Teresa Wadsworth Widstrom tells all

Hi Stan!
So glad we are having a 40th reunion--people change in 40 years, but of course not me! So here's my story:
I have been maried to Ken Widstrom (class of '64) for almost 38 years. We have three children: Jason, 34, married to Jodi Lynn, children: Tanner 8, and Bailey 2;
Scott, 32, married to Jodi Marie, children: Nicholas 7, Maria 6, Max 4, and Michael 2;
Katie, 26, is not married yet, but has a steady guy.
Jason is a Graphic Designer, and Jodi Lynn is a Medical Lab. Technician. Scott owns a construction business, and Jodi Marie is a stay-at-home Mom that home-schools the two oldest children. Katie is a Registered Nurse working in the Newborn Intensive Care Unit at Fairview University Hospital.

At Allina
After Ken served two years in the Army, we moved back to Minnesota and have lived in Coon Rapids for the past 31 years. I am a Medical Lab. Technician working at Allina Medical Clinic, Champlin. I like it a lot, but look forward to retiring! Then, I can just spoil the grandkids, travel, and do all the things I'd like to do, but have no time for now.
That's my day job--now for my night job--I am also a Home & Garden Party Designer. I do home decorating parties for people. It's a fun job!

Ken works for Cisco Systems as a Computer Test Engineer.
Well, that's my story. Now, I am officially found! Look forward to seeing you next summer!

Teresa Wadsworth Widstrom

Pat Collins Owens remembers Gunsmoke in Osakis

What was the nickname for the 60s Osakis constable? It's a trivia question here on the '65Roundup blog and Pat Collins Owens nailed it. She wonders if the legendary Gunsmoke will show up at The Corral for the reunion.

Outbacks
Pat still lives in what she calls the outbacks of Osakis with three yellow Labs and one 27-year-old hunting and fishing enthusiast. David is still single and living at home. He works in Alexandria, managing Auto Expressions (a boy toy store, says Pat).
John, 37, is married and lives in Coon Rapids. He works for The Federal Reserve Bank in Minneapolis as a senior analyst. Pat has two beautiful granddaughters, Emily, eight, and Elizabeth, who is about to be four-years old.
"They are quite a pair, lots of fun, and they sure make life a lot more interesting, Pat said. "I lost my husband in 1998. It wasn't much fun, but thanks to close family ties, great friends and neighbors, I've survived mostly intact."

Flowers to tend
Pat worked for Fingerhut for over 30 years until changing times closed the doors. After a year of enjoying life without responsibility she returned to the rat race. For the past several years she has been working at Douglas County Hospital. In her spare time she reads, tends to her flower garden, takes an annual trip, and of course, meets many family obligations.
"Count me in for the reunion, God Willing!" she says.

Larry Johnson -- veteran, empty-nester, Californian

Trailboss,
Larry Johnson checking in from out west in sunny California.
I moved to Sacramento shortly after graduation and had no more than unpacked, when the long arm of the Douglas county draft board located me and delivered my draft notice. I was inducted into the Army in 1966 and did a tour of duty in Vietnam from early 1967 to 1968.

A California girl
I was in the 1st Infantry Division while serving in Vietnam. It was one of the longest years of my life. After I was discharged, I returned to the Sacramento area and married a wonderful California girl, Linda. We celebrated our 35th last August.
We have three children; all are grown and out of the house. We have four grandchildren, two boys and two girls, and love being grandparents. All our kids live within 10 miles of us, so we see them all the time.
I have been working in the insurance industry as an Insurance Broker for the last 20- plus years and plan to retire from this field very soon.

Camping? Well . . .
We enjoy traveling and did a lot of it up until about two years ago when my wife suffered a debilitating injury to her back and can only travel short distances these days. We have been doing some short trips around this area, visiting the Gold Rush area. We do seem to get to Reno several times a year. We also do the Las Vegas trip at least once a year.
After living in the jungles of Vietnam for a year, I swore that I would never go camping again. Never say never. I bought a RV. We love to take the grandchildren out camping. We do, however, have certain criteria that the RV parks must meet --- Full hook ups, with no less than 50-channel cable connections.
I will try to make the reunion in August but will have to put off that decision until we get closer to the date. With health issues, it’s hard to plan too far ahead.

Judge James -- In The Corral for the '65 Roundup

Judge Jim Clifford -- 18 years on the bench

(We were pleased to get a note from Jim Clifford this week. And we were especially pleased to get a picture of him in the robes of the office. Really classes up the blog, don't you think? These contributions bring a lot of enjoyment as we reflect back on our respective journeys. Read on. Then send us your own blurb. We'll put a star by your name when you do. -- Trailboss.)

Jim Clifford left Alexandria on July 8, 1965 for the Army. He served until April 20, 1968 and was stationed in Ft. Leonard Wood, Mo.; Baltimore, Md.; Pusan, Republic of Korea; and Minneapolis, Minnesota. He was honorably discharged three months before his 20th birthday.
He attended the U of M for undergraduate school, graduating in 1972, then attended William Mitchell College of Law, graduating in 1976. He moved to North Branch, Minnesota and practiced law privately and served as an assistant county attorney in Chisago County, until he became the Chisago County Attorney in June of 1977.

Benched by the Governor
After serving in this capacity for 8 1/2 years, he was appointed to the District Court Bench by Gov. Rudy Perpich on January 20, 1985.
"During my 18 years on the bench, I tried about every kind of case that ever gets through the courthouse door," Jim said. "Many who read this information will express no doubt that I'd end up in a courtroom, but all will be surprised that I got the head chair!"
Jim is married to Diane, and has a 21-year-old daughter studying at St. Thomas, and an 18-year old-son at St. Olaf. "That's good for them, and for me as well," he laughs. "After all the money I will have paid saints, one Catholic and one Lutheran, I should be pretty well covered when my time at the pearly gates arrives. It's still going to be close, I acknowledge having lots of 'experience' to offset."
Jim enjoys hunting and fishing as well as golf and travel.

Young person's game
Jim says his retirement was premature and came about because of heart problems. "I had a double bypass in 1992, at age 44, and stents installed in September, 2002. I continue to battle health concerns, but for the most part, I prevail. I have chosen not to practice law after retirement because the only area I'm interested in is criminal law, from either the prosecution or defense side. That sort of thing is a young person's game, and one only has a certain number of 'good ones' during the lifetime. I've used mine up, and a return to litigation probably would do me in."
Jim enjoys reading about classmates in the class blog and hopes to see a lot more items before the class reunion. He plans on attending it next summer.

Gary Goodrich, accomplished Public TV producer

Died in April, 2002
Gary Goodrich, Fargo, North Dakota, died Friday, April 19, 2002 in Fargo.
Gary was born to Harry and Evelyn Goodrich in Bertha, Minnesota on February 7, 1947. He grew up in Carlos, graduating from Jefferson High School in 1965. Gary then attended Moorhead State College and North Dakota State University, returning to NDSU in the early 90s to earn a degree in University Studies.
Gary was a writer by both trade and passion. It manifested itself in many ways throughout his professional career, first as a copywriter at KXJB TV in Fargo and then as an accomplished writer/producer/director for Prairie Public Television.
In his years at PPTV, Gary pioneered the use of minicams and video tape and used the new format to produce a number of award-winning productions for the fledging public television network. Gary also had extensive experience in commercial broadcast. He worked for television stations in Colorado and Nevada, was news director/operations manager for Channel 26 in Bemidji as well as operations manager for KVRR in Fargo.

At Microsoft Great Plains
Following a successful career in television, Gary joined Microsoft Great Plains in Fargo as a writer in the Marketing Communications department. While there, Gary focused on product strategy, positioning documents and marketing pieces and won awards for his work on the Great Plains annual report. He also served on the board of directors for KDSU radio and was instrumental in the station’s evolution as part of the new North Dakota Public Radio network.
Gary was also an avid outdoorsman, an accomplished musician and a student and lover of the power of words. He had a good heart, a sensitive soul and was a trusted friend, mentor, son and brother. Gary will be truly missed by those he leaves behind.
He is survived by his father, Lowell (Jutta) Goodrich, Litchfield and his sister, Lois (Don) Hudson, Miltona.
Gary was preceded in death by his parents and his faithful four-legged companion, Muffin.
There was a Service of Remembrance April 26, 2002 in the Boulger Funeral Home, 123 10th Street South, Fargo, North Dakota.

(Source: Echo Press via Bev Roers Korkowski)

Mary Jo Simenson Benson died after cancer fight

Mary Jo Benson died surrounded by her family and friends on February 28, 2003, at the age of 55, after a courageous fight against cancer. A memorial celebration of her life was held on March 15, 2003, at the First Lutheran Church in Alexandria.
Mary Jo was born on June 1, 1947, daughter of Melvin and Anna Mae (Martin) Simenson in Alexandria. After graduating from Jefferson High School, Mary Jo attended Concordia College in Moorhead where she received a BA in education. She began her teaching career at the American School in the Malagasy Republic (now the Republic of Madagascar).
Mary Jo returned to Minnesota and began teaching at Capitol View Junior High School and later at the Kellogg High School. In 1980 she received her MA in special education from St. Thomas College. She then taught at Ramsey High School in Roseville. Mary Jo’s last years of teaching were at Central Park Elementary and Emmet Williams Elementary in Roseville.

Taught children with special needs
Mary Jo taught children with special needs. She believed in every one of them, implementing many programs to meet the needs of her special students.
In 1990, Mary Jo began spending her summers in Alexandria and moved into her dream home on Lake Ida in August 2002. She enjoyed flower gardening, volunteering for the Humane Society and spending time with friends. She also enjoyed traveling and attending home and garden shows. She loved to feed and watch birds at her home. She also loved bargain shopping. Mary Jo was a member of St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church in White Bear Lake and then became a member of First Lutheran Church in Alexandria.
Mary Jo is survived by her parents, Melvin and Anna Mae Simenson of Alexandria; sisters: Connie (Terry) Brueske of Alexandria; and LuAnn (Larry) Johnson of Carlos; nieces; nephews; and many special friends.
(Obituary from Echo Press, via Beverly Roers Korkowski)

Claudia Johnson Brown, Teresa Wadsworth Widstrom, Paula Widstrom Hanson, and Carol Penn Gendreau.

Claudia Johnson Brown turns in her brother-in-law

Hi Trailboss, Claudia Brown checking in.

I just had to send the attached picture of me with Teresa Wadsworth Widstrom, Paula Widstrom Hanson, and Carol Penn Gendreau (class of '66). They visit Sandi Pennar Bonesteel and me when the winters get to them and they need to thaw out.
Roger and I will be there for the reunion in August. We live in Chandler, Arizona, and Sandi lives down Highway 10 near Tucson. I think she already described it to you in a previous email when she turned us in for the Roundup. Now I would like to turn in Roger's brother, Larry Brown. I have included his email address.
I married Roger Brown in 1969. We will celebrate our 35th !!! anniversary this month. We lived in Coon Rapids, Minnesota, and had a son, Mitchell, in 1971 and daughter, Gretchen, in 1975. In 1992, Roger, Gretchen and I moved to San Antonio, Texas, where Roger took a position building a manufacturing plant and running its production.

Phoenix is the last stop
We loved the area, got used to the warm winters, and found we didn't miss our coats, hats, mittens, or snow shovels. So when he had the plant running smoothly and we decided to move on, we chose Phoenix.
This will be our last stop. All our friends and relatives seem to like it too, because we have a lot of company in the winter. We get to Minnesota occasionally. My mother and three brothers live in Alexandria while my sisters live in Colorado and Florida. Roger's mother and one of his sisters live in Alexandria. He has a sister in South Dakota and his brother, Larry, lives in Elk River.
Mitch got married in 2002 and lives in Minnetonka with his wife -- but no grandkids yet. Gretchen lives in Chandler and is single. We had my sister Mary's daughter, Katie, living with us the last three years while she went to school here, but now she has moved on to Denver and her sister, Nicole, is living with us.
I seem to be the half way house for relatives leaving home. If they make it through Aunt Claudia's, they can get out into the world. We probably won't be empty nesters anytime soon.
We are pretty active here - Roger golfs at least once a week, I rollerblade, run and do weight training. For our day jobs, Roger works for Phoenix Metal Trading and sells over Ebay. I work for Freescale (Motorola spin off) in Finance.
I also do a lot of volunteering for an organization called Raising Special Kids where I give talks to medical and educational professionals on working with disabled children and talk to parents regarding resources for them.
We will be coming to the reunion (can't believe it is 40!!!!) and can't wait to see everyone.

--- Claudia Johnson Brown

Bonita Olson Gilbertson -- "Still a trashy lady. . ."??

Well, Trailboss, where do I start? Yes, I still live in Alex. I am married to Dave Gilbertson and we celebrated our 38th anniversary last month.
We have two children. Kristi, who lives in Alex, is married, has a daughter who is 13 (!) and owns a salon/spa called Salon Alexis. Our son, Scott, is married. He has two children, a son who is five, and a two-year-old daughter. Scott is the supervisor of water/wastewater for the city of Melrose. It's great having both kids and grands so close.
I work for a government agency called Pope/Douglas Solid Waste Management as the Environmental Coordinator. I do the education on recycling, reducing and etc. of garbage. ( I'm still a trashy lady :-).

Sees 65ers at the Fair
I also am the manager of the Household Hazardous Waste facility, which serves the two counties. I have had a educational booth at the Douglas County Fair for the last 16 years so that's one of the places that I get to see old classmates and teachers. I'm always surprised at the number of people who come home to go to the fair. A good place to meet and greet I guess.
I know I will see Bobby Watson, Mary Berglin, Dennis Ramey, Billie Jo Jones, and Cathy Carlson every year. They are regulars. There are a lot of others, but I'm having a senior moment and can't recall them all.
Also, we are STILL involved with stock car racing. Dave drove for 18 years and we are now car owners and our son, Scott, has driven for us for the last 11 years. At the track I see people like Dick Block and Larry Olson. Again, there are more, I just can't remember who.

There's a summer place
Diane Hoffman and I have remained friends for all of these years. We talk on the phone almost every Friday morning. She lives in Eden Prairie but recently built a beautiful home on Lake Darling so we get to see each other too. Every year we go to local cemeteries and look at old tombstones! A couple of morbid people right? There's a lot of history at cemeteries, so don't laugh.
Dave and I have a summer place on Lake Miltona that we're enjoying more every year. We've owned it for 35 years but just started living there in the summer the last five. Before that, we didn't have time because of racing.
Our interests are changing. We love the lake more and more...could it be old age?
Enough for now. I'm embarrassingly long winded!
Later...

-- Bonita Olson Gilbertson

Hey Sven! Here's another quiz, ja.

Based on the lack of correct responses to the current Alexandria trivia contest, the Trailboss has agreed to make the questions even easier. Answer these, citizens:

1. What is the name of this statue?
2. Originally it was in the intersection of Broadway and old 52. Why was it moved?
3. Who is Harvey Hammergren?
4. Has anyone ever been prosecuted in connection with crimes against this statue?
5. What were the crimes? Was a particular cut of meat allegedly involved?
6. Who would be foolish enough to stand under the sword in the photo above? Certainly not a member of the Class of '65!
7. What is a Goth?

Send your guesses to the Trailboss at Trailboss@swpub.com

Pat Kuhl Cain: Working with the enemy

Pat Kuhl Cain dropped a note from Minnewaska High School -- where she is working for our old rival, Glenwood! She admits it took a while to get used to that and she'll tell us all about it later when she gets around to writing some more for the Roundup. She turned in a couple of classmate addresses so the Trailboss will go to work to see if they can be corraled. As far as attending the reunion, Pat is sure she'll be there, making the long drive from (gulp) Glenwood.

Paula Widstrom Hanson sees Dad in Alex often

Married to Gary more than 33 years
I am enjoying reading all the info on the website. We have the August 6, 2005 date marked on the calendar and plan to be there!

My Dad, 84, still lives in Alex (he's a greeter at WalMart) and so we are back in Alex often. I always think that I should recognize people but never do. After looking at the pictures on the web site I realize I am looking for people in their 20's and 30's and I should be looking at the 50+ people.

My husband, Gary, and I have been married for 33+ years. We have three kids - Nicole (married), Ryan (married) and Brock (single). Brock our youngest is 29 so we are empty nesters and enjoying ourselves. We have four grandchildren - Jordan, six; Jack, four; Ty, five; and Sydney, 3. Nicole lives in Michigan. Ryan and Brock live in Coon Rapids, MN.

Men can be a challenge at times
I work for a contractor as an office manager / bookkeeper / whatever needs to be done. I have been here for 14 years and work with all men, which can be a challenge at times.
My husband is a salesman and works for a specialty food broker that sells to grocery stores.
We do not have any plans for early retirement but have to admit that the idea sounds good. Since the kids are all on their own now, we have been doing a little traveling. Over the last 10 years or so we have been to Jamaica, the Bahamas, Cancun, St. Augustine, Fla., Ft. Myers, Fla., San Diego, Arizona, Georgia, and Las Vegas. We usually try and escape during the winter as I find the cold and snow harder to take as we get older. Although we have liked every place we vacationed, we have not come up with a place to retire to yet. Gary and I golf weekly in the summer, ride bikes occasionally and have recently joined a health club to try and stave off the aging process. As both Gary and I come from large families, we spend a lot of time with siblings. I have 3 sisters and a brother that live in the Minneaplis area and we get together often.

I do keep in touch with a few of the people from our class, Teresa (Wadsworth) Widstrom (she's married to my brother, Ken, class of '64), Ellen VanKempen, Claudia (Johnson) Brown, Sandi (Pennar) Bonesteel, and Lynn Nordstrom (Joni Hopfner). We have taken a couple trips to Arizona to visit Claudia and Sandi. We were there about four years ago and again in April 2004. We always have a good time when we get together and it feels like we are 16 again. Both Claudia and Sandi are going to try and come up for the reunion.I do have a picture of us from April but as I am technology challlenged (we don't have a digital camera and we don't even have a computer at home as I am able to use my computer at work) and I have no way of emailing the picture.

No girls allowed in the pool hall
I have heard from many people that have attended reunions in the last couple years that name tags (with 1965 pictures) are a must if you want to recognize anyone. It took me quite awhile to figure out who was who in the golf picture on the blog.

As far as the trivia questions, most of them I do not know. The last price I remember for a hot lunch was 25 cents. I think the pool hall was called Seeger's, or something like that - but you do remember that girls were not allowed there?. Les Loch was the chief of police. I remember the Fountain and the fried rolls (7 cents?). That's about it for me.

---Paula Widstrom Hanson

Now it can be told. . .

VOTED BY acclamation as Alexandria's most attractive couple, this pair of favorite teachers was photographed recently by a Roundup reporter at a political function. These two are well-known to members of the Class of 1965, as their romance and courtship were entwined with classmembers' educational development and growing knowledge of the world around them. Our investigative Roundup reporter has been assigned to seize upon these parallel events to, as much as possible, sate the 42-year curiosity of faithful readers as well as, of course, serving the public interest. We breathlessly await the full report of the true love story of Anne (nee Falvey) and Bill Riggs. Now it can be told. And you won't see this in the Echo, folks. (Photo credit: T. Obert)

Wheelchair buckaroos note: The Corral's accessible

We've received an inquiry from a classmate about the accessibility of The Corral for those of us who need some accommodation. The Trailboss is no expert so he called The Corral and, Yippie-I-Oh, a very knowledgeable sounding bartender said that "Absolutely" the Corral party room is legal with wheelchair ramps and doorways and other necessary features. So, come one, come all.
Riding the bull? Well, that's another matter.

Cathy Bakke Miller has kids in school too

Greetings from Denver, Colorado.
I was very excited to hear the pending reunion plans. We are in Minnesota every summer, usually the end of July and the first of August. We will plan for the first two weeks of August next year!

We have a cabin (cabin?—it’s bigger than my house) we share with a brother and his family near Long Prairie so we spend some time there. We rebuilt it last year after talking about it for many years. Dennis took one of his elk heads back so it has a fitting place of honor above the fireplace.

We are still getting our girls through school, like the Strandberg (fellow Nelsonite/Nelsonian, whatever) and Herdan families. Kelly should finish at CU in Boulder in December. She did an internship in Disney World for thumps last spring and summer. The program wasn't what she expected, however, she did meet Mr. Wonderful so we anticipate she will be heading for Florida again after graduating. She missed all the hurricanes--Charlie just by hours.

Kacie is sophomore in high school and playing varsity softball, soccer, and last year started diving. She won the DPS diving championship after only diving for four months.

I'm working for University Physicians part time doing coding and billing for Neurosurgery. Dennis (’62—year he graduated, not his age—but almost) is trying to get me to go back full time but I'm putting it off as long as I can. I enjoy being able to go to all of Kacie’s games.

Claims she behaves in Vegas
Dennis is still practicing law and hunting big game and birds (his favorite is hunting with his dog, Colby) whenever he can. He also is taking more time for golf, as he has been saying he was going to do for years. He thinks the courses in the towns around Alex are some of the best. He loved the fishing in New Orleans which he and Kacie did (while I went to seminars) and went back again with some buddies.

They also went to Minnesota for spring fishing in May and almost froze. Rather a peculiar year there, yes? He just bought a ‘76 Corvette. I’m thinking more along the Harley line. We still have the ’66 Chevelle SS convertible in the garage needing overhaul—and, no, his daughters won't let him part with it.

My girlfriends and I take a week long trip to Las Vegas every May—only missed one in 21 years. “What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas”— but we behave and get a lot of pool time.

Anyone out there a plastic surgeon with group rates? How about liposuction for the guys on Friday and facelifts for the gals on Saturday (early—no bruising, please—we have a party to go to). Hope to see tons of you at the Corral--love those wings!

---- Cathy Bakke Miller

+++++++++++++

(Editor's note: Cathy says she knows Les Loch. He's her uncle. That's not the answer to the Alex Trivia quiz posted in the archive, but Cathy doesn't want to give it away. Alright, class, just who was Les Loch? First one to correctly inform the Trailboss@swpub.com gets a free bottle of Sunny Sky from the Prez.)

Father of teen too tired to run reunion

========================
By Paul Strandberg
Alexandria Class of 1965 President
========================
Reading about retirement from Sandi Pennar Bonesteel makes me realize the price I paid for winning the prize at the 25th reunion for having the youngest child.
I've graduated two kids out of school (and for a while out of the country), but my 14-year-old promises to keep me working until I'm at least 65. My situation pales, however, considering that I just beat out John Herdan who had triplets shortly before the last reunion -- if my gradually fading memory serves me right.
Having attended two reunions this year, I can guarantee that name tags will be essential. For those who see me without a name tag, I've been told I look either like Donald Rumsfeld or Henry Gibson. Given my politics, I prefer Henry.
As the supposed class president, I've enjoyed pushing things off on Stan. His winning efforts on every class of '65 Homecoming float (let alone the 1990 ReOnion class newspaper) showed he has the energy and imagination to set up a successful get-together.
Having spent a fair amount of my life in The Corral bar, I heartily endorse the choice of location. No country clubs for the rowdiest class to spread fear into the hearts of Jefferson faculty.
Keep the comments flowing and let Stan or me (paul.strandberg@state.mn.us) know what's happening with you and pass the news on to any classmate you know.

Classmates always, never forgotten

Neil T. Anderson
Neil T. Anderson of Maple Grove, Minn., died in June of 2001. He was 53.
Neil was preceded in death by his father, Herman, and sister, Devona. He is survived by his wife, Kathy; sons: Anthony of Mankato; Shawn of Elysian; daughters: Michelle and Kristen; mother, Lucille Anderson of New Hope; brothers: Bradley of Beatty, Nevada; Craig of Alexandria; Timothy of Steamboat Springs, Col.; and sister, Carol Anderson of Minneapolis.
Mass of Christian Burial was at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, 9100 93rd Avenue N. with interment in St. Vincent de Paul Cemetery.
Arrangements were with the Evans-Nordby Funeral Home in Osseo.
Classmates may recall Neil as a good sport and remember him as a finalist in the 1990 Reunion bald guys contest.

Harold E. Furan
Harold E. Furan, of Elk River, died April 8, 2004. He was 56.
A decorated Vietnam veteran, he worked as a machinist. He loved animals, especially dogs.
A memorial service was held April 15 at Central Lutheran Church in Elk River. Arrangements were made by Dare’s Funeral Home.
Mr. Furan is survived by wife, Mary; son, Eric; daughter, Heidi; mother, Wilma; sister, JoAnne; brother, Randy and many nieces, nephews other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his father, Ernest and brother, John.

Source: Star News, Elk River

(Editor's note: Please help us make this a complete memoriam to our deceased classmates. Type out and send copies of classmates' obituaries to the Trailboss@swpub.com, or provide the trailboss with links to newspaper web sites. Please add any personal coments or memories you may have concerning these individuals that may give greater meaning to our collective memories of them. These notices are easily updated. Thanks for the help.)

Sandi Pennar Bonesteel -- 'Always Happy Hour'

Sandi (Pennar) Bonesteel reporting from Green Valley, Arizona.
Yeah, it's a retirement community (sigh) and I live in an age-restricted area with the usual lawn ornaments, golf carts, and old farts, but I'm not one of 'em. Just an observer! (I don't golf either!!!)
Some of you might like it here. There's a special lane for golf carts on the main drag. Sometimes all three lanes are going the same speed. There's a rumor that Helen Keller is alive and driving in Green Valley…another is that the local Walgreens has the largest liquor franchise in the state. It's always Happy Hour, and there's a bus that goes across the border (Nogales) if you need prescription drugs. What more could one ask?

And speaking of grandchildren. . .
I've been married to Mr. B for 37 years. We've been in Arizona since 1974 and love it. We had lived in Scottsdale, Tempe, then came south in '93. My two girls are now all grown up and I'm so proud of them! Krista (in Scottsdale) is 35, an architect, general contractor and real estate broker. For awhile she and her dad were in the building business while he was an air conditioning/general contractor, (full-service---design/build/sell) but now she is busy raising her little family, my two grandsons, Stevie, 5, and Jacob, 2. They're a real joy! Kara is 31, and recently married this past May, on a family cruise/wedding trip to Alaska's Inside Passage. It was awesome! They live about 5 miles from us, in Sahuarita. She is an ultrasonagrapher at a Tucson hospital. As long as we're talking kids, my mom lives in GV in an assisted living home. At 93 she's doing great! She was Miss Wold's sidekick in the school library, and I'm sure she'd remember some of you, especially the pranksters and those of you doing detention in the hallway!

When I grow up...
Haven't decided whether or not I am retired---haven't decided what I want to do when I grow up, either. Guess it's never too late to find a new career. Maybe I'll do research on aging (won't have to go far, I'll be a greeter at Wal-Mart). I think I have retired from nursing as it's been 10 years since I hung up my stethoscope, and things have changed in the field big time…really no desire to return! I did Pediatrics most of my career, so paid my dues! Someday someone will have to change my diaper.
Over the last four years I've been a personal trainer at the local gym and have enjoyed that, but Gary refers to it as "my hobby". Apparently my resume's job description: "musclehead" and benefits: " free gym membership" don't impress him.. In order to be taken more seriously, I also got my real estate license, as Gary is a broker (also a Pima County building inspector) and I figured it would be fun to spend more time together. NOT!
So far haven't gotten too involved in that except for our own listings. Not really my bag, and this town is saturated with senile realtors (present company excluded) Maybe I'll get some good ideas on this blog for some money-making schemes without a lot of effort on my part.

It's such a pleasure to take the bus. . .
In the meantime it's OK to have too much time on my hands, after all, I'm in my golden years. I'd like to do more traveling. Recent trips were the Alaskan (wedding) cruise, Bahamas, and finally got to Ireland in '99 (the ultimate!). Now kinda scary to get on a plane but it won't stop me from flying to Minnesota (as some of you may recall, I came by Greyhound to the 1980 reunion with the kids. That was memorable--I wanted them to see the country, and thought it would be a great experience. It turned into fear of them being abducted at the sleazy terminals during one of the biggest heat waves in history).
I've kept in touch with a few people and hope to connect with more this summer! I got this blog from Bev Roers Korkowski. It's a small world, as she is a neighbor/bridge club buddy of my cousin in Andover, Minn., so have kept in touch via e-mail. I also e-mail and see Claudia Johnson Brown as she lives in Chandler, Ariz. This past spring Paula Widstrom Hanson and Terrie Wadsworth Widstrom, along with Carol Penn Gendreau ('66) came to Arizona for a visit, as we had in 2001. (Ellen Van Kempen made it to that one too) and we've all kept in touch. I've been enjoying all the notes so far, as much as I enjoyed the "ReOnion" from the past reunion---was sorry I couldn't make it to that one, but I do plan on getting to this one, if I haven't been run over by a golfcart. Can't wait to see everyone!

-- Sandi Pennar Bonesteel

Scraps from the Chuckwagon

By The Trailboss

Teresa Wadsworth Widstrom filed her bio today. (Let's see, Paula Widstrom Hanson would be her sister-in-law) You can check it out by clicking on October in the archives section over on the right. Thanks Teresa!

Sleepless
Got a note from Barbara Kloehn Pyle today. She hasn't sent in her bio yet, but said she was "sleepless in Seattle" last night so took to reading the 65Roundup. Didn't say if it put her to sleep or not. From her email and until she gets to work on her bio, I am going to infer that she lives in Seattle now.
Charley Stark's father is Barb's uncle. (Let's see, that would make them cousins, I think.) She says Charley's father has been ill these days in Tucson, has been for several months and Charley has been with him. No details, but if you'd like to send Charley some encouragement, the Trailboss has his email address and would be delighted to give it to you.

Principal Elton
Barb visited with Wayne Elton this past July. Wayne and Barb's hubby are buds now through the Resorters Tournament. She suggests Elton as a reunion invitee. . . The Class of '65, after all, was the one that "broke him in" and he remembers it more than others. Hmm. He has a summer home on Lake Ida.

Diane Hass
Barb attended the funeral of Diane Hass-Schulz in Morris and will try to get us a copy of the obituary.

Beantown alumni
Do we have any alumni in Boston? Would be interesting to get some perspective on the baseball event.

Hold on to your money
Folks have been asking about where to send the money for the reunion. It's early. We'll post instructions as soon as Quartermaster Karen Schjei Benson gets good 'n ready.

Erling Nicolai Rolfsrud
A number of you have commented to me about memories of my Dad. It reminds me that most of the Class of '65 took English from him during seventh grade. (I didn't. I had Andy Karlsgodt.)Thanks for your kind words. Dad died in 1994. Many of you have lost your fathers as well. Beverly Roers did just last week. But you never really lose your father because whatever he gave you seems to stay on indefinitely. I like to think that the writings I get from classmates these days still bear some of the purpose of my father's long hours at Central Junior High.

Send us pictures of your classmates, your family

Not the reunion committee, but they'll be there. Bobby Watson, Jim McPhee, Susan Hutchins (Byron Peterson's fiancee), Stan Rolfsrud, Brian Bergland, Rosemary Nelson (Brian's friend), Paul Strandberg, Byron Peterson, Karen Benson, Tom Tessmer and Mark Benson. The photo was taken at the Geneva Golf Club in August just before the Jim and Sara Sevey annual best ball event. Click on the picture for a closer view. Send comments to Trailboss@swpub.com (Photo courtesy Jim and Sara Sevey)

Else Benesh Thompson, Chicagoan

There is no "I" in team and there is no "I" in Elsie Benesh... anymore. She's been a Thompson for 35 years, and dropped the "I" in her first name long ago. For the past seven years, Else Thompson has worked in Chicago for the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America. The job is interesting and the city is amazing, she says. Didn't say if she was a Cubs or a Sox fan.
She and her husband, Mike, have two married children, one in California and one in Tennessee, so it gives them good places to visit.
They also get to Else's hometown, of course, where they maintain a place on Lake Darling. Their most recent visit was for Alexandria's popular production of Li'l Abner, to watch younger sister Margaret - now Kalina - and her niece singing and dancing up a storm.
She promises to watch the Roundup for updates on her classmates.

Jim McPhee, retired schoolteacher

Here's a note from Jim McPhee that arrived today. If you want to contact Jim directly, let us know at Trailboss@swpub.com and we'll make the connection.

Trailboss:
After spending 6,428 days in the sixth grade, they passed me in 2003. The retirement life is tough, with everyday being Saturday. I live in Sartell, Minnesota, the so-called Edina of Stearns County, with my wife, Janet, and 120-pound dog, Gus.
I have three granddaughters, 18-month-old twins in Dallas and a one-year old in Minneapolis. Being a grandparent is pretty special. I travel to Dallas every six to eight weeks to wear myself out with the twins.
Since I have retired, I have been subbing in the local school systems, playing golf, riding my cycle (a little retirement gift to myself) and working out, trying to keep my youth.
My real passion the last five years has been the Holocaust. I have been to Eastern Europe to visit the death camps. I have come to know several survivors and travel with them to speak about the Holocaust to students from elementary to college. Let me know if you have a group that is interested in the topic. I will gladly come out to give a presentation.
I am looking forward to our 40th reunion.
-- Jim McPhee

An Easy Alex Trivia Quiz

Roundup readers have complained that the quiz found in the September archives (see the index over on the side) is too hard. Maybe so. Here's an easy one from your junior high years.

1. How much was a nickel coke at the Fountain of Youth? How much was penny candy?(Okay, that's the easiest one, now they get harder.)
2. How much was a hamburger at The Fountain when you were a freshman? How much for a "hot lunch" in the cafeteria? Big bonus if you can identify the teacher who punched your hot lunch ticket when you were in seventh grade.
3. The Park Region Echo was the big paper. What was the name of the tabloid-sized newspaper headquartered adjacent to the Fountain of Youth?
4. KCMT-TV Channel 7 was located on the other side of the Fountain. Who played Captain Space (Monk Mooney's boss)?
5. Who was Les Loch? Oops. That might be hard. Hint: He wore a uniform and didn't work for the school.
6. Name a basement pool hall frequented by your classmates.

Okay. Now send your answers to The Trailboss@swpub.com

If you have a picture of your dog, attach that. We're looking for a mascot for this page. If you have a horse, even better. JPEG is the format the Trailboss likes. He also likes looking at pictures of grandchildren if they have names and ages.

Homecoming 2004 triggers memories

Fergus falls 21-7 on a
blustery, chilly night
2003 exhibition still most memorable
--------------------------
By T. Obert
Roundup Reporter
--------------------------------
Last night was homecoming. We beat Fergus Falls 21-7 on a chilly, blustery evening.
I seem to recall we played Fergus for homecoming our senior year - the slogan "Fergus Otter Fall" sticks in my mind. Looking back, we did not excel that year (Ah well, it's a brutish game, anyway).
Also last night, the 1994 team was honored for being 13-0 before losing to Anoka in the state championship game. The undefeated state championship team from 1974 was duly noted.
In our first two years back in Alex, 2001 and 2002, we followed our team to the "final four" in the Metrodome (after having watched them beat Cretin-Durham Hall in the quarter finals both years - unbelievable). We thought this was something that happened all the time. It isn't, of course, and we can take pride in the accomplishments of our teams because we have the smallest enrollment of any "big" city school.
In what is apparently a homecoming tradition, the Cardinal varsity girls volleyball team comes out in full football regalia (sans helmets) to join the cheerleaders, who are numerous and exceedingly cute, on the sidelines. The first time it happened, we wondered who those Amazons were because, of course, they're all about a head taller than the cheerleaders - come to think of it, they're all about a head taller than our defensive tackles, who are both under 6 feet.
Come to think of it, they are all about a head taller than anyone on our basketball team during our senior year. (He's right, you could look it up. -- Editor)

Naked reverse?
But as exciting as last night's activities were, it didn't quite live up to last year's.
It was a beautiful Friday night in 2003 for Alex's homecoming game against mighty Bemidji. About half-way through the 3rd quarter, Alex scored to go further ahead, 38-0.
As both teams huddled on the sidelines awaiting the next kickoff, a young man raced the entire length of the field, end zone to end zone, wearing not a single stich of clothing.
Needless to say, the event created heightened interest in the proceedings - among other things, this reporter's wife commented on "shrinkage" in the 40+ degree weather.
But it didn't end there. A mid-fourth-quarter touchdown inspired a second fine young Cardinal to traverse the same route in identical attire. At about the 30-yard line, not to be outdone, he paused to turn a big, showy cart wheel. (He, the crowd could now see, was certainly no natural blonde.) Meanwhile, enthused Alex cheerleaders, in resolute keeping of their given responsibilities, bounced along the sidelines, urging him ever onward.
With the Alexandria homecoming touchdown ritual firmly established, the loyal Cardinal fans now breathlessly anticipated additional touchdowns, wondering exactly how future celebrants might raise the bar.
Alas, the next Alexandria Cardinal homecoming touchdown didn't come until last night, and, it is my duty to report, the streak has been broken.

Let's Honor All Our Classmates

Please check over the class list on page one. We have indicated in italic boldface the names of those we know have died. If there is a star* by the person's name, we have an item on that person somewhere on the blog. There are others without stars. Please, if you have kept a copy of an obituary notice of any classmate, type it up and email it to Trailboss@swpub.com. And be sure to add any comments that might illustrate this person's value to others and contributions made during his or her life. We'll try to create a suitable memoriam on this web site for those no longer with us.