Blog for SHS 1958

Geraldine Tinsley

2011-12-18T12:47:00.000-05:00

SPRINGFIELD - Geraldine Tinsley, 96, of Springfield, passed away December 16th, 2011 at St. John's Hospice. She was born in Springfield, on March 19, 1915, to William H. and Sarah Frances Murrell. She married George E. Tinsley Sr. in 1935.

She is survived by one daughter, Elizabeth (Steve) Alexander of Springfield, one sister, Olan Elliot of Springfield, a daughter-in-law, Joyce Tinsley, 11 grand-children, 16 great-grandchildren, 5 great-great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband George, her 3 sons; George E Tinsley Jr. Charles Arthur Tinsley, and William Clarence Tinsley and 12 brothers and sisters.

Mrs. Tinsley was a retired employee of the Illinois Department of Public Aid. She graduated from Springfield High School and Browns Business College. She was a member of St. Paul AME Church where she was a class leader and a member of the Estella Thompson Women's Missionary Society.

A funeral service will be held at Noon on Wednesday, December 21, at St. Paul AME Church, 1130 S 16th St. Springfield, IL 62703. Visitation will be held from 11 a.m. until the time of service at the church. Burial will follow at Oak Ridge Cemetery in Springfield. Rev. Galda McCants will officiate the services.

Memorials in her name may be made to St. Paul Church's Estella Thompson Women's Missionary Society. Online condolences to the family at www.bischandsonfuneralhome.com.

Judy Kay Schnepp

2011-11-30T09:39:00.001-05:00

Judy Kay Schnepp, 69, of Springfield, died at 6:45 p.m. on November 25, 2011 at Memorial Medical Center.

Judy was born December 14, 1941 the daughter of William and Celia Heather Kramzar. She married Keith Schnepp on November 23, 1963 at St. Agnes Church in Springfield.

Judy was a graduate of Springfield High School Class of 1959, where she was a member of the National Honor Society. She graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from the University of Illinois and worked as a social worker until she began her family. She then devoted her time and energy entirely to her family and their activities. She was a volunteer for the Girl Scouts, the American Association of University Women (AAUW), and a member of Douglas Avenue United Methodist Church for over thirty-nine years, where she served on several committees. She enjoyed golfing with friends, gardening, photography, and being with her family, especially her grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, William Kramzar; and her step-father, Leslie Sebring.

Judy is survived by her husband, Keith; son, Jason (wife, Brenda) Schnepp of Springfield; daughter, Audrey (husband, Steven) Moore of Appleton, WI; four grandchildren, Rileigh and Karlie Schnepp and Natalie and Ian Moore; three siblings, Dwain Kramzar, Linda (husband, Guy, MD) Photopulos, Gary (wife, Terry) Kramzar; step-brother, Michael (wife, Marilyn) Sebring and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Cremation was accorded by Butler Cremation Tribute Center prior to ceremonies.

Memorial Gathering: Family will receive friends on Friday, December 2, 2011 from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. at Douglas Avenue United Methodist Church, 501 S. Douglas, Springfield.

Memorial Ceremony: 11 a.m. on Friday, December 2, 2011 at Douglas Avenue United Methodist Church with Rev. Julia Melgreen officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made to Douglas Avenue United Methodist Church, 501 S. Douglas Ave., Springfield, IL 62704 or Lincoln Land Down Syndrome Society, 3512 Banyan Dr., Springfield, IL 62712.

Nick Graebel

2011-08-16T11:05:00.001-04:00

Richard Read "Nick" Graebel died on Aug. 3, 2011.

He was born in Ottumwa, Iowa, to Dorothy Read and Richard Paul Graebel. He grew up in Springfield, Ill., and spent his summers in Tomahawk with family and friends. He moved to Madison in 1963 and became a firefighter in 1964. During his 41 years of service, he rose to the rank of lieutenant and became known as "The Commander." He was known for his generosity, humor and for respecting both sides of any argument.

Richard thoroughly enjoyed his time on earth. He was known for taking the scenic route and enjoying all of the views whenever he left the house. He was a bike commuter before it was Madison cool. He loved singing and was a longtime member of Madison Maennerchor, a German singing group.

He belonged to Madison Turners and served on the board for many years. It was Richard's mission to be the best father, grandfather and citizen he could be. Madison will not be the same without the big grandpa swinging kids on his shoulders, chasing them around and breaking out into song.

Richard is missed by his wife, Ilse; son, Pascal of Mount Shasta, Calif.; daughter, Isolde (William Lorman) of Middleton; sister, Mary (John) Hofmann of Green Bay; six grandchildren; and many friends and acquaintances.

A celebration of Richard's life will take place on Oct. 8, 2011, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at TURNER HALL, 3001 S. Stoughton Road in Madison; 608-222-4922.

'58 Dinners in Springfield

2011-08-15T01:23:00.001-04:00

Hi '58s:

On the 4th Thursday of each month, a group of the '58 SHS girls get together and have dinner at a nice restaurant here in Springfield. There were 11 of us the last time, including one husband: John Maloney, who graduated with us also. He comes with his wife, Donna Haycraft Maloney.

I am attaching a picture from our "outing" at the Old Luxemburg Inn on July 28th for the blog. It is blurry, but you can see when it is enlarged, who all is there.

Picture: From the nearest person on the right and going back around the table: Dottie Huddleston Fitzgerald, Connie King Mohan, Betty Klecamp England, Kris Hockenyos Tipps, Janet Bailey Kerner, Mary Houghton Elberson, Donna Haycraft Maloney, John Maloney, Marilyn Markwell Ruch, Diane Smith (Bill) Hester (Carole Crouch Ball was not present for the picture, but did come later).

We are open for any other 58'ers who wish to join us. Just call or email me or Carole. Phone numbers are in the latest red book from 50th reunion and current email addresses are on the SHS site. We don't turn SHS guys away as you can see by John attending our "get together" dinners. He enjoys the group as much as we do.

Thanks,

Janet Kerner

Allan Stephens Interment

2011-07-24T12:27:00.000-04:00

Allan Durand Stephens, 70, died of cancer on Tuesday, December 14, 2010, at the Hospice Compassionate Care Center in Richmond, KY. A memorial service celebrating his life was held December 30, 2010, at First United Methodist Church in Richmond.

Interment services with military honors will be held in Springfield, IL, at Oak Hill Cemetery at 2:00 pm Friday, July 29. Following the interment, a visitation reception will be held at 3:00 pm at Laurel United Methodist Church, South Grand at Walnut. A man of faith, Stephens was an active member of First United Methodist Church in Richmond, KY.

Stephens was born on June 2, 1940, in Springfield, the son of Charles Bennett Stephens and Cordelia Crout Stephens Fues, who both preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by his brother, the Reverend Stuart P. Stephens.

As a youth, Stephens participated in Boy Scouts through Troop 36 at Laurel United Methodist Church and was especially proud to be an Eagle Scout and a member of the Order of the Arrow. After graduating from Springfield High School in 1958, Stephens attended Northwestern University, then received his BS degree from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale. He later earned his teaching credentials from the University of Texas at Austin and completed his Masters degree at Southwest Texas University at San Marcos. During the Vietnam conflict he served his country as a communications officer in the U.S. Air Force, then as a reserve officer before retiring with the rank of Major.

Stephens served as band director at Eastern Kentucky University's Model Laboratory School in Richmond for 24 years. He devoted 32 summers to leadership at a Music-Arts-Dance-Drama church camp for teenagers, who affectionately knew him as "Big Al."

Music, theater, and Ham Radio were Stephens' passions. He was a member of the Kentucky Music Educators, played clarinet in the Central Kentucky Concert Band and Richmond Area Community Band, and was active in Rose Barn Theatre productions. He helped to begin the Classic Radio Exchange for the enjoyment of old tube-type radios and belonged to several Ham Radio Clubs. His call sign was N5AIT.

In addition to his loving wife Mary Lou, he is survived by one daughter, Susan Mae Zarzycki and granddaughter Natalie Mae Zarzycki of Richmond, KY; one sister, Dee Dee Gain of Springfield, IL; one brother, C. Bennett Stephens, Jr. (Barbara) of Lake Forest, IL; one sister-in-law, Barbara Stephens-Rich of Sandusky, OH; two step-brothers, Russell Fues (Ann) of Memphis, TN and Donald Fues (Marianne) of Columbia, MO; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to the Allan D. Stephens SCF Music Camp Fund, an endowed fund honoring Stephens' musical legacy of encouragement and support for his students. This fund has been established through Eastern Kentucky University for middle school and high school students who need financial aid to attend Stephen Collins Foster Music Camp. Gifts may be sent to: EKU Development Office, Attn: Allan D. Stephens SCF Music Camp Fund, CPO 19A, 521 Lancaster Ave., Richmond, KY, 40475.

Boardman-Smith Funeral Chapel is in charge of local arrangements. Sign the online guest book at www.boardman-smith.net

Published in The State Journal-Register on July 24, 2011

Branson Trip

2011-06-21T12:38:00.001-04:00

Dear '58s,

In light of the sad passing of so many of our classmates, I thought I'd send in a few photos to show that some of us are still alive and kicking and having some fun in our "old" age.

Attached are 3 photos taken on a recent trip to Branson, Mo. For those who have never been there, it's a terrific place to visit. Not only do they have a variety of shows and restaurants, they also have completely renovated the old river front into a modern shopping strip. The architect that designed the dancing waters at the Bellagio in Los Vegas designed a mini-version in old Branson and visitors gather in a concrete landing to watch the colorful fire jets and water fountains perform to upbeat music on the hour.

In addition, Branson just opened up several new ziplines. We decided to try one out. It was great fun, although that first step is a real doozy! My son, Ross, and Sue, his girl friend joined us for the trip. Here we are in harnesses and helmets, ready for their huge Swiss army vehicle to transport us up to the top of a hill. From there we walked across a swinging suspension bridge and onto a small platform where our guide snapped us individually to the zipline. He went first (to stop us if we were coming in too fast) and then each one of us stepped off into space and zipped to the next platform. Talk about exhilarating!!

Al and I enjoy Branson so much that we visit at least twice a year. Nearby is Silver Dollar City, which contains acres and acres of beautiful rolling hills, arts, crafts, vendors of all sorts, entertaining family shows, and great food. In fact, Branson is such a great place that I vote we hold our next reunion there! — Diane Gurgens Urbanckas

June Nesbitt

2011-06-20T12:45:00.004-04:00

Mrs. June Nesbitt, who taught Home Economics at SHS, celebrated her 90th birthday on June 10. She still lives in Springfield.

We are attempting to find her local address, for those '58s who might wish to send her birthday card.

Thanks to Janet Bailey Kerner for the tip and scan of the SJR clipping.

Inez E. Gieseking

2011-05-24T23:20:00.000-04:00

Inez E. Gieseking, 96, passed away on March 6, 2011 at Lewis Memorial Christian Village in Springfield. She was born February 21, 1915 in Altamont, Illinois, where she was raised. Her parents, C. Herman and Clara Enzeroth Gieseking, both preceded her in death, as did her beloved brother, H. Merle Gieseking, who was killed in World War II.

Inez received a BS in education from the University of Illinois in 1937 and an MA from the State University of Iowa in 1944. For many years she taught classes in business education at Springfield High School, where she also chaired the department of Office Occupations. Later she taught at Lanphier High School in Springfield until her retirement.

She was a member of the VFW Auxiliary and the Eastern Star in Altamont and the Garden Club in Springfield. She was a very active member of the First United Methodist Church in Springfield.

Inez was an excellent cook and an avid gardener. She loved travel, visiting Canada, Guatemala, the British Isles and China in the 1970's. She kept a beautiful home and enjoyed entertaining a large circle of friends.

Inez is survived by a niece, A. Inez Gieseking of Willow, AK; cousins Vera (Logan) Mellendorf of Altamont, Norma Tipsword of Springfield and second cousin John (Cathy) Mellendorf of Effingham; as well as a large extended family in Altamont and other areas of the Midwest and beyond.

At her request, no service was held.

H. Stanley Thomas

2011-05-07T19:31:00.000-04:00

SPRINGFIELD - H. Stanley Thomas, 71, of Springfield passed away Tuesday May 3, 2011, at St. John's Hospital.

He was born in Springfield on March 3, 1940, the son of Stanley and Jean Briggle Thomas. He attended Lawrence Grade School and Springfield High School, where he was a member of Wranglers and played on the varsity golf team. After graduating from SHS with the Class of 1958, he attended Southern Illinois University at Carbondale and graduated with a B.S. degree in History.

He married Mary Wolf on December 21, 1991, in Springfield. He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister Jan Michael. He is survived by his wife, Mary; daughter, Amy Jo Wolf and grandson Halen Wolf both of Springfield; a sister, Nancy Thomas of Springfield; sister-in-law, Margaret Jane Jabusch (husband, Walter) of Riverton and several nieces, nephews, cousins, great nieces and great nephews and one great-great niece.

Friends may call Wednesday May 11, 2011 at First Presbyterian Church from 9:00 A.M. until the time of memorial services at 10:00 AM with Rev. Dr. David McDonna officiating. Interment will follow in Oak Ridge Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the American Parkinson's Disease Association, 2100 Pfingsten Road, Glenview,IL 60026. Boardman-Smith Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

Bob Newell in China

2011-04-19T23:15:00.001-04:00

(Click on picture to enlarge)

In retirement, our senior class president Bob Newell keeps busy with consulting jobs as a mechanical engineer. Last March he returned to China, where he has traveled often, to work with a company in Nantong, at the mouth of the Yangtze River.

He also visited Beijing, site of the 2008 Olympic Games, and here he is standing near the National Stadium, also called the Bird's Nest. Its shape follows principles of Chinese ceramic design.

Bob works through interpreters, and while many are skillful, he says it's hard to find one with advanced technical knowledge. He's now back in China for another month of work before returning to his home in Georgia.

Savanna Reunion

2011-04-10T11:42:00.001-04:00

The near-annual reunion of the Hart-Sandlin clans transpired this year in Savannah, GA, where Dick and Ann Tobin Hart often meet with Bob and Leslie Heineke Sandlin. Savannah is a place to escape wintry Springfield and view a St. Patrick's Day parade, featuring a team of the world-famous Budweiser Clydesdales. The parade is the second largest in the USA, taking three hours to pass and viewed by a third of a million spectators.

Another exciting event will be April 15, when Robert Redford releases his historical thriller, The Conspirator, about the assassination of Abraham Lincoln. Filmed at Savannah locations, the movie makes extensive use of the Sandlin's former home, especially the scene where Lincoln lies on his deathbed in a "boarding house" while his Cabinet meets in a nearby parlor. This film was a big hit at the Sundance Festival; watch for it in your local theaters.

Leslie, Bob, Ann, Dick

Pictures by Dick Hart

Gordon Jones

2011-03-31T23:59:00.003-04:00

Harmony Boys (1958); Gordon second from left.

Gordon R. Jones died on March 30, 2011 at his home in Springfield. He was born June 21, 1940 in Roodhouse, the son of James I. and Rebecca Spencer Jones. Surviving are his mother, Rebecca “Reba” Jones-Tull of Springfield, four stepsisters, eleven cousins; their extended families, and his life-long childhood friends. His father preceded him in death in 1991.

Gordon was the original drummer for the Harmony Boys, Springfield's first country-rock band. At a 1958 telethon in the Abe Lincoln Hotel, a "Battle of the Bands" pitted The Harmony Boys against Hobie Henson's Red Devils. The match was even until Gordon's drum solo: he jumped up and danced around his white Slingerland drum set, twirling sticks in the air and not missing a beat. This act astonished the band and brought the house down.

He graduated from Springfield High School in 1958. After high school, he served in the U.S. Navy. Following graduation from Arizona State University, he pursued a career as director of OSHA and Risk Management for the State of Arizona. He was a Mason for 44 years and a member of the Springfield Ansar Shrine. He enjoyed art, hiking, and mountain climbing. He climbed Mt. Whitney twice. Gordon also enjoyed restoring motorcycles and his 1948 Willys Jeep.

Funeral services will be held 3:00 p.m. Sunday, April 3 at the Mackey Daws Funeral Home in Roodhouse with interment in the Murrayville Cemetery in Murrayville. Visitation will be Sunday from 1:00 p.m. until time of the service at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to the Murrayville Cemetery or Memorial Hospice. Condolences may be left on line at www.mackeydaws.com. Pictures of the funeral are at this site.

Melba Engel Frederick

2011-03-30T21:22:00.000-04:00

Melba Elsie Adeline (Engel) Frederick, 94, a life-long resident of Springfield, died on Thursday, March 24, 2011. She was born April 1, 1916 in Springfield, the daughter of Melvin and Louise Seaman Engel.

Melba graduated from Springfield High School in 1934 and married John Alfred Frederick on November 26, 1934. Her first job was in 1934 at Dazee's Orange Juice Store. She was employed by Thrifty Drug Company from 1952 until her retirement in 1978. She was also a tour guide with Presley Tours throughout the 1970's. Melba volunteered at Memorial Medical Center for over 20 years. She was a member of First Christian Church for more than 60 years; active in the Christian Women's Fellowship and a member of Lincoln Circle of King's Daughters. Melba enjoyed life to the fullest, participating in many hobbies and activities, including playing on a women's softball league in the 1930's, pinochle clubs, ceramics, traveling and camping. She was known among her close friends as the "Camp Director."

Her husband of 71 years, Al Frederick, preceded her in death on May 30, 2006. She is survived by her four daughters, Shirley Tonjes of Albuquerque, NM, Janet, Suellen and Jeri Frederick, all of Springfield. One of her joys in life was spending time with her grandchildren, Rick (Wanda), Gary (Leann), and Stephen (Laura) Tonjes, Elisabeth (Josh) Hillman and Emma Frederick; eight great-grandchildren; Cody, Eric, Jerra, Jessica, Brandt, Julia and Luken Tonjes, and Eva Hillman. She is also survived by a brother, Quentin S. Engel of Springfield; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Visitation: Family will receive friends from 10:00-11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 2, 2011 at Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield. Funeral Ceremony: 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 2, 2011 at Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Oak Ridge Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to: Central Illinois Food Bank, 2000 E. Moffat Ave., Springfield, IL 62702 or First Christian Church, 700 S. 6th Street, Springfield, IL 62703.

Sandra Castles Skeeters

2011-03-23T07:19:00.000-04:00

Sandra Castles Skeeters, 70, of Springfield, formerly of Bethalto, died at 7:07 am, Thursday, March 10, 2011 at Sunny Acres Nursing Home in Petersburg, Illinois.

She was born October 2, 1940 in Springfield, Illinois to Donald E. and Eloise C. Velie Castles. She married Joseph L. Skeeters on February 21, 1959 and he preceded her in death on June 4, 1992. Her father and one brother, Kenneth Castles also preceded her in death.

Surviving are one daughter, Traci K. Skeeters (life partner: Nick Mably); mother, Eloise Castles of Springfield, three grandchildren, Christina, Zachary and Brianna Skeeters; one brother, Donald Castles of Florida and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Sandra was an Executive for the Illinois State Lottery. She loved spending time with her grandchildren and fishing.

Visitation was on Sunday, March 13, 2011 with a funeral service on Monday, March 14, at Staab Funeral Home with Rev. Vaughn Beeman officiating. Burial will be in Oak Ridge Cemetery.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Miss Lois Body

2011-02-19T11:52:00.001-05:00

SPRINGFIELD - Lois Maurine Body, 96, of Springfield, died February 15, 2011 at Gilman Nursing Home, Gilman, IL.

She was born near Woodland on March 23, 1914, the daughter of Clarence William and Florence Edna Body.

Miss Body graduated from Watseka Community High School; received her bachelor's degree in education from Illinois State University; and her master's in liberal arts from the University of Illinois. In her undergraduate days, she was a member of Kappa Delta Pi, Pi Gamma Mu, and Kappa Delta Epsilon. She belonged to the Woodland United Methodist Church.

Before retirement in 1972, she taught at Rutland, Fisher, Pekin, Feitshans, Springfield College in Illinois, Lincoln Land Community College, and Springfield High School.

Preceding her in death were her parents.

Cremation rites have been accorded. Interment will be in Oak Ridge Memorial Chapel Mausoleum. Boardman-Smith Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements. Sign the online guest book at www.boardman-smith.net

Memorial Contributions may be made to the United Methodist Church in Woodland, IL or to the Iroquois County Historical Society in Watseka, IL.

Published in The State Journal-Register on February 19, 2011

On the Road

2011-01-26T11:24:00.001-05:00

Dick and Ann Tobin Hart have returned to Springfield after a month on the road, visiting family and friends. They spent Christmas with their daughter in Austin, TX, New Year's in Santa Fe, NM, and in Santa Monica, CA, visited their son and an old friend from Butler-SHS days, Arnold "Sonny" Myerstein.

Sonny's wife, Jeri, is a school friend of Louise Taper, whom the Harts know as a Lincoln collector. Louise put on a dinner at her Beverly Hills home, which produced the picture above: (l to r) Dick Hart, Jeri Myerstein, Sonny Myerstein, and Ann Hart on January 17, 2011. (Please note the severe winter conditions.)

Louise showed pieces of her collection, items about Abraham and Mary Lincoln and John Wilkes Booth. Ann and Sonny talked of the good old days at home. He is still close to his Springfield neighbors, Charlie Adams and Fred Hoffmann '59. Sonny and Jeri both plan a return to Springfield before long.

On the return trip, the Harts made their first visit to Las Vegas, NV, and then drove the Plains back to Prairie land. Their faithful pooch, Sammie, made the journey with them. As Dick reports, "…the trip was a long drive for old folks, but it was on our bucket list."

If you have news and pictures to share, please send them to Will Howarth.

Will Tranquilli

2011-01-06T22:38:00.000-05:00

The following obituary, by Devin Carroll, appears on the Community Alliance web site, dated November 1, 2010.

With sorrow, we announce the peaceful passing of William James Tranquilli on September 3, 2010, after a lingering illness. A well-known activist for many causes, Will enjoyed living in Fresno for many years.

Will was born April 13, 1940, in Springfield, Illinois, to Joseph and Martha Tranquilli. Will learned his activism from his parents. Martha, whose activism began in her youth, was a shining example who taught her children the basics of social protest. Martha served as a peace witness for the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom during the federal government’s occupation of Wounded Knee reservation and prior to that was incarcerated for nine and a half years in federal prison at Terminal Island as a tax protester.

Will graduated from Springfield High School and Southern Illinois University with a degree in communications. Will’s activism began in high school where, for the debate team, he took the position in favor of the legalization of prostitution. In college, Will worked with the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee in Cairo, Illinois, and later in Mississippi.

In his teens, Will suffered from a nasty bout of polio. He spent many months in an iron lung, which may have given him his sense of compassion. The doctors said he would never walk again, but his tenacity proved them wrong.

In the early 1970s, the family relocated to California, eventually settling in Dobbins in the Sierra Nevada foothills, where his brothers Joseph and Vincent still reside. Will later moved to Fresno.

Will worked for a myriad of causes, including tenant’s rights, gay rights, free speech and Americans for Democratic Action, just to name a few. He was a prominent member of Health Care for All in Fresno.

Will often attended the Fresno Friends Meeting and enjoyed meetings of the Humanists of the San Joaquin Valley.

Will’s razor sharp wit and contagious sense of humor will be sorely missed by all who knew him. His latest passions were the struggle for the rights of the disabled and world peace. Now Will has found his peace.

CE Welch

2010-12-24T00:20:00.000-05:00

Clarence "CE" Welch, Jr., 70, of Springfield, died at 2:04 p.m. on Wednesday, December 22, 2010 at Memorial Medical Center. He was born on August 10, 1940 in Quincy, the son of Clarence E. and Juanita Schroder Welch. He married Joleen Fox on May 30, 1970 in Springfield.

CE graduated from Springfield High School and served on its Class of 1958 Reunion Committee for 52 years. He earned his Bachelor's of Science in Education from SIU Carbondale and his Master's from the U of I Springfield. He served in the U.S. Army during Vietnam from 1966-1967. He formerly taught at Grant Middle School and retired from Southeast High School in 1998.

CE was a member of Phi Delta Tau Fraternity and very active in Springfield and IL Education Assoc. He was also past president of the IL High School and College Driver Ed Assoc., the American Driver & Traffic Safety Ed Assoc. and Phi Delta Kappa. CE was a member and Sunday School teacher at Central Baptist Church. He enjoyed fishing, golfing and traveling.

He was preceded in death by his parents and is survived by his wife, Joleen of Springfield; son, Chad Allyn Welch of San Diego; daughter, Kitty Joy and her husband, Frank Springhart of San Antonio, TX; aunt, Helen Welch and many cousins.

Family will receive friends from 3:30-7:00 p.m. on Monday, December 27, 2010 at Central Baptist Church, 504 S. 4th St., Springfield. Following visitation, cremation will be accorded by Butler Cremation Tribute Center.

A funeral ceremony will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, December 28, 2010 at Central Baptist Church with Rev. Reg Mills officiating. Burial will follow at Camp Butler National Cemetery with military honors.

Memorial contributions may be made to: Central Baptist Church, 504 S. 4th St., Springfield, IL 62703 or American Diabetes Association, 2580 Federal Dr., Ste. 403, Decatur, IL 62526.

The family of CE Welch, Jr. is being served by Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield.

Allan Stephens

2010-12-17T11:20:00.000-05:00

Major Allan Durand Stephens, 70, husband of Rev. Mary Lou Stephens, died Tuesday, December 14, 2010, at the Hospice Compassionate Care Center of Richmond.

He was born on June 2, 1940, in Springfield, Illinois, to Charles Bennett Stephens and Cordelia Jane Crout Stephens, both of whom preceded him in death. He attended and received his BS degree from Southern Illinois University, and later received his teaching certificate from the University of Texas at Austin. Allan completed his Masters degree at Southwest Texas University at San Marcus. He proudly served his country in the U. S. Air Force during the Vietnam conflict.

He served as band director at Model Laboratory School, in Richmond, for 24 years. Music and Ham Radio were his life. He was a member of the Central Kentucky Concert Band, the Richmond Area Community Band and the Rose Barn Theatre. He belonged to the Ham Radio Club and his call sign was N5AIT. Allan was a member of the First United Methodist Church, where he proudly took part in the music program by playing hand-bells and singing in the choir.

In addition to his loving wife, Mary Lou, of Richmond, he is survived by one daughter, Susan Zarzycki (Scott) of North Hollywood, California; one granddaughter, Natalie Zarzycki; one brother, C. Bennett Stephens, Jr.; one sister, Dee Dee Gain of Springfield, IL; two step-brothers, Russ Fues of Memphis, TN and Don Fues of Columbia, MO; one sister-in-law, Barb Stephens-Rich of Sandusky, OH; and numerous nieces and nephews. He also leaves an “extended family” of students and MADD (Music Art Drama Dance) Camp Campers.

Memorial Services will be held later. Friends may sign the Guest Book at the Oldham, Roberts, & Powell Funeral home web site.

A Cappella Choir

2010-12-07T22:48:00.001-05:00

Judy Sink Stephens Scott

sent this photo of the 1957 a cappella choir.

Can you still identify the names and faces?

(Click on it to enlarge.)

Nina K. Chesebro

2010-11-09T12:03:00.000-05:00

Nina K. Chesebro

NORMAL-Nina K. Chesebro, 95 of Normal, IL, formerly of Saunemin and Springfield, Il died Sunday, November 7, 2010 at Advocate BroMenn Regional Medical Center, Normal, IL.

Her memorial service will be held on Friday, November 12, 2010 at 11:00 am at Saunemin United Methodist Church with Pastor David Phillips officiating. Cremation rites have been accorded. Inurnment will be at Sunnyslope Cemetery in Saunemin, IL. There will be no visitation. Memorials in Nina's name may be made to Saunemin United Methodist Church. Martin Funeral home, Pontiac is handling the arrangements.

Nina was born July 21, 1915 in Saunemin, IL, a daughter of Ralph and Katharine (Kyser) Chesebro. Nina was preceded in death by her parents, 2 Sisters: Patricia and Ruth and 1 brother in infancy.

Nina was educated in Saunemin Schools. She received her B.S. in Education from Illinois State Normal University and her M.S. of Education degree from the University of Illinois. Nina taught school for 2 ½ years in a rural 1 rooms school in Livingston Co. She then taught for 6 ½ years at Saunemin Grade School and then for 31 years in Butler, Lawrence and Franklin Schools in Springfield, Illinois.

She was a 50 year member of Saunemin United Methodist Church. She was a member of the Gamma Theta Upsilon at ISNU and Kappa Delta Pi at University of Illinois. She was also a member of the Sigma Delta Pi Sorority. Nina also was a member of the Springfield Education Association, the Illinois Education Association and National Education Association, The Lincoln Land Retired Teachers and Illinois Retired Teachers Association. Nina was a member of the Pontiac Elks Ladies Golf Association for many years and the ISU Women's Golf Association. She participated for many years in South East Iowa Golf Tournament and the Illinois State Amateur Tournament.

This obituary may be viewed and private condolences left at www.martin-funeralhomes.com

Photograph by Jo Ankeny Lindamood, ca. 1953-54

George Sabo

2010-09-25T11:38:00.000-04:00

JONESBORO, LA - George Matthew Sabo, 70 of Jonesboro, LA died Tuesday, September 14, 2010 at home. He was born June 20, 1940 in Springfield, IL, the son of George and Erma Furlich Sabo. They preceded him in death. He married Pat Sabo in 1962, she preceded him in death in 2005.

He was a Seabee in the United States Navy. After 33 years, he retired from the Smurfit Stone Container Company in Hodge, LA.

George married Elaine Holsomback of Jonesboro on June 14, 2010 and she survives. He is also survived by son, Mark Sabo of Simsboro, LA, grandchildren, Stephen Sabo (Tammy) of GA, Nikki Rivera (Alex) of GA, Robert James Sabo of Simsboro, LA, Tasha Sabo of Simsboro, LA, 8 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great grandchildren, step-children, Angie Caskey (Eddie) of Dallas, TX, Jennifer Norred and Erin Bowen (Rhett) of Jonesboro, LA, step-grandchildren Jayden Caskey and Oren Caskey of Dallas, TX, Cole Wise, Karley Wise, Cameron Bowen all of Jonesboro, LA, very special friends Gary and Susan Hinkley of Jonesboro, LA, sister, Sharon Kirberg of Springfield and brother, Larry Sabo of Petersburg, aunts, Betty Tarr and Carolyn Daley, uncle, Carl (Rita) Sabo all of Springfield, niece, nephews and many cousins.

His funeral service was Friday, September 17, 2010 in Jonesboro, LA, at the Southern Funeral Home. Burial was in the Garden of Memories Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Jonesboro Masonic Lodge #280, 209 Main St., Jonesboro, LA 71251. Visit Guest Book

Rogers E. Baker

2010-09-25T00:47:00.000-04:00

BAKER, Rogers E. Passed away September 22, 2010 at home after a long illness. Beloved husband, father, grandfather, friend and coach.

Survived by his wife, Bonnie Bruce Baker; children, Karen (John) Clinkscales, Rochelle (Romeo) Stockett, Rogers Sean (Jacqueline) Baker, Thor (Amy) Catalogne, Jason Catalogne and Dominic (Alethia McGarvey) Baker; grandchildren, Kamila (Kasmir) Evans, Asha, Tabia & Salihah Clinkscales, Nichelle & Herman Robert Pate, Rogers Ian, Marisela & Luna Baker, Lucie, Cole & Luke Catalogne; two great-grandchildren; goddaughter, Legny Uban; nieces, nephews, cousins & many friends.

Visitation will be Sunday, September 26, 2010 from 1 to 3, with Memorial Service to follow at 3 p.m., at West End United Methodist Church, 2200 West End Ave. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Mary's Adult Day Care, 30 White Bridge Road, Nashville, TN 37205 or to Alive Hospice, 1718 Patterson St., Nashville, TN 37203. Visit Guest Book

Don Nelle

2010-09-09T11:21:00.002-04:00

Donald E. Nelle, 71, of Springfield, died at his home on Thursday, September 2, 2010. Born on March 24, 1939, in Springfield, Don was the son of Richard S. Nelle and Monita E. Nelle. He married Sandra J. Evans on December 26, 1960, in Springfield at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church.

A graduate of Cathedral Boys High School, Don earned an engineering degree at the Univ. of North Dakota. His career included work for Pillsbury, Kraft, and Del Monte.

Preceded in death by his wife and father, Don's survivors include his son, Evan Nelle, of Cambridge, MD; a daughter, Jeanne Travers of Fargo, N.D.; his mother, Monita Nelle of Springfield; four grandchildren, Beth (Kevin) Secrist, Lesli (Scott) Hurley, Stefany Travers and Andrea (Cory) Dean; five great-grandchildren, Colin Secrist, Clay Wilson, Kendall Secrist, Hallie Jo Wilson and Johnathon Dean; and siblings, Dick (Bev) Nelle of Springfield, Jan (Alice) Nelle of Springfield, Pat (Joyce) Nelle of Huntsville, AR, Mike Nelle of Minier, IL, Marianne (Leo) Lombari of Huntsville, AR and Kathleen Nelle Davis of West Fork, AR.

The family will receive friends from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm on Thursday, September 9, 2010, at Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield. A funeral ceremony will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 9, 2010 at Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home, Rev. Robert Jallas officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Agnes Catholic Church, 245 N. Amos Ave., Springfield, IL 62702. Friends may sign a guest book at the funeral home web site.

Byron Hathorn

2010-07-18T14:59:00.000-04:00

Byron Hathorn

SPRINGDALE, Ark. - Byron (Barney) Ellis Hathorne, 71, of Springdale, Ark. died Friday, July 16, 2010, in Fayetteville, Ark.

He was born April 12, 1939, in Springfield, the son of Byron Ellis and Mildred Lorene (Kramer) Hathorne Sr.

He was the owner of Barney's Auto Parts and Service and Barney's Auto Sales. He served in the Illinois Air National Guard. Byron was a Mason and Shriner, and a member of Bear Creek and Christian Ambassadors Fishing Clubs. He was a past member of the Hope Evangelical Free Church and Westside Christian Church of Springfield, and was a recent member of the First Baptist Church in Springdale, Ark.

He was an avid fisherman and woodworker, flew his own airplane, loved playing cards with friends, doing good deeds for his neighbors, and he built five houses, and could fix anything that had an engine.

Byron was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Carol Hathorne of the home; a daughter, Jodi Stamper of Lowell, Ark.; a son, Doug Hathorne and wife Dianna of Springfield; four grandchildren, David (wife, Andrea), Lindsay, Andrew and Brianna Fairfield; one great-granddaughter, McKenna; an aunt and uncle, Robert and Rosetta (Zett) Anderson; and several cousins.

Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, July 20, 2010, at the Chapel of the First Baptist Church in Springdale, Ark., with Pastor Charlie Foster officiating.

Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church, 1709 Johnson Road, Springdale, AR 72762.

To sign the online guest book please visit www.nelsonberna.com

Arrangements are under the direction of Nelson-Berna Funeral Home and Crematory of Fayetteville, Ark.

Published in The State Journal-Register on July 18, 2010

Charles Harmony

2010-06-02T13:09:00.000-04:00

ASHLAND - Charles B. Harmony, 69, of Ashland died at 3:50 p.m. Monday, May 31, 2010, at Heritage Manor Nursing Home in Springfield. He was born September 7, 1940, in Springfield, Illinois to Louis and Ella Darnaby Harmony. His parents preceded him in death. Also preceding him in death were 4 sisters, Louise Fishwick, Lillie Bain, Lela Dykes and LuVina Brown.

He is survived by his special friend, Joe Willis of Ashland; 3 brothers Henry (Gerry) Harmony of Springfield, Lewis (Anna) Harmony of Chatham and Benjamin (Helen) Harmony of Springfield; several nieces, nephews and cousins; and several great-nieces and nephews.

Charles was a resident of Ashland since 1997 and formerly lived in Ludlow Falls, Ohio. He worked for a ceramic mold company in Ohio and retired from the Sangamon County circuit clerk's office as an assistant manager of the phone center. He was a U.S. Army veteran and a volunteer at Senior Services of Central Illinois where he worked in the ceramics department and also volunteered for Gift of Hope. He enjoyed music and played in the Harmony Brothers Band with his brother, Ben.

Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. Thursday, June 3, 2010, at Staab Funeral Home. Funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Friday, June 4, 2010, at Staab Funeral Home, Pastor Mark Gifford officiating. Burial will be at Oak Ridge Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Memorial Medical Center VNA Home Hospice.

Grade School Days

2010-03-30T13:13:00.000-04:00

In 2008, I rashly promised to produce a DVD for our 50th reunion. It was to contain early school pictures, music, films, and all sorts of memorabilia.

Then my life got complicated with retirement, shipping books, injury and surgery, family deaths, and publication of a first novel.

Meanwhile, technology moved on. It's now possible to post on the Web most of the contents I envisioned for the DVD.

So I begin today with an album of pictures from our Grade School Days, 1945-54. It's 21 pictures sent in by Don Arenz, Lynn Prater Chandler, Jey Schien Kramer, and Allan Stephens. The featured schools are Dubois, Hay-Edwards, Lawrence, Stuart, West Grand, and Miss Joe's Nursery.

More will follow, including the 50 pictures now in the Grade School Pictures of our '58 Album.

Jan Schermerhorn Killian

2010-01-28T11:56:00.000-05:00

HICKORY, N.C. - Margaret Jan Schermerhorn Killian, 69, of Hickory, N.C., and formerly of Springfield, IL, passed away on Monday, January 25, 2010, at Frye Regional Medical Center in Hickory, N.C. Born July 3, 1940, in Springfield, IL, she was the daughter of the late Roland Earl and Eloise Dudley Schermerhorn.

She is survived by her husband, Alfred John Killian of the home; two daughters, Diane Killian Wesson (husband, Gene) of Claremont, N.C. and Donna Killian Collins (husband, Philip) of Hickory, N.C.; a brother, James D. Schermerhorn (wife, Darlene) of Sherman, IL; a grandson, Cody Wesson of Claremont, N.C.; a granddaughter, Natalie Collins of Hickory, N.C.; a number of nieces and nephews, and her faithful cat, Kittyboy.

The funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 28, 2010, at Mt. Olive Lutheran Church, with Pastors David Keck and Scott Berry officiating. Burial will follow at Woodlawn Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends on Wednesday evening from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Bass-Smith Funeral Home.

Memorials may be made to Mt. Olive Lutheran Church, 2780 N. Center St., Hickory, NC 28601. Online condolences may be left for the Killian family at www.bass-smithfuneralhome.com. Bass-Smith Funeral Home is serving the family of Margaret Jan Schermerhorn Killian.

Bill Benedict

2010-01-09T22:50:00.003-05:00

The obituary below is for the husband of Delores Squires Benedict '58.
The class extends its sympathy to DeeDee and her family.

William H. Benedict "Bill" Jr.

Benedict Jr., William "Bill" H., 72, of Pompano Beach, FL, passed away December 30, 2009. Bill was born In Washington, D.C., to Lt. Cmdr. William and Mary Benedict. He served in the Navy from 1957-1959 and was on the USS Mitscher as 2nd Class Fire Control Tech. He earned a BS in Physical Science from Illinois State University and an MA in Education from Florida Atlantic University. He taught in the Broward County public school system, and at the Mills School for Children with Learning Disabilities. He was an active member of the 1st United Methodist Church of Pompano Beach, serving on the board of Trustees, teaching Sunday school, a Scout Master, Volunteer at the Thrift Shop, and a Stephen Minister. He is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Delores; children Michael (Marissa ), N. Hollywood, CA, Kathleen Bruhnke, Ft. Myers, FL, and Amanda (Michael) Vlader, Tamarac, FL, and grandchildren: Melissa, Katelyn, Andrew, Cori and Jason. There will be a Celebration of Bill's life on Jan. 9th at 11 am in the Chapel, 201 NE 2nd. Street, at Christ United Methodist Church Pompano Beach Campus. No flowers, please. Donations to the Outreach Program of Christ United Methodist Church Pompano or the Outreach Program at the Davie United Methodist Church. Officiating at the Celebration service will be Rev. Lynn Batista and Rev. Fawn Mikel. The family would like to give a special Thank You to the nursing team from Vitas Hospice.

Harvey Najim

2009-12-17T12:04:00.002-05:00

Harvey Najim, Bob Wicks, CE Welch

From 5th to 8th grade, I ran a paper route in Leland Grove, and on many a cold morning Champ Davis and I folded State Journals in the garage of another Butler classmate, Harvey Najim. Harvey was quick and funny; but while we read the comics, he scanned the financial news. We should have followed his lead.

Today Harvey is a wealthy Texan, the chairman and CEO of Sirius Computer Solutions, which sells IBM mid-range computers to corporations across the USA. The kid who grew up on Bates Avenue collects antique cars, owns a lake house, and flies to meetings in his private plane.

Lately, Harvey's life has shifted from business to service. "I want all kids to have the same opportunities as mine," he says. In 2006 he donated $75 million to create the Harvey E. Najim Family Foundation, which supports children's charities in San Antonio. Grants range from small to large; in just two years, the Foundation has disbursed over $21 million. BusinessWeek lists our classmate among the Fifty Top American Givers.

The Foundation's work centers on prevention of abuse or neglect, childhood diseases from cancer to autism to Down's syndrome, and educational opportunity. San Antonio has the highest school drop-out rate in the USA, a statistic Harvey wants to change.

Behind his generosity is the surprising news that he flunked out of college. After finishing SHS, he began in pre-med at Washington U, then moved on to Kansas U, but still couldn't settle down. Finally he turned to Wichita State, majored in math, and earned his degree in 1964.

With an ROTC commission, he served in the data-processing unit of Brook Army Medical Center, in Fort Sam Houston. After military life he worked for Boeing and then IBM in Atlanta, Dallas, and San Antonio. In 1980 he formed Star Data Systems, which in 1997 became Sirius Computer Solutions, named for the brightest star.

Harvey's father was born in Beirut, now the capitol of Lebanon. In 1918 he emigrated to Springfield and joined his brother to run the Lincoln Candy Company, distributors of candy and tobacco in central Illinois. Harvey's mother was from Wichita, home of a Lebanese community since the 1890s. Their marriage produced four boys, of which Harvey is the eldest. In his own family life, he raised two daughters and now enjoys three grandchildren.

Philanthropy energizes Harvey. He pins notes from children on his office wall, visits neighborhood centers, and gives pep talks to kids on the importance of education. The math is simple, he says: education brings earnings, which make for a better quality of life. His politics are practical and progressive. His thoughts on President Obama: "He's smart, articulate, and he knows it’s the right thing to help the less fortunate."

Sounds much like Harvey. The honors he has received to date: Lifetime Achievement from IBM and VARBusiness, Friend of San Antonio Youth, San Antonio Business Hall of Fame, and soon he may join a university board of trustees. If anyone from '58 deserves to be in our SHS Hall of Fame, it's Harvey Najim, and I hope that our Reunion Committee will nominate him.

Veterans Day

2009-11-11T16:39:00.002-05:00

Veterans Day is our most solemn holiday,

honoring all those who have served America

in peace and war, to keep us from harm.

We also remember our forty-eight classmates

who are proud veterans of the US armed forces.

Thank you. We will never forget.

Discover the Web

2009-10-07T11:47:00.004-04:00

Ever wish you could surf the Web with ease and dispatch,

discovering new sites like a true cybernaut?

Take a look at StumbleUpon.

Just make a random pick,

or choose a topic that attracts you.

Man vs Food

2009-10-04T20:10:00.002-04:00

As I pay the fuel bill and eye my woodpile on this brisk fall eve, Champ Davis sends a brief seasonal note:

The Travel Channel will feature the Den Chili Parlor on "Man vs. Food" on Wed Oct 7 at 9 pm. Also the horseshoe sandwich at another Springfield restaurant! The preview referred to Firebrand Chili as "evil"!

Ah, chili (or chilli): nothing better than a spicy, steamy pot bubbling on the stove as cold weather returns. Check the Travel Channel for your local schedule; mine says Fri Oct 9 at 8 pm for the Springfield show.

More evidence of spreading fame: the October issue of Gourmet magazine has a feature on horseshoe sandwiches and recommends three local restaurants.

To encourage discussion, here's a recipe for Springfield Chili at a site called Cooking Light. If you have other memories and recipes, send us a comment!

The Past in Color

2009-09-15T22:33:00.000-04:00

Do you recall poring over the pages of magazines (Life, Look, National Geographic) and learning to see the world? Two articles on the web sites of popular news magazines show stunning color pictures of the past.

Newsweek has a slide show, In Revolutionary Color, depicting Russia in 1907-1925. The portraits are so vivid they still seem to be living people.

Time has a slide show, The FSA and the Dawn of Kodachrome, showing color scenes of rural workers and labor migrants in the 1930s. You may glimpse parts of Illinois, before your time.

End of Summer

2009-09-06T00:48:00.000-04:00

Larry Workman

Labor Day brings the end of summer, the start of school.

Here's a film on this rite of passage by Jeff Scher, a painter and writer.

For me, September always seems the best month to travel.

Are you going anywhere?

State Fair Film

2009-09-03T23:39:00.002-04:00

from MSNBC.com

The State Fair went by quickly this summer.

In keeping with these hard times,

Admission was $3.00, and many attractions were free.

If you missed it, there's a nice quick film

On the '58 web site: look under Video.
And for a view of the annual Butter Cow, click here.
This one munches grass beside a book-reading Abe Lincoln.
(thanks to Judi Dunkel Headrick for the tip)

Blogger or Facebook?

2009-08-23T15:12:00.001-04:00

Friends,

We've been on Blogger for four years. I just made some changes to the interface, adding the "slide show" in the upper right corner. We also now have a Follower page, for those of you who want to show your reader loyalty.

But I'm beginning to wonder if we might do better over on FaceBook. Some of you may have signed in there to stay in touch with friends or family. (Anne and I have a presence there as Dana Hand, to promote our first novel.)

FaceBook is an easier way for me (and you) to write brief notes about our lives, memories, and reunion plans. It lets you stay in touch with close friends, relatives, and colleagues. Writing comments and sharing pictures or videos is a snap.

I enjoy writing the blog, but it's a lot of work and there aren't many comments. The site gets much traffic, but most viewers "lurk" and don't say anything. Facebook is far easier to navigate, add comments, and share pictures. We all get to contribute.

So I've created a trial Group page called SHS Class of 1958. Please stop by and sign on as a Fan. You won't get any spam, and it could be much more fun for all of us. (Reunion Committee, post all of your notes there!)

Will

PS: Never fear, we won't abandon Blogger.

Isabelle Blazis

2009-08-15T18:07:00.001-04:00

Isabelle Blazis
SPRINGFIELD - Isabelle Blazis, 95, of Springfield died at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2009, at Lewis Memorial Christian Village. Isabelle was born Nov. 10, 1913, in New Baden, the daughter of William and Ann Zitchaukus Luishes. She married John A. Blazis; he preceded her in death in 1991. Isabelle was a homemaker and a devoted wife and mother. She was a member of Christ the King Parish and also belonged to the Lithuanian-American Club. Isabelle enjoyed crocheting, quilting, gardening, and reading. She was also preceded in death by her son, Robert Blazis in 2001; her parents; three sisters, Catherine Luishes, Margaret Zia and Anna Kuzmisky; and one brother, William Luishes. She is survived by her son, John Blazis Jr. of Springfield and Punta Gorda, Fla.; four grandchildren, Michael Blazis of Chatham, Denise Blazis-Mataya of Petersburg, Stephen (wife, Jennifer) Blazis of Chatham, and Mark (wife, Sue) Blazis of LaGrange; three great-grandchildren, Sydney, Vincent and Isabelle; one niece; and one nephew. Family will receive friends from 10 a.m. until the time of Mass at 11 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 14, 2009, at Christ the King Parish, 1930 Barberry, Springfield, with Rev. Msgr. David S. Lantz celebrant. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Christ the King, 1930 Barberry Dr., Springfield, IL 62704. The family of Isabelle Blazis is being served by Kirlin-Egan and Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield. Please visit Isabelle's online life story at www.butlerfuneralhomes.com to offer your condolences.

Getting Older

2009-08-06T11:23:00.000-04:00

We hear a lot of bad news about old age, and the most annoying is that we are a drag on the younger generation. You know: they will have to support us and, God forbid, listen to our moldy stories about the good old days when Cokes were a nickel.

The US Census bureau says that by 2020 elders will outnumber the young, world-wide. Bad news? Not at all, according to this article. Longer lives also bring to the world better education, greater wealth, less disease or war, and happier lives. And green technology to improve the health of our planet.

Growing older? Rejoice.

Memories of Pop

2009-07-20T22:24:00.001-04:00

(Click to enlarge)

When you were growing up, what did you call a soft drink? Pop? Coke? Soda? Champ Davis once told me that in southern Illinois, a Coke was Dope. In New England, the favored name is Tonic.

Check out this map in the Boston Globe. Springfield lies on the Pop/Soda line, north and south. Wisconsin has a similar division, but east-west. The usage is regional (North, South, West), following historic patterns of migration and settlement.

Ah, the many good memories of Pop. If you drank it on site, five cents a bottle; otherwise, an extra penny for the return. All the bright colors of Nehi: orange, grape, strawberry, lemon; the tangy sweet of root beer (A&W, Dad's, Hires); the varieties of cola (RC, Pepsi) or lemon-lime (7-Up, Bubble-Up), and one odd favorite of mine, Squirt.

In small grocery stores, the "vending machine" was a metal ice chest full of cold water. Plunge your hand down into that dark pool, groping for a bottle. Bring them up, one after another, until you have your prize: ginger ale, Coke, grape Nehi. Nothing better on a hot summer day. Do you have Pop memories?

Summer

2009-07-04T10:31:00.002-04:00

Wherever you are today,

Happy 4th of July,

Independence Day,

Summertime.

May you have a safe and sane holiday!
PS: Enjoy this card from Libbie.

SHS Organ

2009-06-24T13:13:00.001-04:00

The Barton Theatre Organ in the SHS auditorium is a source of great musical fun to the community. I believe the organ once sat downtown in the Orpheum theatre. Early in the 1990s, it moved to SHS and was restored. (Locals, please comment if I'm wrong.)
Today it's used for school programs and public concerts, the latter often featuring Mark Gifford, an expert on church and silent film music. You may catch Mark on July 3-4 in Pittsfield and Springfield, and again on Dec 6 and 26 for carol concerts in Springfield.
Our Video channel has a brief film of Mark performing at SHS. For the memory-challenged, check out Music.

Father's Day

2009-06-21T13:01:00.000-04:00

Tom Brosch '58 had an early Dad's Day present this year. His wife, Bev Francisco Brosch '60 invited her Chi O pledge sisters from the U of I ('64) for a weekend in Gatlinburg and the Smokies.

Festivities included dinners, wine tastings, riverside lunch in Sevierville, a mountain drive, two hikes, and a picnic.

Tom served as host and designated driver. Here he tipples with the Springfield contingent, left to right: Louisa Pedigo Snyder, Marlene Barlick Burton, Tom, Bev, and Sue Lanich Jackson.

If you have photos of recent events, please send them in.

Taco Salad

2009-06-15T11:58:00.001-04:00

Jo Ankeny Lindamood and Bonnie Bruce Baker recently met for lunch in sunny Phoenix. Bonnie was visiting her mother, and Jo has become a resident of Arizona. A welcome relief, she says, after many winters in Ohio. Addresses are in our class directory. (If you have recent photos, please send them in.)

John Harrison

2009-06-12T08:28:00.006-04:00

John Harrison '58 died on June 11, 2009, in a home hospice after his diagnosis last fall with lung cancer.

In Springfield, John attended Butler grade school, where he showed an early talent for art and writing. At SHS he edited the Capitoline and wrote for the Senator Speaks. He was a member of Jr. Choir, Wranglers, and played varsity tennis all four years.
He attended Carleton College, earning a B.A. in European History in 1962. During his Army service, he was a Russian interpreter and later taught Islamic art in Turkey. In 1966-72 he worked on MA and PhD degrees at UCLA in the fields of Russian history, Islamic politics, and Islamic art.
In later years we lost track of John, though he remained close with Stephen and Joann Grove Dilts, who knew him at Carlton and named one of their sons for him.
Before his final illness, John worked for many years in the travel section of AAA and volunteered almost daily at an animal shelter, The Lange Foundation. John was 69 and is survived by his older sister, Diane.
Memorial donations may be made in John’s name to: The Lange Foundation, 2106 S. Sepulveda Blvd. West Los Angeles, CA 90025, 310-473-5585. Thanks to Stephen Dilts and Judy Vicars Van Hagen for the information.

D-Day

2009-06-06T10:55:00.000-04:00

A brief tribute to D-Day and the greatest generation.

This picture is the favorite of their children.

Nelson & Mary Howarth, in California, in late 1943.

He is about to ship out for combat duty in the Pacific.

She will go home to care for three kids, all under seven.

Since they married during the Depression,

This time together was their only honeymoon.

Their generation made so many sacrifices

So that we and others would live and prosper.

On this day of tribute, we salute them.

Mary Howarth

2009-05-31T14:58:00.000-04:00

Mary Watson Howarth, 94, formerly of Springfield, died Saturday, May 30 in Nashville, Tennessee. The wife of former Mayor Nelson Howarth, she served as first lady of Springfield for twelve years (1955-59, 1963-71), when the city made great advances in race relations, urban renewal, and modern planning. In addition to being a full-time mother, Mrs. Howarth was an officer of several community organizations in Springfield, a skilled social hostess, and a tireless political campaigner.

Born Mary Watson Prindiville on September 8, 1914, she was descended from Irish families who emigrated to Chicago in the 1840s and remained a proud fourth-generation Chicagoan to the end of her life. She graduated from Wheaton High School and attended the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana, and business school in Chicago. After working in law and insurance offices, she married Nelson Howarth on March 2, 1935, in Chicago.

The Howarths moved permanently to Springfield in 1941, where Mrs. Howarth raised a family of five children, including three under the age of seven, during the years her husband served as a naval officer in the Pacific in World War II. After the war, two more children were born in Springfield, and beginning in 1950, Mrs. Howarth assisted her husband over the course of a 25-year political career and six mayoral campaigns.

When the Howarths retired from politics in 1975, Mrs. Howarth went back to work as a legal secretary in her husband’s law office until his retirement in 1989. Throughout their fifty-six year marriage, and in the 18 years since his death, she remained her family's foundation and inspiration.

In 2002 she moved to Nashville, where her vibrant spirit, sharp wit, practical wisdom, and personal strength drew to her many new friends. The Howarth family wishes to acknowledge the extraordinary caretakers and staff of The Health Center at Richland Place for their loving care of Mrs. Howarth in her final years and Alive Hospice for their kind assistance at her death.

She was preceded in death by her parents, William Aloysius Prindiville and Gertrude Mary Shepherd, and by two sisters, Ruth Prindiville Ahern and Susan Prindiville Bichl. She is survived by her five children, Susan Howarth Eastman of Alton; William Louis Howarth of Princeton, NJ; David Nelson Howarth of Cortez, CO; Lydia Howarth of Nashville, TN; and Jo Howarth Noonan of Atlanta, GA; also by thirteen grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held in Nashville in mid-June. Burial and a family service will be in August at Homewood Memorial Gardens, Homewood, IL. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Mary and Nelson Howarth Scholarship at the University of Illinois in Springfield.

Summer of '45

2009-05-27T11:22:00.001-04:00

(l-r) Alan Kennedy, Bobby Denton, CE Welch, Ginger West.

CE Welch sent this picture from his family albums.

Check out the abs, and the shades on Alan.

The date is 1945 or 1946, perhaps the summer after kindergarten.

CE lived on Fayette, Ginger behind him on Williams Boulevard.

Bobby was Feitshans '59, Ginger SHS '59.

Sadly, she died in an auto crash in 1957.

Memorial Day

2009-05-24T09:41:00.003-04:00

Centuries ago a family arose near Courcy, a village in Normandy, France. Later they emigrated to Ireland and then the USA, settling in the Midwest. By 1944, a young descendant named Robert Ahern, Jr. was flying a P-38 fighter-bomber out of High Wycomb, England, toward Alençon in Normandy.

The date was April 23, six weeks before D-Day, the Allied invasion of Europe. Robert was on a strafing mission, looking to knock out German defenses. He made a pass over Alençon to warn civilians of his intent; on a second pass, he was shot down and killed by anti-aircraft fire.

Today he rests in one of the military graves at the Normandy American Cemetery in Colleville-sur-Mer, France. The place is 54 miles from Courcy, where his family began.

Robert was my cousin, gone before I could know him. On May 19 I visited his grave for the first time. It's a peaceful spot, on a bluff above Omaha Beach, where so many died in 1944. All the graves face westward, toward the USA.

Bressmer Fire

2009-05-07T10:09:00.000-04:00

May 2, 1948

Some of you may recall the John Bressmer store downtown.

First escalators in Springfield. Departments on each floor.

Ladies wearing white gloves, shopping on Wednesdays.

Then lunch at Maldener's and a matinee at the Lincoln.

Sixty years ago this month, the store burned down.

I stood there with my Dad, watching this scene.

Later they rebuilt the store.

It remained on East Adams until 1980.

A full story, with more pictures, here.

Thanks to Judi Dunkel Headrick for the tip.

Monica Maisenbacher

2009-05-03T21:30:00.001-04:00

Monica Maisenbacher
Monica Maisenbacher, 40, of Round Rock, Texas, died Saturday, April 25, 2009, after a prolonged illness. She is survived by her daughter, Erin Morgan Maisenbacher of Springfield; her mother, Marcia Ruzes Maisenbacher of Round Rock, Texas; and her sister, Vivion Maisenbacher of Chicago; as well as her sister, Susan Robinson, nephew, Zachary Thomas, and her grandmother, Marietta Ruzes, all of Springfield in addition to many close cousins and friends. She was preceded in death by her father, Gerald Maisenbacher. Monica graduated from Southeast High School and was an EEG technician. A gathering for family and friends to remember her and celebrate her life will be held this summer in Springfield at a family reunion. Friends of Marcia Maisenbacher '58 may write her at the address in our class directory.

Roy Barnett Retires

2009-05-01T00:18:00.000-04:00

Roy Barnett '58 is retiring today as chief of the Chatham, Illinois, police department. After serving twenty years as a Springfield police officer, Roy took the Chatham post in February, 1988.

At the time he thought it would be a temporary job, but every succeeding mayor reappointed him. During his years in office the village doubled in population, from six to twelve thousand residents.

A widower, Roy looks forward to traveling and spending time with his four daughters, eight grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.

A story about his retirement appears in today's SJR and a film at this link, but the film may not be there long.

Jo Meiers Leggett

2009-04-17T12:51:00.003-04:00

Jo Meiers Leggett died on April 15, 2009 after a long struggle with cancer. An accomplished photographer and editor-publisher, she lived near Alamo Square in San Francisco.

Jo was a natural leader in the Class of '58, engaged in a range of activities from cheerleading and student council to class offices and both homecoming and prom courts.

After college she married and settled in Pittsburgh, where she chaired the board of an alternative open school and raised two children, Cameron and Catherine.

She studied photography in Pittsburgh and began to teach, exhibit, and win prizes, especially for her studies of animals and flowers. She also served as director of development for the Western Pennsylvania Family Center.

Moving to San Francisco in 1989, Jo became the publisher of photo metro, a large format magazine devoted to b/w art photography. She encouraged photographers, sponsored their work, and brought them wider public attention.

She also sold her own pictures to museums in Pittsburgh, San Diego, Austin, Brussels, and Paris. Her writing appears in two books, Our Mothers and Our Grandmothers, both available from Amazon.

Although Jo was never able to attend a reunion, she took a great interest in class news and had a large store of memories about growing up in Springfield. Her home was the former Day family house at Fourth and Canedy.

An archive of Jo's works resides at the Harry Ransom Center at the University of Texas-Austin. Tributes to Jo are posted at the Benham Gallery. An obituary is now in the SJR.

Dream the Dream

2009-04-15T13:02:00.000-04:00

If you think life is over before it's over,

heed the story of Susan Boyle from West Lothian, Scotland.

It's a small village near Edinburgh.

She is 47 and single, with a dream of becoming a singer.

Watch this video to see what happened on April 11, 2009.

To see the lyrics, click on (more info) in the upper right.

Thanks to Judi Dunkel Headrick for the tip.

Easter

2009-04-11T13:05:00.000-04:00

Happy Spring, Solstice, Passover, Easter.

Easter, what an odd word.

In most languages, the name of this

spring festival descends from the

Hebrew word for Passover: Pesach.

Pascha: Greek

Pascha: Latin

Pascua: Spanish

Pasqua: Italian

Pascoa: Portuguese

Pasen: Dutch

Paske: Danish

Paske: Norwegian

Pask: Swedish

Even the Welsh, Cornish, and Bretons

say Pasg or Pask.

Only the English have Easter.

It comes from Anglo-Saxon

and names a goddess, Eastre

who appears every April

to warm the skies and

make the flowers bloom.

Whatever your beliefs

Or how you say it,

It's a good time to celebrate

the return of life and light

after a long, dark season.

Cub Scouts

2009-04-06T13:07:00.003-04:00

Last night I received an e-mail titled "Hi Billy!" No one has called me that for 50 years, so I figured it was from a sister. No, it's from my 91-year-old Cub Scout den mother, Virginia Newell.

Since I imagine few of our vintage have a den mother who writes e-mails, I'll pay her tribute and also remember a great organization for boys. (The picture above is from June, 1950)

Virginia is the mother of Bob Newell '58. She lives today in Rockford, Illinois, still able to drive and live independently. Bob tells me that "Ginny" owes her vigor to much hiking and biking in her later years.

The Cubs operate in packs and dens for boys aged 7 to 11. Our den met often at the Newell home, where both parents set up projects to keep us engaged and non-destructive: tie racks, wood-burnings, and other crafts. I vividly recall building a crystal-radio set under Mr. Newell's supervision. Outmoded technology, but I used it in 1951-52 to track city and national elections.

Later my mother, Mary Howarth, held den meetings at our house. She specialized in taking us on trips. We visited Sangamon Dairy, Ray's Chilli and Chips, and the City Jail. I believe she was trying to help us avoid delinquency. (At 95, she may still have that hope.)

I can't remember all the boys in our den: Bob Newell, John Stone, Bill Ice...and then my list runs out. Perhaps others can fill in the blanks with a comment or two?

Girls' Basketball

2009-03-24T23:34:00.001-04:00

State Journal-Register

Two weeks ago, Sylvia Staley attended the Illinois State Girls' Basketball tournament at ISU, in Bloomington. She was there to cheer on the SHS girls' team, which qualified to play for the first time in history.

Sylvia found one of her SHS buttons and wore it proudly. The Lady Senators entered the the tournament with an 18-game winning streak. Alas, they lost to Freeport, played a consolation game, and settled for fourth place.

Sylvia felt they played well, displayed good sportsmanship, and received much encouragement from team members and the coach. After the game, she spoke with the coach, Brad Scheffler.

Brad is third in a Scheffler-SHS dynasty: his father is Mark Scheffler, former principal, and his grandfather is Herb Scheffler, the varsity basketball coach when we were freshmen.

The SJR site has a story and short film of coach and players at the Freeport game. Thanks to Sylvia for the news and her support of SHS girls!

Paddy Day

2009-03-17T23:00:00.000-04:00

Top 'o the day t' you. Thanks to

Judi Dunkel Headrick for the note, above,

And to Harriett Smith Sidoli for

this little charmer of an animated card.

Did you notice that the O'bamas

perpetuated a Chicago tradition

by tossing green dye

in the White House fountain?

Lois Body

2009-03-15T22:46:00.000-04:00

On March 23, 2009, Miss Lois Body will turn 95. To put her life in perspective: in 1914, the year she was born, Charley Chaplin made his film debut, and Babe Ruth played his first game for the Red Sox. All of Europe fell into the first World War, the Panama Canal opened, and the last known passenger pigeon died in Cincinnati.

She's lived through seventeen U.S. Presidents, one Great Depression, and countless recessions. During her 30-year career at SHS, she taught thousands of students, marked endless sets of papers and exams, and somehow always managed to be alert, cheerful, and supportive, even of her least committed charges.

Today she lives in a resident home in Watseka, near her birthplace, a farm in nearby Woodland. Her life has diminished, but she still enjoys receiving notes and cards, which the staff reads to her. If you could please take a moment to write her, that would say that many '58s remember her well.

Address: Miss Lois Body, Iroquois Resident Home, 200 East Fairman, Watseka, IL 60970.

A Request

2009-03-10T10:14:00.003-04:00

We received the following post today:

Dear Springfield High School Class of 1958,

My name is Seena Tabibi and I currently attend Springfield High School as a student in the class of 2011. In the past month or so, a group of Springfield High School students and I started a "Rally Against Childhood Cancer" for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Then our group created a Facebook cause as well as a Facebook group to help us raise awareness and donations for cancer. I would be glad if you could help us spread the word to people whom you may know.

Click here to reach the Facebook group.

Thank you for your help,
Sincerely,

Seena Tabibi
March 9, 2009

John Sowinski

2009-03-08T17:17:00.003-04:00

John Sowinski, pictured here in our 1958 yearbook, died from a heart attack on Saturday, March 7 in Springfield. He was 78.
Sowinski attended St. Patrick High in Chicago, served in the Marines, and earned a B.S. and M.S. in education from Eastern Illinois University.
He joined the SHS faculty in 1956, teaching history and economics in the Social Science department. He coached tennis and was assistant coach in football, for coach Willard Duey. Sowinski served as head football coach in 1962-78. He had 9 winning seasons and a career record of 76-69-8.
He then became manager of field service in the State Employees Retirement System. After retirement in 1987 he worked as a coaching assistant at Sacred Heart-Griffin for 22 years.
Among city coaches, Sowinski holds the fourth best-winning record and positions in two sports Halls of Fame, for Springfield and the state of Illinois. For a full story, see today's SJR.

Pluto Day

2009-03-07T23:41:00.001-05:00

Are you ready for this?

Pluto is a planet once more.

At least in the state of Illinois.

The IL state legislature has so ruled.

Why? Because the discoverer of Pluto,

one Clyde Tombaugh, was born in

Streator, Illinois. He is the only planet-man

ever born in Illinois, so by gum,

the state will recognize him

by declaring March 13 as Pluto Day.

I'm not kidding. Here's the story.

As for Pluto the Disney character,

He has no known connection to Illinois.

Yet.

Back to the Sixties

2009-03-07T14:10:00.000-05:00

A little bit of spring in the air today,

So it's time for nostalgia.

Several classmates have recommended a site:

Take Me Back to the Sixties.

It's a slide and music show, well done.

It's more Fifties than Sixties,

But fun to watch.

Tip: set your browser window

to avoid the ads at top and bottom.

Strange College Courses

2009-03-01T22:51:00.000-05:00

A friend sent me a link to

The Fifteen Strangest College Courses in America.

Some are doozies.

Did you ever have a strange course

in college?

Rifle Club

2009-02-27T11:02:00.004-05:00

(click to enlarge)

A moment of memory for Rifle Club, to which I belonged for two years. We met in the basement of the old YMCA, across from the Lincoln Library.

The above shot is 1957 and all boys, but girls belonged in other years. (Look just beyond Rod Gabel's shoulder.)

The club had no social purpose: we rarely talked, just practiced shooting, studying the targets, and cleaning up rounds. It was a brief pastime, but memorable. Perhaps you had one like it.

Kobes Family

2009-02-21T16:03:00.004-05:00

Recently we caught up with Dave and Hedva Kobes, who live in Bethesda, MD. This picture is from their Thanksgiving 2007 reunion: from left to right; Dave, Solomon, Jin, Deborah, Hedva, Kim.

Dave is a budget controller with the District of Columbia OCFO Office of Budget and Planning. He's been there about two years. He works very hard, likes the people, and is pleased with some of the changes he has been able to make.

Solomon, his wife Kim, and son Jin (age 4 1/2) live in Chapel Hill NC, where Solomon has a private social work practice and Kim works parttime for Nextel. They are planning to move to a nearby green community organized around a work/home model.

After 18 years in nonprofit education, 5 years ago Hedva became the manager of her brother's cardiology practice. To her surprise, she loves the work and hopes he does not retire anytime soon.

Deborah is at MIT writing her dissertation, teaching, and working with one of her advisors on several projects (including drafting White House policy suggestions that have been very well received). As an early Obama supporter and a very dedicated urban policy person, she is excited to have an impact.

Do you have a recent family picture? Please send me a copy with some news. All bragging rights are condoned.

Lincoln Day

2009-02-12T22:23:00.004-05:00

Big excitement in Springfield today:

200th anniversary of Lincoln's birth.

Visit and speech by President Obama.

Landing of Air Force One at Capitol Airport.

All details, and video, at the SJR site.
See also pictures here.

Thanks to Judi Dunkel Headrick for the heads-up.

Boat House

2009-02-07T17:10:00.008-05:00

A story in the SJR today reports that the Washington Park lagoon will once again have a boat house, thanks to an anonymous half-million dollar donation.

Designed by famed landscape architect Jens Jensen, the boathouse was built in 1914 and stood until the 1960s, when it was torn down.

I remember ice-skating on the lagoon in the 1950s. We went into the boat house to warm up by a pot-bellied stove and sip hot cocoa provided by the Girl Scouts, at five cents a cup.

But that building was on the south side of the lagoon and it was shingle-style, all closed in. This postcard drawing may be of an earlier boat house, built in 1903.

Do you remember the boat house, the concession stand and natural spring, the riding stables west of the park? So do the commenters on the SJR story.

Ice-Storm

2009-01-31T12:16:00.021-05:00

The most dreaded winter words are ice-storm. On Jan 27-28 a big one hit Richmond KY, and Allan Stephens sent us an account of his epic struggle with Ma Nature.

Electricity went off at 7:30 pm, and his basement sump began to overflow.

He lit candles around the sump, then began to bail with a pitcher into a bucket. Each bucket was two gallons, or 16.68 pounds. Then up a flight of five stairs to dump in the toilet.

A few trips would not be bad; he did this for nine hours until 5 AM, with help from wife Mary Lou and an additional, heavier 5-gallon bucket.

On day 2, the rain turned to snow and the sump level subsided. Al went out in search of a generator; no dice. Tried McDonald's for coffee; the line was three blocks long.

Finally at Wal-Mart he found a bilge pump and marine battery, hooked it up and began to empty the sump.

By now the inside temp was 40 so he lit a wood fire and raised the house to 50. While he enjoyed some hot soup, the power returned after a 25-hour outage.

Five days later, some of his neighbors STILL do not have power. Thanks to Al for his letter, and get some rest!

Cuckoo

2009-01-28T10:59:00.015-05:00

In this time of national economic crisis, Illinois and its current governor are providing a bit of comic relief. Mayor Daley of Chicago, normally no barrel of laughs, had this to say about the Governor's state of mind the other day.

Obama Horseshoe

2009-01-21T08:40:00.000-05:00

Springfield restaurants, ever ready to set trends, have fashioned three variations of an "Obama horseshoe sandwich" to mark the inauguration of the 44th president, and the fourth from Illinois (we include Grant and Reagan).

The State Journal-Register proposed a competition, and three chefs responded, at Maldener's, Sangamo Club, and D'Arcy's Pint. You won't find the usual combination of hamburger, fries, and cheese sauce; these concoctions emulate Chicago-style hot dogs and Hawaiian comfort food, in keeping with the new President's tastes.

The story appears today in the SJR. For background on the horseshoe, see this Wikipedia article, which proclaims that Springfield is indeed the birthplace of the artery-clogging sandwich. Do any of our readers still eat this stuff?

A Considered Life

2009-01-11T11:15:00.001-05:00

As promised two years ago, Jim Hollis has produced his 13th book. They keep rolling out, each one building a bigger audience for Jim's profound yet practical approach to human problems.

What Matters Most draws on Jim's background in literature and psychology to ask how can we find our way to what he calls a more considered life. He asks us to deal with fear, tolerate confusion, learn to grow, and always pursue life as a journey.

You may learn more at Jim's web site , which lists his lecture schedule, perhaps at a city near you. His latest book is available at Amazon or your local store.

Happy 2009

2008-12-31T10:34:00.001-05:00

New Year's Eve in Sydney, Australia

It's Jan 1 there, so let's celebrate!

Enjoy some nice cards from

Judy Van Hagen

Al and Diane Urbanckas

HAPPY NEW YEAR

to us all!

A Year Goes By

2008-12-30T16:12:00.002-05:00

As this year ends, watch one go by in 40 seconds.

Moving

2008-12-28T12:38:00.005-05:00

On Jan 12, 2009,

the '58 website moves
to a new address.

Boston Charlie

2008-12-21T22:08:00.001-05:00

From Walt Kelly's Pogo Website

Of the many ways to express holiday sentiment,

one of my favorites is Walt Kelly's parody

of the traditional English carol,

Deck the halls with boughs of holly.

Kelly's version begins:

Deck us all with Boston Charlie,

Walla Walla Wash., an' Kalamazoo!

The rest you may read at the Pogo site.

And if you want to hear the tune,

here's a scene from a movie we like to see

every year at this time.

Jim Taylor

2008-12-13T14:05:00.000-05:00

Our classmate, Jim Taylor, died on Thursday, Dec 11 2008, at Hardin Memorial Hospital in Elizabethtown, KY.

Jim was born in Springfield and attended Stuart grade school. In the 50th Reunion book, he wrote that his favorite memories of SHS were faculty members Lenore Ashinhust, Marguerite Zimmerman, and Jack Turner. He was also fond of formal dances, the Alamo, and the Tick-Tock Inn.

Jim married his high school sweetheart, Carol Schroeder Taylor, also a '58 classmate. He was a former manager of O'Charley's and credit manager of Sears. He was an avid fisherman and lover of horses.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Gail and Edith Barnett Taylor; and a brother, William Taylor. He is survived by his wife, Carol Taylor of Elizabethtown; a daughter, Laura Taylor and John of Elizabethtown; a brother, David Taylor of Chicago; a sister, Frances Myerscough of Springfield; two grandchildren, Preston and Ian Taylor, both of Elizabethtown; and several nieces and nephews.

Condolences may be expressed online at Brown Funeral Home in Elizabethtown, which is in charge of arrangements. A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Season's Greetings

2008-12-12T12:30:00.001-05:00

Diane Gurgens Urbanckas enjoyed the story on elder ball and sent a picture of her Mom, who will be 88 on Jan 23. Here she is with Santa at the 2007 Christmas Pops concert of the Springfield Symphony, held each year at UIS. They make a good match, in their red and black velvet, of course recalling our SHS colors as well.

In another picture, Diane appears with the art and environment committee at St. Jude Church after they finished decorating the Advent wreath. She and I got to speculating on the little sphere that appears in the picture's center. Some folks think these are spirits; Diane says a speck of dust, and I say it's a flash reflection on the shutter, just before it closed. She was using a timer.

What do you think? Let's hear some comments.

Elder Ball

2008-12-10T12:13:00.001-05:00

Photo by Don Treeger

Basketball is now a sport of choice among seniors, it seems. This lady is ready to sink a free throw in an Elder Olympics contest held in Agawam, MA. One 93-year-old made three consecutive shots, all from her wheel chair.

Today the NY Times has a feature story on Ken Mink, 73, who plays guard on the varsity team for Lambuth University in Jackson, TN. He's a crowd favorite, and they call him "Our Medicare Man."

Obvious moral to '58s: it's never too late--get out your sneakers and hustle!

Twelve Days

2008-12-07T23:23:00.001-05:00

A week from today, Dec 14, we begin the 12-day countdown to Dec 25.

Here's a partridge in a pear tree, to anticipate that day.

Dave and Hedva Kobes have sent a Jaquie Lawson greeting card.

It reminds us of all our carols, trees, and gifts through the years.

Merry Christmas.

Larry Keafer

2008-12-02T10:46:00.005-05:00

OMAHA, Ark. - A Celebration of Life service will be held for Larry Gene Keafer 68, of Omaha, Ark., from 12 - 2 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 20, 2008, at the Illinois Baptist State Association, Springfield. Burial will be at a later date in the Rochester Cemetery, Rochester.

Mr. Keafer passed away Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2008, at Skaggs Community Health Center in Branson, Mo. Cremation was under the direction of Snapp-Bearden Funeral Home in Branson, Mo.

Larry was born Sept. 24, 1940, in Danville, to Arthur and Eugenia (Miller) Keafer. He graduated from Springfield High School in 1958. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves. Larry married Toni Ford on Jan. 6, 1962, in Springfield.

Larry worked for the state of Illinois as a project manager of construction projects. He was a member of New Hope Baptist Church in Omaha, Ark., the National Rife Association, Ducks Unlimited, and a life member of the North American Hunting Club. He and Toni moved to Omaha, Ark., from Chatham.

He is survived by his wife, Toni of Omaha, Ark.; two sons, Chris (wife, Joyce) Keafer of Midlothian, Texas, and Chad (wife, Pam) Keafer of Omaha, Ark.; two brothers, Eugene Peck of Oakland, Calif., and Mike (wife Diana) Keafer of Rochester; a sister, Joan Jett of Tucson, Ariz.; three grandchildren; and a great-grandson.

Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society for Lung Cancer, Heartland Division; 1100 Pennsylvania Avenue, Kansas City, MO 64105. Friends may sign a guestbook at the SJR site.

50th Reunion Pictures

2008-11-28T21:43:00.000-05:00

The galleries of 50th Reunion pictures

are now available for viewing at this location.

Please browse, add comments,

and correct any errors.

If you took any pictures at the Reunion,

please send copies to me.

Thanksgiving

2008-11-26T13:27:00.003-05:00

There's a familiar image, from the Four Freedoms series that Norman Rockwell painted in 1943. This one is Freedom from Want, and it's often reprinted at Thanksgiving.

I remember family dinners like that, with several generations gathered at the table. We were thankful to be together, to enjoy the food and tell our news, and to remember those no longer with us.

Three classmates sent in those clever Jacquie Lawson animated greeting cards, all celebrating Thanksgiving. From Harriett and Rom Sidoli, there's a turkey; from DeeDee and Clay Wood, a pumpkin pie; and from Diane and Al Urbanckas, a homecoming. Thanks everyone, for sharing.

Wherever you are, we hope you have a happy and peaceful holiday.

Ken Mantle

2008-11-22T21:26:00.002-05:00

Sad news for our classmate, Gay Logan Mantle: her husband, Ken "Russ" Mantle died on Thursday, Nov 20 at home in Pensacola, Florida.

Ken attended Lanphier and enlisted in the Navy in 1956. He served during Vietnam and received many decorations. He and Gay had three daughters and six grandchildren.

Services were held today in Pensacola. Classmates may read the full obituary in the SJR and also leave messages of sympathy in the Online Guest Book.

Street View

2008-11-21T13:04:00.000-05:00

Want to see your old neighborhood?

Go to Google Maps and enter the address and ZIP.

Click on Street View. Then enlarge the view.

Click curved arrows to turn the view.

Click straight arrows to go up or down the street.

Move the little figure to see other views.

Or add a new address.

Much of Springfield is now visible in Street View.

I noticed: many houses are gone or remodeled.

And the trees are now HUGE!

Haunting

2008-11-17T23:48:00.001-05:00

I don't suppose any of us believe in haunted houses?

Yet I live near one, and I remember a few in Springfield.

Troy Traylor, of Alton, IL. has a site on

Illinois Hauntings.

Scroll down for the Springfield sites.

They include the Lake Club, Dana Thomas House,

and several other surprises.

For lighter fare, check out the new Music video this week,

featuring rock 'n roll tunes and dances.

Gordon Jones

2008-11-12T10:29:00.002-05:00

Harmony Boys in 1958

I'm sorry to report that Gordon Jones, drummer in the Harmony Boys quartet, is seriously ill and presently in Memorial Hospital at Springfield. Although he had a clean bill of health during his annual checkup in Phoenix, doctors now say he has lung cancer. He is undergoing chemo and radiation therapy, in advance of surgery.

Bob Barnosky reports that friends sent Gordy a long letter with pictures, reminiscing about times past. He got a tremendous lift from that, which is helpful in his present condition. Diane Urbanckas suggests that if other friends and classmates could take time to send Gordy a card, that would be great.

The address is Gordon Jones, 3300 South First Street, Springfield, Illinois, 62703. That's his mother's home; she sees him daily and can take him your notes. We don't ordinarily write about classmates who are ill, to preserve their privacy. But in this case, it seems that some attention would be welcome. Thanks to Bob and Diane for their help.

Veterans Day

2008-11-11T20:15:00.005-05:00

Chicago Tribune

In honor of Veterans Day, the new President-Elect and Tammy Duckworth, an Iraq veteran and director of Veterans Affairs for Illinois, place a wreath at the bronze memorial at Soldier Field in Chicago.

Perhaps you saw this moment on television; the story in the Chicago Tribune provides more details. Today is a good day to remember all the veterans in our lives, and especially those among our classmates.

Karen Lundsgaard Evans

2008-11-05T15:24:00.003-05:00

A belated announcement: Karen Lundsgaard Evans died of cancer on January 5, 2008. Her daughter, Michelle Evans Eiden, sent us this information last summer, along with the above portrait, for the Reunion booklet.

Recently Michelle also sent this obituary announcement from the Chicago Tribune, which helps to fill in for us Karen's life. Our condolences to her family, and thanks to Michelle.

Vote Today

2008-11-04T12:40:00.000-05:00

Have you voted today?

Every four years, we get the rare

privilege of electing our leaders.

Not true in many other countries of the world.

So please go VOTE,

and watch the returns tonight!

Winter Weather

2008-11-02T10:52:00.000-05:00

Think you know what's coming?

No, not the election; the weather!

Check out your region.

Consult the Farmer's Almanac

for more details.

Boooo

2008-10-30T12:21:00.000-04:00

Are you ready for goblins and ghosts?

In case you don't get any in your neighborhood,

Harriett and Rom Sidoli have sent a card

that will liven up your Halloween.

Also, there's a new video in the Music channel

for you Judy and Mickey fans.

From Girl Crazy (1943)

New Videos

2008-10-21T23:19:00.001-04:00

Check out the new flicks at Music and Video in the '58 site.

Thanks to Lee Lochbaum for the Perry Como.

And see the great films of Springfield in the 1930s and 1940s.

Please send in links and suggestions!

Save SHS

2008-10-17T14:05:00.001-04:00

The Vinegar Hill Association in Springfield is organizing a drive to rebuild/expand SHS at its present site, the corner of Lewis and Adams streets.

The Association has a website where residents of District 186 may download a form, fill it in, and send it to members of the School Board. (Too bad school alumni can't respond!)

The Board is considering a proposal to relocate SHS west to Koke Mill Road. The old building would become a fine arts or technical academy and also administrative headquarters.

Vinegar Hill is the area directly west of downtown. The VHA is devoted to preserving and protecting its historic character. If you grew up in that area, you might like to join the Association for a mere $10 in dues.

New '58 Site

2008-10-11T21:24:00.001-04:00

ANNOUNCEMENT

Our web site has a new look and contents.

You'll find it at the regular address.

You may read this news blog at the site.

Check out the music and video pages.

Also a contact form for writing us.

More new stuff soon to come!

Thanks to Jerry Johnson '58

for the image of his Senators pin.

Western films

2008-10-07T19:15:00.001-04:00

Saturday at the Esquire (South Town, Pantheon) on a winter afternoon. Kids with popcorn and candy, settled in for a newsreel, cartoon, and a double feature. Like as not, one of the films is a Western.

In Hollywood they are oaters, shot in a few days on a back lot dressed with fake boulders and aging stars. They tell a skewed version of the Western past, favoring settlers and trashing natives, but no matter to the kids; for them it's all about good and bad guys, lots of shooting and chases on horseback, and riding off into the sunset.

Bob Wicks, long a big fan, sent a link to a site devoted to Those Old Westerns. It's a slide show of scenes and stars, with music. You'll see names and faces you may have forgotten. My personal favorite in this genre are the films of John Ford, which feature beautiful shots and good acting. Oh, and a big galoot named John Wayne.

Computer Tips

2008-10-05T12:34:00.000-04:00

Ever wanted to take that computer and just . . . ?

Well, relax. One of the brightest guys in the tech-writing business

Has just compiled a set of tips that is worth printing and saving

Next to that expensive little toy that you hate to love

But can't do without on a day to day basis.

Enjoy. And stop asking me for the bookmark to this site!

Just kidding.

Singing Six

2008-09-28T23:14:00.002-04:00

Bob Hails, Janet Beardsley Johnson, John Brownback,

Bob Wicks, Judy Vicars Van Hagen, Carolyn Quinlan

A sextet made up of Singing 7 and Senators.

Reunion head counts:

24 Golfers at Panther Creek

37 for lunch at Panther Creek

165 for reception at Motor Boat Club

160 for dinner at Illini Country Club

71 for brunch at Panther Creek

That's excellent participation in all the events.

Thanks to Carolyn and Judy for picture and counts.

Last F-16

2008-09-23T20:16:00.005-04:00

Shannon Kirshner, State Journal Register

The last of the F-16 fighter jets assigned to the 183rd Fighter Wing at Capitol Airport left the runway today. This marks the end of the unit's mission, which dates back to the 1940s in Springfield.

In recent years, the unit focused on engine repair and controlling air operations in the Midwest. Now all the fighters are reassigned to other parts of the USA.

The story in the SJR gives full details and provides a film of the last fighter's departure. Also see comments below the SJR story for some gripes by today's citizen residents.

Thanks to Judi Dunkel Headrick for providing the story tip.

Bob Owens

2008-09-22T00:17:00.004-04:00

Bob at the 50th Reunion

I'm sorry to report that Bob Owens died on Saturday, September 13 in the St. Louis airport. He attended the reunion and then spent time visiting family. A friend, Jim Sexton, drove Bob to the airport. A few minutes later, Bob collapsed inside the terminal. He was taken to a hospital but efforts to revive him failed.

In his reunion biography Bob reported that he attended Cathedral Grade School and his favorite memories of SHS were the early morning gatherings in the auditorium. He was retired from a career with the Barnes Group, which manufactures components for a variety of industries.

Bob is survived by his wife, Carolyn Ann, along with three children and one grandchild. An obituary appears in the SJR for Sep 28, 2008. You may sign the guest book and send messages to Bob's family.

Picture by Judy Van Hagen