THOSE PASSING ON

It is always sad to report the death of our classmates, but luckily I have not learned of any additional deaths recently.  For several years now I have been reporting on the deaths of our classmates' parents, especially when they have lived particularly long lives. Having lost my parents 23 years ago, I am always envious of those who were able to keep theirs so much longer.  Now we are losing parents who are at or near the 100 year milestone, what an achievement.  I wanted to share a few tidbits here, being a bit behind due to having been sick with double pneumonia for several weeks.  I THINK I am on the mend, and so glad to be back to my real life!  Please do let me know if you learn of any deaths of note related to our classmates.  

LINDA KAROL HUEBNER
Linda was the widow of our Robinson School and KHS65 classmate Charles Huebner.  She died December 5 living in Maryland Heights.  Charlie didn't participate in our reunion activities but I did meet Linda years ago. I believe she worked at The Frame Factory at which I did a lot of framing and I noted her name badge, and her unusual name, and chatted of course, and it turned out that she was married to Charlie. She was a Lindenwood graduate, and there are no children listed in her obituary.  They were very active in the Southside Imperial Dance Club and the greater St. Louis swing dance community for many years.  She was also a founding member of the Jimmy Buffet Parothead Club. They traveled all over the world, loving St. John's, VI especially.  There was a memorial service at Bopp on January 6.  Perhaps some of you have some connection to her and/or Chuck, as he was apparently known, through the dance interest.

HELEN HENRY BURTCH
Mrs. Burtch of course was our classmate Polly's mom who died January 5 at the age of 97.  She had 5 grands and 8 great-grands.  She was a member of the founding docent group at St. Louis Art Museum, an avid golfer, an accomplished needleworker and a longtime member of the Jane Austin Society of North America.  Her full obituary is here:
http://www.luptonchapel.com/memsol.cgi?user_id=2057467.    Our condolences to Polly and her wonderful family.  Polly has 3 children and 5 grands!!!  Lucky girl!

ROBERT C. HOLT, JR.
Mr. Holt passed away at age 96 on  December 31st.  His daughter, Sharon, was in our class and I shared a class or two with her.  Mr. Holt was with the St. Louis Post Dispatch for 40 years retiring in 1995.  He was a photographer who captured scenes and activities around town for all those years as well as into his retirement.  His special interest was our wonderful Zoo. I can only imagine the photo of Phil the Gorilla having a beer with George Vierheller!  Phil was and still is my favorite attraction at our zoo.  If you haven't seen his statue, it is reason enough to visit the Zoo, but check out the flamingos as long as you're there!  Mr. Holt was a World War II Veteran having served as a pilot in the South Pacific, and having been awarded flight wings by both the Army and the Navy.  His full obituary is at:
http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/stltoday/obituary.aspx?n=robert-c-holt-bob&pid=187761940
Our condolences also to Sharon and her family, another of our classmates whose parents had long, meaningful and full lives.