was now flooded with seniors leaving the show. A couple of the cast members came in, so it gave us something else to stare at It was a HOOT!

I avoided all mirrors , so just could not relate to the crowd.
Long story short, it was a great show and I would see it again and again!

Hitting the links in Alex this summer?
k

Can you identify any Cardinal classmates?

Probably not, but the trailboss just loves this photo of 60-somethings wrapped in Cardinal red and he imagines what they are laughing about and has put names with the faces. Amuse yourself and see what you come up with.

Founding Father Phelpsie making music

Bev Roers Korkowski sends along this article from the Anoka Union newspaper. Bruce Phelps is a 1966 graduate of Jefferson High.

Bruce Phelps will guest conduct Two Rivers Chorale
Two Rivers Chorale continues to celebrate its 10th anniversary with a free concert next weekend at Bethel University. This time the concert features guest conductor Bruce Phelps, founding director of the group.
The concert is a mix of music styles, including folk, gospel, art songs, both secular and sacred. It’s a glimpse into the group’s favorites in the last decade.“There’s something for everyone,” said Two Rivers Chorale Director Tim Sawyer. In a segment titled “To Honor,” Phelps will direct Stephen Paulus’ “Hymn for America;” “Shenandoah, arranged by Norman Luboff; “What a Wonderful World,” arranged by René Claussen; and Moses Hogan’s “I’m Gonna Sing ‘Til the Spirit Moves in My Heart.”
“It’s just a kick. I love those people a lot,” said Phelps about once again conducting the group he started.
He left four years ago to take a position in North Dakota. He is back in the area and now lives in Shoreview.
Phelps said the group started with about 55 singers and now has more than 80. Starting the choir was a “life-long dream. Just making music has been a passion all my life and making it with friends and folks who love to sing, makes it more special,” he said.
The concert honors Phelps for being its founder, Sawyer said. Last fall, 1,100 attended the group’s concert.

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The trailboss had a special musical relationship with Mr. Phelps. We stood side-by-side in the bass row of Murrae Freng's '64-65 High School Choir. I was an occasional solist with an unreliable ear. A wise Mr. Freng didn't want me to embarass the whole choir by taking off on the wrong note, so he tasked Mr. Phelps with discreetly humming my starting pitch directly into my left ear. This was easily accomplished, as we were the same height and he really leaned into it. (As in, "Here's your note, idiot. Now sing.") Old Reliable Bruce was truly a comfort in those moments of insecurity, but I doubt he was ever thanked for it.

A Cardinal Red iris from Texas

Classmate Lorlee Bartos sends flowers and encouraging news from Dallas. Her iris are blooming, so it won't be long now for Minnesota gardeners. Notice the veins in the gorgeous blossom above. If you tore off a petal, it looks like it would bleed Cardinal red. Below is a dewey fresh digital vase of back yard flowers snapped by Lorlee just yesterday.

Our geometry teacher, Miss Jo Hokanson

We are saddened by the news that former JHS math department member Miss Josephine Hokanson has died. She was 99.
The trailboss was in Miss Hokanson's geometry class when John F. Kennedy was shot. She did her best to soldier on with the day's lesson, but eventually the shock and emotion of the day overtook her best intentions.
Sara Smith Sevey sends the obit from the Echo. Thanks, Sara.

Josephine Swart, 99
Josephine “Jo” Sylvia Ovedia (Hokanson) Swart was born to Olaf and Nellie (Walstad) Hokanson on October 18, 1908 in Urness Township. She went home to be with the Lord on April 13, 2008 at the age of 99 years.
Jo attended Douglas County rural school District #49, was a graduate of Evansville High School, the Alexandria Normal Training Department and received her master’s degree in education from St. Cloud State University.
Jo’s 44 years of teaching included schools in rural Douglas County, Rothsay, Evansville, Long Prairie elementary, Alexandria elementary, Alexandria high school mathematics and St. Cloud State University geography and mathematics. She also served as an elementary school principal in Alexandria.
Jo had varied and interesting experiences during her teaching career. She taught in four school systems of which she was a graduate and from which she was offered a contract without applying for a position. When Jo retired in 197 1, she married Clarence Swart and moved to Brooklyn Center where she resided for 23 years. They spent winters in Arizona and Texas until Clarence passed away in 1979. Jo loved to travel and did extensive touring to every continent except South America.
Through all of Jo’s life she was active in school, church and community organizations. Jo served as president of the Alexandria Education Association, the Douglas County Education Association, the 11-county Western Division Education Association, Rho Chapter Delta Kappa Gamma Society International and vice president of the Minnesota Education Association. She was chairman of the local NEA evaluation project and recorder for the Minnesota delegation at an N.E.A. convention. Jo was state chairman of the Teacher Education and Professional Standards Commission, member of the Board of Directors of the local school employees’ credit union. In 1961, Governor Elmer Anderson appointed Jo to the Education Committee for a two-year term. She edited the first newsletter for the local education association and continued to be its editor for 15 years. Jo was secretary of the Alexandria Galaxy Condominium Association and a member of the Board of Directors of the Vikingland Retired Educators.
Wherever Jo resided she took an active part in community organizations – Girl Scouts, Camp Fire Girls, PTA secretary, vice chairman of County Republicans, chairman of the Robbinsdale Senior Services Committee, member of the Metropolitan Board on Aging, secretary of the Alexandria Senior Center and member of the Life Time Learning Executive Board.
Church involvement was also a major part of Jo’s life. She has served as Sunday school superintendent, teacher, member of the Board of Directors and Board of Trustees, church librarian and various church committees – membership, care, finance and property.
Jo was the recipient of several awards: Alexandria Teacher of the Year, Douglas County Teacher of the Year, Minnesota Honor Roll of Teachers of Excellence, Honorary Future Farmer, Outstanding Senior Citizen of Hennepin County, Brooklyn Center Rotarian Award of the Year, Douglas County Hall of Fame, Alpha Kappa Chapter Woman of Achievement, Who’s Who in Minnesota, and Who’s Who in her family genealogy.
Jo is survived by her two brothers, Walter Hokanson of Morris, Lloyd and wife, Mayme Hokanson, of Evansville; four nieces and four nephews; stepson, William Swart of Eagan; stepdaughter, Elizabeth Kenny of Eugene, OR; six grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.
Her husband; parents; infant sister, Sylvia; sister-in-law, Lily Hokanson; stepdaughter-in-law, Lukris Swart; stepson-in-law, Patrick Kenny; and stepgrandson, Bill Swart passed away prior to Jo.
A funeral service for Jo was held Wednesday, April 16 at Grace Church in Alexandria. The Rev. Craig Dahl was the officiant. Sue Lundblad and Ruth Peterson provided music. Interment followed at Fryksande Cemetery near Evansville. Casket bearers included all of her nieces and nephews, Sheryl Eystad, Bob Hokanson, Rolland Hokanson, Steve Hokanson, Helen Kent, Harlan Hokanson, Romel Hokanson and Renee Schecker.
Honorary casket bearers included Vern Eystad, Rod Felbur, Andy Karlsgodt, DeLair Melzer, Clifford Peterson and Vern Taylor, along with the Delta Kappa Gamma Society International.
Arrangements are with Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria.

Spring, sort of, comes to Minnesota

Tom Obert writes:

This photo was taken at 3:30 this afternoon. It was a balmy 56 degrees! Note, however, that Lake Latoka is still totally covered with ice.

Photo by Sue Justice, of her all-state goalie daughter, Danielle, obviously exhausted by a hard day at school.

Confessions of a tower climber - the other tower

Hi Stan,
I confess that I was one of the girls that climbed the water tower and found John Herdan up at the top.

I know Claudia was with me, and I think Sandi was too. But it was the water tower near the high school, not the one by the ballpark.

Just like John, we did not take any paint with us - I think the whole purpose was to just say we climbed it, not to "tag" it.


Paula (Widstrom) Hanson

Richard Johnson's father dies

Norman Ernest Johnson, 86, Alexandria, died April 13, 2008. He was the father of our classmate, Richard Johnson.

A celebration of life service will be held Saturday, April 19 at 2 p.m. at Fahlun Lutheran Church.

Visitation will be Friday, April 18 from 5 to 8 p.m. at Anderson Funeral Home and one hour prior to the service on Saturday at the church

In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorials to Fahlun Lutheran Church organ fund.

(Information supplied by Paul Strandberg, taken from Echo Press)

Who climbed the water tower?

Statutes of limitation apply
Stan,
You can tell Carolyn that some of us succeeded in getting to the top of the water tower. In fact, if the girls at the class reunion who claimed I was hiding on the top of the tower one night and scared the crap out of them when they climbed it would like to send Stan the details, I'm sure they can tell the story much better than I can.
I never brought paint along when I was up there though.

John Herdan

Trailboss says: So then you can't prove anything, right?

Landmark loss bring lump to Carolyn

Carolyn Hoffland writes from Albuquerque:
Stan,
My heart is heavy seeing the Elm Street water tower removed. I didn't know that was going to happen.
My parents owned our home at 409 Elm Street, right under the water tower, for 40 years. The water tower was indeed a very distinct landmark.
My dad worked at the Red Owl Store on Broadway and walked one block to work.
The photo brings back memories of all the high school football games played at that field right under the water tower. Dad used to have to block our drive way, so no one would park in it. The same was true when there were baseball games.
It is sad for me to see the old water tower removed. Now my parents' house is owned by the Beetles baseball team. I guess life marches on, but not without a tear or two shed.
By the way, if any of you tried to climb the water tower, it was probably my Mom or Dad who reported you. It happened frequently that someone would attempt to climb it!
Fondly,
Carolyn (Wright) Hoffland

Landmark watertower no more

Crews removed the 1936 water tower from the old Knute Nelson baseball field on Elm Street in Alexandria last week. Though some attempts were allegedly made by others, the Class of '65 was never able to send a representative to scale its heights and paint a notice of dominance on the steel tank. A couple of railroad trestles and the bus barn roof had to suffice for class taggers. (Photo from Echo Press)

Kiger gives Obama an edge for charisma

Jefferson High alum Burke Kiger and his son, Jack, went to the North Dakota State DFL convention this weekend in Grand Forks to see Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton. Judging by the picture he submitted, we surmise there may have been conflict in the car on the way home. Burke writes: We attended the North Dakota State DFL convention, where both Obama and Hillary gave speeches to a crowd of 14,000. They both outlined their policies and positions with humor and directness. I would have to give the edge to Obama by virtue of his charisma.

No word yet from Jack.

This word comes from Carolyn Hoffland in the Land of Enchantment:

You go, Burke Kiger, Go Obama!!!
This message has been approved by Carolyn Hoffland for Obama!

Pat Osterberg is 60; band reunites

The Osterberg family, Pat, Cate, Dick, Steve, Steph, and Sonny singing the National Anthem.

John Herdan reports:

I attended Pat Osterberg's 60th birthday party last Saturday night. Pat actually turned 60 on St. Patrick's Day (makes it easy to remember) but the party included another special event. Pat's daughter Cate arranged to have a reunion of Pat's former show band, "Caste," that night. Four of the five original members of the band were there plus their very first drummer who left before they became famous (not Pete Best).

The three singers up front were Pat Osterberg ('66), Stephanie (Sonstegard) Osterberg ('68), (left) and Gerry Hesse ('67). Click on the photos above to enlarge them.

Mike Thornton ('67) was the original drummer. He was replaced when they went on the road by Terry Ray. Terry (class of '75 - picture at left) was only 15 when he started to travel and Steph was actually his teacher until he finished high school. As a professional music judge, it is my opinion that Terry is still one of the most tasteful and musical drummers I've ever met. Bev Witt was the orginal keyboard player. Her part was well covered by Kevin Lee Saturday night.

At the end of the evening they did take one request. Pat, his dad Sonny, and his two sons, Dick and Stephen, have sung the national anthem at the Metrodome for Minnesota Gopher football games. Saturday night they were joined by Steph and Cate. A spectacular finish and a great way to get a standing ovation. The large crowd showed their approval for quite a while. Thanks to Pat and Steph's kids, especially Cate for putting on a great party. Lots of friends, lots of memories.

Among the attendees were, above, Burke Kiger ('66), Mike Thornton ('67), Bill Luethner ('67). By the way, the party was held at the Geneva Golf Club where Jerry is the chef. If the food Saturday was any indication, I would plan on eating there this summer.

Meanwhile, last summer at The Bay . . .

This is a moment from last summer at Bug-a-Boo Bay by Lake Le Homme Dieu (impressive spelling skills, no?). These ladies are getting in tune for a late dinner. A nostalgic Sara Sevey sent this along our way. Won't be long before the patio opens and we'll be sipping cool ones and chatting it up. This quartet belongs to the Class of '65. Don't they look FABULOUS! - You're looking at Marilyn, Lynne, Betty and Sara.

Recently, in a Texas Roadhouse. . .

Left to right, Bob Lange, Nancy Kiger, Burke Kiger, Terry Teeson, Jerry Teeson, Eunice Lange.
Well, actually the picture was taken at the Texas Roadhouse restaurant in Coon Rapids a year ago. Kiger and his wife, Nancy, were returning to Alexandria after visiting her parents in Rochester. The Teesons said the Texas Roadhouse in Coon Rapids had just opened and would be fun. (just down the road from their home). Langes drove up from Bloomington to join the party. Burke, who sent this photo, reports: "As you can see, it was fun. We try and get together at least three or four times a year."
Burke is at the Alexandria post office edging toward retirement, after 30 plus years. Nancy is a PHD psychologist with Douglas County Mental Health unit (13 years). The couple are empty nesters as their three children are done with regular college. Jack, 27, is working on a masters in architecture at NDSU; Tom, 25, a St. Olaf grad, is at the U working on a Ph.D. in Industrial Psychology. Katy, 22, is a Bethel grad and employed at North Central University, Mpls., as assistant registrar.
Nancy and Burke have been married 33 years. They met at U of M Morris, she is from Northfield. After high school Burke attended U of New Mexico for 2 years, spent 2 years in Army security and went to Vietnam 1969. He graduated U of M Morris, BA (73), later on got his MBA (95) She started at Morris and finished at Concordia (74) than got her PHD at Indiana State University(95).