The hunt is easier than you think, Bev agrees

Bev Roers Korkowski writes:

Thought I’d drop you a line after seeing Lorlee’s blog entry…..I spent a couple hours the other night on the computer and am happy to say that I’ve added 68 new ‘found’ classmates to the list and know that I can add probably another 10-15, before I’ve exhausted my resources. 

Maybe once I’m done with my search process, we could pull those remaining ‘unfound’ names out and post them on the blog. The ones that are impossible to find, unless someone knows them, are many of the guys who have more common last names, such as Anderson, Johnson, etc. 

Little did I realize 40-45 years ago that when I wrote the names of the men that many of the gals married in my yearbook, it would make a search process much easier!! Who knew???

Bev

Way to go Bev. We may be able to get a complete directory yet. And we want to add the names of the folks we consider classmates but moved away or didn't actually graduate during 1965. --Stan

A Hi from Lorlee

Well, maybe we should capitalize on all this enthusiasm and continue our search for the rest of the class.

Great job on the reunion and on the website. Thanks.

On a personal note -- Today I shipped off my photos to the University of Minnesota, Morris for hanging in the new Welcome Center. I answered the "Call for Artists" and was pleased to be selected. The opening ceremony is Sept. 26 -- so if anyone is in the vicinity of UMM after that time, stop at the Welcome Center and see my photos.

Lorlee

Mikey liked it. . .

Stan et al...had a GREAT time...even enjoyed the mosquitoes! Be thinkin' bout you guys come time to shovel snow...hee-hee.
Mike Foss

We got more slides!

Here's a few snaps from Sara Smith Sevey. Thanks, Sara! To see the originals and even download your faves, double click on the slide show below.

Diane enjoyed it too!

To Stan and the bunch who hosted this Reunion,

I am so glad my kids talked me into going to the Reunion. It was such a great time! I love seeing all the pictures and can reminisce all over again.

I definitely plan to go back in five years; maybe then I will be retired so I can stay for more than the weekend.

Thanks again all,
Diane McCarthy Hendricks

Sharon and Scott had a great time!

To Bob and Stan and everyone else who helped to make the 45th reunion of the Class of 65: 
Thanks!!!!!! Scott and I both had a great time. Sorry it took us 38 years to make it to another reunion. A special thanks to Betty for opening up her house on Friday. She has a great place and what a great day for a pontoon ride.
Thanks again and hope to see all and more in 5 years!
Sharon Bartholomew Trushenski

Party, party, party

Reunioning continued unabated last night as these die-hard fun-seekers gathered for a taste at an Alexandria bistro known as SAWA. Here's Sara [Smith] Sevey, her husband, Jim (bookending Ruthie Obert), here from Los Altos, California, and Al (class of '67) and Kathy Grundei. That's Tom Obert in the front, source of this information, an unapologetic party-goer in his own right.

Lorlee Bartos Reunion photos released

Lorlee Bartos is back in Texas and she sends along these snapshots from the Saturday night JHS Class Reunion. If you want to download any of the photos, click on the slide show photos and it will take you to the album site. If you want a larger version of any of these pix, Lorlee will gladly email you a big copy directly.

Party tonight, one more time

Hi,

Would you post a note on the blog about Alex classmates (not just our class) hopefully getting together tonight for a last reunion get together at Sixth Avenue Wine & Ale? We'll be there around 7 or 7:30 and Oberts will be there a bit later.

Thanks,
Sara

'mates

Paul Strandberg, Karl Tegland, Ron Olson. 

Karl Tegland and Stan Rolfsrud brought news of the JHS Class of 1965 reunion this morning to two classmates who were unable to attend. The impromptu meeting with Ronnie Olson (class vice president) and Paul Strandberg (class president) took place on a beautiful morning under an umbrella in Strandberg's sunny Roseville back yard.
Earlier on, Tegland, Rolfsrud and Strandberg ate a hearty breakfast at the nearby Byerly's. The trio enjoyed three-egg omelets, filled with wild rice sausage, mushrooms and cheeses (swiss and buttered toast for Tegland and Strandberg, cheddar and English muffins for Rolfsrud). Pushing the gourmet envelope further, Tegland added chopped green peppers to his mix, and ordered a round of coffee, black. It was agreed that the senior menu, although attractively priced, appeared way too lightweight for any serious consideration.
After breakfast, Rev. Olson showed up at Paul's house to visit before leaving with Paul for their regular noon Fantasy Baseball meeting (they've had a bad year, drafted poorly and are now paying for it. They have been at this for 38 years. You would think that by now. . .).
Olson and Strandberg were most interested in hearing all about the good folks at the reunion events; yes, they do read the class blog, but there's nothing like getting the personal dish.
Rolfsrud and Tegland served generous helpings.

---------------------------
Karl Tegland responds from Seattle:
You know it's a slow news day, when you publish the breakfast menu in detail! But still, it's fun. Nice job !!
For the record, I added green pepper AND onion.

KBT

The Chairman and the Principal, reunited

Wayne Elton was 27 years old when he became principal of Jefferson High School in 1964. One of his first responsibilities was Bobby Watson. Saturday night Mr. Elton attended the 45th Reunion of the Class of 1965, chaired by Mr. Watson. The two greeted each other warmly. They had, after all, spent significant quality time together in his office.

Later on Saturday night, while he formally welcomed the class to their reunion, Watson told this story:

"Some time ago, I told my daughter Melissa to take my high school diploma and ask Mr. Elton if he would sign it for fifty dollars.

"So she did.

"Mr. Elton said to her, 'Sign whose diploma? Bobby Watson's? Not for fifty dollars!'"

Reunion photos

If you would like to see the original photos, we have an album of 150 pictures for you at Mr. Google's place. Click here. We'll add more as they are sent to us at jeffhi1965@gmail.com -- we just got a dozen new ones from Tom Monday morning. We're sure Lorlee will add some soon. Anybody else with some good ones to throw on the pile? It is a work in progress.
In the meantime, you can watch this slide show version of our reunion album. If you want music with it, turn on the radio.

Paloozers

Betty and Bobby's Pontoon Palooza ran as smooth as the cool waters on Lake Darling Friday afternoon. Guests were treated to a table-load of treats amidst tons of chatter in Betty and Perry's newly-remodeled lake cottage. The massive pontoon was loaded up twice with merrymakers as they laughed and hooted their way along the picturesque shores of this storied lake. Among the floaters' highlights (including a view and explanation of the Obert lakeside hanging gardens) was the sight of Underclassman Linda Akenson calmly sunning on the family dock, tanning for a Saturday trip to the cities to witness the marriage of her lovely niece.
Genial host Bob Watson (who prudently hired a qualified captain to pilot the huge craft) sends along this note:
Dear Stan:
Some of our classmates have kindly asked if they could help defray the cost of renting out the big Palooza pontoon. Please tell them they should not worry about that. It was all my pleasure. You see, Friday we were able to find this big pontoon boat tied to a dock near the Bug-a-boo with no lock and no one attending to it. We started it with the key we found hidden under the seat, so no special wiring was necessary. The afternoon didn't cost anything, because, as luck would have it, the pontoon had plenty of life jackets, a full tank of gas, and someone's cold beer in the cooler.
It was very kind of the guests to offer to pay for their rides, but really not necessary, so thank them again for their courtesy, please. Betty and I had a great time. We'll do it all again soon.
Best regards,
Bobby

Diane and Jerry came through. . .

Our request for fresh flowers for the Class Memoriam was filled by Diane Hoffman O'Brien and Jerry Deleski. Thanks so much! A beautiful and fitting display as we remember our 23 classmates who are gone, but never forgotten.

See you there!

Fat Daddy's at 4 p.m. Saturday. Make it fun.

Will someone bring flowers 

to freshen this memorial?

A few blossoms clipped from your Alexandria garden Saturday would be perfect. Just bring them with you to the reunion and we'll arrange them.

Weather forecast for Pontoon Palooza

Weather forecasters say Friday afternoon will be cool and comfortable with a 100 percent chance of a good time. Bring your own beverage, there will be snacks provided. Come after 4 p.m. Everyone is welcome. Go past the Bug-a-boo to the Indian Mounds corner and then go straight over the Darling/Carlos bridge to Casa Marina Road. Turn left at Casa Marina Road, go to 3421 Casa Marina Road. You'll see three yellow cabins. Park wherever you can.

Bobby's cell: 402-871-1066

Remember. . .

Bring some family photos, yearbooks, etc. to the reunion. Any other memory aids to help in conversations. . .
You're the program. It's all about us. It's all about fun.

Judy Lindquist Olson -- still kicking

Lorlee called Judy Lindquist Olson in Alexandria the other night. 

Her report: still kicking, retired for 6 years, 4 grandkids who are spending the weekend with her so she will not be able to come.

Best wishes from Jeanne Pearson

Hi Stan,

Just wanted to say hi and wish you guys a lot of fun this weekend. I’ll pray for good weather and will look forward to the pictures posted afterwards.
I just got back from Minnesota to see my folks in Edina, and then I will go see my brother in Philadelphia in a few weeks and I just couldn’t fit it all in.
I’m still out in the California Delta, about half way between San Francisco and Sacramento. My boys still live around here, one in Sacramento and one in SF. I have my first grandchild on the way in January, so I’m catching up with the rest of you.
I’m healthy, life is good and I can’t complain.

Jeanne Pearson

Wishes from The Land of Enchantment

Good Morning, Stan and Bobby, and fellow classmates:

We read the '65 blog everyday in anticipation of your big class reunion events and gathering. We wish we could be there, but with Carolyn's recent diagnosis of cancer, and presently undergoing chemo every 7 days, it is virtually impossible. We had so looked forward to this organized event, but have to send our regrets.
Carolyn is doing as well as can be expected, but not well enough to travel with her low white blood count.
Don't forget about us; have fun for us too, we wish you all fun and happy memories. We "toast" to Stan and Bobby for all their fine efforts they have put together not only keeping the blog up and running but also organizing this fun-filled class reunion. It is always tough to say, but we truly do wish we were there. Enjoy each moment with your loved ones and friends. Good memories are the best kind! Har will miss the BIG golf tourney.....too.
Wishing you a fabulous weekend from your friends in the Land of Enchantmant, Carolyn & Harland Hoffland.

Is this list complete? Correct?

Twenty-three members of the JHS Class of 1965 have been reported to this site as deceased. We wish to memorialize classmates who have passed on. Please look this list over and be sure it is complete and correct. Send any changes to jeffhi1965@gmail.com.
Thank You
Neil Anderson, Dorothy Diment, Charley Engebretson, Jack Erenberg, Gary Faehnrich, Harold Furan, Gary Goodrich, Jaclyn Hackmann, Diane Hass, Richard Kvilhaug, Margaret Linser, Barbara Muyres, Richard Muzik, Rose Marie Peterson, Robert Pladsen, Terry Porter, Larry Sass, James Schrupp, Bonnie Seward, Mary Jo Simenson, Gerald Vogt, Peggy Watters, James Wussow.

Note to Fat Daddy:

Prepare dinner for 80.
Latest report from Karen:
Marlene Zimmel Bettin and Harry (2)
Ruth Helie Anderson and Alverne (2)
John Seim and Carol Martinson (2)

Tweets from the chairman

Bobby tweets:
Well, this is the big week. Hope you've got your ducks in a row.
Stan tweets:
What's that supposed to mean, you're the one relaxing on the lake with the big pontoon. Hope the weather isn't crappy on Friday. I suppose there's no Plan B, is there?
Bobby tweets:
Now don't get cranky, old man. Sure sounds like somebody could use a nap.
Stan tweets:
Sorry, must be nerves. This Reunion Diet is starting to get to me.
Bobby tweets:
So how many are coming to the reunion?

Stan tweets:
Well, they put us in a room for 75 to 80 and we've got 75.
Bobby tweets:
I like that. Much cozier, friendlier, easier to socialize.
Stan tweets:
Yes, that's true. Hopefully folks from other classes will just show up spontaneously as well. It's a public house and it would be great if some casual visitors would stop by to chat it up with us when they hear we're in town. We'll have to take over a big part of the lounge as well as our private dining room. Should make for a nice relaxed atmosphere. You could even bowl a couple of lines if you wanted to.
Bobby tweets: Wow, that would be great. Am I saying Grace?
Stan tweets:
You're the chairman. You could always delegate that, you know. But it would be nice if you would at least bang on a glass and welcome everybody. Last time we planned a program with music, etc., but gave it up because people just wanted to visit and talked right over the tuning fork . . . which is the sign of a successful get-together. So don't worry that you haven't planned a program or anything or that there is no entertainment. BTW, I got a call from Marlys Mrnak and from Ruth Helie Anderson. Looks like they'll be here too.
Bobby tweets:
Great. You told everybody that it is casual dress, didn't you? No ties, no gowns, comfortable shoes. It is summer casual.
Stan tweets:
Yes. But I could say it again. Are you wearing shorts and a tee shirt?
Bobby tweets:
Why, did you want to coordinate with me?
Stan tweets:
No. Just asking. I did get one request. That the nametags be in really big print. Karen has provided us with a list of the 75 names of people attending. We'll just sit down with markers at about 4 p.m. and print the first names HUGE for the folks who SHOULD be wearing glasses, but aren't. Kaleen called and said she's got an eight page Class Directory ready to go. Too bad we don't have all the addresses in it, but we just didn't get the help we were hoping to get finding all the names. We been asking for that for six months. Maybe we'll get 'em all in by 2015.
Bobby tweets:
Well, we tried. We should sell the partial class directory lists for fifty cents to cover the cost of printing and assembly. Wonder how many we should print?
Stan tweets:
I am sure 50 would be enough. What's the weather like on Lake Darling?
Bobby Tweets:
Perfect. Pass me a beer, Betty dear.

Anybody got one of these?

Bev Roers Korkowski writes:
Stan:
Alexandria Technical College is in the process of planning their 50th anniversary and are looking for yearbooks for 1965 and 1966. They do not want to borrow them, in case of loss or damage, but rather are looking for anyone who has one or both of these books to donate them for the school library. If anyone has either, they can contact jeffhi1965@gmail.com and we'll get the info forwarded.

Thanks.

Bev

Golf organizer writes:

From Dave Serie:

Hi Stan, could you post this on the blog please.

A reminder that we have a few Tee times set up for 9:00 am Saturday Aug. 21 at the Alexandria Country Club.

Anyone interested in golfing please contact myself or Tom Obert ASAP so we can accomodate everyone and reserve additional tee times if necessary.

This is just a fun event to allow folks to enjoy an outdoors setting, a little golf, and each other's company prior to the Reunion that night. We may have a scramble format or play your own ball depending what majority wants.

Everyone is welcome, so spread the word to others you may know from other classes etc. If you can line a team up great otherwise we will put folks together.

Looking forward to a fun weekend.

Dave Serie
dave.serie@hotmail.com
612-965-9515 (c)

P.S.- I ran into Wayne Elton (still a good golfer) during the Resorters Tourney and he said he will be golfing as well as established golfers Kathy Sherry Skadsberg and Sara Smith Sevey. . . so come out and rub shoulders with the celebrities!!

Retired Kusske reads, listens, sings

Classmate John Kusske of Woodbury, MN won't be able to attend the reunion, our enterprising classmate hunter Lorlee Bartos reports. She spoke with him yesterday by telephone. He is a widower with a daughter and son. She lives in Seattle with his 2 granddaughters, age 3 and 5. His son is currently visiting China. 

John is retired. Reads a lot, listens to classical music, sings in his church choir.

Pontoon Palooza starts at 4 p.m. Friday

Bobby and Betty's BYOB Pontoon Palooza is set to embark on the waters of the once peaceful Lake Darling at 4 p.m. Friday, Aug. 20. It's the warm-up for Saturday's 45th JHS Class Reunion.
Bob has reserved the finest pontoon craft available in the Greater Lakes area and hopes classmates and friends show up on his lawn in time to join the fun. "We'll party from 4 to 8 p.m.," he said, "and we'll finish up at the Bugaboo." (A designated driver will be available for people who want one, if they choose to ride the pontoon to the Bugaboo and need to be shuttled.)
Latecomers to Bobby's house will be accommodated. The pontoon is not going too far from its moorings and will dip by Bob and Betty's dock from time to time to allow fun-seekers to get on and off. So you can't "miss the boat." It's all just going to be fun spins around the lake, Bob says, adding that the craft itself will be piloted by a responsible, sober captain. "This is definitely not a 4-hour chamber of commerce tour of the chain-o-lakes with guided commentary."
"I sure do hope the weather works for us," a worried Bob said today. "We need some improvement quickly."
Forecasters say that a cold air mass from Canada is headed to Alexandria, so Bob and Betty's wishes may come true. Bob says he has no idea how many people will accept this invitation and show up. "We will be happy with whatever number comes," he said. "If only 20 come that would be fine, but we can handle many, many more than that."
You don't have to be a member of the Class of '65 to join in, you just have to want to have some fun with a bunch of sixty somethings.
"How do I find Bobby's lake place," a classmate queried.
Start from the Bugaboo (which backs up on Lake Darling) and drive around Lake Darling to the west side.
Go past the Bug-a-boo to the Indian Mounds corner and then go straight over the Darling/Carlos bridge to Casa Marina Road. Turn left at Casa Marina Road, go to 3421 Casa Marina Road. You'll see three yellow cabins. Park wherever you can.
Tom Obert hopes to add his pontoon to the Armada for some fun on the waves.

Twelve more. . . we're at 73!

Karen reports:

The following have been rounded up:

James and Melissa McPhee (2)
Lonnie and Jerdis Thornton (2)
Victor Kuhnau (1)
Charlie and Rachel Stark (2)
Wyck (Rocky) Linder - Class of '66 (1)
Ellen Van Kempen (1)
Mary VanKempen Campbell - Class of '64 (1)
Diane Hoffman O'Brien (1)

See you in a week. Going to Whistling Straits tomorrow for the Golf Open.
Karen

See you in Fat Daddy's

Enter the Reunion Saturday Aug. 21 at Fat Daddy's entrance, adjacent to the Broadway Ballroom in Alexandria. Follow the signs to our greeters table. We have a beautiful room set up for 75 so it should be nice and intimate.
There's a door to the bowling alley if you want to bowl a few lines before or after. And the bar and lounge is handy as well. Should be a nice social situation. Invite others who want to mix in to come to Fat Daddy's on Saturday to run into old friends.
The buffet line in our dining room will be open for paid registrants only of course, but all are welcome at Fat Daddy's for an evening of fun. Cocktails and food are available until late in the lounge.

Bev Hartung Linnes checks in

Bev Hartung Linnes writes:

I graduated from St Cloud School of Nursing, married Rick Linnes from Hoffman. We have two children, Tony, 36, and Katie, 33, and two beautiful grandchildren, Hannah (Tony), 6, and Addison (Katie ) age 3.

I received my degree in nursing from Minnesota State University Mankato and have worked in a variety of settings as a psychiatric and mental health nurse since 1969. Currently I am working on an inpatient psychiatric unit at Immanuel St Joseph Mayo Health system hospital in Mankato.

Rick is retired. My parents continue to live in Alexandria as does my sister, Donna Affeldt, and my sister, Mari Leuthner. My sister, Pat Nelson of Willmar, just died from cancer. I have one niece and five nephews. We have a lake place on Lake Irene near Miltona. Luckily we have been healthy and comfortable in our life style.

Hi to all, sorry that I am not able to attend the reunion. I would like to see pictures from the gathering.

Thanks, Bev

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

Thanks to Bev Roers Korkowski for making this contact and sending this along.

Last call!

If you haven't already registered for the reunion, Do It Now! About 70 have done so already. Please join us by mailing a check today to Karen. See info in the right margin:
Stan and Bob

Lorlee finds 11 more classmates!

Lorlee's been on the phone: contacting classmates and their relatives by using the old ReOnion newspaper addresses from the 25th reunion and an internet phone lookup program. Good detective work. She writes:

Okay, now I should get the prize. This is 11 -- and I have done about 10 before -- So I am responsible for about 10% of the class. This took less than an hour -- the phone calls were what took a long time.

Maxine Craig Sonstebo, Fergus Falls; Bernice Tvrdik Trousil, Alexandria; Duane J. Tvrdik, Villard; Judy Roers Anderson, Jerry Rutten, Sauk Centre; Jeri Salt Hillmeier, Alexandria;  Jeanne Affeldt Guenther, Minneapolis; Paul Navratil, Rochester; Peter Forster, Blair, OK 73526; (two others not confirmed).

Excellent work, Lorlee! Sorry that you didn't spot the "secret classmate," but there is a reward nonetheless.

The Beard is 38 years old this week

It will be making an appearance at the Reunion. . .if it gets its money into Karen soon.

Bev Hartung's sister dies

Patricia (Hartung) Nelson, 55
Patricia Kay Nelson, 55, Willmar, died July 30, 2010 at her home.

Patricia was born March 10, 1955 in Alexandria to Albin C. and Evelyn H. (Schwandt) Hartung. She grew up in Alexandria and attended St. Mary’s Catholic School and graduated from Jefferson High School in 1973. 

Following her graduation, she attended Anoka Technical College, where she received her associate degree to become an occupational therapy assistant. On June 23, 1979, Patricia was united in marriage to John Alan Nelson at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Alexandria. To this union two children were born, Kierre Marie and John Ryan. 

Following their marriage they lived in Cold Spring, Minn., Washington, D.C., Houston and Dallas, Texas, prior to moving to Willmar in 1993. Pat worked as an activities assistant at Bethesda Pleasant View Nursing Home for the past 5-1/2 years and also part-time as a sales associate at Herberger’s. 

Pat was a daughter, sister, mother, wife, aunt, godmother, co-worker and friend, but above all she was a fighter. She fought a 12-year courageous battle with cancer with dignity and without complaint. She always showed unconditional love and patience for those around her. 

She spent numerous hours in her vegetable garden growing cucumbers and tomatoes, her favorite foods. She loved to read, watch Disney movies, and enjoyed the magic of fairy tales. One of her many passions was providing creative activities for the residents of Bethesda Pleasant View Nursing Home. She was a miraculous lady who lived every day to the fullest. She will be dearly missed. 

Pat is survived by her husband, John, of Willmar; daughter, Dr. Kierre Nelson and her husband, Jonathan Hedberg, of Madison, Wis.; son, John Ryan of Willmar; her parents, Albin and Evelyn Hartung of Alexandria; sisters, Bev (Richard) Linnes of Mankato, Donna Affeldt (and Clifford Zins) of Alexandria, Mari (William) Leuthner of Alexandria; mother-in-law, Joan Nelson of Willmar; several nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her grandparents; and her father-in-law, Leroy T. Nelson. 

Her funeral service was held August 2 at Vinje Lutheran Church in Willmar. Interment was at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Alexandria. Arrangements were with Harvey Anderson Funeral Home of Willmar.

(Obituary supplied by John Herdan)

Order now! Cream Horns & Crispies

Stan and Bob,

Every time I talk to someone in the class about the "good old days" they seem to bring up the subject of Cream Horns and Crispies that they used to buy at the Blue Ribbon Bakery.

Well, my Dad retired in 1970 but Cream Horns and Crispies live on. I stopped in last Saturday to see if they are still as good as our memories remember. And, guess what, they are! I gave June Roers, the current owner, the heads up that we would be in town in two weeks. She suggested that anyone interested in purchasing any should do two things:

1. Call in your order in advance at 320-763-4741 or 1-888-729-1858 

2. Make sure you get there before 3:00 to pick them up. They are still located at 430 Broadway. 

Tell June I sent you!

John

Bill Platto Sr., 88

William “Bill” John Platto Sr., 88, died August 4, 2010 at Bethany Community.

Bill was born August 6, 1921 in Minneapolis to Bert Andrew and Susan (Higgins) Platto and moved to Alexandria at the age of 2. He graduated from Central High School in 1940 and was a member of the National Guard, Battery C, Company #217 in Alexandria.

This guard unit was activated while training in California December of 1941, sent to Iceland, Scotland and England, and in 1944 into Normandy where they saw action in France, Belgium and Holland. He was honorably discharged in June 1945 and returned to Alexandria. In 1985, Bill and his guard unit celebrated their 40th reunion with a trip to Europe, retracing their steps. A highlight was staying with the people in Putte, Belgium, a town they liberated at the end of the war.

Bill married Elsie Christine Carlson of Alexandria March 1, 1946. Four children were born to this union – Lynda, Sheri, Patty and Billy. Bill was self employed much of his life, selling cars as Platto Auto Co./Auto, Inc. He formed Speedways, Inc. with Ray and Harold Lindquist and promoted stock car racing in Alexandria, Morris, Fergus Falls and Wadena for 12 years in the 1950s and 1960s.

Bill managed the VFW Club for 25 years and continued to sell and rent cars until the age of 85. Bill was a member of St. Mary’s Church, the VFW, American Legion, The Elks, and the Eagles. He loved life, his family, all dogs and his friends and shared racing, hunting, airplanes, snowmobiling, golf, car auctions, and wintering in Florida, Texas and Arizona with them. He was a very vocal “armchair quarterback” for the Vikings and Twins and loved going for morning coffee in his later years with his buddies at the Coffee Pot.

Bill is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Elsie; daughters, Lynda (David) Wosmek of Alexandria, Sheri (Hukriede) Platto of Edina, Patty (Bryan) Stamp of Prescott, AZ; his daughter-in-law, Nancy (Bongard) Platto of Chaska; grandchildren, Tim, Jamie (Toni) and Patrick (Brenda) Hukriede, Katy Wosmek (Jon) Olson, Betsy Wosmek (Mike) Stromberg, Tina Platto (Jason) Marisam, Andy Platto, Tracie Stamp (Kevin Paskett) and Michael (Jennifer) Stamp; great-grandchildren, Nick, Ellie, Jo, Zach, Josh, Hannah, Gavin, Selby, Grady, Jack, Flora Billie, Daria, Aidan, Ryan and Greta; and great-great-granddaughter, Lilly Grace.

He is also survived by his sister, Val Platto Carder of Los Gatos, CA; brother, Patrick (Louise) Platto of Brookfield WI; cousin, Dorothy Fillingham of Leesburg, FL; and many loving nieces and nephews.

Bill was preceded in death by his son, Bill Jr., one year ago; his parents, Bert and Sue Platto; and sisters, Berniece Smith and Isabelle Thompson.

A funeral Mass was celebrated on Monday, August 9 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Alexandria with the Rev. Steve Binsfeld officiating. Entombment was at St. Mary’s Catholic Mausoleum.

Arrangements are with Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria; www.andersonfuneral.net.

Greg & Mary Schmidt are coming!

Gregory (Greg) and Mary (Sibell class of 71) (they live on Lake Irene, next to Chet's) are sending Karen a check today. Here's their update:

We have 12 grandchildren now. We belong to the Alexandria Garden Club and will be at the Douglas County Fair on Friday night working in the horticulture building.


Having a great summer, but still working full time for IBM. (I’m ByMyself)

I talked Mary into going to the reunion, so I am sending Karen a check today, August 10. $40.00. Hope it is not too late.

Greg

___________________

Not too late at all, Greg. You and Mary will have to miss the Watson/Obert Friday night water fights on Little Darling, but we'll see you Saturday.

Going like Sixty!

Class treasurer Karen Benson checked her mail this weekend and found nine more registrations, bringing our total to over 60. Time for you to join in. See Karen's address at right and get your check in the mail, pronto.

Here's Karen's note:

The weekend mail rounded up nine more class reunion registrations:
Diann Marquette Mithun and Allen (2)
Michael Foss (1)
Gloria Femrite Lundblad and Ken (2)
Paul Nokes and Margaret (2)
John Kloehn (1)
James Kloehn (1)

Keep cool.

Karen

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

Note to classmates attending the reunion. Just so you know when you see him, this is John Kloehn.

And this, of course, is James Kloehn.

We make the paper! Cool.

Here's what ran in today's Alexandria EchoPress in the Opinions section, regular reader and Cub Reporter Tom Obert reports.

CARDINAL CLASS STILL ROCKS
Thumbs Up: There’s a cool video on YouTube that Alexandria alumni should check out. Members of the Jefferson High School Class of 1965 produced it for their upcoming reunion on August 21. It contains a mug shot of every member of the class, all in three minutes. The music is provided by class member Karl Tegland (presently with the Eagle Creek Band), who headlined back then as lead guitar on The Silvertones. That band made numerous appearances on Jingle Bells and in ballrooms back in the day. Here’s the web address: www.youtube.com/watch?v=YAFVNYZ1YMM. By the way, time is running out for people to register for the reunion, which is open to everyone, not just members of the class. For more information, go to www.65roundup.blogspot.com.

---------------------------------------------------
In case you missed it, here's the video the paper is talking about, click to play, one more time.

Possible reunion performance

John Herdan is trying to line up this Patsy Cline act.

Three classmates

Rachel, Clare and Samantha haven't seen each other since High School. They rediscover each other via a reunion website and arrange to meet for lunch in a wine bar.

Rachel arrives first, wearing beige Versace. She orders a bottle of Pinot Grigio. Clare arrives shortly afterward, in gray Chanel. After the required ritualized kisses, she joins Rachel in a glass of wine.Then Samantha walks in, wearing a faded old tee-shirt, blue jeans and boots. She too shares the wine.

Rachel explains that after leaving high school and graduating from Princeton in Classics, she met and married Timothy, with whom she has a beautiful daughter. Timothy is a partner in one of New York's leading law firms. They live in a 4000 sq ft co-op on Fifth Avenue, where their daughter attends drama school. They have a second home in Phoenix.

Clare relates that she graduated from Harvard Med School and became a surgeon. Her husband, Clive, is a leading Wall Street investment banker. They live in Southampton on Long Island and have a second home in Naples, Florida.

Samantha explains that she left school at 17 and ran off with her boyfriend, Ben. They run a tropical bird park in California and grow their own vegetables. Ben can stand five parrots, side by side, on his willy.

Halfway down the third bottle of wine and several hours later, Rachel blurts out that her husband is actually a cashier at Walmart. They live in a small apartment in Brooklyn and have a travel trailer parked at a nearby storage facility.

Clare, chastened and encouraged by her old friend's honesty, explains that she and Clive are both nurses' aides in a retirement home. They live in Jersey City and take vacation camping trips to Alabama.

Samantha says that the fifth parrot has to stand on one leg.

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Our thanks to Marie Schultz Daugherty.

Hurry, hurry, hurry

It's Monday, and now is the time to send your check to Karen, if you haven't already done so. Don't put it off, we'll be closing registrations soon! See info at right.

Also, we want to make the class directory as complete as possible. It is far from complete. To be sure you're in it, send us the addresses you would like to have used in it. We'll make the listing available at the reunion. We won't post it on line. We hope classmates will use it to contact one another after the reunion.

If we don't have your updated address, you won't be included in the directory, which would be a shame.

Please, just to be sure, whether you are coming to the reunion or not it doesn't matter, send us your email , phone number and snail mail address today. If you have forgotten whether you've sent it or not, send it again, that's okay.

jeffhi1965@gmail.com

(Betty Larson Butcher, this means you.)

Stan and Bob

Pre-prom Party 1963

Marilyn Olson, Sara Smith, Lynn Dietz

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Sara writes:
What a hoot. Marilyn is looking at the punch as if it's poison and I have enough eye brows for the three of us.
Sara

Facebook gives up Lynda Malmgren

On Thu, Aug 5, 2010 at 9:44 PM, Bev Korkowski wrote:

Found Lynda Malmgren thru Facebook, sent her a message and she’s replied. Didn’t know anything about the reunion so I sent her the details and gave her the email address so that she can update her information. Hope the remainder I contacted respond as well. B.

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Way to go! Unfortunately, Lynda is not the secret classmate, so you don't win the hundred dollars. Keep trying. Carry on, Sherlock!
Stan

Anybody else still have their ring?

Stan,

I still have my class ring - looks like Sara and I have the t-shirt as well as the class ring. Don't know for sure that I can wear it, however.

Hope you all are as excited about the Reunion as I am!

Sincerely,
Diane McCarthy Hendricks
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From New Mexico:

I still have my class ring..........wore it to the last reunion.

Harland C. Hoffland

Chairman in the pink

Spotted today at the Resorter's Golf Tournament in Alexandria was JHS Class of 1965 Reunion Chairman Robert Watson, disembarking from his flaming golf cart on his way to the VIP lounge to place wagers on his favorites. Underclassman Al Grundei sends along this digital photo, leaving us to marvel at just how Watson finds free time away from his pressing chairmanship duties. Grundei, who along with any other members of his class is invited to our reunion, was unable to get an interview with the boss. Fortunately, despite these distractions, the reunion is still scheduled for August 21 -- and the class treasury remains safe in a Wisconsin bank.

Class of 74 invites us to the Bugaboo

JeffHi1965@gmail.com received this invitation today, asking that 1965 JHS classmates join the Class of 1974 for some fun this weekend:

Class of 74 Happy Hour
Bugaboo Bay Bar and Restaurant in Alexandria
5:00 pm
Friday, Aug. 6, 2010

If you are in Alexandria this Friday, anyone who would like to get together for happy hour is invited to come to Bugaboo Bay.
We'll be there by 5 pm.

Taryn Nelson Flolid

Renee Mohawk Carroll

Hunters, win $100, buy a round. . .

Find the secret classmate. WIN $100. A name has been chosen at random from the remaining lightface group in the class directory. If you are first to report to jeffhi1965@gmail.com that you contacted that person, you win $100! (And you've also provided a valuable service!)

Swingers

Lynn Dietz Jorgenson with the late Gary Faehnrich. "Fenny's" face is hard to detect in this sweet old color photograph, but you can still see his distinctive "widow's peak" hair formation.

Remember Donna Krahmer?

Kathy (Josephs) Faust writes:

I located a classmate who left Alexandria during her junior year, Donna Krahmer. She now lives and works in Mankato. I gave her all the info. She does not have a computer so cannot access our blog. I have really enjoyed reading all the comments and I am sure she would too.

I’ve noticed a few of the guys sent in photos of their cool classic cars, any of which I would not mind owning. I have a picture of something I am rather proud of, it’s the 18 pound northern that I landed while fishing in Canada last week. Since Alexandria is surrounded by lakes, there must be a few classmates who also enjoy fishing. 

Keep up the good work everyone, and thank you Patty (Bratten) Wicken for the plug.

Kathy
(Wow, Kathy, that looks big enough to feed the class. Nice work finding Donna. You're all registered, so we'll see you at the reunion, fish story and all! -- Stan)

That's George. . .

On Wed, Aug 4, 2010 at 3:12 PM, Sara Sevey wrote:

George Jorgenson ('63) is to the left of KB and Morry Duenow is between George and K.B., I think.
 Also, now that we've determined that some of us still have those tee shirts from a previous reunion, how many of us still have our class rings?

Sara
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Stan writes: So who's the standup guy between Watson and George? Sounds like Sara must have her ring, huh? Who else? Now poor Tom Obert whines to us from a vacation spot in Wisconsin. How can he do that? Does he have a laptop?
I could not afford a class ring, I could not afford a letter jacket, I could not afford the cost of my college diploma, I never heard of a class t-shirt(?). Thus endth today's whine, from the shores of lovely Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin.

Blasted. . .

The years and technology have blasted away much of this image, but you can still see Bob Watson at left and Larry Scott peeking around on the far right. Centered are the silhouettes of Karl Tegland and Susan Gorham. Everybody but Larry is coming to the reunion. (Somebody find him and give him a call.) Who are the other guys in the photo? Against the wall like flowers?  jeffhi1965@gmail.com

We break 50!

Class Treasurer Karen Schjei Benson reports:

Ten more have registered for the reunion for a total = 51

Kathy Schultz Hagemeister (1)
Mary Anne Hibbard Estenson and David (2)
Lorlee Bartos (1)
Wanda Meyer Navratil (1)
LaVonne Feda Andres (1)
Charlie Olson (1)
Kaleen Anderson Hilsenhoff (1)
Rick Beresford - Class of '66 (1)
Karen Meyer Bird (1)

I am going to the cabin in northern Wisconsin tomorrow with my two grandsons (9 and 13), so I won't be checking my mail for a few days. Hope to find many registrations when I get back.

Karen B

Party Time!

Bobby Watson, Sara Smith and Diane Hoffman dressed to party. . . what's the event, when? And what's with the little crowns? Tiaras? We await caption information and other details from the secret source of this fabulous photo (unless she wants to be identified). Click to enlarge. This is a big color picture, relatively rare for the era. Thanks for sharing it.

Thanks, John

John Herdan reports that he's contacted Gary Ekdahl, Van Eastlund and Chuck Braunschweig and confirms that they all know about the reunion. We'll boldface their names.
Hope to see them August 21.
Nice work John!
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Now it's your turn. Phone-a-friend. Get the check to Karen.

Checking in

Di Ann Marquette checked in today from Cyrus! Hope to see you Aug. 21 Di Ann!

Veggie gardener Marie won't make this one

Hi Stan, Bobby, and All

So sorry that I will not be able to attend the reunion. If fact, I was just in Alex last week at a Schultz family reunion -- we had a blast.

Still living in Phoenix, still working in escrow (very challenging these days) and still gardening, knitting and reading.

I recently purchased a little bungalow built in the early 50s (that's old by Phoenix standards) so have been busy remodeling and landscaping. I was all excited about my veggie garden, then went to Minnesota and saw a "real veggie garden"! But, I did have some nice zucchini, tomatoes, eggplant, yellow crooked neck squash and herbs, until the 112 degree heat came.

Wishing you all a wonderful reunion! Love reading the blog and most of the time don't remember anything that the others write about. I think I grew up on another planet.

xxoo

Marie Schultz Daugherty

Kaleen contacts Kuhnau

Kaleen Anderson Hilsenhoff reached Vic Kuhnau (left) for a nice conversation yesterday and laid out the plans for the reunion. Here's hoping Vic can make it. Karl Tegland says he's going to try to reach Robin Kochie via his brother, David. Keep it up, folks. Phone a friend.