LATEST STATUS ON BILL POTTGEN

I am so pleased to report that our beloved classmate Bill Pottgen is recovering amidst the love and care of his family.  Please read daughter Jen's recent Facebook post and be glad Bill has survived and is improving.  Jen has been an angel to communicate with us on FB throughout Bill's ordeal, what a great daughter!

"This Christmas I am more grateful than ever for my dad. It's been a very difficult 4 months since my dad was rushed to the hospital and then suffered a massive brain hemorrhage and pulmonary embolisms. His life, our lives and especially my mom's was flipped upside down. It's been scary and stressful and still full of uncertainty as he works on recovery every day. I'm beyond thankful that he has overcome the odds. That he is here with us and doing better each day. I'm grateful for my mom who takes care of his every need 24/7. And I'm thankful for all of our family and friends who have gone above and beyond with love, encouragement, support and prayers. Thank you for continuing to reach out and pray. Thanks for acknowledging the struggle we've had to endure and pouring out your love and support. Without it - I don't know where we would be. And thanks, Dad, for your fight, your strength and your undying positive attitude. You are my guide and inspiration and I love you so much! Best Christmas gift ever is your life. We are blessed and lucky. ❤🙏🏻"

Gary Stobbe passes away - another KHS65 classmate gone too soon.

I am very sad to say our classmate Gary Stobbe has passed away, please see the obituary from the St. Louis Post Dispatch below.  Gary was a career-long fire-fighter in the Manchester and West County EMS organization.  While he was not involved in our class activities after graduation, he was always right here in our area.  In 1985 I was divorced and bought a home in Manchester, which turned out to be right behind that of Gary and his family.  The previous owner of my home, an elderly widower, had died of a heart attack while cutting the back yard grass.  It was Gary's dog who was barking over his body to attract Gary's attention.  At some point I had the opportunity to meet the "person" who lived behind me and it surprised us both.  He was a devoted family man and good neighbor, a couple of times helping me with odd things I couldn't do myself, or lending me a tool, etc.  One of his daughters became a pharmacist, working at a nearby pharmacy where I saw her often.  After Gary and family moved to a larger home, we lost touch, but he has been on our mailing list for all these years, although I never had an email address for him. His large and loving family will miss him so much I am sure and I'm also sure he will rest in peace and love.

"Gary Thomas Stobbe (1947 - 2015)

Stobbe, Gary Thomas passed away, Tuesday, December 22, 2015. Beloved husband of Rev. Brenda J. Stobbe; dearest father of Susan (Paul) Reed, Nathan DeGraaf, Jason DeGraaf, Rev. Tiffany Winter (Andrew) Hamilton, Frank (Terri) Remsik and the late Tom (survived by Susan) Stobbe; dear grandfather of Katy and Austin Reed, John Parker Stobbe, Jami Maia, D.J. DeCosta and Iva Viola Hamilton; loving son of Mary A. and the late John O. Stobbe; our dear brother, brother-in-law, uncle, great-uncle, cousin and friend. Services: Memorial Service at Living Word United Methodist Church, 17315 Manchester Rd., Wildwood, MO 63038, Monday, December 28, 2015 at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The BackStoppers, Inc. Memorial visitation at the church, Monday 9 a.m. until time of memorial service. A service of the SCHRADER Funeral Home and Crematory. Friends may sign the family's on-line guestbook at Schrader.com."

BRUCE ANTLE WEIGHS IN ON 50 YEARS OF LIFE

Reading my emails just now I found a classmates.com message that I had a new private message waiting, however, when I clicked there was only a part of a sentence, undated, which looked like a message from Bruce.  I have corresponded with him only a couple times, earlier this summer when we were talking up the reunion.  I clicked around, found 3 pix he posted, and one of him, but then also this text which I post here, hoping it is okay....Classmates.com is pretty public and I see nothing Bruce would want to hide, so I hope you enjoy reading about this classmate who's led an interesting life:

"Story

The Call staff, Mrs Conley, building a paper mache mountain for homecoming in Gary VonDerheide's garage, drag racing Nelson Mann on Rt.66 (Nelson's Buick beat my Ford), very cold Turkey Day games, sailing on Alton Lake ... hard to believe it has been fifty years since graduating from high school and hard to believe we are all approaching seventy years of age.

Darlene Petri (class of 1966) and I married in 1970 after graduating from Washington University and Sears moving me to Madison, WI. We have a daughter and two sons and nine grand children. We lived in Wisconsin the first 20 years, then gravitated back to Missouri and later Florida to care for elderly parents. We owned a small family resort in Northern Wisconsin, worked retail and currently manage a small real estate brokerage firm started by our youngest son. Our first house was a condemned cottage on Lake Mendota in Madison, which started a pattern of buying and fixing up houses. Darlene has counted 32 residences we have lived. We have also been active in the church and after receiving a M.Div. from Eden Seminary in Webster Groves served churches as a pastor in the United Methodist Church both in Missouri and Florida.

We spend most of the year in Englewood, FL located in southwest Florida on the gulf coast south of Sarasota and a small lake cottage near Owensville, MO which has always been our get away."

Thanks for sharing, Bruce and Darlene - maybe we'll see you at our next reunion!

PITMAN SCHOOL PENNANT SIGNATURES FUN TO SEE

At our recent reunion classmate Tom Justison

brought his Pitman pennant for me to see.  We decided he'd take it home and send me digital images so I can post them, and here they are!  The signatures are great ~ many you will recognize, some must have moved as they are not folks who graduated with us and I think I saw a name or two who are now deceased.  ENJOY and thank you again Tom for sharing...it's so fun to have access to memorabilia from our collective past!  And YES, I am working on editing the pix from the reunion, it's tedious and I've been super busy, and on two trips, etc. since the reunion.  They WILL be posted!  Merry Christmas season to all!

Another Veteran and KHS65 father enters into rest - Barry Romine's father

Also from the Webster Kirkwood Times comes the news of the passing of classmate Barry Romine's father.  Again, we send our sincere condolences to Barry and family in this sad time.

Romine, Ralph E., a longtime resident of Kirkwood, Mo., was born April 4, 1919, in Rolla, Mo., to Walter and Florence (nee Goodacre) Romine, and entered into rest Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2015, at his residence in Fenton, Mo., at the age of 96 years, 7 months and 7 days.

He was preceded in death by his parents and five siblings, George, Dorothea, Helen, Norma and Jack.

He is survived by his wife of 72 years, Bernice A. (nee Schaefer) Romine; three children, Barry R. (Mary Catherine) Romine, Barbara J. (Tom Patterson) Romine and Betty J. (James) Williams; four grandchildren, Bradley Ralph (Jana) Romine, Brett Ryan Romine, Melissa J. (Phillip) Lloyd and Lindsey J. (Justin) Graves; seven great-grandchildren, Eliana, Rafe, Lilly, Amy, McKenzie, Harper and Sadie; three siblings, Robert, Patricia and William, as well as many other cousins and dear friends.

Ralph was a decorated World War II veteran and dedicated family man. He was a well-known home builder in the St. Louis area. He is fondly remembered and will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Visitation was held Saturday, Nov. 14, 2015, from 9 a.m. until the service time at 10 a.m., at Chapel Hill Mortuary, 10301 Big Bend Road, Kirkwood. Interment at St. James Cemetery in St. James, Mo.

Memorials may be made to Concordia Lutheran Church, 505 S. Kirkwood Road, Kirkwood, 63122. Please visit the online guestbook at www.stlfuneral.com.

COMMUNITY LEADER, VETERAN AND ROLE MODEL JACK HOLLEY PASSES AWAY

 One of our most devout KHS65 classmates, Tom Holley, and his family are mourning the loss of Tom's dad.  Please read the obituary and think of Tom and their wonderful family at this time.  I am sure all join me in sending our sincerest condolences.  I know he is resting in peace and love.

Age: 91

Holley, John W. (Jack), formerly of Kirkwood, died surrounded by family on Nov. 28 after a long illness in Naples, Fla. He was 91 years old.

Mr. Holley was born on Nov. 15, 1924, in Galena, Kan., to Frank and Lucy (Peart) Holley, who, along with a sister, Mary Jean Holley, preceded him in death.

Jack picked up a trumpet in elementary school and didn’t stop playing until well into his 80s. Throughout his life he played in a number of amateur bands, playing the trumpet in the Gateway City Big Band, and the tuba in the Miami Concert Band and Naples Concert Band. He also played with the British Brass Band in Naples.

After graduating from Carthage High School in Carthage, Mo., Jack enlisted in the army, where he served in the First Army/3rd Armored Division in western Europe. He was subsequently awarded two Bronze Stars for individual acts of bravery.

While on leave in St. Louis,  he met Barbara Pidgeon, who became his wife in 1946. He worked for his father-in-law, Tom “Grandpa” Pidgeon, first in the pottery business and then as vice president and eventually owner of the Grandpa’s Discount Stores in the St. Louis area. Mr. Holley oversaw the chain’s expansion from the flagship store to six in the St. Louis area when he retired in the mid-80s. In 1972 he founded Omni Sports, a chain of sporting goods stores in the St. Louis area, and was the key financial backer behind Forsythe Computers, one of the first personal computer dealers in the St. Louis area.

After the death of his first wife, he met Barbara Skimming of St. Louis; they were married in 1986. Among the many interests they shared was a love of automobile travel, including a memorable road rally in 1990 that took them from London to Beijing, retracing for the first time in over 80 years one of the epic journeys of the early days of international motor travel.

Jack stayed active following his retirement, volunteering time and energy to Meals On Wheels, SCORE, Fairchild Tropical Botanical Garden and the pharmacy of Naples Community Hospital. Even before he retired he was heavily involved in the early days of Harris House Treatment and Recovery Center.

He was a man of varied interests and hobbies, from cattle raising to international politics, and inculcated in his sons a love of learning and a strong work ethic. Despite his worldly success, Jack “never got above his raisin,” as he would say, treating all people he encountered with humble respect.

Mr. Holley is survived by his devoted  wife Barbara, his sons Tom (Debbie) Holley, David (Lisa) Holley, Scott (Joan) Holley and Mike (Julie) Holley, all of St. Louis. In addition, Jack is survived by five stepchildren: Mac, Joe and Jeff Skimming, Weezie Canfield and Kris Held; 10  grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

His sons wish to express their deepest admiration and gratitude toward his wife Barbara, whose gracious and loving care during Jack’s final years was inspirational and boundless.

A private memorial service will be held at a later date; contributions in his memory can be made to the Salvation Army or Harris House Treatment and Recovery Center.

KHS65 KEN McBRIDE's VIET NAM ARTICLE PUBLISHED IN OHIO

Ken McBride has succeeded in having a shortened version of an article he has written about one facet of his Viet Nam experience published in the local newspaper of the hometown of two of his buddies who did not come home.  Additionally Ken has helped spur a fund-raiser to assist Veterans take trips to the Viet Nam Memorial Wall in Washington, DC.  Ken has been a devoted, interested KHS65 alum for many years, always on the lookout for our classmates and what has become of them.  His interest in humanity and how lives play out continues in spades now that he is retired and has more time to explore our shared past.  I didn't know Ken at KHS but we have become fast friends over the years encouraged by my admiration and respect for his caring attitude about the people in his life, and his inquisitive mind.  Check out the following links to see the newspaper article which is Ken's story, then the second one, telling about the fund-raiser. He has arranged for major news folks to attend the fund-raiser for good publicity.  

http://www.indeonline.com/article/20151111/NEWS/151119933

http://www.indeonline.com/article/20151110/NEWS/151119907/0/SEARCH

YOU ROCK KEN! Thank you and all our KHS65 alums for your service!

50th Anniversary Reunion Pix

Hi All,
Our Reunion was great...I was really swamped on the run up to it with various things in my life, then not long after it, I had to go out of town, and now just back from a 6 day jaunt to Kentucky and I returned sick- am just not up to par.  BUT I did get some of the reunion pix posted to my photo website, www.khs65.com, and there are MANY MORE to come...I just have to get caught up and feeling better, but they will be out there I promise.  For starters here's a photo at the picnic of my hubby of almost a year, 11/28, Jack and me at the picnic.  He was such a good trooper - had lots of fun conversations with all sorts of classmates and was warmly welcomed by all.  I didn't have to spend one minute worrying if he was bored!

KHS65's TOM HOLLEY HAS A NEW GIG!

At our recent reunion, Tom told me about his new chain of retail stores, HERE TODAY.  Monday I had the opportunity to visit the one in Arnold.  What an adventure!  Easy to find, clean, neat, friendly, efficient employees and great prices on all sorts of STUFF!!!  What more can a girl want?  You can see their locations at www.heretodaystores.com, and see them at Here Today on Facebook.  A great way to save some money, support our classmate's venture and have a fun shopping experience!!! And you don't have to go to Walmart to save a few bucks.  Tom, we're excited for your new adventure, keep up the good work.  

And even better, yesterday morning Tom was the featured guest on KMOV's morning show with Claire Kellett visiting his new Lake St. Louis store...he was GREAT, I told him he should have been a stand-up comedian....

Alphabetical summary list of KHS65 Veterans

HONORING OUR VETERANS – THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE!!

 In preparing a poster for our 50th Reunion Party tonight, I have made an alphabetized list.  Please see all posts in the Label VETERANS AFFAIRS for the details of the service of many of these classmates.  If you are aware of others, or if you wish to add to the information already posted, PLEASE advise. 

10/13/15 - Two new names have been added from our Reunion Weekend.   Those with * by their names, and maybe some I missed, were all in attendance at our 50th Anniversary Reunion this weekend.  Thank you for being with us!  We recognized our Veterans with a poster bearing their names, red/white & blue ribbons for their lapels and a big round of applause at the beginning of our dinner Saturday night.  THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE

Bob Albrecht, Korea 1960s

Larry Allin, Combat Medic 1st Cavalry, Vietnam 68-69 
*Dale Andrews, 1st Cavalry Division, Viet Nam '66-'67

Buzz Angeli, USMC 66-59, E-4 Viet Nam class of '67
*Bill Bailey, Reserves, but I forgot which service!

Bob Baker, Army Viet Nam

Mike Bartholomew, 6 years USN, 3 tours to Viet Nam
Andy Bastman, Air Force Officer

Jeff Beardsley, non-combat death Viet Nam 1968
*Jim Bilhorn, US Army

Howard Boltz, Merchant Marine

Mike Bosworth, Lt. JG Navy, 70-72; Virginia Beach, & Newport, RI
the late Bill Bowden, US Army 2 years, one of which in Viet Nam

the late Phil Brown
Bob Buckles, Aviation Storekeeper, US Army, Cuba, FL, VA & Europe 

Mike Caldwell USAF Viet Nam era pilot of KC-135 mid-air refueling for 7 years.
*Gary Carpenter, MD, Retired Army

the late Bob Casey, Naval Aviation with the National Guard
Toby Cotton, SP/5, Army, Korea
Ed Deatherage, Military, stationed in Europe

John De Ruiter, 70-72

Bill Easton, Army, Ft. Carson and other places, 7 year tour
John Emerson, 2 years in U S Army
*John Evans, USAF, 1st Lt.
*Dell Ferguson, USAF 66 - 70, to Pakistan, TX, Okinawa
*Jeff Frahm, USAF, jet aircraft mechanic
Larry Fulkerson, USAF 69-73, Staff Sgt., TX, OK, AK, SD

Butch Goodrich, Army Viet Nam 68-69

George Gottschalk, USN, 66 - 70, based at Portsmouth, NH Engineman E-4
*John Guyer, MO Natl Guard Sgt, E-5
the late Otis Harris, USN 66 - 70
*Joseph Heister, US Army Spec 4; 2 time Purple Heart awardee
*Earl Herweck, USCG, 1966-70, EMI, based in MD, served as ice breaker

Scott Heuer, Air Force Band with Alan Yount
Brian Higgins, USAF Reserves in 1975

Richard Hodill Naval ROTC at Northwestern then time in service

*Steve Huber, Captain in USAF, navigator trainer, pilot training, electronic warfare officers school.  Duty in Guam and Thailand
Jim Huddleston,  67 – 70  US Army, in Ethiopia & elsewhere

the late Charles Huebner, US Army
Bill Illing, 4.5 years in Hawaii on shore duty; worked in mental health activities related to drug & alcohol abuse and 1 year outpatient clinic duty

Eric Johns

the late Russ Jaeger

*Tom Justison USAF 1966-1970, serving in TX, MS & Okinawa, trained in broadcasting & air traffic control; in ’75 Sgt traveling with USAF singing group
Denny Keane, U S Army, 4 years in Germany
Rick Kohler, USAF 4 years, Staff Sgt, E-5
Bob Kraus, USN, gunner's mate, 2nd Class Petty Officer, 66-70
Gary Lasadose, USN on the USS FD Roosevelt
Nick Lattimore, US Army, Captain, Ft. Hood, Viet Nam & Ft. Bliss

Mark Lawler USN

Al Lawrence US Army, Viet Nam 68-69

Lary Lazier, Army Reserves (and a recent retiree of the Kirkwood Fire Department where he served us well for many years)
Art Leavens active duty USN Reserve 70-72, OCS, 1^st LT jg, 3 deployments

Dave Lewis, US Army, 3 years in Germany
Jim Livesay, USAF 4 years, Turkey & Minnesota
Russell Magee, 1st Lt., Viet Nam, Bronze Star & Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry
Nelson Mann, 1st Lt, 1969-72 
Mickey Marietta, Jr., 1975 Navy Air Reserves; he saw all of Europe, the North Atlantic, Caribbean, Mediterranean & every port from ME to TX.
*Ron Masters, USN, Dentist; Jungle Survival School with USMC in Panama Canal Zone.

*Ken McBride, USMC, Jan 66 to Jan 68; Vietnam starting in DaNang and ending in DucPho.

the late Doug McKelvy, 4 years, 1st Lt., 3 years in Germany; worked on NATO bases with German Luftwaffe & Dutch Army for 3 years.  He currently reposes in peace at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery here in St. Louis County.
*John Michener, US Army 2 years, stationed in Germany
Richard Mills, USMC, trained Quantico, served in DaNang, South Viet Nam and Camp Pendleton, Sgt E-5.
Jim Moriarity, US Army, 1970 Mekong Delta
J. David Mueller, USAF Academy 66-70, in 1975 was Captain stationed at Mather AFB, CA & served in Viet Nam

Gene Muir, US Army SPC-4, now living in the greater St. Louis area 

Rusty Nelson, USN 

Ray Noll, USMC 4 years, 1st Lt, Infantry Platoon Commander/Air Controller Quantico & Pendleton, Western Pacific

*Jim Olson, KS Air National Guard  

*Bob O'Neill  USA crewchief CH-47 Chinook; 82d Airborne Div. Joined Reserves, 1986 back to Ft. Eustis, VA. UH-60 Blackhawk school. one of 1st Hawks at beautiful downtown Kuwait international airport

Alan Painter, 4 years on the USS Enterprise, CVAN-65.
the late Austin Parham was in the National Guard

Jim Persons, USN
Ron Persons, USN 1969-70, stationed in the Western Pacific, similar to Ray Noll, Thailand, Hong Kong, Japan, Taiwan, Hawaii, Korea & Philippines
Mike Pigg, Airman 1st Class, Alaska, Guam and Stateside duty
Mike Pollman, US Army, 2 years as a flight engineer.
*Ric Porte, USN, 2 years in Viet Nam. 

the late Jerome Rawlings, Army, Sp 4, MP killed in action, Pleiku, 1968

Rocky Reece, US Army, Mannheim, Germany
Bill Reynolds, US Army #-5 in VA, Hawaii and CTR
*Ric Roberts, retired Career Navy, Hospital Corpsman 1st Class, many duty stations. 

Jim Russell, US Army, 69-71 Viet Nam; interrogation specialist & Vietnamese linguist in military intelligence. 

Jim Scheidt, US Army, Viet Nam, 67-68
*Judge Gary Schmidt, 1st Lt., Viet Nam
Richard (Dick) Schmidt, USN, Norfolk, Boston, Newport & 6 month cruise around South America 

Ervin (Scotty) Scott

Jamie Sehl, US Army 1968-73, Chief Warrant Officer, 2 tours Viet Nam, 69 & 73.  Flight training & pilot school instructor

Bob Shank, US Army 2 years, Viet Nam as a spy!
Wick Short, US Army 3 years, 1st Lt.
*Paul Silman, USN 66 - 70, stationed at Pearl Harbor
Clay Singleton, ROTC Scholarship; US Army 1st Lt., 1st Armored Div; Germany
Bill Snyder, USAF, Staff Sgt, 1969-73, 2 years Korea & Japan
Linda Stevens, RN., US Army Nurse Corps 69-70
*Don Stream, USN, stationed MD, FL, Sicily and Iceland, 4 years, E-5
*Dean Swisher, US Army, Heidelberg, Spec 5
*Steve Swofford, US Army 1970-71
Gene Talley, 1966-1970, duty in Okinawa "in the service"
*Jack Toman, Army Band, 1966 to 1973 traveled extensively
Dan Truman, USN

the late Byron Vermillion, U S Navy

the late Jim Waters -died Oct. 2004, [buried Jefferson Barracks] of agent orange exposure in Viet Nam

*Bill Watts, US Army, Nuclear Weapons School, member of Nuclear Emergency Team for S E Asia, Ft. Ord, Sandia Base, NM & Okinawa

Tom Webdell 

*Frank West, USAF 65-69
Rich Whelove, "...took a sabbatical [from college] under the auspices of Uncle Sam to Tonsun Hnut & Ft. Sill with a side trip to Bangkok."  

John Winkler

Alan Yount, 6 years trumpet player, Natl Guard Band 68-74, & USAF Band 

 

 

Reunion tidbits

Sending all our biggest get well wishes to Linda Girard Day who is having a tough time now....she needs our good vibes and prayers.  It looks like she won't be able to join us for the party, but we hope JD might be able to pop in and at least take home some gossip to cheer Linda a bit...GET WELL LINDA!!!!

There will be a funeral reception on FRIDAY at P J's in Kirkwood from 2 to 5pm.  If you are planning to go there, be aware the parking in that part of town is a bear, so just be patient; parking on the surrounding streets (no meters), and other lots is available, just drive around a bit.  I'm sure the public part of the restaurant will have normal clientele, the reception will be in the adjoining space, so don't stay away if you are yearning for a great P J Burger, just be aware...

Remember we are having a cash bar, and also while your wallets are open, we're having a few Silent Auction items - no not ski trips to Aspen, or a new car, but some KHS65 memorabilia, think t-shirts and mugs, teddy bear w/ Kirkwood shirt, some nice ceramic steins, one KHS Alumni and one of a Kirkwood landmark, can coozies, just some fun "stuff" - money going to Class Reunion kitty.

LATEST LIST OF ATTENDEES - 50TH ANNIVERSARY REUNION

Charlie Stevenson is coming from MONTANA!!!  YEAH, and thanks to JD for encouraging him!!!!  Todd Kamp and Paul Silman are joining us too.

Here is the latest list of attendees for all events of our Reunion weekend.

SPEED SURFACES IN ST. LOUIS

No, I don't mean fast cars, drugs or any such, I mean Jim Herb of Lowell, Michigan.  I'll never be able to stop calling him Speed, but he does now go by Jim.  He and lovely wife Jan were in St. Louis on July 11th on their way down to Branson for a vacation and Jack and I picked them up at their motel and we had a great dinner at P J's in Kirkwood.  Juicy burgers and fries, beer, a bit of wine, and great conversation made it a very fun evening.  Then of course we drove around Kirkwood seeing some old haunts.  We went by his house on Flower Hill Court in Glendale, and as we drove in that area he pointed to many a house remembering the names of our friends who lived there...as I recall mostly girls!  Imagine that!  That neighborhood has held its beauty over all of these years with lovely landscaping, well-kept

homes, and so forth. Isn't this just SO Kirkwood?  Jan is Jim's second, younger, wife...he's one of our classmates who has been educating children for decades!  But their last has now flown the nest so they can relax and enjoy life a bit more freely.  Having lived in Pittsburgh for some years, they are big Pirates fans so we had some good sports conversations.  Thanks for a great visit Jan and Jim, let's do it again sometime. You should come to town next month!  It's not too late.  My treat at PJs!  FIND JIM ON FACEBOOK - Jim Herb w/Greenridge Realty - he has some interesting interior design pix on his page as well as real estate "stuff"...check it out!
 

ANOTHER TOPIC I HAPPEN TO LOVE - KIRKWOOD ARCHITECTURE - SOMEWHERE SPECIAL

I have written about this topic in the past, in fact for years.  There is something so special about this architecture with its glass blocks, glazed tiles, garage doors, and the

unique layout of the setting.  Now of course it's gone, but classmate Roxie Guels Rassi sent me this article recently and I can't resist....but I will also tell you, at the Museum of Transport in Kirkwood, you know right on Barrett Station Road south of Big Bend, you can see a part of the facade rebuilt.  It is nestled in the room with some very cool cars which are not-to-be-missed features of the Museum.  While you are in town, a trip there will be mind-blowing ~ it's grown SO much since our childhood.  Our classmates Dave Beardsley and Bob O'Neill give abundant time as volunteers there, Bob's having been at it for over 50 years!!!  And now we've roped in my hubby Jack.  My son automated their Friends database while he was still in High School.... I remember going there with my dad as a child.  And NO, I did not smooch in the train tunnel but I know some of our classmates did!  At any rate, Coral Courts Motel was a landmark in Kirkwood for a long time...and I love asking our classmates, "Do YOU have a Coral Courts story?"  Thanks again Rox for the memories....

Another Viet Nam Veteran story

Please make time to scroll down and visit my several posts regarding our class Veterans.  As we prepare to gather for our 50th Anniversary Reunion, let us remember all of our friends who gave so much.  This article is from the Kirkwood Advertiser (called The Advertisers in the heading) on June 27, 1968 and courtesy of ever-devoted KHS65 member Roxanne Guels Rassi, who we can thank in person because she is attending our reunion.  I've just added a new label, Veterans Affairs, so you can quickly go down the right side to the list of labels and click the link to Veterans Affairs and you'll see all the posts with this label.

STORIES FROM OUR MATES, I LOVE TO GET THEM!!! CHECK THIS OUT!

Our classmate Lary Lazier has retired from a long and stellar career as a fireman in Kirkwood...my late husband's great grandfather was one of the very first firemen in Kirkwood, so the department is a favorite Kirkwood 'thing' of mine.  Ken McBride and Lary have been buds for a long time, as Ken recently reminded me the photos here are from 35 years ago, as he says "YIKES".  These are from November of 1980.  Another reminder from Ken is that the pole dancer is now 50 years old - wonder if she's still dancing?

Herewith Ken's commentary:  

Lary and I used to like establishments with cheap beer and 'interesting' patrons. Originally the cats were his then he pawned them off on me since his new wife would not allow him to bring them along. They were never declawed and were very much bad boys, destroying a lot of furniture, street fighting, and, of course getting us kicked out of  the upscale establishment shown in the picture.  

Checkout the hair-do and 50s ashtray!  Thanks Ken and Lary for sharing - always fun to see our friends having FUN!  Have to wonder what was the fate of Goliath??  Come to the reunion and ask Ken!

KHS NATATORIUM NEWS - INVOLVES OUR REUNION !!

An additional bit of excitement for our reunion weekend.  KHS65 member Tom Walker reportedly will be with us at the reunion, and it's his parents mentioned here. Continue reading below for notes on our Stellar Senior Swim Team:

From the Development Office at KHS ~
"Dear Friends of Kirkwood High School,

The Walker Natatorium is nearing completion. We have our fingers crossed that the last several swim meets (Sept. 29, Oct. 6 and Oct. 8) for the Boys Swim & Dive Team will be held in the Walker Natatorium.  The Girls Swim & Dive season begins November 9  and the Water Polo season begins February 22.

EXCITING NEWS: An anonymous donor has established a challenge! The donor will match dollar for dollar every donation - up to $100,000 - given to the Legacy Fund for the Walker Natatorium! Every dollar given to the Legacy Fund will be used to assist with maintaining the Walker Natatorium.

The challenge officially starts when we "turn on" the water to fill the pool (target date is September 12), and the challenge will end on October 10 at 10 am - the date of the KHS Class of 1965 reunion tour of Kirkwood High School. The KHS 1965 Boys Swim Team was the first Swim Team State Champions! [Our reunion tour of the school will also be the "ribbon cutting" for the new pool since KHS65's swim team won the first state championship!]

Please help us meet the challenge and "fill the pool" by making a donation to the Legacy Fund for the Walker Natatorium. Donors who give $3,000 and up will be recognized on the Major Donor Wall within the Walker Natatorium. All donations over $100 will be recognized within the Walker Natatorium. Our goal is to raise $3 million to establish the Legacy Fund and use the interest earned from the fund for general operational costs such as utilities, water testing and balancing and equipment inspections. In future years, the funds may be used for equipment repairs and replacement.

The dedication for the Walker Natatorium is in the planning stages. Detailed information will be sent in the very near future.

Included in this e-mail is information related to the history of our aquatic teams. We believe it is important to remember the coaches, parents and community members who have always supported our student athletes in the aquatics.

Please join us and consider making a donation during this exciting time in history. You can go to www.walkernatatorium.org, call or text 314.600.7773 or email ginger.cayce@kirkwoodschools.org.

It is THE YEAR OF THE POOL!

Ginger Cayce
314.600.7773
Kirkwood School District
Community Relations & Development

Kirkwood High School Aquatic Teams History

Girls were not allowed to play in sanctioned competitive teams until the passage of Title IX in 1972. Girls began competing on the boys team in 1973, and in 1974, female only teams were formed. The girls swim team was added during the 1974-75 school year after a group of female swimmers successfully advocated for a team.

It was Coach Wilson Stocker [who died 4/22/15] who stepped up in 1975 and volunteered to coach the first KHS Girls Swim & Dive Team. Coach Stocker did not receive monetary compensation for his efforts, but his memory is held in high esteem by many female athletes.

In 1962-63, the first Boys Swim & Dive Team was formed. The three state champion titles were all coached by Coach Wilson Stocker, 1965, 1966 and 1972! Swimmers who swam for Coach Stocker were known as "Stockers Strokers."

The first Co-Ed Water Polo Team was formed in the fall of 1996. The first coach was Richard "Hoot" Newman."
From our 1965 Pioneer :
SWIMMERS SPLASH TO STATE VICTORY
We had an undefeated (9-0) season  as Coach Stocker predicted!
KHS set 2 records in the State Meet, the 200 yard medley relay team of Gary Birum, Bob Casey, Chuck Comfort &  Dan Clark posted a new mark of 1:48.1 and team captain [the late] Bob Casey captured the 100 breastroke with a 1:06.0. 
Other KHS65 members of the team were:  Rusty Nelson, Wylie Dawson, Charlie Stevenson, Andy Bastman, Lee McLaughlin and Craig Conway [currently known as Mr. Lee Bennett just in case you didn't know  :-)) ]

R I P Otis K. HARRIS, KHS65

Another KHS65 classmate has passed away, please go here 
to see the Webster-Kirkwood Times obituary for Otis who died August 5th.  So sad to be losing these classmates so young; I know we all send his family sincere condolences.   

Classmate Mary Jane Fuchs Walters dies

I am saddened to learn of the death of Mary Jane Fuchs Walters on Friday, July 24th.  Jim Day and Marcia Wheeler were kind enough to alert me so I can share the news.  Here are specifics from Marcia:

"Mary Jane and Ron's home address was 550 Busch Forest Drive, Fenton, MO 63026.  However Mary Jane had been residing at the Aberdeen care facility on Couch in Kirkwood most recently.  Her boys are preparing the house for sale, so they would likely still pick up mail there. 

Visitation is at Kutis on Gravois Wednesday from 4-8:00 p.m.   There is a service on Thursday at 9:30 a.m. at Saint Catherine Laboure, 9740 Sappington Road.  Burial will be at Jefferson Barracks. Mary Jane is survived by 3 kids (Ron, Matt and Mindy)  and 7 grandkids."  

As you may remember, Mary Jane's husband Ron died unexpectedly in March.  According to Marcia, Mary Jane "suffered for 25 years with a rare blood disease, "Polysythemia Vera".  I am not familiar with this disease and know nothing about it.  I imagine their children would love to hear from some of Mary Jane's friends at this sad time.  Gone way too soon. 

KHS65 TURNS 50 - OFFICIAL INVITATION HERE

Here is the official 50th Anniversary Reunion invitation.  If you have not received this by postal mail, please get in touch so we can update our database.  You can use the information herewith to respond - times, places, dates, costs and reunion committee post office box address are all here.  Any questions, just ask. 

Jill Taft mourns the death of her wonderful father

Condolences to classmate Jill Taft Smith on the 5/31 death of her father Samuel at age 99.  Another of our classmates who was privileged to have one or both of her parents for such a long time.  Read his interesting obituary here.  Our thoughts are with you and your family Jill.

ANOTHER VIET NAM CASUALTY IN OUR CLASS

In working on some class members' names and addresses I discovered that we have JAMES RALPH WATERS in our list of deceased members, but didn't realize until I looked at my database that he apparently died of the effects of Agent Orange exposure in Viet Nam.  I found the following information about him; if you have anything to add please let me know:

James Ralph Waters, SFC US ARMY, Viet Nam
Birth 31 Jan 1947
Death 29 Oct 2004
Began service 31 Jan 1966
He was interred at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery 5 Nov 2004
Section IV, site 1671

James lived in 1989 and around that time just down Alsobrook in Kirkwood from where he lived during our senior year at KHS, obviously close to family or at least to where he had lived as a child. By 1996 he was living in Wentzville.

James deserves our respect and gratitude just as those who have died in combat or from other aspects of warfare, as well as do our wounded servicemen who survived.  THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE

Classmate Barbara Bradley Hobart passes away

Thank you to Karen Lowe Adams for letting us know that classmate Barb Hobart passed away this winter.  Here is her obituary: 

Hobart, Barbara (nee Bradley) Wednesday, February 4, 2015. Beloved wife of the late Jay Hobart, loving mother of Susan (Kris) Chilton; dear grandmother of Mackenzie and Karson Chilton; dear friend to many. Services: Visitation at Bopp Chapel, 10610 Manchester Rd., Kirkwood, Thursday, Feb. 12th, 4 p.m. until memorial service begins at 6:30 p.m. Memorials preferred to Shriner's Hospital for Children or the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation. www.boppchapel.com - See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/stltoday/obituary.aspx?n=barbara-hobart&pid=174091701&fhid=6378#sthash.5acVFL0j.dpuf
may she rest in peace and love.

LINDA FOEGEDING FUSS, WIFE, MOM, GRANDMA, ROBINSON AND KHS65 CLASSMATE

I am sorry to post this obituary for our classmate Linda Mae Foegeding Fuss who died 5/21/15.  I just now learned of her death, a few days too late to publish the date of her service.  May she rest in peace in love. 

Obituary for Linda Fuss

Linda Mae Fuss passed away on May 21, 2015 at the age of 68. She was the loving wife to Cristian Fuss. She is survived by her sister, Marilyn (Orrin) Schatteman; Mother to Mary O’Toole, Tammy Elkins, Angela Fuss, Alex Fuss; Grandma to Stephen, Christopher, and Abigal Elkins, Haley, Triston, and Damian O’Toole, William Fuss. She is preceded in death by her father, Clemuel Foegeding, mother, Birdie Foegeding.

Linda was born on April 21, 1947. She grew up in Kirkwood, Missouri. She was a Daddy’s girl. One of her great highlights growing up was being Queen of Job’s Daughters. It was a very proud moment for her and her family. She met her husband Cristian Fuss at work. They soon started dating after they met and went on to be married for 34 years before her passing.

Linda had many loves in her life. She loved jewelry. As a child she loved to play dress up with her mother’s jewelry. As she got older she continued this love and always had on some beautiful piece of jewelry. She loved to keep her nail long and beautifully painted. She loved flowers and working in the yard. She loved dogs. She loved to laugh and make others laugh. She loved interacting with people which led her to working in retail. She loved the St. Louis Cardinals. She loved to watch the feel good Christmas movies. Most of all she loved her family. She was a devoted wife, mother, and grandma. She was always there for her girls and did her best to help them when they needed it. Linda will be remembered for all these things as well as her strong will. If she was determined to do something, she kept her focus on it and made sure she got it done. We love you Linda, Mom, and Grandma.

Services: Visitation Tues, May 26, from 4 to 8 pm at BOPP Chapel, 10610 Manchester Rd., Kirkwood. Memorial Service Wed., May 27, 11 am at Kirkwood United Methodist Church, 201 W Adams Ave, Kirkwood, MO 63122. Interment following at Oak Hill Cemetery, Kirkwood, MO. www.boppchapel.com

MEMORIAL DAY AND HONORING OUR KHS65 VETERANS & MORE

I've just finished watching the PBS Memorial Day Concert with Gary Sinese, one of my few favorite TV personalities.  It was a moving presentation and put me in mind of all of my relatives, ancestors and friends who are or were Veterans of all American wars.  Hats off to you all, and thank you for your service.  

This evening was especially moving in that before watching that PBS presentation I received an email from Jeff Beardsley's sister, Christine Davis.  (See below for the post please if you haven't already.)  I was sooo gratified to know that through a KHS66 contact Christine is now in contact with Cheri Graves, a KHS girlfriend of Jeff's, and of course, our Dave Beardsley also contacted her, and now I learn too that KHS65 classmate and friend, Jeff Wible, saw my post either here or on Facebook, and contacted his brother, Don KHS63, who got in touch with Christine.  Don and Jeff were pals and Don shared happy times with Christine.  SO THANK YOU Jeff, this is what "reconnecting" is all about, and I am honored to be a part of this wonderful gift to Christine, especially on this Memorial Day weekend.  Her brother Jeff Beardsley died in 1968 while serving in Viet Nam, gone way too soon, but not forgotten!

Another NEWS FLASH, I was notified early this morning, thanks to ever-vigilant Ken McBride,  that our KHS65 classmate Toby Cotton was on the front page of today's St. Louis Post Dispatch.  I had to go out early, so have not yet read the article, but I went over to the neighbor's to see the page, his photo is right there front and center!!!  IF I can find it online, I'll share the URL, but I'll warn you, the Post's website is terrible...:-))  I will say that I am so much at odds with their content, constant errors, and other things I don't subscribe any longer, but I sure do miss the crossword puzzles - but then we CAN find them on-line for free!!!

Please see my earlier posts below regarding the many many Veterans in our KHS class and those around our years, our GRATITUDE to you all for your service to and for US.

BLAST FROM THE PAST, A GREAT ARTICLE ABOUT KHS65 SPORTS HEROES

For all of us, this recently published article is a GREAT review of our famous 1964-65 era Track and Field teams under Coach Fred Lyon. Recognize two guys in this photo?  READ ON at THIS blog.  It is a great review of the records of Jim Olson, Gary Schmidt and others of our "era" in the track and field world.  If you scroll down to my posts (Jan 7 '15 and Dec. 23 '14) below with Jim Olson's lists of track and field participants and records, you'll realize this article is the result of Jim's interview with James Connaway, the author of the article.  ENJOY - and above all, THANK YOU to Jim and Gary for not only running so fast back then, but continuing to run great lives and contribute to the world in positive ways.  You make us in KHS65 VERY PROUD...and as Jim O would say remember to "Put litter in its place"....

JEFFREY BEARDSLEY, USMC, 1947-1968, FAMILY REACHING OUT

During my recent trip, I received an email from the sister of our deceased classmate Jeff Beardsley.  She had been googling around and found us and wondered if anyone still remembers her brother.  I just had a chance today to contact her again and "chat" on email and she has given me permission to tell about their family and to solicit contact from anyone who remembers Jeff - she is very interested in reconnecting.  I am going to paraphrase her messages to me:  They lived on Culloden Road, in Kirkwood for 10 years.  Christine was 12 when she and her parents moved to York, PA after his KHS graduation. This is one reason we always had trouble finding him, and then finding out about his death in Viet Nam.  Jeff went to school at Cape Girardeau (SEMO) for a couple of years before joining the Marines, Camp LeJeune then Nam, and is buried in Gettysburg National Cemetery. Their parents then moved to the Indianapolis area where her Mom currently resides, Christine lives in Fishers, IN, a suburb of Indianapolis.  Several people have told me over the years that the Jeff Beardsley on the Viet Nam Wall was not our classmate, but I did the research and knew it was, he's been in our In Memoriam list for some time; it was puzzling to others because he isn't listed as living in MO or Kirkwood.

I told Christine I didn't know Jeff at KHS, other than by sight and maybe had a class with him.  I DO remember how handsome he was, gorgeous skin!  Christine: "I can't tell you what a joy it is to contact someone who knew Jeff even a little bit.  My parents and I moved to York, PA when I was 12 so I really did not know or maybe don't remember Jeff's friends other than a girl who lived in our neighborhood who I used to call "Bradley lady" when she TP'd our house.  Jeff's girlfriend was Cheri Graves, [KHS66] and after Jeff was killed she moved to Denton Texas.  I graduated from High school in York then my parents moved to Carmel, IN. I went to Wilson College, Purdue and graduated from Indiana University. Jeff liked motorcycles and his Corvette which my father kept until 2 years ago even though we moved several times.  That Corvette was always in the garage and my Dad wore Jeff's leather jacket until he passed away a year and half ago.

Jeff was my only sibling, I was 16 when he was killed in 1968. As with all families of fallen veterans, especially in senseless wars such as Viet Nam, Jeff's death pretty much destroyed my family.  

I have three children, Jeffrey, Lisa and Stefanie and four young grandsons, Ethan 7, Alex 5, Davis 4, and Lincoln 5 months; my husband passed away ten years ago.  I work as an artist doing Raku fired ceramics and show at various art fairs in the Midwest and at some galleries.

I would be thrilled if you would give my email address out to anyone that might want it. I have always hoped to contact people who knew Jeff.  Though he has been gone a very long time it only seems like yesterday to me.

Christine Davis"

In searching through our 1965 Buzz Book, I only find one other student on their street, Sue Orten, KHS66.  Cheri Graves was also in that class.  I know many of our KHS65 mates know students in other classes, so if anyone knows the current whereabouts of either of these two gals, perhaps you'd share the info with Christine, or ask them to contact her.  I'll see what I can scare up too.  If any of our KHS65 members were friends with or even knew Jeff, lived in their neighborhood or if any of you Marines ran into Jeff in the service, please contact Christine.  Actually, I didn't want to post her email address due to spam, but if I spell it out, that shouldn't be a danger, she is at crisd1254 at aol dot com.  Here is a photo of Christine. 

Now that I know where Jeff is buried, I'll visit his grave when I get to go to Gettysburg.  I have two ancestors, one Army of the Potomac and one Confederate, who served there, but I've never been.  Although we visited 5 Civil War battlefields on our recent trip, we didn't get to Gettysburg...it's on my bucket list for sure.  It is so very satisfying when we are found by relatives of our classmates or others in our past lives through the internet.  I am so glad Christine reached out to us and hope some of you can reach out to her.