Happy New Year!

Happy New Year from Dick and Kay Block, Dave and Bonita Gilbertson, Bob and Sharon Watson. . . celebrating early at Rappers.

66ers Annual Sofitel Event

These members of the Jefferson High Class of 1966 gathered today in Bloomington at the Sofitel. The three hour marathon gab session included, from left, Kathy Aga, Bob Johnson, Carol Engstrom, Wyck "Rocky" Linder, Solveig "Sam"  Rolfsrud, Al "Bullet" Verpy, Ric Beresford, Jerry "World's Greatest Realtor" Teeson, Sharon Cassida and Barb Paciotti. A member of the Class of 1965 was present to restore order and take this photograph. Below, Aga gave graphic details of her arranged eighth grade date with the Bullet. (FYI -- If you must know, he did not get to first base.) John Annis of Carlos gave Bullet his nickname in high school football to honor his legendary bullet speed. The name stuck through college and to this day his co-workers at UPS frequently use the handle.

Here's a view of Alexandria in 1907, taken from the courthouse tower. That's Seventh Ave in front of Central High School (original building, without the subsequent additions) across from the Congregational Church. Further on is the public library. These buildings and sidewalks were in place around the time the homes referenced in the two articles below were built.  Click to enlarge photo. (Thanks to Douglas Co. Historical Society) 

Memories of another historic Alex home. . .

Sandi Pennar Bonesteel saw the report of Sosie's adventures at the Cedar Rose Inn and it stimulated her own memories of that part of town. Here's her note. Thanks, Sandi, for adding to the interest in the class web site.


Childhood memories of a historic home....

Interesting reading about the charming B & B in Alex, being on the national register of historic homes in the silk stocking district! That got me wondering about the childhood home of my uncle, Donald LeRoy, so I went to the internet. No surprise, it is one of the listed 59 homes. It is located at 519 Lincoln West in Alexandria. During the time I lived in Alex, I had not heard this area referred to as the silk stocking district. Maybe that was dreamed up by The Historical Society later? According to the registry, the home was built in 1910, by Henry LeRoy. He was my uncle's father. There were 6 children in the family and I believe my uncle Don was the youngest. Theirs was a very wealthy family, and I seem to recall reading that they were intially involved in lumber industry, so possibly also involved construction in the area?

I spent quite a bit of time at that home in my younger years, when I was visiting with my aunt and uncle, and we'd go to see his mother, Alice, or for family reunions. Uncle Donald was married to my Aunt Harriet, my biological mother's sister. My mother died at age 32 and since my aunt and uncle were childless, they sort of "adopted" me for awhile til Dad remarried. (My step mom was Millie, who worked at JHS library) I still spent a lot of time with my aunt and uncle through my teen years, until going off to nursing school in Minneapolis. So I had occasion to visit that beautiful home on numerous occasions, and it was like nothing I had ever seen! Up until about 1960, when we moved to Lake Latoka, we lived in a tiny house on Maple Street, so this house was like a mansion to me. I was a small girl then, but I'm sure I would still be very impressed by it today. Now I have only memories and some are still quite vivid. I haven't even seen the exterior for years, but I believe it was a 3 story, and from my limited knowledge of architecture, I'd call it Victorian, but the register says it is Colonial Revival. What do I know? My daughter is an architect....I'll have to ask her.

I remember stained glass windows, Tiffany lamps and Victorian era furniture, and a huge staircase with a big stained glass window on the landing. I remember trying to slide down the banister of that staircase, but my aunt put a stop to that. There was a large living, or maybe called sitting room, with a fireplace. I recall eating in the dimly-lit dining room with dark furnishings, under a Tiffany chandelier and staring at stuffed ducks and pheasants on the wall! I had never seen anything like that and it was a bit unsettling to look up into their glass eyes while eating! Most likely pheasant and duck were on the menu as the men were all avid hunters! The kitchen was huge, and I think they had some hired help at times. 
There was a building (or buildings) behind the house which I think consisted of an apartment for servants, and garage, but I can't be sure as I only spent time in the main house. I remember a back (I called it "secret") staircase off the kitchen, probably used by servants at one time, as it was more readily accessible to the bedrooms and bathrooms upstairs. It was also a great place for kids to hide out. I was fascinated with that and loved to explore and snoop around the house. In a child's eye it was enormous and sometimes kind of scary. I loved to visit that house! The lot was huge and I remembered a big swing with umbrella in the back yard. There was a huge front porch with wicker furniture, which my uncle later inherited from the estate. I later inherited it from them and still have it. I also have a couple of Victorian era chairs from the sitting room, that I inherited from my aunt, which came from that house.

Besides the dining room, the room I can picture the most was a parlor in the front of the house, separate from the other sitting area and it was more of a den, with bookcases and a big desk. It was where the men hung out and smoked. I remember going in there and admiring the framed photos of the trotting horses that my uncle's brother James owned. In my preteen years, I was the typical "horse crazy" girl, and also enjoyed visiting the horses at the fairground stables and going to a few of the sulky races. Pretty exciting! My favorite was a horse named "Kitty Kat". James was married to Innis, who was with the Park Alex paper (Park Region Echo?) for some time.

The matriarch, Alice LeRoy, lived into her 90's and was a patient in the boarding care section of Our Lady of Mercy Hospital in her later years. I worked there as a nurse's aide while in High school, and took care of her. She was cute! I remember her asking me to help her find "the buggy whip". I'm sure she was having one of her memories!

Those are the things I remember of that home and the LeRoys, in those times. They are childhood memories, so I am sure there are some inaccuracies, but they are my memories. I guess if I were to do some serious digging, I'd come across some pictures in some of my aunt's scrapbooks, but right now I am getting ready for the birth of grandson #3! (to my youngest daughter) He will be born 12/30, on his dad's birthday, and our 42 anniversary!

"Silk stocking" B&B for Sosie tonight

Sosie "Sam" Rolfsrud is in Alex with her husband tonight, visiting her mother, and living it up at the Cedar Rose Inn just down 7th Ave from old Central Junior High.  "It comes with all the comforts," she reports,  "like a woodstove, sherry, and dressup clothes in the Alma Anderson room." The room is pictured below. There are no photos on the Cedar Rose Inn website depicting the Inn during the winter and Sosie couldn't find a dry place to stand to take one.
Sam will be at the Class of 1966 mini-reunion Wednesday noon at the LeHotel Sofitel in Bloomington. Then it is back home to a much warmer California.
The Cedar Rose Inn web site continues:
"The inn was built in 1903 by Noah P. Ward, one of Alexandria’s most successful businessmen in an exclusive residential area of Alexandria named the “Silk Stocking District.” Today, the home still retains its original exterior structure with oversized gables and diamond paned windows. The interior design includes a collection of antiques, original maple wood floors, oak woodwork and numerous stained glass windows. 
"You will be greeted by arched oak doorways, a vast open staircase and tiffany chandelier, which are all reminiscent of the early part of the century.

"The walls in the library, living room and dining room have sculpted plaster in the acorn and leaf motif and trailing vines and leaves… a traditional symbol of hospitality. 
"You are invited to curl up in the parlor with a classical book or relax in a window seat nook by a warm crackling fire. Or you may decide to just enjoy an evening on the veranda swing while watching the sunset."
---
The web site doesn't mention anything about dressing up and playing house.

The Alma Anderson bedroom where Sosie stayed. To see the rest of the house, click on this. Watch the video to meet the proprietors.

Grandma and the eldest

Here's Bonita Gilbertson with her oldest grandbaby, Britty, taken a couple nights ago as part of their Christmas celebrating. Bonita reports having a great time!

Happy Holidays from Karl and Sue

Math, not science, Lorlee says

Lorlee writes:

"I remember that Ray Farley was a math teacher -- not a science teacher -- and he was a relatively new teacher when we were there."

Editor's response: Well, Lorlee, we could both be right. Math AND science --  Was he the original multi-tasker at Central Junior High? Mr. Utility Infielder?

I am certain Mr. Farley taught science because my project for him was a barometer. During our weather unit, Mr. Farley had me take a reading off of it every day and then report the room air pressure to the class. But before I would do that, every day, we would tune in the shortwave broadcasts from the airport on a squawk box that would announce, among other things, the barometric pressure at all the area weather stations. The entire class would dutifully jot down these facts each day. It took about five minutes. Very exciting. The box would crackle with words like "Foxtrot" and "niner niner."

My homemade barometer was an ordinary red balloon skin stretched tightly over a big peanut butter jar. Looked like a drum with a string tied on to the drumhead. Supposedly, as the air pressure went up and down, the balloon skin would rise and fall, causing the attached needle to do the same. It was my duty to note this precise movement with a pencil scratch and a number. Somehow, this number always miraculously corresponded within a few decimals to the air pressure measurement broadcast earlier on the shortwave. Mr. Farley was very impressed with the accuracy my project. Certain classmates were not. 

"He just moves the needle a little depending on the air pressure reading we got from the radio," groused one skeptical classmate -- Brian Berglund, I think. Bergie may have been right. (The balloon skin probably wasn't very airtight. A quality condom would have been a better choice, but not readily available to me at the time.) 

Mr. Farley preferred to think I ran a successful project and didn't want to know or hear anything to the contrary. And I certainly wasn't going to disappoint him.

So that, my dear Lorlee, is how I remember for sure that Mr. Farley was a science teacher. But I would never argue about the math.
Update
John Herdan put the last word on this when he found this reference on the Mathcounts 2008-9 web site:
John writes:


Minnesota MATHCOUNTS
Coaches Award
10-year awards
Ray Farley, Discovery Middle School, Alexandria

 Answer your question?

The editor and the cub match memories

Tom Obert (pictured with his Christmas booty) writes:

Your recollections of Central, by geographic direction, are amazing.  I have few visual images of the place - probably the strongest of which was heading to "The Fountain" for lunch.  
I remember Mr. Butler's 8th-grade math class.  He would have us all go to the chalk board, give us problems, and the first to solve it would get 3 points, 2nd would get 2 points, and 3rd would get 1 point.  And I remember the constant battle with Lorlee and Judy Seppanen for those points - who said women weren't good at math and science?   
I remember having to do a major project on Great Expectations, but, unfortunately, I don't recall the teacher (Stevie Nelson?), who was always reputed to be excellent.  I remember drawing a cartoon of Kennedy and Humphrey boxing within the confines of the state of West Virginia (the 1960 primaries) in art class (Dick Greengo's?).  
I remember doing a 50-plus page report on my prospective adult career - marine biologist - but have no recollection for what, or whose, class that was done for.  (I seem to recall little Mayo Johnson's was about 30 pages longer than mine - don't recall his career choice, however.)  And I remember shop class, where we fashioned those marvelous, long-lasting, night stands.  
I can barely "picture" the teacher and can't remember his name (Amundson?).


(Editor responds: Clayton, it was Clayton Amundson. May I add to your Central Junior HIgh recollections that you had Lyle Frank for ninth grade science. I had Ray Farley. I regret to inform you, Tom, that you were no Mr. Wizard. One morning I came into Lyle's science room to hang out (no Playboy mags there or anything, but he encouraged morning visitors, for some reason) and I saw and heard him bitching about your take-home science project. You had assembled some electrical apparatus on a piece of plywood and when he plugged it in to grade it, he kept blowing fuses. I did not make this up. I also recall that you fobbed the responsibility for the wiring job off onto your father, who wasn't there to deny anything. Just a nice memory I thought you'd like to add to your bank. :))

Dorothy Schwanke, 94

Dorothy Marie Schwanke died December 11, 2009 in Bethel, CT. Dorothy was born on September 10, 1915 in Staples. 
Her great-grandfather was descended from Danish royalty. He immigrated from Schlesving-Holstein, a tiny Danish province given to Germany at the end of World War I. He brought her grandfather to America as a little boy. He homesteaded near Dysart, Iowa, where her father, John Carl Matthiesen, was born, one of several children. 
Her grandmother, Mary Rolfe, was also born there. On her mother’s side, her great-grandfather, Henry C. Trierweiler, was born and reared in England. He came to America and homesteaded near Nashua, Iowa where her grandfather was born. Her grandmother, Minnie Wendt, came from Germany with her parents when she was 14 years old. Her mother, Elizabeth Sophia Trierweiler, was born in a little town called Frederika, Iowa, where she was one of five brothers and sisters. Dorothy’s mother and father met and were married in Staples. 
After Dorothy was born, her father, Jack, often referred to her as “mine lipskin,” or “Staples sand burr.” Although Dorothy was born in Staples, she attended kindergarten in Pipestone and later was raised on a farm in Unity, near Sauk Centre. She attended rural school in Unity and graduated from Sauk Centre High School. 
Dorothy attended St. Cloud Teachers College and received her degree in English and speech, and later attended the University of Colorado, University of Minnesota, and again St. Cloud, graduating magna cum laude with a master’s degree in speech pathology. She called her thesis “The Art of Listening.” 
Dorothy was married in June of 1941 to Herbert Walter Schwanke at Zion Lutheran Church in Sauk Centre. He passed away five years later of fulminating streptococcus of the lungs, which was probably contracted from GIs who had been overseas and returned to the states in Champaign, IL. 
Their union produced a son, John Carl Schwanke. Dorothy loved the theater, but her first love was people, little people, and children with learning disabilities. Dorothy lived in Alexandria since 1949. Before that, because of her teaching career, she lived in Sherman, SD, Clarissa, Austin, St. Cloud, Renville and Staples. 
She was well respected in her field, be it English, speech, theater or speech therapy, and was named Teacher of the Year in 1981. Dorothy was preceded in death by her brother, John Dorwin Matthiesen; husband, Herbert; mother, Elizabeth, and father, “Jack.” She is survived by her son, John, who resides in Danbury, CT, with her granddaughter, Eden Fath, her grandson, Kevin, wife Debra, and three great-grandsons, Troy, Tyler and Trenton of LaQuinta, CA. 

(From the EchoPress)

Peter Reque, 80

Peter Richard Reque, 80, Alexandria, died December 18, 2009 at St. Cloud Hospital.
Peter was born February 21, 1929 in Graceville to the Rev. Paul S. and Amanda (Holvick) Reque. He was baptized at Trinity Lutheran Church in Clinton, where he lived until 1939. He was confirmed at Orfordville Lutheran Church in Wisconsin in 1943. He attended school in Orfordville until his senior year when he moved with his family to Redwood Falls, where he graduated from high school in 1947. Following graduation, he attended and graduated from Luther College in Decorah, Iowa in 1951.
On June 12, 1954, Peter married Beverly Solvie at Cyrus Lutheran Church in Cyrus. They made their first home in Manistique, Michigan.
In the spring of 1955, Peter and Bev built an A&W Root Beer stand, which they operated in the summers until 1962 when they sold it to devote more time to their small children, whom they adopted in 1961 and 1962.
Peter received his master of science degree from St. Cloud State in 1964 and a post graduate degree in environmental education from Mankato State in 1965.
Peter taught in the public schools in Gilby, North Dakota, in the Cooks area schools in Michigan and Luther College in Decorah, Iowa, before coming to Alexandria in the fall of 1959. He was a junior high science instructor for 28 years in Alexandria when he retired in 1987. Peter enjoyed his many years working with students and in later years acting as landlord to area Tech boys.

(Editor's note: Many "Class of 65ers" learned seventh grade science from Pete Reque. He taught at Central High in the science room just across the hall from Miss Dahl, in the southwest corner. He also taught a class or two in the science room in the old part of the school, in the northeast corner. The two classrooms were as far from each other as you can get, and Mr. Reque would walk between them with his peculiar gait. He'd been in a motorcycle accident, we were told. He was a wonderful teacher and fondly remembered and respected by many. Did not know until today that he was a preacher's kid. Photo at right is as we remember him, from the 1960 Central Junior Hi-Lites.)
After retirement from teaching, Peter began a business, Viking Microscope Service, which took them visiting schools in Minnesota during summers to repair microscopes.
During his career, he was president of the local teachers association and served on a board of the Minnesota Education Association for selection of funding for science education. He traveled for the National Educational Office in evaluating teaching programs for colleges and universities throughout the United States. Peter was president of the Alexandria Area Retired Educators.
He was actively involved with First Lutheran Church since 1959. He served as a Sunday school teacher, choir member and on an education committee.
Pete is survived by his wife, Beverly, of Alexandria; son, David Allen Reque of Farwell; daughter, Diane Reque (Eric) Storvick of Mankato; five grandsons, Kyle Reque of Hoffman; Kasey Reque of Kensington and Anders, Peder and Kai Storvick of Mankato; and two great-grandsons, Kaleb Peter Burkey-Reque and Kaiden Gene Reque. He is also survived by two sisters, Torry (Bill) Henderson of Des Moines, Iowa and Marita (Paul) Duckstad of Redwood Falls; two sisters-in-law, Sylvia Reque of Walker and Bobbie Jo Solvie of Morris; several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Peter was preceded in death by his parents, the Rev. Paul and Amanda Reque; brother, Dr. David G. Reque; grandparents, the Rev. Lauritz and Thora Reque, Rachel Holvick; father and mother-in-law, Raymond and Marion Solvie; and one brother-in-law, Duane A. Solvie.
Funeral services were held December 22 at First Lutheran Church in Alexandria with the Rev. John Peshek officiating. Inurnment was at Cyrus South Cemetery of rural Cyrus. Casket bearers were Peter’s grandsons and his great-grandsons.
Memorials are preferred to the Jefferson High School Recognition Fund.

Merry Christmas from Bobby and Stan!

Merry Christmas from Kathy and Will!

And grandchildren Nicky (7), Taylor (5), Willy (9), Priscilla (4) and Tatum (3).

A Christmas letter from Lorlee

Ho, Ho, Ho and a Merry, Merry, Merry – as always, if you think these letters are stupid, well just have another egg nog and it will sound better - or you won’t notice.

I am once again working on expanding my circle of friends – you may recall that last year’s effort led to an East Texas retreat with relatives of murderers.  I decided I better look for peace lovers and started attending the local Quaker meetings.  Between 15 and 20 attend so the gathering afterwards allows for real fellowship and making connections. I am planning to attend a Woman’s Tai-Chi retreat in January in NW Texas – so I am hoping for a Quaker-like experience rather than a repeat of the East Texas experience.

Another new activity is the North Texas Traditional Dance Society – specializing in old English dances, the precursors of Virginia reels (you remember those from gym class).  A nice combination of exercise and new people.  And thus far, I have detected no relatives of murderers.

Too many flowers?

One needs also to keep up with old friends.  A great visit to see Joan in Seattle with a side trip to Vancouver Island anchored my summer.  A cool first day but then perfect weather for visits to the Bloedel Reserve on Bainbridge Island, a lovely low key forest preserve.  Then an overnight by hydroferry to Victoria to see the Buchart Gardens and the  British museum exhibit at the Victoria museum.  I never thought I would say this, but there is such a thing as too many flowers.  At the Buchart they have fabulous dahlias the size of dinner plates – but then they have 100 feet of them.  A sensory overload and too many garden goers.  

I was on a roll so I brought great weather to Minnesota in September – perfect 80 degrees – the first of the summer.  (So if you need your weather improved, just invite me for a visit.)  A day in Minneapolis with Sandy and then dinner with college friends Carter and Rose.  Most all of the family gathered in Alexandria for dinner and lots of photos.  My brother got his boat out for the second time all summer for a tour of Maple Lake in the perfect weather.  Spent a couple of quiet days visiting my mom – who turned 90 in November. 

Decluttering

The rest of my adventures and visits with old friends were closer to home – A visit to East Texas to a Nature Conservancy preserve with an overnight in a cabin by the lake and a visit to the local winery.  A nice, quiet time at the ranch with Patsy and Joe – we simply sit around and read, eat good food, and I make a stop at the farmer’s market in Gustine.  Visits to Fort Worth to see the museums.  A visit in Granbury, TX with Lyn and Denny – college friends.  We had a nice ride on the lake and Lyn is still a great cook. I was a bridesmaid in their wedding and decided that the bridesmaid dress could now hang in her closet after hanging in mine for 40 years.  

In my decluttering mode, the other two bridesmaid dresses that had hung in the closet for 43 and 39 years were delivered to the respective brides – my highschool friend Jackie and my sister.  Amazingly the I could still fit in the one from 1966.  Lots of Xmas ornaments were passed on to unsuspecting nieces and nephews, the maid gets bi-weekly stacks, the local charity stops frequently and I am just getting started.  Don’t be surprised if some crap – I mean—wonderful treasured item ends up in your mailbox. 

No frog report

Season tickets to two great theaters, monthly meetings of my long running book club, a mystery bookclub at the library, and Skyline Library Friends round out my activities. The Friends do what we can to make up for the cuts in the City Budget.  If things continue, we will all be paying for things individually.  Anyone willing to take on a war or two?

Again this year, there is no frog report (kiss a thousand to find the handsome prince) but I have found some wonderful inanimate substitutes on my trips and at my annual State Fair visit as you can see in the photos.  And I do have Grey Ghost and Hypathia (the cats) to cuddle at night with Keto (the bird) as a natural alarm clock if we sleep too late.  And don’t try to break in the back door because Keto is better than a burglar alarm – though he’s not able to aim the pistol very well yet.

If you haven’t had a chance to check out my postcard blog, (http://anniebartos.blogspot.com/) I hope you will do so.  Approximately 250 of the 700 postcards from my Great Aunt Annie are currently posted.  My hometown newspaper did a story entitled “The Twitter of the 1910’s”  The cards are absolutely charming and provide a glimpse into a simpler time.  

My plan is to stick to landscape gardening this year and let a real farmer do the hard work – I joined a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) and look forward to the weekly boxes of produce – though this Northerner will be passing on all the “greens” to her Southern neighbors.  My fruit trees do well and I am experimenting with some berries, kiwis and nuts.

Cancer in the rear view mirror  

The best news for last --  I just had my 5 year checkup and all is well. As my sister-in-law said, “The more space between the cancer and your rear view mirror, the better”—and when you reach this milestone, the doctor hugs you and the Mammogram Center gives you congratulatory cards.  

To sum it up, I am old enough to get Social Security, but not old enough for Medicare so the only choice is to keep working. Still looking for new friends, still rooting for universal health care and hoping for world peace – Heck, I might even settle for more peace in the US Senate.  

Our favorite places

(Editor's note: This is the first in what we hope will be a series of reports on favorite winter time activities of our classmates. Thanks for helping out on this, Bonita. Who's next?)


Hi Stan and Bobby,

A while back you asked if anyone was going anywhere for the winter.  We will be.


Dave and I will be heading south, but not until January 2nd.  We are "official snowbirds" as we live in Seagrove Beach, Florida for three months.  Seagrove Beach is up in the "panhandle" about 20 miles east of Destin and 20 miles west of the infamous spring break capital, Panama City Beach.  The majority of people who work in the stores, restaurants and other businesses are from Alabama so we have to listen very closely when we first get down there as they have very strong accents.  By the same token, when we come home we can hear the Minnesota accents with the drawn out o's and the long ssssss.  For example Neewsssss  (for news)

Turquoise to sapphire blue
The sand is white.  In fact when we first get down there if I'm looking out of a window, I end up having to mentally shake myself as I'm used to living in snow for the prior months and it LOOKS like snow.  It's that white!  (They even put snow fences on some of the beaches to stop erosion.)  After about a week I make the mental switch and recognize it as sand...thank goodness.  The water color is spectacular.  It varies from turquoise to sapphire blue.  Sometimes it's just breathtakingly beautiful.  Flowers, shrubs, green trees and of course palm trees...ahhh.

Bingo Every Monday
But there are also days when the wind is blowing off the gulf, and the waves are huge, crashing on the beach and it's cold and damp. On those days we go shopping, drive to the Naval museum in Pensacola, or go to the Fort Walton Library and snuggle in with a good book.  Once a week we get together and play Mexican Train Dominoes with  6 to 8 couples from Alex and our condo association has Bingo every Monday (for cash).  I usually win enough to pay for what I lost during the rest of the winter.  We go to a dog race track a couple of times a month and bet on our favorites and we golf at a beautiful course not too far from our condo.  We also have a huge selection of places to eat wonderful food.  They cater to us "birds" by offering great prices.

On to Arizona
This year we will be ending our winter in Gold Canyon, AZ.  Our son-in-law and daughter bought a house there last year and we decided we should drive from Florida to see it.  We will be on the road for two or three days to get there but al least we shouldn't have to drive in a blizzard as we have going back to "Minnasooda" for the last couple of years.  From humidity to dry, arid heat.  It should be a shock to our bodies.  Our daughter Kristi says "There's never a bad hair day in Arizona".  I certainly can't say that about Florida . . .or at least that's my excuse...LOL  

Enough, I'm sure you have guessed that we like it down there and you're right!

Bonita Olson Gilbertson
 

Take Two

Here is the official 2009 Bev and Cliff Korkowski Christmas Card. It's the second draft. When the first card came home for approval, it was discovered that one grandchild was missing. That oversight has been corrected and a full count of grandchildren is now represented. Bev and Cliff will be enjoying their extended family in Alexandria again this year.

For a good time. . .

Wallweeds meeting, Monday, Dec. 21 at 12:30 PM at Houlihans in Maple Grove. 

The Obert Year In Review

MERRY CHRISTMAS 2009                            

            Tom’s Mom, Natalia, (above with Tom) died this year.  We also said our final good-byes to Dale Stoeber, Mildred Tweed, Peter Geiser, George Goslinga, Beth Lieffort, Bob Hawkins, Marguerite Bechtoldt, and Ellen Steiner. This Christmas we are going to visit Ruthie’s 92-year old Mom, Janella, in Indiana. 

JAN 9 – We held a victory party as Al Franken grabbed an early lead in the Minnesota 2008 senate election recount.  Ruthie led Douglas County’s recount efforts. 
JAN 20 – Barack Obama was inaugurated as President of the United States.  This uniquely historical event was subsequently determined to have occurred as a result of ACORN voter fraud and Katie Couric inadvertences.
JAN 29 – Tom experienced the joy of staph infection, and subsequent lancing thereof, on his lower right “cheek.”  ACORN determined to be responsible for the H1N1 virus.
FEB 2 – Michelle Bachmann labeled Al Franken an enemy combatant and claimed he should be denied Miranda and habeas corpus rights.  Norm Coleman used Bachmann’s inspired support to claim the lead in the Minnesota 2008 senate election recount.
FEB 14-MAR 17 – A combination train/mini RV trip through the great American West ultimately leading to the Kiehne-Mathison betrothals in Austin, Texas.  The trip highlight for Tom, as a kidnap victim of the notorious Callecod sisters, Ruthie & Rita, was spending a night at an RV park in the middle of nowhere Texas, as far from the restrooms as possible, where it rained, literally for the first time in two years, all night.
APRIL 14 – Natalia died at age 86.  She had a long, wonderful life, though her last 23 years were without her beloved John.  We had a marvelous celebration of her life with lots of friends and relatives on the 18^th.
MAY 14 – Mark Dayton became the 1^st 2010 Minnesota gubernatorial candidate to make a campaign trip to Alex.  Al Franken acknowledged ACORN support in ongoing senate recount.
JUNE 22-JULY 5 – Jami, Dan, and Tom arrived for the semi-annual visit to their retirement reserve north of Itasca State Park.  Ruthie joined them for massive tree and brush clearing.  ACORN determined to be responsible for Sarah Palin’s syntax.
JULY 2-11 – Ruthie’s sister Rita joined the frivolity on the shores of Lake Darling.  Government’s continuing financial support for ACORN limited the amounts available for Wall Street bailout.
JULY 11-14 – Bob Gilbert, an old friend from D.C., made his first ever visit.  He went home totally exhausted from the whirlwind of excitement that is Vacationland USA.   Michelle Bachmann moved to have ACORN stricken from consideration as Minnesota’s state nut.
JULY 22 – With the support of friends and neighbors, Dan Nelson, and Annetta and John Knowles; Cam, Ruthie, and Tom interred Mom, and Suki, in Lake Victoria.  Mom and Dad were thus reunited.

JULY 23 – Tom shot a 2-under par, 34, on Alexandria Golf Club’s back nine.  Shoddy accounting practices by ACORN were determined to be at fault.
AUG 1-8 – Ruthie and Grandson Tom went to Camp Brosius, an annual adventure re-uniting Indiana University alumni.  Tom stayed home hoping to sell Mom’s house (which remains unsold).  Al Franken reclaimed the lead in the Minnesota senate recount when Norm Coleman lost his base over an admitted fondness for Tina Fey.
AUG 8-11 – Mark Brown lengthened his lead with the most visits to Vacationland USA by a non-family member.  While away from our nation’s capital, Mark, a high level official with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, was unable to refute charges that global warming is caused by ACORN.
AUG 24 – We bought our first new car in 11 years.  Tom also got new glasses making him eligible to drive the new car.  Cash rebates under auto sale programs allowed us to fund Al Franken’s increasing lead in the Minnesota senate recount.
SEP 29-OCT 7 – Ruthie went to Terre Haute to help celebrate her Mom’s 92^nd birthday.  Janella remains a pistol, though not sanctioned by the NRA.
OCT 7-12 – Long-time friends from Camp Brosius days, Vicky and Scott Longardner, joined Rita for their first ever visit to Vacationland USA.  Despite the coldest October in memory, we were able to give them the whirlwind tour plus a ride on the Moby Obie.   Al Franken lengthened his lead in the Minnesota senate recount when Michelle Bachmann mistakenly opened her mouth.
OCT 23 – Latest ever for boat and dock out – next year we have a new dock!  ACORN crashed White House state dinner.
NOV 24-29 – The kids, grandkid, and the Kiehnes were all in town for Thanksgiving.  We recall being well-fed during the occasion.  Al Franken closed in on victory in the Minnesota senate recount.
We also said our final good-byes to Jim Lehman this year.  Jim capably relieved us from AGC newsletter duties during Mom’s illness.
                      
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year (and Godspeed, Al Franken), 
Ruthie & Tom Obert

Let's rally around Tom Tessmer

Tom Tessmer, a member of the JHS Class of 1965 for the great majority of his high school career --  before his family moved from Alexandria, is going through some tough times.
A friend, Bob Gilbert, hopes Tom's old Alex friends will call and support Tom now. That's what Bob encouraged Tom Obert to do in an email yesterday.
Here's his note:

I have some sad news concerning Tom Tessmer. His wife has been very ill for the past year, going through several operations and therapies in an attempt to stop the spread of cancer. She has little time left as the doc has given her at the outside until early summer of next year. On top of this, Tom has been faced with unusually high medical bills. He may lose his business, Desert Valley Optical. He is a wonderful person, I know him personally as his long-time customer. 

You're an old-time "Alex" guy. If you could give him a call, I would appreciate it (623/546-2080). 

Thanks.

Bob G

------------

(Obert checked with Gilbert before offering this to post on the blog. Bob responded yes, and that it would be most "uplifting" if classmates would contact him. He's tired, Bob says.)
Friends, please mail Tom a card, here's an address for you to use:

Desert Valley Optical

Grand Village

14455 N.W. Grand Avenue

Suite 102

Surprise, AZ 85374

Ms. Goody-Two-Shoes writes in

Greetings 65 “Boomers,” from the Chairman’s wife!! 
I’ve been following the work on the blog and enjoying the collaboration between my beloved husband Bob (Bobby to those of you who “knew him when”) and his BFF Stan R. I’m so relieved that the little glitch in their relationship has been worked out; so both of them are back together in their endeavor to reach as many '65 alumni as possible - in the hope that we can all gather in Alex during August 2010. 
I understand that many of you may not even have been aware that Bob took the plunge (40 plus years ago now) and married a lovely small town girl – since for many years he did have a habit of going places without me (and especially to his beloved Alexandria). 
Our story is quite interesting, especially since we knew each other less than a month when we married (and they said it wouldn’t last!) Let’s just say that the “opposites attract” rule would definitely apply in our case. He swept me off my feet, and before I knew it, I was married, and getting acquainted with the man I’d be spending the rest of my life with! WHEW!! 
Suffice it to say, the first time I met his folks (when they thought he was engaged to someone else) was quite a soap opera moment. I will insert here that my naiveté can’t be explained in enough detail. I love my husband, but he had me totally hoodwinked! I was a non-drinker, goody two shoes …. Sound like someone Bobby would have hung out with? 
At any rate, I just wanted to put my 2 cents worth onto the website, and let y’all know I’m really looking forward to getting better acquainted with everyone who experienced the Watson journey through school!!
Sharon

Overly family Christmas update

Sherry (our California connection) is a full time nurse with Hospice, home schooling mom of four very active children and soccer coach.  Mike still works for Signature Fundraising. We enjoyed a summer time visit from Sherry and the grandkids in August, a quick weekend visit in October, when she returned to MN for a wedding. In November, Anna flew out to LA and she and Sherry walked in the 3-Day 60 mile Walk for the Cure in San Diego.

Josh is still in Bend, OR and finished another season with his road construction job (tho he hints he would like to find something else, now). He had surgery on his knee to repair a damaged meniscus, and will be joining us to celebrate Christmas here in Park Rapids.

Anna manages to keep herself extremely busy with her family and church responsibilities. She gives piano lessons one day/wk.  She continues as Worship Leader and Phil as Youth Pastor at our church. Both are doing wonderfully in their areas of ministry. They manage to keep up with their three children, who lead very busy lives themselves.

Lizzy is trying her hand at all kinds of new things as she guides her family of four energetic children. She is also homeschooling Emma and Abe. Seth is learning a lot at his job in Brookings, SD, and they are thankful to have sold their house in MN. They have found a wonderful body of believers who have been a great support in their transition to SD. They do miss being close to family however.

Caleb is working for the same computer company, but has recently launched his own computer repair business, called PCNINJA Repair. He has been working diligently on every facet of that enterprise, and is poised to take on The Geek Squad!

Ezra has set his sights on new lands and adventures. He is in the process of applying to a YWAM school in London. Right now, he is still at the elementary school as a para. He has a real desire to learn the business of film making.

Ben is serving the Lord as Youth Pastor at the church where Joanna grew up in Elk River, MN. Joanna graduated from Cosmetology School, has her license, and is seeking employment. They complement each other very well and are enjoying their ministry together.

Seth is about to complete his first semester at NDSU, where he transferred upon graduation from Itasca CC last spring. He has everything in order to spend the spring semester studying in Germany. He's very excited about that (as are we). He'll return next July or August.

Brenda continues to work at the nursing home. She is such a light there and much loved by all the staff and residents. David is excited about starting his third 20 year stretch, this time in the performing arts/ministry. He fulfilled a life long dream of playing Tevye in "Fiddler on the Roof" this past summer and is currently starring as Ole in "Ole and Lena's Christmas Carol". David has been teaching the fourth grade SS class, which has been quite fulfilling.

Wishing you all a very blessed Christmas..... The Overlys

No clue

Stan and Bob,

If that drive-in had belonged to Louis Ley, they would have had Goose on the menu.  That's all I'm saying.  You'll have to check with Louis or Chuck Braunschwieg if you need more information.

John Herdan

Root beer in a cone?

I Do Remember that a Baby Burger at the A&W was .20 -- can't remember the exact price of the Mama and Papa burger.  Root beer was 5 cents for a small and 10 cents for a large -- which might have been 16 ounces.  A quart to take home was 30 cents and came in a waxed cardboard cone.  A gallon was a bit over $1 if I remember right.  Malts and shakes -- 30 cents.
That's what spending your 3 summers as a carhop will get you. 
Lorlee

Was Louis Ley the original burger king?

The Bug-a-Boo Bay won't be the first eatery lost to Alexandria. Look at what Charlie Olson found. We have no idea when or where the King Louis Drive-in existed in Alexandria, but it did. Here's the menu. Burger, Buttered Bun, Golden Fries, Cole Slaw, 59 cents.  And there was another King Louis in Brainerd. So how much was a burger and fries at the Orbit in 1965? Anybody? And who was its manager in the summer of 1963 -- for extra points. Hint -- he also taught math.

Here's the note we got today from Chas. Click to enlarge the menu for easier reading.

Hi Stan,

 I was going through a bunch of old papers that I had packed away and came across this "King Louis Drive-In Menu". Any thoughts or memories of this place? My wife, Mary (Lund '68), and I can't for the life of us remember where it was located...Burgers for 30 cents and quarter broasted chicken for 59 cents....

Merry Christmas, 
Charlie Olson

Jingle Bells No Shows

Again, despite popular demand and acclaim, it is highly unlikely that this rock and roll group will reappear in the renown annual Alexandria Minnesota Christmas Time fundraiser, Jingle Bells. Oh well. Maybe next year then.

(Press photo)

The Kiger Christmas letter

Burke Kiger writes:

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!  I hope this letter finds you and yours well.  What a year we have had: Obama, Iraq, Afghanistan, stock market, financial mess, health care, housing collapse, bailout, automakers and dealers closing, our refrigerator breaking, Hoosier’s 13^th birthday -- lots on our plate this last year.  Here’s to hoping for a less crowded plate in 2010.

     The Kigers have been on the move in 2009.  Katy went to Africa, Burke retired, Jack moved to Florida, Nancy changed employers and Tom moved from Minneapolis to St Paul.  Here is our story:

     Katy in Africa:  In January, Katy flew to South Africa to participate in an internship with Thrive Africa to gain hands on experience on the mission field. She worked with 16 full-time staff and 7 other interns plus hundreds of volunteers serving between two weeks to two months.  She spent her time at a local orphanage, at Limakatso Disabled Centre, teaching an after-school discipleship class, building a traditional Basotho house out of mud, taking classes, in the villages building relationships, and training up coaches to teach in the schools. In September, her lucky parents came to visit her to see her life. We quickly found out that missionary work is not for the weak! We had a very special trip spendimg time in Cape Town, at Thrive Africa’s base, and ended our time with an African Safari complete with lions, rhinos, elephants, giraffe, and other animals.  Katy returned home safely on Dec 7^th and is already ready to be back in Africa!  

     Retired Burke: Yes, it is true.  Burke did retire after 31 years of government employment.  Here is the summary: 2 years military, 8 years post office in Minneapolis, 21 years post office in Alexandria.  What else in 2009?  Not much.  He played some golf, but mostly renewed friendships with some old friends. He also played 18 rounds of competition golf against his old competitors from both high school and college years.  He says it feels great to be in the hunt again.  He plans for more of the same in 2010.

     Florida Jack: The Air Force e-mailed and Jack answered yes. They said we need a civilian architect at Eglin Air force Base in Fort Walton Beach, Florida.  Burke helped him move down in June, he looked for a house, bought a nice 4 bedroom and than said he needed help trimming the Christmas tree, and the family all said Yes!!  Christmas 2009 Florida.  What a pleasant change from snowy Minnesota.  Jack says visitors are welcome.

     Nancy:  Still a psychologist.  Her former employer, Douglas County Hospital, sold the mental health unit to Lakeland Mental Center, a non-profit from Fergus Falls.  She has the same building, same desk, same salary, but a vastly smaller unit.  She remains upbeat as she finally made it to a far off continent.  She loves Tom’s St. Paul neighborhood, and she can’t wait to see Jack’s new digs!  She has given her retirement planning a second look, but no announcement is expected for a few years.

     U of Mn Tom: What can I say?  He is knocking on the door of his PhD.  Finished his oral and written exams, and is working on his thesis.  He assists his professors in research, and helps out in two classes.  He has had some stomach health issues, but is working with Mayo to get it under control.  Continues to stay in close contact with St Olaf friends.  He played some golf and took his Dad to many Gopher basketball games.

Charlie and Mary Olson's Christmas letter

 Our first Christmas letter arrived via email today. It's from Charlie and Mary Olson, nee Mary Lund, Class of 1968. They're rocking (above) on their Lake Henry porch. Here's the Christmas letter, the first of many we hope to receive from classmates this year.

Dear Family & Friends,

I remember once thinking how far off the year 2000 seemed, and now here we are on the verge of 2010!  Needless to say, it flies by.

Our year has been one of losses and gains, just like many of you.  In September we welcomed Levi Fredrick Gregersen to our family.  Here he is…

What a joy to have grandbabies!  Along with Levi, we have Nathan – 13, Emma – 4, Charlie – soon to be 3, Tommy – soon to be 1.  Lots of boys for PaPa (Charlie) and a girl for MiMi (that’s me).

We lost Charlie’s brother, Jim, in late October, and friend Lupe in November. 

We are grateful for all of the blessings in our life, and this is the time of the year that we reflect on all that was and hope for the future as we move forward in life.

I am still a business coach for our consultants at Tastefully Simple and still can’t believe my good fortune in having work that is so fulfilling and that I love.  Charlie keeps busy with his eBay biz and remodeling projects on this 100 year old home.

Wishing you all your heart desires in 2010! 

Charlie and Mary

Son Jason Anderson, his wife, Ashley and daughter, Emma. 

Son Cory Olson with wife, Angie, and sons Tommy and Charlie

Daughter Christina and partner Tam Gregersen

Daughter Stephanie and husband Neel Bose

Son Chad Johnson and his son Nathan.  

We have those Scandinavian names covered pretty well in this family! Wishing you and your family a very joyous Christmas & New Year full of blessings!

Charlie

Remembering kindergarten class

Sandi Pennar Bonesteel writes:
That name, "Molde" however it is spelled, sounds right to me, too. That was what I was thinking last night, and even went to my baby book (Well, it is the first 7 years!) to see if I was right. But no name had been listed. (I did find a 7th grade report card, and an A- from Mr. Rolfsrud!) I don't remember much about the teacher, but can visualize the large sunny room, the story times, naps on our little rugs, after milk and crackers, and the area where we used to "play house" and dress up. I can also visualize the mud room, with hooks for our coats and racks for our boots. Funny what we remember and what we can't!

As I recall, there was a morning and an afternoon kindergarten. I was in the morning class and didn't think it was fair to have to take another nap at home after lunch! I also vividly remember the first day, as I cried when mom left. This was the first time away from home by myself. Don't think I was the only one with tears. I got over it quickly, though, as it was so much fun, and I looked forward to going from then on. Amazing how things have changed, with most kids going to preschool at a very young age, learning what we did in kindergarten, and so much more. Now they expect the kids to know their alphabet and many are already reading by then. Last year when my youngest grandson started kindergarten, they even had a chess club! I suppose by the time they have 10th grade biology they'll be doing brain surgery instead of dissecting frogs!

Bug-A-Boo Bay closing

Cub Reporter Tom Obert relays some sad news today: That favorite hangout and meeting place of so many of us in the summertime, Bug-a-boo Bay, is closing. That's Tom (above) at the Bug-a-Boo last summer, surrounded by a full Class of '65 escort.
Here's Tom's full report:
We regret to inform you that earlier reports floating around the 'net are true.  Bug-A-Boo Bay is indeed closing on January 1.  An "inside reporter" interviewed the owner while dining there last night.  Issues with the economy and staffing problems inherent with seasonal places were the reasons cited.  It was a 9-year old business that actually did pretty well on the 10-week summer season, until the last couple years.  It's really too bad because it had become a signature place for Alexandria - if you'd mention Alex to anyone, they would say, "Oh yeah, Bug-A-Boo Bay."   Anyway, it will be placed on the market, and the owner hopes maybe a national chain will be interested.

Is it Ms Muldie?

Tom Obert dug back into his memory banks and came up with this:


"I seem to recall Ms. Muldie (sp?)."


Stan says: There was a "Molde" boy who was in our class briefly. Lowell Molde, I think. Could that be her son? I think Lowell had a sister who died tragically. The father worked at the Piggly Wiggly, perhaps.


Maybe there's no relationship and I have this all wrong. Anybody?