New Lunch Bunch in Alex!

Bev Roers Korkowski writes:
 Since moving back to Alexandria, I’ve been told several times ‘If you start up a monthly lunch bunch for our class, I’d be interested.’ Okay, so here’s your chance! 
The plan is to meet someplace for lunch the 4th Tuesday of every month, meaning the first lunch will be Tuesday, July 23. Let’s make the time 12:30. And since we live in the land of lakes, we are going to take advantage of outside restaurants while the weather is nice, so our first lunch will be on the deck restaurant at Arrowwood. Everyone will order and pay for what they want. There is no obligation to come every month, only when you want to. Since I’m a bit nervous about how few (or many) people will show up this first time, maybe give me an indication if you’re interested. I’d hate for 30 people to show up and only have tables for a dozen.
We have very few email addresses on file from the last class reunion, so if you know of someone who lives in the area or will be back for vacation that day, please either call them or forward this information. I will be happy to manage email reminders every month of where we’ll be eating, but I will need current email addresses. 
Feel free to add even those who can’t make the lunches. I’ll try to post some pictures each month and hopefully revive something similar to the blog which Stan says has lost a lot of steam.

And, gang, we need to at least start thinking about the really BIG class reunion which is only two years away. It’s going to take some work to get contacts updated and people informed.

So, will we see you on Tuesday, July 23, 12:30 PM, at the Arrowwood deck restaurant?

Email Bev or to 
JeffHi1965@gmail.com

Marshal Clifford

Park your cellphone please. No photos please.

Jim Clifford writes:

I just finished my second year as a hole marshal working on the 15th hole of the Phoenix Open golf tournament.  Great time, got to see the best golfers in the world close up at various points on the 15th, from tee to green.  I also could go anywhere on the course I wanted to go, so I spent a bit of time on hole 16, which is a par 3, 162 yd hole situated in what amounts to a roofless stadium of boxes and bleachers, filled with very rowdy patrons.  They routinely insult players  who react badly to noise, but love their favorites.

Marshals are also cell phone Nazis who must try to limit photography and speaking on phones during the tournament.  Guys are fine when asked to hang up, etc., but the women are almost always resentful and whining when asked to comply even politely.  About 1/2 of them repeat the conduct when you turn away .  Saturday is pretty taxing, as everybody has been drinking since the morning start!

All in all, a great experience I'll enjoy each year..

Wallweeds chlling in Maple Grove

Squeezing close to get everyone in the shot (not just to stay warm)
Ramona Sly, Stan Rolfsrud, Kathy Faust, Kathy Skadsberg,
Paula Hanson Terrie Widstrom

Braving January temps, five Wallweeds from the Alexandria Class of 1965 gathered in Maple Grove tonight to renew friendships and enjoy half-priced drinks and hors-de-ouvres (Senior discount does not apply -- no other special offers). Ramona Sly, the youngster in the group, celebrated her upcoming birthday; she'll cross the great divide tomorrow. Our waitress did not sing the birthday song, but she did take this dandy photo of the club members getting closer to each other.
It was hoped that Charlie Stark would be there to report on his recent West Coast trip where he and his wife enjoyed lunch with 65ers Karl and Sue (Gorham) Tegland, but Charlie had been called away on business and wasn't able to attend.
A debate on where the world's largest cross was located was settled by Paula Hanson. Stan Rolfsrud had said that he had seen the biggest cross (19 stories high) along a freeway in Texas, but it turns out that there is one that is nine feet higher in Illinois, according to Paula's hand-held device that answers all questions. We did not ask the device where the world's largest ball of string is located because we got sidetracked on the names of the states in the four corners (New Mexico, Utah, Colorado and Arizona). Classmate updates were given. Vacation destinations as well. We did not talk about aches and pains other than the flu and grandchildren didn't make the cut either. Join us for the Feb. 4 meeting and bring your topic.

65ers gather in Everett, Washington

Charlie and Rachel Stark (of Northfield, MN) enjoying lunch in Everett, WA with Karl and Sue Tegland. Charlie reports that he retired earlier in 2012, but got restless. He is now selling solar panels for an up-and-coming company in Northfield and is very enthusiastic about his new gig. Below are hosts Karl and Sue, pictured earlier on Christmas Day in their home on Silver Lake, in Everett, WA.

Classmate Mike Bolin

Michael Bolin, 65
- 12/06/2012


Michael John Bolin, 65, died November 17, 2012. He was born September 27, 1947 in Alexandria. Beloved soul mate, brother, uncle and friend, he was raised in Alexandria and graduated from Concordia College in Moorhead in 1969 and Northwest Luther Seminary in St. Paul in 1972. Michael was an extraordinary visual artist: easel painter, scenic painter, Trompe l'oeil artist, muralist, designer, and publisher and finder of "Boint" only printed matter. He was a freelance scenic charge painter (with Debra) for Christmas, flower, and fashion shows at Dayton's downtown Minneapolis store from 1980-2000 and the Minnesota Opera Company from 1990-2005. He also painted many private and public commissions. Michael was preceded in death by his loving parents, Floyd and Lois Bolin. He is survived by his life partner of 32 years, Debra Jensen; brother, Stan (Ginger) Bolin of MT; nephews, Chas Bolin of MT and Brock (Megan) Bolin and their sons Nathan and Cameron of CO; as well as many cousins and friends. A celebration of Michael's life will be held Friday, December 14, from 5 to 9 p.m. with a Remembrance at 7 p.m. at the Acme Academy of Arts, 937 West 7th Street, St. Paul 55102. Memorials to donor's choice. Rest in Peace. Isle of View. A00009B2012DC07

Mr. Karlsgodt, English teacher

Karlsgodt, E.A. "Andy"

Eindride "Andy" Karlsgodt passed away at his home this past Tuesday, December 4, 2012 at the age of 86. He received excellent care from hospice services and his wife and nurse, Donna. Andy was born in Minneapolis on April 23, 1926 to Herman and Anna Karlsgodt. They moved to Akeley, MN in 1928. Andy graduated from Akeley High School in 1944 and joined the Navy. He served as a gunner in a dive-bomber until his discharge in 1946. He later joined the Air Force reserves and proudly served for 42 years. Andy graduated from Bemidji State in 1953 with majors in English, social studies and humanities. During the spring of his senior year while playing golf in St. Cloud for the college team, the superintendent of the Alexandria schools met him on the first tee and Andy signed his first teaching contract. For the next 30 years he taught English, social studies, best sellers, journalism and aviation classes in Alexandria. He wrote a curriculum for the aviation class and submitted it to the State of Minnesota and they approved it. Several schools used his curriculum throughout the state. Andy received his master’s degree from NDSU. He served as the president of the Alexandria Teachers Association and was very active in the local chapter of Civil Air Patrol. For 35 years, Andy was a crop, hail, and wind insurance adjuster.

On retirement, Donna and Andy spent many winters working with Wycliff Bible translators at the JAARS aviation center in South Carolina, at the linguistic center in Dallas and at the Mexican center in Catalina, Arizona. Andy went on several mission trips to South Africa, Mexico, and Ecuador. He was very active in the inception of Grace Church in Alexandria. He served as church chairman and in numerous other capacities. He was an active Gideon and very proud of their ministry. Both Andy and Donna served Trout Lake Bible Camp for many years as volunteers preparing the camp, grounds, and cabins for the summer ministries.

Andy was also very proud of his Norwegian heritage. He actively traced his genealogy compiling a very thorough family tree and history. He was a member of the Valdres Samband serving as President and as a member of the advisory council. He traveled to Norway four times tracing his family tree and connecting with family from the "old" country.

He loved the outdoors spending many days at his tree farm at Nevis, MN. Deer hunting was a passion and he never missed a season including this year, when under hospice care, he still managed to get "up in his stand" for a weekend. Creating grouse habitat and managing the land was as good as it got for Andy.

Family was very important to Andy. He loved traditions and passing along his Christian values, heritage, and love of the outdoors. He was a staunch advocate of higher education and very proud of his family's academic pursuits as well as their athletic and musical accomplishments. One of his most special holiday activities was singing around the piano with the family.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Donna; children, Terry (Jane) of Atwater, MN, Julie (Brent) Bostrom of Bloomington, IL, Sara (Dean) Palermo of Ramsey, MN and Kevin of San Antonio, TX; 16 grandchildren; and 6 great grandchildren.

Funeral Services will be held on Monday, December 10, 2012, at 11:00 am from the Grace Church in Alexandria, Minnesota. Interment will be in the Fort Snelling National Cemetery. Friends may call at the Anderson Funeral Home, Alexandria, on Sunday from 4-8 pm. www.andersonfuneral.net 

Muskie champion!

Ruth (Helie) Anderson and her husband, Bud, enjoy muskie fishing. Ruth won the International womens division of muskie fishermen in 2005, which caused her to be placed in the masters division of the international contest. (an exclusive division for guides, tackle mfgrs. etc.) She won the international womens masters division in 2009. That's as good as it gets!! Their best fishing is in November, often breaking a considerable amount of ice in order to get to the good spots. The fish in the picture was caught today, 11/19/2012.

Mini reunion at Bug-a-boo Bay

Richard Divine

The Macalester alumni magazine reports that Richard Divine passed away on February 26, 2012. He was a lawyer, practicing in Centerville, Ohio. He grew up in Alexandria, but moved out of town before the graduation of his class of 1965.

Here is the obituary from the Centerville newspaper.
DIVINE, Richard W. "Rick" age 65, of Centerville, OH passed away peacefully at Hospice of Dayton on Sunday February 26, 2012. He was born on Feb. 5, 1947 in Fergus Falls, MN, the son of Robert W. Divine Sr., and Ramona (Lackey) Divine. Richard was raised in Alexandria, MN, graduated from Macalester College, St. Paul, MN and the College of Law, Drake University, Des Moines, IA. He was admitted to the State Bar in both Iowa and Ohio. Richard was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps. Mr. Divine proudly served as a Marine Corps officer for six years and obtained a rank of Captain following service as both an Infantry Officer and as a member of the Marine Corps Advocate Branch. He settled in the Dayton, Ohio area in the late 1970's and practiced law for several years with the firm of Mumpower and Chillinsky. Richard also served as a Montgomery County Assistant Public Defender and as a Montgomery County Assistant Prosecutiong Attorney for twelve years where he handled many cases of public interest and significance. Richard coached several sports in the Kettering YMCA youth program and participated in the Doc Wright Golf League for a number of years. Besides being an avid football fan and nature lover, Richard was a great student of the American Civil War, frequently visiting many historical sites. He also enjoyed following local rock groups, especially , The Hathaways. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert W. Divine Sr., and Ramona Divine and brothers Robert W. Divine Jr., and Raymond Divine. He is survived by his brother Dr. Ronald Divine (Jeani) of Tualatin, OR, niece Katherine Divine and nephew Robert Divine. Richard will be greatly missed by his family and many friends and loved ones. Funeral arrangements will be made in accordance with his wishes at a later date.

John Gustafson died

John Gustafson, who taught math to many of our classmates, and was a Cardinal football, baseball and basketball coach, died in New Mexico. Here's his obituary.


Our beloved husband, father and Papa, John "Dr. G." Alvin Gustafson, born December 12,1932 has gone on to be with the Lord as of June 5, 2012.
John was born December 12, 1932 to Alfred Ruben Gustafson and Stella Evelyn (Spilseth) Gustafson in Kensington. John graduated from Alexandria High School in 1950, where he received an athletic scholarship from St. Olaf College. He excelled in athletics and was a 'Little All American, End' and graduated in 1955. John earned his MA degree from the University of Northern Colorado and then his PhD from the University of Utah.
John brought his family to New Mexico in 1972 to take a position as a professor of physical education at the University of New Mexico, where he faithfully taught and served for more than 30 years.
John married June Anne Day in Big Springs, Texas in 1956, while he was serving in the United States Air Force as a pilot. After his service was completed, John and June moved to Alexandria, where they began their much beloved family of John Allan Gustafson, born March 27, 1961, Jodi Day Gustafson, born March 18, 1963, and Jill Gustafson, born September 9, 1967. Jill married David Shingledecker in 1992, whom John considered a devoted son.
John was blessed with two grandchildren: Hollie Shingledecker, born September 26, 1997 and Joseph Shingledecker, born April 17, 2000, both of whom he dearly loved and who greatly enriched his life. John considered one of his greatest achievements to be teaching them both to “play ball.”
John's life was marked by his deep love of God, his love and commitment to his family and helping his fellow man through his constant display of the Great Commission. John was a man of God, a devoted husband and father, a teacher, mentor and coach, a servant of all men and a true friend. John will be greatly missed and his legacy will continue in the programs and lives he touched.
Memorial contributions may be made to The Albuquerque Rescue Mission or the Calvary of Albuquerque Food Bank.
A memorial service was held Friday, June 8 at The Hub at Calvary of Albuquerque, 4001 Osuna Rd NE.
An online guestbook for John can be found at: RememberTheirStory.com.


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Personal note from Stan Rolfsrud, Alexandria Class of 1965, which was long before Nike and Starter and the rest made everyone look athletic.

I have fond memories of this wonderful man.
John was a great guy and an inspiring B team basketball coach. He taped my ankles daily during the winter season of 1962-63. His trademark basketball practice outfit was a red tee-shirt and black softball pants with a red stripe down the side that he would cuff up high over the ankle like floods.
To needle him, I would play dumb and subtly refer to these makeshift sweats as his "band pants," knowing he was a consummate jock and wouldn't particularly want to be associated with a fancy musician's band uniform. He was quick to take the bait. "These are softball pants," he would correct with a twinkle and a headshake, as if feeling sorry for someone who couldn't tell the difference.
A great guy, a real man. He always told us to "Be a Tiger."