Many have asked if their completed Surveys were received. Following is a listing of the Surveys we have received to date. If your Survey is not listed, please complete yours as soon as possible and forward to Annette Gordon Dorn, 124 Sorrento Drive, Schererville, IN 46375, or e-mail to aardorn@yahoo.com. Sorry, but "we're working on it" - the online survey on our class website under QUESTIONNAIRE. Seems there are some glitches with our online version. We'll let you know when repairs have been made. Thank you.
Bob Alexander, Robert Backe, Barbara Benson, Tina Bialek, Barbara Bielak, Violet Bingelis, Cheryle Blonski, John Bobalik, Mary Lou Bolfik, Joe Brzezinski, Kathy Bulfer, Tom Burke, Cindy Burney, Marilynn Cak, Ruth Carlos, Jim Corrigan, Elizabeth Craciun, David Croner, Linda Crosek, Joanna Dailey, Diane Deiotte, Kathy Derdula, Elaine Engle, Barb Ezzell, Kathleen Fabian, Gloria Furmankiewicz, James Gajda, Reynaldo Garin, John Gerbas, Marv Gonsiorowski, Kathy Gora, Annette Gordon, Roger Gordon, Jerome Grabelle, Rita Haas, Larry Herod, Donna Hill, Barb Hines, Daniel Hoffman, George Holinga, Joyce Hruskocy, Tory Hudspeth, David Hutchens, Patricia Ignas, Mary (Tina) Jaracz, Greg Jendreas, Christine Kalina, Colleen Kelly, Sally King, Phillip Kokandy, Ray Kolodziej, Tom Kolodziej, Robert Komara, Walter Kopacz, Charles (Chick) Koszis, Susan Kovach, Antoinette Kowalski, Christine Kozol, Carol Krause, Carol Krol, Tom Krull, Donna Kryszak, Robert Kudnowski Kaye, David Kusbel, Lorraine Kwasny, John Lanigan, Rima Lapinskas, Randy Lendabarker, Susan Liscinsky, John Lula, Marilyn Magee, Ginny Majcherek, John Makarowski, Marilyn Maluga, Clarice (Clare) Marciniak, Eileen McKern, Bob Meisterling, James Michalak, Elizabeth Moose, Lee Ann Muffett, George Nagy, Chuck Nau, Beverly Nicksic, Patricia Niksich, Daniel Nowlan, Cynthia Noworyta, Margaret (Peggy) O'Brien, Patrick O'Hara, Monica O'Neill, Bennett Palmer, Kathleen Pasko, Mark Paul, Cheryl Peifer, Susan Petroskey, Barbara Pszczola, Ann Purcell, Margaret Quinn, Joe Rogalski, Regis Romanak, John Rubasky, Tony Ruzbasan Blair, Richard Rybicki, John Sabo, Ron Saczawa, Marilyn Schopp, Paul Schreiner, John Schweisthal, Bill Schweitzer, Lewie Schwerin, Betty Sejda, Maureen Shreibak, Charlene Simaga, JoAnn Skertich, Mary Jo Spain, Marianne Spisak, Thelma Stocki, Linda Szymanski, Barbara Tamborski, Raymond Vega, Sandra Volk, Alan Wagner, Roger Waligora, Cheryl Watts, Kathleen Welch, John Wohadlo, Richard Wojciechowski, Pamela Wojcik, Sandra Wojno, Robert Zabrecky, Joanne Zagar, Gregory Zubeck.

We Value Our Connectedness!

When we first began a class website, Carl Doppler of Doppler Internet not only designed this great system as a means for us to continue to enjoy each other's company long after we walked the graduation halls in 1965, but, offered to waive a monthly maintenance fee for the first two years. Beginning in 2006, our www.bniclassof1965.com website receives a billing of $19.99/monthly, due in quarterly payments of $59.97. To retain the Domain Name (www.bniclassof1965.com) requires a yearly fee of $35.00.

Please e-mail Annette (Gordon) Dorn (aardorn@yahoo.com)if you would be so generous as to be a quarterly sponsor. In thanks and appreciation, these donors will be recognized in our NEWS Section here. We hope you all enjoy what has been created and, remember, it is OUR class website and we welcome contributions to its content from all BNI Class of 1965 classmates.

FEE SPONSORS:
Yearly Domain Name (2006) - Annette (Gordon) Dorn
1st Quarter, 2006 - Carol Krol
2nd Quarter, 2006 - Bob Backe
3rd Quarter, 2006 - Thelma (Stocki) Matthew
4th Quarter, 2006 - Eileen McKern
Yearly Domain Name (2007) - Annette (Gordon) Dorn
1st Quarter, 2007 - Dave Hutchens
2nd Quarter, 2007 - Annette (Gordon)Dorn
3rd Quarter, 2007 - Mary Alice (Herod) LaJoie
4th Quarter, 2007 - Bob (Kudnowski) Kaye
Yearly Domain Name, 2008 - Linda (Szymanski) Colter
1st Quarter, 2008 - Jim Wieser
2nd Quarter, 2008 - Tina Bialek

We’d All Enjoy News from YOU!

Each one of us has spent time doing “something” special and unique - - a great vacation trip, a discovery of the brilliance of some of our country’s beauty or power, a travel experience that will be an enjoyed memory for many a cold winter day, a visit to or from family or friends. Why, you just might describe the perfect city or town or hideaway spot that might entice others to visit that favorite spot of yours.

Maybe you started or completed a special project or performed an unusual task. You just might be beginning a new career or continuing to perform work that you have been enjoying for years, or possibly now living your retirement dreams. Maybe you have experienced a particularly happy time (you felt “on top of the mountain,”) or maybe you've experienced time spent “in the valley,” struggling to find a reason for it all. However and whichever way, if ANY classmate would like to share HIS/HER story, just send it along! We’d all love to hear from YOU!!!

The BNI '65 Website Committee:
Annette (Gordon) Dorn
Elaine (Engle) Bielefeld
Rima (Lapinskas) Curry
Thelma (Stocki) Matthew
Marilyn (Rieder) Ambos

Did we have a Big 6-0hh Birthday Bash, or what! We're having fun being "sexagenarians" and even enjoyed Phil Kokandy's poem below, composed for this milestone.

I thought that I’d remember, why I came into this room,
But now
I can’t…
I thought my hair would keep on growing but it’s
Unfortunately,
Scant…
I thought my wit was charming with comments that impress,
I thought my ties were stylish, but I fear I now digress…
I thought that I’d remember, why I came into this room,
But now
I can’t.

I thought that I’d remember, why I came into this room,
But now
I don’t…
I thought the Beatles lyrics would last until the ages,
But
They won’t…
I thought I’d hum YESTERDAY until I was quite old,
But those words of yesterday don’t seem quite so bold…
I thought that I’d remember, why I came into this room,
But now
I don’t…

I thought that I’d remember, why I came into this room,
But now
I’m stumped…
The reason for my entry has me
Unceremoniously
Trumphed…
I believe that it has reference to my mounting age
It must be of significance, since I’m somewhat of a sage…
I thought that I’d remember, why I came into this room,
But now,
I’m stumped.

I thought that I’d remember, why I came into this room,
And now
I do!
It was to sit at my computer to write this silly poem…
Yes
It’s true!

The words must be important, I trust they’re a survivor,
For they have been written by a Class of 65’er.
I thought that I’d remember, why I came into this room
And now
I’m through!

Written by Classmate Phil Kokandy


WHY SIXTY PEOPLE `CAME INTO THIS ROOM!`

Saturday, August 4, 2007, was every bit the hot and sunny day that we thought it would be - - a beautiful day for a summer party. And Briar Ridge C.C. in Dyer, IN was the perfect spot to be if you were a BNI Class of 65`er! Yes, how appropo - - about SIXTY partygoers arrived as planned, ready to usher in our shared milestone - - the Big 6-0hhh. Thus began an unforgettable evening of hugs, handshakes and friendship.

Bouquets of blue and gold and mylar balloons and sprinkles of colorful confetti added a festive “Happy Birthday” feel to the banquet hall as guests began arriving. A stray pink flamingo or two graced the hors d’oeuvre table, another reminder that old age (???) should be approached with friends, smiles and lightheartedness. A mint candy at each place setting served as a “sweet” example of how special it was to spend an evening together that was 42 years in the making. During cocktail hour, and with the help of trusty nametags, we were becoming more confident that we are, in fact, the SAME special people that we were back in 1965.

Elaine (Engle) Bielefeld of Lowell, IN kicked off the evening, welcoming classmates and setting the tone for an evening of fun by reading a wonderful poem composed by Classmate Phil Kokandy and written especially for our Class of ’65. We hope you enjoyed his reprinted verse printed above. Phil and his wife Karen of Whiting, IN, were sorry to be out of town on August 4 due to a previous commitment, but we enjoyed Phil’s prose - - a lighthearted look at what a “senior moment” may possibly look like!

Our meal prayer expressed not only thanks for the food, a delicious summer buffet, but also for the many years that we have shared and the unity that our class has found and continues to thrive upon. We gave thanks for the friendships present in the room and for those classmates that were unable to enjoy the evening with us.

Sally (King) Zimmer of Griffith, IN spun the musical tunes and it truly was a wonderful evening of lively conversation and mingling such as what often happened back in our days at Noll during school sock hops, football games and other BNI socials. Yet, somehow it was different… What do you think the odds would have been in 1965 that 42 years later, John Gerbas and Bob Kukula would be buying each other Johnny Walker “Gold” label scotch and schmoozing the night with in-depth conversation? Try 10,000,000 to 1 - - like winning the power ball and surviving a lightning strike on the same day! Yep, that’s what the two fellas agreed!

Bob (Kukula) Kingsley attended from Mt. Laurel, NJ. Our party date fit into Bob’s schedule as he and his wife had just returned from a vacation trip to Italy and were planning to be in the area visiting his folks. John Gerbas of Lexington, KY had a couple of his race horses running at Arlington Racetrack in Illinois, where immediately after the last race he “raced” to party with us at the Jiver Big 6-0hhh.

And, who would have thought that after all these years and eight children later, Elaine Engle would be about to complete courses for her college degree from St. Mary’s of the Woods. Or that Liz Craciun of Cincinnati, OH would be running her own company as a consultant, training employees on company sales processes. Diane (Deiotte) Rockhill of Portage, IN came bearing precious pictures of her granddaughter TWINS taken on a recent visit to California, and Dale Conger of Dexter, MI is excited to announce that he is a soon-to-be TWICE grandpa as both daughters in California are expecting. Joanna Dailey, a lady that never had cause to even own a car as she commuted for decades by public transportation and ferry between Manhattan and Staten Island with her job, has now retired to Terre Haute, IN and is not only looking to start a new career but is now the proud owner of a Driver’s License AND a new car! And, the stories go on and on - - some classmates just now beginning to realize their retirement dreams, others following their careers, and many even moving on to new job ventures. Yes, at age 60 we’re part of the Baby Boomers, generally defined as those born from 1946-1964. And, we represent about 76 million boomers in the U.S. - - about 29% of the U.S. population! Then, and now, we always make our mark!

Elaine (Engle) Bielefeld brought her laptop, running a slideshow of the past class get-togethers, including the Lexington trip that we were all invited to back in May, 2007 to help John Gerbas celebrate HIS 6-0 at his KY horse farm. Bob (Kudnowski) Kaye of Rensselaer, IN displayed framed group class pictures of our last three reunions - - 1985, 2003 and 2005. Some of us even recognized ourselves in those photos!

Tory Hudspeth manned the afternoon golf arrangements and two foursomes enjoyed the South Shore golf course in Cedar Lake. Golfers consisted of Paul Schreiner, Dave Hutchens, Dan Hoffman, Ivan Zimmer, Joe Whelan, Jim Wieser, and Tory. Word we received was that Joe Whelan was the WINNER on the golf course for the day. Seems though Joe had his struggles on the Front Nine, he sucked it up and played really well on the Back Nine. Ivan said that after watching Joe play, he had an even better appreciation for what retirement can do for a golf game and he’s really jealous. Sounds like a good time was had by all.

Eileen McKern of Valparaiso, IN ordered the delicious three-layered birthday cake, donned with, what else, the little Jiver Bee announcing “Happy 60th BNI Class of ’65 Jivers” as we appropriately broke into a chorus of “Happy Birthday!”

Birthday cake, candles - - what would a BIRTHDAY be without GIFTS!!! Sally (King) Zimmer, proud owner of “A Time to Remember…When” florist shop in Schererville, IN, donated two gorgeous fresh flower baskets. The happy winners of these beauties were Joanna Dailey (who was sure that this lovely scented bouquet was going to help her FOR SALE situation the following morning when a realtor was bringing a prospect through her folks home in Hammond), and, Thelma Stocki (who selected the lush floral donned not only with beautiful flowers, but also cattails and a wooden wild goose – perfect for their new retirement living by a lake in Warsaw, IN).

Tom/Nancy (Bryzgalski) Kolodziej of Munster, IN, donated two tickets to an upcoming musical performance of CATS, at the Munster Center for Visual and Performing Arts, where Tom has been an usher for many years. Those tickets were chosen by Jim/Mary Ann (Baker) Fiegle of Dyer, IN.

And, Annette (Gordon) Dorn of Schererville, IN, donated three Starbucks gift certificates, won eagerly by Barb (Benson) Butcher of Crown Point, IN, Jim Wieser of Cedar Lake, IN, and Joe/Vera Brzezinski of Tuskaloosa, AL. Bob (Kudnowski) Kaye was encouraged to gather up a bunch of balloons to take home as Bob’s August 2 birthday was the closest one to our actual party date!

They say all good things must end and so it was this August 4 evening also. Reflecting upon how quickly the past SIXTY years have passed, we know that much has happened to us and to the world about us. Yet we were happy for THIS moment, then it was time to say goodbye again. Until next time. Where will we all be in 2015? Hopefully, the same place many of us are today - - happy, healthy and ready to continue our life’s adventure!

In the meantime, have fun via our class website www.bniclassof1965.com sharing news and exchanging views. All up-to-date e-addresses are listed under our CLASSMATES Section and please forward news items and any updated addresses to aardorn@yahoo.com and ebeely@hotmail.com.

Thank you, stay well and let’s keep in touch!!!

The 2007 Birthday Bash Committee:

Annette (Gordon) Dorn, Elaine (Engle) Bielefeld, Tina Bialek, Dan Hoffman, Tory Hudspeth, Sally (King) Zimmer, Carol Krol, Tom Krull, Bob (Kudnowski) Kaye, Rima (Lapinskas) Curry, Eileen McKern, Felix (FJ) Mesterharm, Paulette (Pociask) Michalak, Janet Potasnik, Marilyn (Rieder) Ambos, Ron Saczawa, Thelma (Stocki) Matthew, Linda (Szymanski) Colter, Cheryl (Watts) Lorance, Jim Wieser, Dan & Mary Lou (Trgovich) Zurawski

SIXTY - - No "pity party" for us Jivers! We're SIXTY and LIFE IS GOOD!!!

We're getting all excited and plans are being finalized for our Class of '65 Birthday Bash. What could be better about turning the Big 6-0hhh than celebrating this joint milestone among old (ahem) friends!!! Here's the RSVPs to date, and, there's still time - - we hope we can add YOUR name soon! Don't delay, please do it today:

Committee:
Ambos, Marilyn (Rieder)/Mark
Bialek, Tina
Bielefeld, Elaine (Engle)
Colter, Linda (Szymanski)/Dick
Dorn, Annette (Gordon)/Rick
Hoffman, Dan/Monica
Hudspeth, Tory/Sally
Kaye, Bob (Kudnowski)
Krol, Carol
Krull, Tom/Phyllis
Lorance, Cheryl (Watts)
Matthew, Thelma (Stocki)/Glen
McKern, Eileen
Mesterharm, Felix
Michalak, Paulette (Pociask)
Wieser, Jim
Zimmer/Sally (King)/Ivan

Other RSVPs from Classmates:
Baker, Noreen (Draus)
Brzezinski, Joe/Vera
Butcher, Barb
Conger, Dale
Craciun, Liz
Curtis, Maureen (Shreibak)/Richard
Dailey, Joanna
Fiegle, Jim/Mary Ann (Baker)
Gerbas, John
Hegyes, Kathy (Pasko)
Hutchens, Dave
Jeka, Becki
Kingsley, Bob (Kukula)
Kolodziej, Tom/Nancy (Brzgalski)
Kuick, Ann (Purcell)
Lail, Barbara (Hines)
Makarowski, John
Mattingly, Barbara (Pszczola)
Metten, Darlene (Grass)/Paul
& Guest Diane Streeter
Mytych, Georgette
Rockhill, Diane (Deiotte)
Sampias, Fred/Rosemary
Schilling, Jim
Schreiner, Paul
Sobkowicz, Kathy/Guest

Don't Miss Our Big 6-0hhh Birthday Bash on August 4!!! (Posted 7/9/07)

The summer seems to be flying by - - hey, it seems that's what's happening to the YEARS too! How in heaven's name we all got to be SIXTY might give one pause to recount those years, but, no matter how we did it, there's no denyin' it! Sooo, let's ENJOY IT!!!

Please don't delay - - make it a date to join the BNI Class of '65 (yes, YOUR class) for an evening of good food, music and fun, proving that SIXTY can be a positive thing!

Yes, we may have been teenagers amid race riots and war protests - - maybe you have a psychedelic record album cover (with no where to play the record anymore), or madras plaid trousers, a tie-dyed T-shirt, or a flowered mini-skirt (that no longer fits - ouch) stuffed away in a trunk, OR, maybe you are one of those who often wonder what all the fuss was about during those early years - - your memories might have focused more on serving in the military, concentrating on college schoolwork, or perhaps entering the work world. Whatever and however you experienced these formative and/or somewhat turmoil years, HERE WE ARE - - Summer of 2007 - - and, it'd be fun, again, to see YOU. And, we on the committee and the Jivers that attend our reunions, are always hoping that maybe, maybe, this time, YOU will be there!!!

In case you need to be refreshed on the details, here's the scoop:

SATURDAY, AUGUST 4, 2007
BRIAR RIDGE COUNTRY CLUB - DYER, IN

Excellent Dinner Buffet - Cash Bar
Cocktails 6-7PM; Dinner 7-8PM; Songs/Reminiscing: 8PM-Midnight

Casual Summer Attire - - Whatever you're comfortable in!

Checks ($40/person) made out to "BNI Class of 1965"
Spouses/Guests welcome!
Mail to: Annette Dorn, 124 Sorrento Dr., Schererville, IN 46375
Please don't delay - - Mail your check today!

Details, including hotel info, also posted under EVENTS Section of our class website. Any questions, e-mail aardorn@yahoo.com (219.865.6148)

Thank you and we hope to see YOU soon!!!

The Birthday Bash Committee:
Annette (Gordon) Dorn, Elaine (Engle) Bielefeld, Tina Bialek, Dan Hoffman, Tory Hudspeth, Sally (King) Zimmer, Carol Krol, Tom Krull, Bob (Kudnowski) Kaye, Rima (Lapinskas) Curry, Eileen McKern, Felix (FJ) Mesterharm, Paulette (Pociask) Michalak, Janet Potasnik, Marilyn (Rieder) Ambos, Ron Saczawa, Thelma (Stocki) Matthew, Linda (Szymanski) Colter, Cheryl (Watts) Lorance, Jim Wieser, Dan & Mary Lou (Trgovich) Zurawski

Bob Meisterling's Mother Has Died (Posted 7/10/07)

Ruth Horst Meisterling Comings passed away June 29, 2007. She was the loving wife of the late Robert C. Meisterling, O.D. and the late Raymond C. Comings; wise and caring mother of Robert (Janet) Meisterling Jr., M.D., Richard (Mary) Meisterling and Marian (Richard) Schilling; caring stepmother of Arthur (Mary Ann) Comings; beloved grandmother of Michael (Dionne) Meisterling, M.D., Lori (Leon) Thomas, Steven (Hailee) Meisterling, M.D., Julie Meisterling, Robert Meisterling, Bradly Meisterling and Angela Meisterling; step-grandmother to Thomas (the late Janet) Comings, Matthew (Macey) Comings and David (Ginny) Comings; great-grandmother of six; sister of Margaret McCarthy, Eileen Qubeck, Lillian McMullin, Donald Horst and the late Doris Cole.

Ruth was a champion of higher education, a fifth grade teacher and later principal of St. Ann Elementary School in Lansing, IL. Originally from Calumet City, she moved to Munster, IN where she and Robert raised their three children and later moved to Naples, FL where she lived for the past 33 years. Ruth loved playing bridge, golf and enjoyed crocheting, knitting, sewing and cooking. A lifelong learner, she inspired many in her lifetime to pursue educational opportunities. Services will be held at St. Peter the Apostle Church, 5130 Rattlesnake Hammock Road, Naples, FL on Saturday, July 14, 2007 at 11:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Alzheimer's Association, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation or the ALS Association would be appreciated.

Condolences to Bob and his family of Stillwater, MN, can be sent to bob@meisterling.com.

Funeral for Mother of Margie (Koczwara) Ullrick (Posted 7/8/07)

Mary V. Koczwara, age 87, of South Bend, formerly of East Chicago, passed away on July 6, 2007. She is survived by daughters Victoria (Allan) Rodrigues of Bloomfield Hills, MI, Margaret (John) Ullrick of Arlington Heights, IL, Helen (John) Mathis of South Bend, IN; sons Edward (Carol) Koczwara of Boardman, OH, James (Janet) Koczwara of Highland, IN, Frank (Peggy Wiley) Koczwara of Houston, TX, and Joseph (Connie) Koczwara of Milford, IN, 15 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. Married to husband Eugene for over 60 years, he preceded her in death in 1999.

Mary was a member of St. Matthew Rosary Society and active in the Mothers Gild for Bishop Noll Institute. She enjoyed gardening, shopping and spending time with her family.

Visitation is scheduled for July 9 from 4-8 PM at the St. Joseph Funeral Home, 1827 East Ireland Road, South Bend. Funeral Mass is planned for July 10, 1PM, at Holy Family Catholic Church, South Bend, IN. Burial Holy Cross Cemetery, Calumet City, IL.

Please keep the Koczwaras in your prayers. Although we do not have an e-address for Margie and Tom Ullrick, they reside in Arlington Heights, IL. The Funeral Home website is accepting condolences for those who cannot travel to the services at www.sjfh.net.

Mary Ann (Baker) Fiegle Loses Her Father (Posted 7/6/07)

Frederick P. Baker age 93, of Dyer, IN, passed away Thursday, July 5, 2007. He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Mary; children: Alice (Jim) Storey of Crown Point, IN, Wayne "Butch" (Marsha) Baker of Brook, IN, and Mary Ann (Jim) Fiegle of Dyer, IN; daughters-in-law Rita Baker of Martinsburg, WV, and Janette Baker of Las Vegas, NV; eight grandchildren Karen (Mike) Rennich, Catherine (Timothy Kent) Baker, Nicole (Brian) Wojtkowiak, Lisa (Jeff) Reinoehl, David (Robyn) Fiegle, Dr. Shawn (Brooke) Baker, Denise (Lester) Bowers and Jason (Susanne) Baker; great-grandchildren: Nathan, Alex and Samuel Rennich, Saxon Baker, Roman and Rachael Wojtkowiak and Haliegh and Jack Reinoehl; brother James (Irene) Baker of Chicago Heights, IL. Preceded in death by sons Fred A. Baker and Mark R. Baker and granddaughter Marisa Baker.

Visitation will be held Saturday, July 7, 2007 at the Fagen-Miller Funeral Home, 1920 Hart Street, Dyer, IN, from 9:00 AM until time of service at 11:30 AM with a Funeral Mass at 12:00 Noon at St. Joseph Church, Dyer, IN, with Rev. Terry Steffens officiating. Burial St. Joseph Church Cemetery.

Mr. Baker was retired from Amsco and was the owner of Baker Welding and Fabricating. He was a former Golden Gloves Boxer and played in the Triple A League for the St. Louis Cardinals. (www.fagenmiller.com)

Classmates Mary Ann and Jim can be reached at jfiegle@sbcglobal.net.

Mother-In-Law of Mary (Narvid) Hart Has Died (Posted 7/6/07)

We have learned that Hallie M. Hart (nee Mudro) of Munster, IN, passed away on June 13, 2007. She is the mother of Terrence Hart (BNI Class of ’64) who is married to our classmate Mary (Narvid) Hart. She is also survived by her husband of 65 years, Robert Hart, Jr. and another son, Michael P. (Linda) Hart of Munster, IN, six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Hallie Hart attended grade school in Butte, MT, graduated from Catholic Central High School (Class of 1939) in Hammond, IN, and attended the University of Miami where she was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority, and locally, a member of Phi Kappa Epsilon.

The funeral Mass for Mrs. Hart was held at St. Thomas More Church, Munster, IN, with Fr. Mike Yadron officiating. Burns-Kish was in charge of the arrangements. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of the Calumet Area or to the Disabled American Veterans.

Terry and Mary Hart of Sarasota, FL, may be reached at marylhart@comcast.net.

Birthday Bash in the Bluegrass is #1 - - It's A WINNER!!! (Posted 5/24/07)

Was that a party, or what!!! Yep, it was a bit of a “downer” for all of us returning back to the norm from a wonderful weekend (May 18-19-20, 2007) of Kentucky hospitality! All agreed, there’s no more perfect host than John Gerbas - - he’s THE MAN! Thank you soooo much, John.

About 80 well wishers were on hand to confirm the fact, that, yes, turning “60” won’t mean a thing to John - - he’ll still be going “full barrel” for a long time to come.

It was amazing that this happy celebration would draw family, friends, classmates and coworkers from four countries - - Germany, England, Canada and USA; and, from ten states - - California, Nevada, Florida, Minnesota, Iowa, Michigan, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, and Kentucky, including Jivers Elaine (Engle) Bielefeld, Ron Saczawa, Bill Schweitzer, Mary Alice (Herod) LaJoie and husband Richard, Liz Craciun and her two teenagers, Linda (Szymanski) Colter and Dick, Thelma (Stocki) Matthew and Glen, and Annette (Gordon) Dorn and Rick.

The excitement was building as the trip destination, “Silver Wing Farm,” loomed closer and closer with each passing acre of gently rolling and well-manicured Bluegrass, studded with black or white wooden fences engulfing each paddock - - here and there and everywhere, beautiful horses, barns and homes. We enjoyed the drift of cloverleaf scent in the air and took note of the “double fencing” in many areas, later to have John explain that it serves a couple purposes - - to give access when moving horses from paddock to paddock, to run equipment within the property, and, to stop horses from trying to “jump” the fence - - they would sense that there isn’t enough room to jump from that smaller space. Soon we spotted the appropriate gateway sign and knew that we had arrived!

The Friday Night Social was a great one-on-one evening, enabling everyone to get caught up on the latest. We enjoyed a casual stroll through John’s new barn, noting the immaculate stalls (hey, we didn’t see ANY manure all weekend) and the beautiful signage hung at the entranceway, “John M. Gerbas, Jr. Race Stable.” Since John purchased the property four years ago, he’s been completing one project after another, and dreaming up more ways not only to beautify his property, but to care for his animals and enhance his business too. This fall, he plans to start construction on his house and on a guest house. Of course, when John chides that he is currently “living in a Barn,” it isn’t what you’d think - - this beautiful new dwelling not only houses horses stalls, but a separate unit boasting a generous office, kitchenette, bedroom, bathrooms, laundry room and wood-paneled glass doors that lead out to a loft.

John was filled with horse facts and figures, imparted with the humor that we’ve all come to know and love about John. He encouraged any and all questions, saying there is no “dumb” question. Where did he develop such great presentation skills - - his ease, knowledge, patience, and respect for people and animals - - can BNI educators take some pride in instilling this discipline? Or, maybe it was just in the “genes” - - John has always said that, “Mom was my biggest fan!” Yes, reflecting on Derby Week and Mother’s Day, John once said, “I can fondly remember my Mom telling me she waited till just after the derby before having me! “Jet Pilot” won the Kentucky Derby just two days before I was born! Mom made my first connection with the horses when I was about 10. We never missed singing "My Old Kentucky Home" on the first Saturday in May! Went to the old Washington Park and Arlington when I was a kid to watch the horses run! Today Kentucky is my home, I spent 40 years as a jet pilot and have my horses right out my door! "Heaven on earth!"

After strolling the multiple pathways and visiting with the horses on Friday evening, we had worked up our appetites and about a dozen of us headed off to the nearby town of Midway, where choice seating was being held for us at The Black Tulip Restaurant. We dined on the outdoor veranda, complete with lamppost lighting and heat lanterns to complement any nighttime chill. It was a wonderful dinner, accompanied by choice wine selected by our classmate wine connoisseur, Bill Schweitzer. We toasted to John, not only for his 60th birthday, but for providing the opportunity for all of us to share this moment of friendship under a star filled night.

Saturday was busy with more and more guests arriving. Some toured the Keeneland Race Track to place bets for Saturday’s Preakness Race and sip on mint juleps as so many do on Kentucky Derby Day. Following the tip once given by our herbal classmate author, pressing a bit of herb between two pinched fingers releases the aroma - - in this case, of lovely mint. Others searched out the Kentucky Horse Park, Woodford Reserve Distillery (sampling KY bourbon whiskey), various horse farms, antique shopping and dining, or the like.

Each arrived at the party on Saturday, reliving their afternoon adventure. Horse owners and trainers and relatives and friends met and mingled. The dinner buffet not only showcased beef brisket and pulled pork, but, John’s favorite - - homemade sausage - - all the way from, yes, good old back-home Hegewisch! John’s daughter, Carrie Ann, insisted on making up a huge bowl of grandma’s “recipe” potato salad, and, John’s “onion pie” casserole with melted cheese was also on the cart. Oh, and we must mention the shrimp cocktails, as John cooked up the 25 lbs. of shrimp and made the sauces for the party himself. Each table was decorated with streamers and a candle placed in the center of a horseshoe. Though he insisted that the evening was “casual attire,” the choice for some of the ladies was wide-brimmed hats, bright summer colors and flowing skirts and sandals. Top-notch music makers, “Final Verdict,” a popular band out of Dayton, OH, filled the evening’s air with a great beat. Drifting here and there, pictures were being snapped in the Barn, under the lights of the huge white tent, and down the paths leading to the horses in their paddocks. You could hear the occasionally neighing and whining from the horses as they paraded their stuff before the adoring guests, as the day wore on to evening, and a beautiful sunset.

When the birthday “flames” were lit on the cake that was appropriately decorated with a huge horseshoe and the #60, and it was time to blow out the candles, John introduced his family and friends and you could feel the emotion in his voice when he thanked everyone for being a part of his life and a part of this special evening. John is especially proud of his three grown children, all of whom managed to be present - - son John and his wife who are now living in Germany; daughter and her husband who live in nearby Louisville and are expecting their first child; and, youngest son Chris, a West Point grad, who had orders to deploy to Iraq immediately after the party where he will be the executive officer of four Apache Gunships. We all wish Lt. Chris well and a safe return - - the next party celebration will have to be when he returns home! With that, cigars were being passed out, amid birthday cheers and dancing. When referring to the BNI group, John informed the crowd that, “We were all in the National Honor Society together,” (which made everyone smile), followed by his comment that, no, he wasn’t on the Dean’s List, but he WAS in the Principal’s office quite a bit.

Sunday morning drew about a dozen guests back to the farm for the promised presentation of the horses. As the trainers brought the horses out one by one from the Barn, John introduced them and pointed out their particular features and explained how each was being groomed to be a “winner.” We met such beauties as “Quite Acceptable,” (currently John’s best winning 2007 horse), “Shake, Rattle N Run,” “Free Country,” Littlelambseativy,” ”Edge of Heaven,” “Rocket Man,” “Silver Ember,” and others. Another horse you may be hearing about is “Load A Chronic,” who already had a good year in 2006. Of course, John’s first taste of what it feels like to have a “winner” came early on, back in the 1970’s, with his beauty, “Holding Pattern.” A multiple graded stakes winner, he won the “Travers” at Saratoga. “Holding Pattern” made the cover of several magazines and had a feature article in Sports Illustrated. Additionally, “Holding Pattern” held a track record at Arlington Park for over 15 years.

When asked if each of the animals know their “name,” John truthfully said that “he” thinks the animals don’t really know their names but respond to a “voice” that they recognize. Seeing their distinguished strut, the noble stature, impeccably groomed, it was hard to determine who has more pride - - John or his horses! And, it’s easy to see how John could be busy 24/7. He oversees the total package of his horses (currently about two dozen) - - their training regiment, vet appointments, diets, exercise, racing and travel schedules, and the endless sea of paperwork and recordkeeping. John has about five people who work and help him on his ranch and that number grows more in the fall. One person is needed just to cut grass - - it’s a continuous process in the summer months! John said that the horses do not like to graze on long grass; they prefer the shorter, sweeter grass that is closer to the growing roots and it is healthier for the horses too. The hours are long, sometimes 16-hour days, and always start by getting up with the birds. Guess John is staying close to his own philosophy, "I am an adventurer in life - a participant, not a spectator - - I love to live, and will have plenty of time to rest when it's all over!"

On Sunday, we also traveled to the neighboring town where we had the opportunity to see a beautiful new Horse Spa facility. There, trainers lead the horses down a ramp into a circular swimming pool for a series of laps to either build up their stamina or to soothe minor soreness or bruises. The horses are rinsed down in shower stalls prior to the swim and they are put in a moving pen to walk and cool them down and dry them off after their swim. Through smiling teeth, the horses snort and neigh as they swim their laps, leading Bill Schweitzer to comment that these noises were not unlike those of his snoring hotel partner on this trip, Ron Saczawa.

Soon we could see the weekend drawing to a close. It was time to get back to our homes and our jobs, and leave John to his. We bid adieu, knowing that we’d be reflecting upon this visit for many a day and upon what John had said when we arrived that first day, “I love Kentucky - - this is my little piece of heaven and hopefully you can all take a piece of it with you.” We had observed Lexington firsthand and have confirmed why they call it the Horse Capital of the World and the Heart of the Bluegrass. Thank you, John, for your friendship. your southern hospitality and all the hard work you put into arranging such a fun weekend for everyone to enjoy - - it was YOUR birthday party, but WE took home the true gift!

“Have you really come to a place where the grass is blue? Some say that in the early spring, the small blue flowers produced by the type of grass called “bluegrass” does give fields a bluish hue. But whether the fields are blue or green, you discover in the Bluegrass a visit of a different color - - a magical, one-of-a-kind place you’ll want to return to time and again.” (As quoted from “The Best of Lexington” brochure) How true!

Note: Please be sure to click on the PHOTO ALBUM Section of our class website (www.bniclassof1965.com) where we will be posting the best of a ton of pictures we captured during the party weekend.

Father of Classmate Mary Lynn (West) Flynn Has Died (Posted 5/24/07)

John “Jack” West, age 89, of Highland, IN, formerly of Hammond, passed away peacefully, but unexpectedly, from a sudden onset of pneumonia on Monday, May 21, 2007. He and his wife Margaret (Marge) Ryder had six children. His wife and his son Dick preceded him in death. Survivors include son Bob, daughters: Jackie Kowal, Peggy Gardner, our classmate Lynn Flynn, Pam, and special son Danny Martinez, seven grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, May 26, 2007, at 10:30AM at St. Anthony Nursing Home Chapel, 203 Franciscan Dr., Crown Point, IN, with Fr. Myron Lowisz officiating. Burial at Ridgelawn/Mt. Mercy Cemetery, Gary, IN. Friends may visit the Burns Funeral home, 10101 Broadway, Crown Point, IN 46321, on Friday, from 2 – 8 PM.

Mr. West never knew a stranger and his love of life was contagious. In 1956 he and his wife opened “Jack West Tap,” a restaurant/tavern in Hammond where he became known as that “Crazy Jack West.” There, they extended their hospitality to all and friendship to many for 36 years. He adored children, and they, in turn, found him magical. In 1992 Jack and Marge retired to Highland. Jack served in the Air Force from 1942 – 1945. When he returned, he worked for City Service Oil Company and was Secretary/Treasurer of the A.F. of L. – CIO Local #210.

Condolences may be sent to Mary Lynn West, now known as Lynn Flynn, of Beaverton, Oregon, at lynn00@msn.com.

Father of Ginny (Majcherek) Maripolsky Has Died (Posted 5/21/07)

John J. Majcherek of Calumet City, IL, passed away at his home on Thursday, May 17, 2007. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Virginia (Romszewicz), and two children, Ginny (Lou) Maripolsky of Bangkok, Thailand and Joan (Mark) Stone of Lincolnton, NC, as well as two grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Mr. Majcherek was a retired supervisor of the accounting department of Combustion Engineering in East Chicago, IN. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army WWII service as Sargent Major, a member of Calumet Memorial Post #330 American Legion and the Knights of Columbus Coronata Council #3806. John was a very gifted golfer.

Visitation will be Tuesday, May 22, 3-8PM, at the Hennessy-Nowak Funeral Home, 400 Pulaski Road (154th Street), Calumet City, IL. A Memorial Mass will be held on Wednesday, May 23, at St. Andrew the Apostle Church, Calumet City, IL. Friends may gather at the church prior to the 10 AM Mass. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Calumet Hospice would be appreciated.

Condolences may be directed to Ginny and her husband Lou at ginny@maripolsky.net.

Big 6-0hhh Birthday Bash Date Has Been Set! (Posted 4/27/07)

Did you see it? Have you heard? Yep, it's now official. The Class of 1965 will be celebrating our 2007 entry into the decade of SENIOR CITIZEN. Ohh, eeek, argh, ugh, what else can we say... There's no denying it or getting out of it, so, just like we did IN the 60's, we'll all "Come Together, Right Now," that is, on Saturday, August 4, 2007, and CELEBRATE our joint milestone! Check out our EVENTS Section for further information and updates and, most importantly, please mark your calendar because it just won't be the same without YOU, Classmate Friend!!!

Barb (Straka) Culp Pursues a New Interest (Posted 4/10/07)

With the closure of a popular Merrillville restaurant where she had worked for many years, Barb took that opportunity for change. Having always been interested in antiques and tinkering with flea markets and garage sales, she has now rented space at the local Antique Store in Crown Point, IN. Calling her consignment business, "Barb's Antique Emporium," this classmate of ours is interested in estate buying - one piece or all pieces, glassware and furniture. Barb may be reached through e-mail at culpmommy1@aol.com - - however, please identify BNI in the subject line as Barb says she always needs to identify an e-mail before she opens it. Good luck with your new venture, Barb.

When Barb takes a break from past (antiques)," to present, she has four beautiful grandchildren to enjoy!

Mary (Narvid) Hart Didn't "Retire" to Florida (Posted 4/9/07)

Although Classmate Mary (Narvid) Hart and her husband Terry Hart (BNI Class of '64) moved to Sarasota, FL, and truly enjoying being near their daughter and her husband and two awesome grandsons, they aren't resting on their grandparent laurels alone.

They run a laser engraving business and even enjoy displaying their wares at local Farmer's Markets and art shows in the Sarasota area. If you'd like to "check out" their talents and the variety of their creativity, visit their word wood and acrylic online portfolio at www.creativeinwood.com. Mary may be reached at marylhart@comcast.net.

And, to keep busy the other five days of the week, beginning April 16, " Sarasota Sorbet " will start selling fruit sorbets, frozen in their respective shells - - orange in an orange rind, coconut in a half coconut shell, and so on. If all goes well, says Mary, we hope to begin importing additional fruit sorbets from China next year. Hmmm, can't you just taste those sweet treats right now!

In closing, Mary adds, "I don't think our generation produced any slackers! No retirement, just moving, from one thing to another!" Mary also tells us she'd like to thank everyone who sent condolence notes on the recent death of her father. She concludes with the following thought, "No one I talk to can believe "we" as a class 1) have a web-site, and 2) keep in touch with each other after all these years! Sure glad to be part of BNI '65!"

Birthday Bash in the Bluegrass (Posted 4/4/07)

Plans have been finalized and John Gerbas is extending an Invitation to all ‘65 classmates to join him in Lexington, KY for HIS 60th birthday celebration. This being the year we all join “Club 60,” this getaway weekend is proving to be the perfect solution for all of us classmates that want to start off the year doing something new and different. John loves his beautiful Lexington farm and his twelve racing horses. Join in the camaraderie and fellowship of a weekend full of fun and excitement, merriment, food, drinks, music and friendship. Check out the EVENTS Section of our website for complete details, and, please RSVP to John that you will be part of the party on the weekend of May 19. As John says, “Age is a measurement of time” and “Old is a state of mind.” When asked how it feels to be turning 60, John’s quick response, “It won’t make any difference to me!”

John Sabo’s New Venture (Posted 4/4/07)

John informs us that he has recently added a travel and referral agency to his job responsibilities by joining with the Ultimate Travel Pro, a travel business. Anyone interested can view his website at www.ultimatetravelpro.com. John can be reached at johnsabo@urisp.com. Best wishes in your marketing plan, John.

Jiver Friends Enjoy Sunny Arizona Getaway! (Posted 3/29/07)

Hey - hey, that's pretty well hit - - back - - back - - back . . . Yes, it's "homerun" time again, at least that's the story from some of our favorite Jivers as they "reunited" recently to share a few more memories revolving around SPORTS! It was the perfect time to hop a flight to sunny Arizona - - Dave Hutchens, Paul Schreiner, Tory Hudspeth and Dan Hoffman just couldn't let the "ever-young" Jerry King celebrate his Big 6-0 without a little razzing from his old H.S. buddies! Therefore, the plan was set and the guys headed out for a March week of sun and fun.

On tap (no pun intended) first off was a little baseball. The "boys" didn't want to show any preference for the Chicago region - - they attended BOTH a SOX and a CUBS Spring Training Game! Sitting there in the 80-degree weather, relaxing and breathing in the fresh air, with the beautiful mountains ringing around the rim of the playing field, they couldn't help but feel that, "life is good," and, hey, retirement works! And of course from the scores, the ballgames were great and had a lot of action - Cubbies won 10-5 and Sox won 12-8.

Jerry and wife Bunny (Fijut) King also had a gorgeous trip to the Grand Canyon lined up for the group, joined by another special BNI classmate friend, Terri (Gargas) Ligocki from Florida. Could the Senior Day at the Indiana Dunes have been any better? Who can deny that the views provided at the Canyon are some of the most memorable sights one may ever see! Especially agreed to by Dave and Paul as they took the helicopter journey over the Canyon! Picture-taking was a "must," - - view some of these photos in the PHOTO ALBUM Section of our class website at www.bniclassof1965.com. Not sure what "timeless thrill" was MORE precious to behold - - that Grand Canyon backdrop, or, the gathering of friendships there nurtured by time.

In closing, Jerry says, "It has come and gone. What a GREAT time we had! Covered a lot of ground in four days. We really did a lot of laughing, traveling, reminiscing, joking and jiving the entire time we were together. Terri added to the fun when she got here. Ate great food everywhere we went. Saw some beautiful sights. Weather was just perfect. The trip to the Grand Canyon and Sedona was awesome! And we just really appreciate the fact that we are very blessed to be such great friends and be able to still be together and enjoy each other's company after all these years. We truly were a great class." And, Jerry concludes, "say Hello to everyone from all of us."

Squeezing in a few good restaurants, a bit of NCAA basketball viewing, lots of smiles, laughs and catching up, and, as the sun set in the West at the end of a week that went by way too fast, the fellas and Terri were thanking Jerry and Bunny for a GOOD TIME and vowing to do it again!

But, remember, the NEXT encounter, Jerry and Bunny need to head THIS way - - to join us for our Class Birthday Bash on August 4, 2007, at Briar Ridge C.C., Dyer, IN.

John Lanigan's Mother Is Ill

We offer prayers of comfort and support for our good friend, John Lanigan, as he faces serious health issues with his mother, Rose. Just recently, in February of this year, John and the Lanigan family suffered the lost of John's younger sister, Peggy, after a long battle with cancer.

Recently John writes from Florida: "Just thought I'd let you know that my mother has been in the hospital for about a week. Her heart is weak and she has not been feeling well since my sister's funeral. My family is planning to bring mom home and probably get some help from visiting nursing and possibly Home Hospice Care. She's got a DNR and won't let the doctors do another heart surgery."

John would appreciate hearing from friends at johnjlanigan@verizon.net, as we pray for the well-being of John's mother, as well as the entire Lanigan family.

Mother of our Deceased Classmate Dies

Josephine Polich, beloved mother and grandmother, passed away peacefully February 26, 2007, at the age of 84. Her children describe her as very independent and strong-willed, "our tough cookie." Josephine had an immense impact on many lives. She was a devoted Catholic, a Gold Star Mother and long time member of Post 369. She enjoyed going to church, gardening, playing cards, taking care of others and polka dancing. The inspiration she provided left a lasting impression on the lives of many, especially daughters Susan Branson and Gloria Campbell, and her 5 granddaughters and 3 great-granddaughters.

Preceding her in death was her husband, William Polich; her two sons: William and David Polich. Mrs. Polich’s funeral was held on March 2, 2007, at the Lesniak Funeral Home, East Chicago, IN, with a Mass at St. Margaret Mary Church, Hammond, IN, officiated by Rev. James W. Shultz. Burial at Holy Cross Cemetery, Calumet City, IL.

David Polich was the only classmate from our Class of 1965 to be killed in Vietnam. Please remember the Polich family in your prayers.

Mary (Narvid) Hart’s Father Has Died

John M. Narvid, age 84, passed away on February 20, 2007. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Jean, five children Mary (Terry) Hart of Sarasota, FL, John B. Narvid of Witchita, KS, Adrienne (Dennis) Bielfeldt of Munster, IN, Annette (Frank) David of Schererville, and Sandra (Scott) Milne of Munster, IN, ten grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 24, directly at 10AM at St. Thomas More Church, Munster, IN, with Fr. Michael Yadron officiating. Visitation will be Friday, February 23, from 2-5PM and 7-9M, at Burns-Kish Funeral Home, Munster, IN.

Born in Eynon, PA, Mr. Narvid served in the U.S. Army during WWII, receiving the Purple Heart for his bravery. He was employed by Standard Oil Refinery in Whiting and served as a Union Representative. He also worked as the Deputy Treasurer of Lake County in the Gary, IN, office. John was a longtime Munster Democratic Precinct Committeeman and served as Democratic City Chairman. Never being a man to sit and relax, he later held three different jobs in Vero Beach, FL. John was a man of great spirit and strength, who taught his family to always persevere. He gave his family and friends unconditional love and will be greatly missed by all. Memorials may be made to Hospice of the Calumet Area or the Disabled Veterans Association.
Condolences may be sent to Mary and Terry Hart of Sarasota, FL, at marylhart@comcast.net.

Sister of Classmate John Lanigan Has Died

Peggy A. Demske (nee Lanigan) Plankey, age 52, died on Saturday, February 17, 2007, after battling breast cancer for three years. Peggy was a graduate of Griffith H.S., Davenport College of Business, University of St. Francis, Lewis School Clinic of Massage and Sancta Sophia Seminary. With husband, Frank Plankey, she co-owned the Therapeutic Massage Clinic in Highland, IN, and was able to touch many lives through her healing work. Peggy is survived by her husband Frank, two children Julia (Justin) Woodard and Nick (Angela) Demske, mother Rose Lanigan, brothers John Lanigan, Peter (Christine) Lanigan and Jim (Debbi) Lanigan, and sisters Marianne (Chester) Baran and Fran (Bill) Goldie. She was preceded in death by her father John J. Lanigan, and her sister and brother-in-law Kathleen and Jim Guendling. Peggy was a member of St. Mary Church in Griffith, IN, and a member of the American Massage Therapy Association.

Peggy’s constant bravery in the face of terminal illness remains an inspiration to anyone that knew her. Resiliently positive, she embraced her own hardship as an offering in hopes it could somehow ease the suffering of others and that she could nurture in herself an even greater compassion for humanity. Peggy loved people and in return, people were consistently charmed by her candidness, from family or life-long friends to clients under her clinic’s care, or perfect strangers standing in line at a check-out counter. She cherished nature, music and comedy, aspects of life she constantly celebrated with those around her through her radiant garden, angelic singing and tender, playful humor. For her friends and family, Peggy represented the embodiment of strength relentlessly throughout her life, maintaining an unbreakable spirit and never passing up a chance to make others smile even in the face of great difficulty.

The funeral Mass will be at 10AM on February 22, directly at St. Mary Church, Griffith, IN, with Rev. Michael Yadron officiating. Cremation to follow service. The Wake will be held on February 21 from 2-8PM at Kuiper Funeral Home, Highland, IN, with a Prayer Service at 2:30PM.

Expressions of sympathy may be sent to John Lanigan of St. Petersburg, FL, and his family at johnjlanigan@verizon.net.

Update from Phil Kokandy

A mid-February, 2007, check with classmate Phil Kokandy of Whiting, IN, was in order after his quintuple bypass surgery last Fall. Phil’s immediate response was, “My rehab is going well. I’ve been back to school (teaching) since early December. Feeling pretty good for a 65’er who turned 60 in January.” That’s the spirit we love to hear!

And, reminding Phil how much we enjoyed his Poem in 2003 entitled, “’65 is 40,” Phil assures us that if his poetry muse hits him about the idea of being 60 years old, we’ll be the first to know!

Phil ended his updated with, “Have a jolly day and stay warm!” Well, with good news on Phil’s recovery, this advice will be easy to take to heart! Best wishes, Phil. If you’d like to reach Phil, his e-address is pkok1947@aol.com.

Classmate Appreciates Your Prayers

As a 2/16/07 update to John Schweisthal's contest with bladder cancer, John continues to be optimist that he is clearing each hurdle that comes up, cheered on by family and friends.

John's recent surgery in December, 2006, reversed the colostomy and he is now working toward that recovery and the obstacles that come with that. Buoyed additionally by the prayers, good thoughts and well wishes of classmate friends, John is up to the challenge, and says, "I have been blessed by so many classmates who have stayed in touch. It is hard to believe after all these years the circumstances of life, including age, would bring so many back together again in such an interesting way. Praise God for friends!"

John asks for your continued prayers and good vibes as he rounds this next bend for complete recovery. He has returned to his preaching work, having recently completed a Mission in Terre Haute, IN. Please join other classmate friends in words of encouragement by contacting John at preacherjohn@gnmonline.org.

How does that cheer go, John - - Go, Fight, Win! We're with you, John, we're with you!

A Few Short Classmate Updates Posted 2-07…

Sandy Volk (slvolk47@cox.net) writes to tell us, “I’m still in Mesa, AZ, and my Home Care business is continuing to expand - - and us baby boomers are not even my clients yet! Opened our second office in December of 2006.” As we all realize, there’s a growing need for your services, Sandy. Keep up the good work of helping others! True caregivers are to be duly blessed.

Diane (Deiotte) Rockhill (diane.rockhill1@verizon.net) of Portage, IN, is still on Cloud #9 over her 18-month old twin granddaughters. Since her son and his wife live in California, Diane says, “Sometimes I don’t feel like a grandma, but in my mind I know I am.” I’m sure it didn’t take long for reality to sink in - - the family has already made a trip back home to show off the little dolls to grandma and great-grandma (who has also been dying to see them), and Diane followed that up a few months later with a trip to the west coast. Double smiles, double kisses - - enjoy, Diane!

John Ostrowski (jostrowski@ben.edu) writes that he is in his 34th year coaching baseball at Benedictine University in Lisle, IL. Living in Palos Park, IL, John and his wife keep busy with their five children - - two in college, two graduated, and one in high school. John say, “If any alums are ever in Lisle, please look me up at the University.” Dare we ask, John - - Are you a Cubs or a White Sox fan?

Chuck Nau (c1n@yahoo.com), a lawyer lobbyist for Johnson & Johnson in Washington, DC, took a two-week boating excursion on a 20-ft. cabin schooner last summer to the Greek Islands. This past fall, it was Rome and the Amalfi Coast, where Chuck said they rented villas instead of hotels - - it ends up being cheaper and far better. Chuck concludes, “If anyone wants the name of a Roman or Amalfi villa for rent, just e-mail me.”

Father of Robert Komara Has Died

Joseph W. Komara, age 88, late of St. John and formerly of East Chicago, IN, passed away January 27, 2007. Loving father of Robert (Patti) Komara, Karen Fidanza and Suzanne (Dave) Comsa; cherished grandfather of Joe and Kelly Komara, Nicole and Robert Comsa, and Dominic Fidanza; dearest brother of Mary Sabula and Stephen (Mary Ann) Komara. Preceded in death by his beloved wife of 52 years Elease, and his parents Stephen and Elizabeth Komara.

Joseph was born October 26, 1918, in Youngstown, OH. He served as a Lieutenant Colonel in the US Air Force during WWII. He was a member of Allied American Legion Post #369 and was a retired teacher and counselor for Roosevelt High School in East Chicago, and a Member of St. John the Evangelist Church. Visitation will be Tuesday from 2-5PM and 7-9PM. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, January 31, 2007, at 9:30AM from the Elmwood Funeral Chapel, 11300 W. 97th Lane (1/2 block west of US 41/Wicker Ave. at 97th St.), St. John, IN, to St. John the Evangelist Church for a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00AM. Interment Chapel Lawn Memorial Gardens.

Condolences may be directed to Bob and Patti Komara of St. John, IN, at rwkomara@comcast.net.

Death of Father of Richard Goodus

Paul W. Goodus, age 92, of Port Richey, FL, passed away Saturday, January 27, 2007, under the care of Gulfside Regional Hospice, New Port Richey, FL. He moved there 25 years ago from his hometown of East Chicago, IN. Paul was a steelworker for Inland Steel in East Chicago, IN. He was a member of St. James the Apostle Catholic Church and a Fourth Degree member of Father Felix Ullrich Council #5869 Knights of Columbus, Port Richey, FL, The Jubilee Men’s Choir of New Port Richey, the Polish-American Social Club of Pasco County, Polish-American Pulaski Association, Lithuanian-American Social Club, Yugoslav –American Social Club and the Slovene Benefit Society. Funeral arrangements are being handled by the Faupel Funeral Home, Port Richey, FL (727.849.9964).

Mr. Goodus is survived by his wife of 70 years, Genevieve “Gigi” Goodus; three sons: Paul Goodus of Moreno Valley, CA, our classmate Richard Goodus of Sutton, MA, and James Goodus of Valrico, FL; one daughter Donna Quinn of Munster, IN; nine grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Unfortunately, we do not have an e-address for Richard Goodus of Sutton, Massachusetts, but we will keep the Goodus family in our thoughts and prayers.

Joe Rogalski's Father Has Died

Stanley J. Rogalski, age 88, of Dyer, IN, formerly of Calumet City, IL, passed away Sunday, January 21, 2007. Loving husband of Helen (nee Lenart). Beloved father to Joseph (Linda), Roselyn "Lynn" (Jim) Lucas and Anita (John) Kowalisyn. Devoted grandfather to Kate (Keith) Haffke, Ben Lucas, Andrea Kowalisyn, Kevin Kowalisyn and Jamie Rogalski. Fond brother to Louise Heim, the late Leona Presnak, Francis Rogalski and Irene (Harry) Gouwens.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, January 24, at 9:30AM from Castle Hill Funeral Home, 248 - 155th Place, Calumet City, IL, to St. Andrew The Apostle Church for Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00AM. Entombment at Holy Cross Cemetery. Visitation Tuesday 3-9PM.

Stanley was a member of the American Legion Post 330, VFW Post 8141 and Knights of Columbus 3806. He was the former owner of Calumet Hardware. In lieu of flowers, Masses appreciated.

We send our condolences to classmate Joseph and Linda Rogalski of Lansing, IL.

Health Update just received from John Schweisthal 12/27/06

I received an unexpected surprise today during my visit to the surgeon. He informed me that tomorrow, 12/28, he will be doing my last surgery. It starts at 12:30PM EST and should last about 4 hours. If you could post this for me I would greatly appreciate it. I ask for everyone's prayers for a swift recovery. I should be in the hospital from 5 - 7 days. I will post again as soon as possible.
In His Love,
John
Note: We’ll all be thinking of you, John, and wishing you well!

Lawrence Crosek, Brother of Classmate Linda (Crosek) Smith, Passed Away

Lawrence Crosek, age 68, of Clarkdale, AZ, formerly of Griffith, IN, passed away at home after a lengthy illness on Thursday, January 11, 2007. He was born October 22, 1938, to John and Barbara Crosek in Hammond, IN, where he grew up. Lawrence graduated from Hammond Tech and attended his first year at the University of Washington. Following which, he resided in Griffith, IN, for many years. Lawrence and his wife, Mary Lou, moved to Clarkdale in 2001 following his retirement. He was a member of the Local 150 IUOE, and the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Cottonwood. He is preceded in death by his parents. Lawrence leaves behind his wife of 46 years, Mary Lou Crosek of Clarkdale, son Jim Crosek of Colorado; brother Jerry (Pattie) Crosek of Indiana and sisters Barbara (Jule) Johnson of Indiana and Linda (Patrick) Smith of Memphis, TN, as well as several nieces and nephews.

Donations in Lawrence's name may be sent to either The American Cancer So

Mary Jeannette Bohling Hoffman, age 92, of Hammond/Morocco/Schererville,IN has passed away. Survivors include two sons, Dan Hoffman (our classmate) and Rev. Michael Hoffman, and two daughters, Patricia Ann Ricciardi and Barbara Jean Lander. Funeral services will be held on Monday, July 31, 2006, 10AM, from St. Joseph Church, Hammond, IN, with Rev. Michael Hoffman officiating. The Wake will be on Sunday, July 30, 2-7PM with a prayer service at 4PM, at the Burns-Kish Funeral Home, Munster, IN. Burial will be at St. Joseph Cemetery, Hammond, IN.

Mary was a lifetime resident of the area, but she traveled the world and lived in Indonesia and Liberia with her late husband, Lawrence. She entertained wherever she was and her guests were always her chief concern. Mary spent her entire life always putting others first and she never saw anything but goodness in people. She was also a competitor on the golf course and the tennis courts. She won the hearts of everyone who knew her for her kindness and love.

Mary and her late husband took particular pride inviting their large family (4 children, 10 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren, and 3 great great grandchildren) and special friends to their "Woods," where fond memories of planting trees, building forts, camping and building great campfires, fishing and hunting, getting dirty, working hard and then having great fun will be forever cherished.

Condolences may be directed to Dan at bearsoccer34@yahoo.com.

John R. Blonski, age 63, of Glendale, CA, formerly of Hammond, IN, passed away on Saturday, August 26, 2006. He is survived by one sister, Cheryl (Blonski) Neary (our classmate) of Crown Point, IN, one brother, Lawrence Blonski of Portage, IN, and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral services for John Blonski will be held on August 31 from the Forest Lawn Cemetery in Glendale, CA. Visitation was also at the cemetery on August 30 from 4-9PM. Burial will be at Forest Lawn Cemetery, Glendale, CA. A local Memorial Service to commemorate his life was later held for John R. Blonski at St. Joseph's Church, Hammond, IN, on September 24, 2006, followed by a luncheon in the Church Hall.

Expressions of sympathy may be directed to Cheryl (Blonski) Neary and her husband Tim at tsncan@aol.com.

Our Nancy has just sent news of her new position: "I've transferred from a boutique real estate agency to Prudential Douglas Elliman. It's a great Brand - #1 in Manhattan. And, it has the best technological infrastructure in the business, something that's incredibly important to providing sellers and buyers with the best service. They're also part of Prudential, which has a national referral network that I can access to ID the right agent for buyers and sellers outside NYC."

Anyone who needs to find an agent outside NYC or wants to buy or sell in Manhattan may contact Nancy at NRUETH@elliman.com.

Best wishes to you and to your career with Prudential, Nancy!

The mother of Tony Ruzbasan Blair, Millie Ruzbasan (nee Jurek), age 86, of Whiting, IN, passed away on May 24, 2006, at St. Catherine Hospital, East Chicago, IN.

Funeral services were held on May 27 at the Baran Funeral Home, Whiting, IN. Mass of Christian Burial was held at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Whiting with Rev. John Kalicky officiating. Burial at St. John Cemetery, Hammond, IN.

Millie was the owner and operator of her candy store on 119th Street in downtown Whiting for many years. She was a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church and a member of the First Catholic Slovak Ladies Assocation Branch 81. As noted in her obituary, she had a wonderful life, beautiful memories and many that loved her. May she rest in eternal peace.

Condolences may be sent to Tony Blair and his wife Susan, of Corona Del Mar, CA, at tonyblair1@aol.com.

Walter Derdula, age 85, of Hammond, IN, father of classmate Kathy Derdula Anthony, passed away on July 5, 2006. He was preceded in death by his wife, Helen Derdula, on August 17, 1995.

Visitation is scheduled for Friday, July 7 from 3-8PM from the Anthony & Dziadowicz Funeral Home, 4404 Cameron Ave., Hammond, IN (2 blocks east of Hohman, 1 block north of Gostlin). The funeral services will be held on Saturday, July 8, at 9:30AM from the funeral home, with 10AM Mass at St. Casimir Church, Fr. Wm. OToole officiating. Burial Holy Cross Cemetery.

Mr. Derdula, a lifelong Hammond resident, was a retired employee of Amoco Refinery in Whiting, with 40 years of service.

Condolences may be sent to Kathleen and her husband Bernard Anthony of Munster, IN, at anthonytk@aol.com.

Mary Ann Sejda, age 63, of Dyer Indiana, passed away on July 21, 2006. She is survived by three sisters - Barbara Sejda, Ellen Dudycha and Elizabeth Bongiovi (our classmate).

Funeral services will be held on July 24 at 9:30AM from the Burns-Kish Funeral Home, 8415 Calumet Avenue, Munster, IN, with a Mass at 10AM at St. Thomas More Church, Munster. Fr. Michael Hoffman will officiate. Burial will be at Holy Cross Cemetery, Calumet City, IL. Visitation on July 23, 2-8PM, at the funeral home.

Mary Ann Sejda was a retired Hammond Schools teacher, spending most of her years giving first graders a loving start at the Wilson Elementary School.

Condolences may be sent to Betty Sejda Bongiovi and her husband Robert of Centerville, OH, at rbbongiovi@aol.com.

Catherine Bacon, age 89, of Manteno, IL (formerly of Griffith, IN), passed away on July 23, 2006. She is survived by two sons, Thomas (Karen) Bacon (our classmate), and Deacon John (Carole) Bacon of St. John, IN, and one daughter Madeline Bacon of Manteno, IL.

Mrs. Bacon was a shipping clerk for American Can in Hammond, IN, retiring in 1982. She was a WWII Marine Corp. Vereran and a member of the Steel Workers Union.

The Wake will be held on July 25 from 3-8PM at the Fedde-Helfrich Chapel, Peotone, IL. The Funeral Mass will be held on July 26 at 10AM from St. Mary Catholic Church, Griffith, IN, with Visitation at the church from 9-10AM prior to the service. Interment at Chapel Lawn Memorial Gardens, Schererville, IN.

Condolences may be sent to Tom Bacon and his wife Karen at tom.bacon@bethsteel.com.

Here's the good news from our "Good News Minister" John:

I wanted to post to you the latest update on my condition. I have just returned from the oncologist and all of my blood work looks great. He said that all treatment is completed as of today and that there is no need to continue any further treatment. I go to the surgeon on the 21st to come up with a date to reverse my colostomy. It is a time of great celebration as well as thanksgiving.

To everyone who journeyed with me, especially those who are dealing with their own cross, I truly thank you for being there for me. I thank each of you who took the time out of your day to say a prayer on my behalf. There is no question in my mind that it is your prayers and the prayers of so many others that have helped me through the last 8 months. Words are probably the poorest form of communication, but to each of you I say thank you.

My prayer for all of you is that God would continue to pour out His peace, joy, and love into your lives and that He continue to give you the strength to walk your walk of faith in love. Know that God loves each and every one of you, and so do I.

Your friend and classmate,
John

A Great Storyteller - - Walter Stocki

My father, Walter Stocki, was one of the best storytellers in the world. Growing up in Oklahoma in early 20th century, he had a lot of interesting material on which to draw for his tales. Some of his stories were like something out of a good old Western. There were horses and cowboys and Indians along with the new oil derricks. There were his vague memories of World War I animosities between German immigrants and the locals. He survived the Spanish influenza after the war, and that was another story.

When the Dust Bowl days started and his family moved to East Chicago, he had a whole new world to explore—street car rides to South Chicago, trapping muskrats along the Little Calumet, and getting into Wrigley Field for a quarter—and a whole new set of stories to tell us. His recollections of Prohibition, the Depression years, World War II, and the unionization of the steel mills were sometimes hard to believe.

When I think back over all the changes he saw in his lifetime, I realize that he was the one who hooked me on history, because he lived through such interesting times and managed to make it all so compelling. I wish I had written down all the stories, but I think Dad would prefer that his stories be told, not read, to his great-grandchildren.

Thelma (Stocki) Matthew


In Remembrance of Julius Gordon

My Dad passed away in 1995 at the age of 81. Fathering seven children, he was mild mannered and even tempered. He never raised his voice and, if any of us needed disciplining, Dad might raise his hand but he never brought it down on any of us. He could always reason with us. Dad enjoyed a rousing discussion, had lots of ideas and good opinions. It went without saying that we would always try to make him feel proud of us.

We never knew Dad without a mustache and freckles. As a boy, he had carrot-red hair, which, in his elderly days, turned to a nice sandy shade. He was Swedish, and tall (6’-1”). Dad asked for nothing and gave everything for his family.

Most of his working years, I remember Dad wearing a white shirt and tie and doing accounting work. He had a two-year degree from the University of Chicago and mostly worked in the offices at Graver Tank Car and at the Board of Trade in Chicago. His last few working years, he worked at Amaizo. He could handle any repairs around the house too. You name it, we thought Dad could do anything and we could call on him at any time.

Everyone that knew Julius, knew what a kind man he was. He always hummed a happy tune. Though money was tight, we never felt that we lacked any necessities and we felt safe. If ever there was now an angel in heaven, it is Dad.

Annette (Gordon) Dorn


In remembrance of Joseph Lapinskas, Sr.

My dad was a blythe spirit. Likely as not, he had a sparkle in his eyes and a song on his lips no matter when you met him. It was a rare occasion not to hear dad singing while doing some work around the house. I remember a few days before his funeral, I was outside on my parents' porch and in my mind there was song and immense joy. I smiled and said, "Dad? You are making me happy, but this is your funeral!!!" He was telling me that he was delighted to be free of his coil and enjoying his freedom from all the bodily pain he had. He stayed around me and the family until his coffin was lowered into the ground. However, I never felt the immense grief of mourning for my father. He took care of that pain by reassuring me that he was delighted to be free and there was no doubt that this was true.

My dad taught me how to drive, and to this day people comment on what a good driver I am. One of dad's sayings regarding driving translates loosely into, "Let the idiot have the right of way." This way you were assured of staying out of trouble. And in today's road rage freeways, it's the safest thing to do.

The work ethic of my dad was phenomenal. They arrived in this country with two children and two steamer trunks, all their worldly possessions. In a matter of years my parents had saved up enough money to tithe the church, pay for our Catholic grade school education, pay for a Catholic high school and send us both to college. And then some. They never had their hands out for help. In fact, others would come to them for help.

I found out after his death that many people knew and loved my dad. He always had a smile or a good word or two to say to the teller, the postman, the grocer. In the ten years since his death, I kept my promise to him to take care of my mother. Now that they are both together again, that obligation has been dispelled.

It's just
a memory;
laughter, joy, sunshine bright
a lifetime of remembrance now,
My dad.

In loving memory, Joseph Lapinskas, Sr. (March 16, 1911 - April 7, 1996)

Rima (Lapinskas) Curry


Hi Pappa Bear......Gene Saczawa

Well, it’s been a long time since I wrote ya, Dad. Ya know how it is, always something going on.
The kids or the grandkids. Work at home or somewhere else. It’s that time of the year again, Father’s Day.
Just wanted to let ya know that I’m still thinking of you. Wanted to send ya a small gift, but was afraid it wouldn’t make it.
Tried to call, but didn’t get through. Maybe it was the long distance between us.
Was thinking about you just the other day again, especially that last time at the hospital when I saw you. You were on that machine for your blood filtering again. I always remember that laughing smile and the waving hand, as I went home that day.
How would I have known that a week later, I would be back to pay my final farewell. It’s been almost eight years now Dad, and it seems like only yesterday. Thanks for all that you have done for me. Promise to keep up your funny and helpful reputation.
Take care up stairs, and try not to party too much. Don’t want ya getting into any trouble, be careful that they don’t throw ya out.
All the best Pappa Bear, Happy Father’s Day.
Your Son, Ron

Ron Saczawa


My Hero, Ann Potasnik

I don't know where to begin to pay tribute to the wonderful mother God has given to me. She has been such an inspiration to me in my life in so many ways. She's been my co-creator, supporter, encourager and, in my adult years, my best friend. She's been good to me, kind, loving and thoughtful. She has a gentle spirit, beautiful smile and sweet nature. Her heart is loving and faith-filled. She has always been "my Betty Crocker." I guess my tribute actually boils down to one thing - - my Mom is my hero!"

Janet Potasnik


I Remember Mama...Helen Lapinskas

It's spring and Mama would already have had her flower garden planted. Mama loved her garden. Every spring she planted a variety of flowers but the ones that were the most "magical" to me were the marigolds, ever since I was a child. Each fall she would save the seeds from that growing season and plant them in the spring. Nothing special, she would just take a spot in her garden and sow a handful or two of her seeds. Then in a matter of weeks, the sprouts would pop up. When they were at least two inches high, she would gently separate them out and replant them throughout her garden, touches of gold, orange and burnt umber to enhance red and white geraniums, pink begonias, and a variety of petunias.

Last June, Mama gave up her independence and sold her home in Indiana Harbor and she came to live with us in California. The day I took the bag of seeds from her basement I had no idea that I would be planting a memorial garden for her. I just planned that she would continue to grow her marigolds at my house.

Last week, I took out a handful of seeds and sowed them into the ground where I am planning my own garden. The sprouts are popping up and each time I visit, the smile that rushes to my lips is genuine anticipation of marigolds...in memory of Mama, who died on March 14, 2006. By Mother's Day I should have some seedlings which, while not a bouquet yet, are the flowers I am sending to my Mama this year, along with this special card on her day.

I love and miss you, Mama. Happy Mothers Day!

Rima (Lapinskas) Curry


‘Mother's Day’ - Veronica Saczawa

Many Mothers are good and kind, the best of course, is always mine.
Her gentle tap across my back, always reminds me how to act.
When I dirty up her pots and pans, she looks at me, and wants to break my hands.
She’s still kicking, and driving a car, but at 81 years, you wonder how far.
Still giving advice, even though it’s hard to hear.
Understanding only what she wants to, and it’s usually clear.
Worrying about what the neighbors do, and hanging on the phone.
Not much left to do,when you’re all alone.
She’s still the greatest, and always there when you need help.
Been through a lot in her life for us, the work she has done is well felt.
So when she’s gone and passed away, I will always remember what she used to say.
Continue to clean up and help at home. Be glad you have a Ma, that doesn’t like to roam.
Cherish her now while you can; for those that are no longer with us,
Don’t worry, she’s in God’s hands.

Poem written by Ron Saczawa


REMEMBER:
Grandma used to set her hot baked apple pies on the window sill to cool.
Her granddaughters set theirs on the window sill to thaw.


I don't think our kids know what an apron is. The principal use of Grandma's apron was to protect the dress underneath, but along with that, it served as a potholder for removing hot pans from the oven. It was wonderful for drying childrens' tears, and on occasion was even used for cleaning out dirty ears. From the chicken coop, the apron was used for carrying eggs, fussy chicks, and sometimes half-hatched eggs to be finished in the warming oven. When company came, those aprons were ideal hiding places for shy kids. And when the weather was cold, grandma wrapped it around her arms. Those big old aprons wiped many a perspiring brow, bent over the hot wood stove. Chips and kindling wood were brought into the kitchen in that apron. From the garden, it carried all sorts of vegetables. After the peas had been shelled, it carried out the hulls. In the fall, the apron was used to bring in apples that had fallen from the trees. When unexpected company drove up the road, it was surprising how much furniture that old apron could dust in a matter of seconds. When dinner was ready, Grandma walked out onto the porch, waved her apron, and the men knew it was time to come in from the fields to dinner. It will be a long time before someone invents something that will replace that "old-time apron" that served so many purposes.

Author Unknown


A Heavenly Occasion this year – Rosemary Gordon

An apron always reminds me of my mother, Rosemary Gordon, who passed away at age 88 in May, 2005, after suffering for over ten years with alzheimers. Mom, with Dad, raised seven children but never drove a car. She used to say she logged enough miles just going from the front door to the back door, keeping order with such a large family. On any given day, Mom could be found in the kitchen, cooking and baking the most delicious meals from scratch. Pot roasts, stews, her own french fries, homemade noodles, pies, cinnamon rolls, coffee cakes, cream puffs. Why, she even made her own pizzas, including the crust. Mom thought pizza was overpriced when it first came out and she merely made her own! Not only did that kitchen feed our stomachs, but our hearts and souls - - more ideas were expressed, more problems were solved, and more discussions on any and every topic were settled in that room. Yes, I still have some of Mom’s aprons in my linen closet - - not to “wear” or “use,” but, when I straighten my linen closet, it always takes me down memory lane and reminds me of my Mom’s love and pride in her family. Happy 1st Mother’s Day in heaven, Mom. I’ll always love and remember you.

Annette (Gordon) Dorn


I Remember - Monica Stocki

Monica Stocki, my mother, passed away December 2, 2004 at the age of 89. Her legacy, lovingly given to my two sisters and myself, was one of strong faith and determination to always do any job to the best of your ability. She worked equally hard at anything she tried. Whether it was her job at Givens Mfg. in E.C. (subsidiary of Haggar), caring for her mother-in-law, doing housework, fishing, cooking or doing "fancy work" (her catch-all name for tatting, crocheting, knitting and embroidery), she gave it her all. Until the end, she sought reassurance that she had done a good job as a mother. In the last few years, her mind frequently slipped its hold on reality, but she kept praying and doing. She couldn’t bear to sit still. When most people her age would sit back and enjoy a nice nap in the afternoon, she would berate herself for being lazy if she did doze. When she moved into Assisted Living, she bugged the staff for jobs to do until they reluctantly gave in and let her fold napkins or water the plants. She even gave crocheting lessons to a couple of the staff. I will always remember her sweet smile, but even more I remember the energy she brought to everyday life and the joy she had in a job well done. I miss her terribly on these beautiful spring days, but know that she’s busy in heaven, probably fluffing up the clouds or polishing haloes.

Thelma (Stocki) Matthew


Mom was my biggest fan! - - Alfreda "Freda" Gerbas

Being derby week here in KY...I can fondly remember my Mom telling me she waited till just after the derby before having me! JET PILOT won the Kentucky Derby just 2 days before I was born! Mom made my first connection with the horses when I was about 10. We never missed singing "My Old Kentucky Home" on the first Saturday in May! Went to the old Washington Park and Arlington when I was a kid to watch the horses run!

Today Kentucky is my home, I spent 40 years as a jet pilot and have my horses right out my door! "Heaven on earth!" I know Mom can look down and feel proud of her little boy! Thanks, Mom! "They just don't make them like you anymore!"

John Gerbas


“My Mother had so much energy” - - LaVerne Kelly

As I am quickly approaching 60 years, I wonder how she did it. Mother went back to work when I was in the third grade. I remember being unhappy and wanting a Mom that was there when you got home from school. That experience of staying with neighbors opened my eyes to what a unique Mom I had. There was always laughter around my Mom. Any situation which came our way was always dealt with a calm manner and humor. It was greatly needed as my Irish father would yell first and ask questions later!

She was such an adventurer. I remember her learning to drive by just taking the car and driving it. Learning the finer points by trial and error! But that opened up a whole new world. Not unlike having a flying carpet. She was ready for any opportunity that presented itself. She loved life and showed her children the way it was done. Christmas was her specialty and with her complete unselfishness, she gave us wonderful memories and an excitement about the holiday. Our own two daughters love to remember and tell about “Grandma’s Christmas” which was magical to them.

Mom always worked and one of my friends says she was the modern woman preferring to work so we might have the luxuries above the basics. I know it was sometimes difficult for her, as it is for any working mom, to juggle everything at work and home, but her kids were always first and she was so generous. Somehow we missed the ordeal called “terrible teens” when girls rebel against their mothers. It never occurred to me that she might be wrong or could do it better.

I was always thankful for her, but worry now that I didn’t tell her enough. When she was so ill and in and out of comas, I didn’t hold her hand enough. I didn’t brush her hair off her face enough and suddenly it was too late for anything but tears. Time does heal somewhat and now I can laugh with my brother over so many hilarious schemes she master minded and how many secrets the three of us kept from my father. But all I need is to hear her favorite hymn “How Great Thou Art” to be reduced to a puddle.

My Mother was an exceptional woman. I learned from her. I received my grounding from her and I truly hope I have made her proud. One thing I’ve learned since her death is that you learn to live with it, but you never get over it.

Colleen (Kelly) Morgan


My Mom, Theresia (Tess) Rieder

Last week I saw someone that I hadn't seen for awhile and she remarked how much I looked and sounded like my Mom. Or, sometimes people will tell me that I'm just like my Mom in the things I do. There was a time when I'd think, "Oh no, don't say that!" Now, I know it's the best compliment anyone could give me. Sure wish that she was still here so I could have told her that. Funny how even as our eyesight is getting worse, we are able to see things so much clearer.

Marilyn (Rieder)Ambos


“Happy Mother’s Day" - - Margaret Mary O’Dea Engle

My mother is slowly slipping away. Not due to any major disease like cancer or coronary problems; in fact, she is extremely healthy except for one thing – the insidious, heartless decline of Alzheimer’s.

She raised 8 children under stressful conditions with the loving support of her mother, Mary Herbertine Durkin O’Dea, and the rest of her close-knit Irish family. She cooked and canned, laundered and cleaned, as most Moms did in the 50’s and 60’s, but she sometimes worked at her father’s furniture store and the South Shore Country Club, washing even more dishes after the weekend golf outings.

In 1968 she began a career with Avon that continues today with the help of my youngest sister Jeanne. Mom can’t write orders any more, but she is still a whiz at math! She stopped driving 2 years ago, but had been in the President’s Circle most of the time and created all the displays for the monthly regional meetings to introduce new products. She identified so strongly with her career that last summer she even introduced herself to our priest, whom she knew as a child, as “Your mother’s Avon lady.”

She is gradually losing short-term memory and goes through motions and “scripts” that could be tiresome if she weren’t our mother. Sometimes she is uncharacteristically aggressive which is another symptom of this disease. So mostly we ignore the outburst and lead her through her daily tasks as she once led us. She now has 24-hour care after her tumble down the basement stairs last November, so we 7 who live in Indiana take turns staying one weekend day to help defray the cost. It is a blessing to spend this time with her, even if she can’t always remember if we were there or not. At the soul level, we connect and she knows and understands ALL.

Elaine Engle Bielefeld


“"In Remembrance of Irene Makarowski"

Mom, all that I am or had hoped to be, you had a lot to do to motivate me. I pray you're enjoying the presence of our Creator! Happy Mother's Day..... your son John.

John Makarowski


“Roadster Ride for Mom" - - Stelle Koszis

Here’s a picture that serves to remind me of Mom (see PHOTO ALBUM Section of our class website). It's no secret that I've had an addiction to cars, specifically "hot rods" since I was quite young. I got my first ride in a hot rod in 1958 and I've been hooked ever since. I've built a few here in southern California. The picture is of my mother in one of the '32 Fords that I've built. I called her one Sunday afternoon to tell her that I was going to pick her up at her apartment in a bit and to wear a scarf because it would be chilly on the ride home. She didn't know about the hot rod and thought that I was going to give her a ride on my Harley, so assembled a group of neighbors to wait with her for her "ride." I pulled up in the hot rod, and the mental age of the "senior citizens" gathered there dropped 50 years! She had a ball waving goodbye to her friends. The second picture (also posted under the PHOTO ALBUM Section) is of the dashboard of my current car, another '32 Ford. It's a memorial to "Charlie and Stelle," my parents, who fostered my love of all things mechanical, and life in general.

Charles (Chick) Koszis


“My Mom" - Amanda Grandgenett

Mom, Grandma, Great Grandma, school teacher, real estate agent, gardener, quilter, and the best cook I ever knew are just a few descriptions of my Mom. She never kept quiet about what she wanted for me, but when I didn't follow the path she hoped I would, she was o.k. with it and supported me in the choices I made. She never said it, but I know she was a little skeptical when she discovered I was going to marry a guy who not only didn't drive a Chevy, but was a Republican to boot! It is a good thing he was Catholic! As it turned out, they were very close. Her love and fierce loyalty for her family and her work ethic were great values that she possessed and has passed on to us kids. Some things she said used to drive me crazy and I know she is laughing her wings off when she hears me say the same things! I miss her terribly, but she's pain free now and I know that she is perfectly happy where she is. Other moms who became very special to me during my short time in Indiana were Mrs. Rieder, Mrs. Wagner and Mrs. Potasnik. God Bless all of our moms!

LaDonna (Grandgenett) Housh


“MA’S MOTHER’S DAY POEM – 2003 - "X-MOMS RELOADED"


SHE’S IN THE MIDDLE OF A WET DREAM , AND JUMPS OUT OF THE BED.
HER BLOOD PRESSURE IS RISING, HER FACE IS ALL RED.

THE NIGHTGOWN IS FULL OF SWEAT, WRINKLED AND RIPPED.
HER PILLOW IS ON THE DRESSER, ALL THE PICTURES ARE TIPPED.

THE BEDSPREAD IS HANGING ON THE FAN ABOVE HER HEAD.
MAYBE SOMEONE TRIED TO RAPE ME, AND NOW I’M DEAD.

MANY THINGS ARE NOW GOING AROUND IN HER MIND.
WAS IT SPIRITS, GHOSTS OR SOME OTHER EVIL KIND.

SHE GRABS HER ROSARY, HOLDS IT TIGHT IN HER HAND.
RUNS OUT OF THE BEDROOM , AS FAST AS SHE CAN.

INTO THE LIVING ROOM NOW, AND WHAT DOES SHE SEE.
TWO MONKEYS SITTING ON THE SOFA, MILKING A DONKEY.

RUSHES TO THE KITCHEN , AND LOW AND BEHOLD...
HUNDREDS OF BIRDS SITTING ON THE TABLE, AWAITING THEIR GOLD.

LOOKS OUT THE KITCHEN WINDOW, WHAT DOES SHE SEE.
THREE ELEPHANTS NEXT TO THE BIRD BATH, TAKING A PEE.

SHAKING IN HER SHOES, SHE NOW LETS OUT A CRY.
JESUS, PLEASE HELP ME. I KNOW NOT WHY.

HE APPEARS TO HER, GRABS HER HAND,AND SAYS…
ON THE NIGHT BEFORE "MOTHER’S DAY" REMEMBER
THIS FOREVER IN YOUR HEAD.

"DON’T EVER DRINK WARM SOUR MILK & EAT STALE COOKIES
BEFORE GOING TO BED!"

RGDS, THE SON OF GENE/RON
AKA Ron Saczawa

Note: Ron claims his psycho poem wasn't written back in the Woodstock years - - he wrote this prose in 2003 because Mom likes to laugh! Thanks for sharing, Ron!

Helen Lapinskas, mother of Rima Lapinskas Curry, passed away on March 14, 2006, following a short illness. Last year Rima was able to convince her mother to move in with her and Steve in California, selling her home in Indiana Harbor. They will now accompany her body as they fly her back to The Region to be buried in the Lithuanian Cemetery in Lemont, IL., alongside her father whose 10-year death anniversary is just three weeks away.

Please remember Helen, and keep Rima and Steve in your thoughts and prayers as they mourn her loss. May Helen Lapinskas rest in peace. The Currys may be reached at curryus2@verizon.net.

Here is the latest update concerning my cancer treatment. I begin today, Monday, March 13th, my 4th week of chemo and radiation. I have a total of 13 radiation treatments left...but who’s counting? The doctors seemed somewhat baffled as I seem to be one of those rare cases of an individual not suffering from the many side effects of this regimen of radiation and chemo given at the same. As of this posting my only side effect seems to be the constant state of being tired and I have found a very simple solution...sleep. Having never had an aversion to sleep, it’s almost like a vacation at times. But in all honesty, I sure would like it to come because of other reasons. After this next 2-1/2 weeks is over, I get a month rest from the treatment and then start back on a different chemo regimen given for 2 days only every other week for 4 months after which I will be completed with all treatment.

I know the answer to how I have gone through this time so far has been as a result of everyone’s prayer. I want to thank everyone, from those who have said the simplest of prayers, to rosaries, to those who have offered up Masses for my healing. They are what have sustained me and have encouraged me more than anything. Thank you to all of you!

I will post again at the end of the treatment in 2-1/2 weeks. Once again I truly thank all of you for your support.

In His Love,
John

Tina is home from the hospital after yet another surgery on her leg. She is self-administering IVs four times per day to battle any infection and will go in yet again for surgery to remove antibiotic pellets in another week. She is trying to keep a positive attitude and is planning to dance at our 60th birthday party next year. She has a home e-mail of bialekh@aol.com. Her mailing address is 2718 Clough Street, Highland, IN 46322.

We're with you all the way, Madame President!

Well, today is a more glorious day than the others as today I am completely finished with this round of radiation and chemo treatments. To be unleashed from this chemo pack that I have been toting around for the last 5-1/2 weeks, 24/7 is a great joy. There were no side effects from the chemo and only a few minor ones that showed up at the very end due to the radiation. They should subside shortly. I have a month off before I start back on the next regimen of chemo treatment. That will be a more potent regimen. It will consist of eight total treatments. They will last for two days every other week. It begins on April 28th.

I thank every person who has prayed for me. I especially thank each one of you who took the time to either call me or send me a card or email me. I truly believe that this is what has sustained me through these 2-1/2 months. They have been the source of my healing process. Words are never a good source of communication, especially when the realities of life are being played out, but I want each and every one of you to know how incredibly special you are to me. I would ask that the Lord bless you as you have blessed me. Thank you for being there for me.

I will post again when treatment resumes.

In His Love,
John

Dale F. Madsen, age 65, died on April 5, 2006, surrounded by his family. Husband of our classmate Marilynn Cak Madsen, the couple were married for 34 years and have two grown children. The funeral was held at the Anthony & Dziadowicz Funeral Home, Munster, IN, with Rev. Michael Yadron officiating. Burial Holy Cross Cemetery, Calumet City, IL.

Dale was born on March 18, 1941, in Chicago, IL. He was a graduate of Dakota Wesleyan University in Mitchell, South Dakota. Dale was an accountant and a printer and he proudly served in the U.S. Army. He was a very devoted husband and father and enjoyed taking yearly vacations, especially to "the lake" in Minnesota to spend time with all his family. Dale had a great sense of humor and was loved and will be missed by all that knew him.

Condolences may be expressed to Marilynn and her family of Munster, IN, at mrsmam@sbcglobal.net.

Julia (nee Kita) Cieslak, age 87, late of Hegewisch, IN, entered into eternal life on April 16, 2006. Preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, Joseph "Zeke" Cieslak, she will be lovingly remembered and sadly missed by her sons, Tom (our classmate), Martin and Jim. Per her request, service and interment were private, handled by Sadowski Funeral Home, Hegewisch, IN.

Though we have no e-address for Tom, expressions of sympathy may be addressed to him at 13212 S. Exchange, Chicago, IL 60633.

Richard J. "Dick" Wojcinski, age 83, of Munster, IN, passed away on April 22, 2006. He is survived by his three children, our classmate David (Elaine) Wojcinski, Tim (Julie) Wojcinski, and Mary (Greg) Durbin, seven grandchildren and one great grandson. He was preceded in death by his wife, Rita M. Wojcinski, on May 8, 2005, his parents, and his sister, Sister M. Maxine Wojcinski, O.S.F.

Funeral services will be held on April 26 at 9:30AM at the Anthony & Dziadowicz Funeral Home, Munster, IN. Mass will be at 10AM at St. Thomas More Church, with Rev. Michael Yadron officiating. Entombment Holy Cross Mausoleum, Calumet City, IL. Visitation is from 2-4PM and 6-8PM on April 25 at the funeral home. Mr. Wojcinski was a retired foreman at Calumet Steel Castings.

Condolences may be addressed to David and his wife Elaine of Highland, IN, at w9ia@arrl.net.

To All of my Dear Classmates:

Tomorrow I start phase 2 of my chemo treatment. I have 8 treatments to go. They last for 2 days every other week so I will be finished with them the first week of August. I am thanking you ahead of time for all of your prayers. I am truly thankful for all of your prayers while I was going through the beginning of the process, the operation, the chemo and radiation treatment, and the subsequent recovery. All of you have been a great blessing to me. I thank you.

In His Love,
John

(John may be reached at preacherjohn@gnmonline.org).

Lawrence J. Herod of Munster, father of classmate Larry Herod of Las Vegas, NV, passed away on Saturday, May 6, 2006. Mr. Herod graduated from Roosevelt H.S. in 1938. He played the accordion as a teenager and performed at several "Showdown" appearances at that time. He also performed on WJOB in the 1930s, and made an appearance on the Frank Buck "Bring Them Back Again Buck" show in Chicago. Later in life, Mr. Herod played the electric organ and entertained family and friends with the good old songs from the 1930's, 40's and 50's.

Lawrence and his wife of 66 years, Eleanore, who survives him, spent their winters for the past 17 years in Kinston Shores, Ormand Beach, FL. He enjoyed surf fishing on the beach of the Atlantic Ocean. Many lasting friendships were made on the beach with fellow fishermen from all parts of the U.S. and Canada. Mr. Herod was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. He is retired from the International Brotherhood Teamsters Union, Local #142.

Besides his loving wife, Eleanore (Zolkos) Herod, he also leaves a son, Larry, a daughter Janice, and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held from St. Mary's Church in Griffith at 10 AM on May 10, with Rev. Theodore Mens officiating. Burial will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery. Visitation will be held on May 9, 4-8PM, at Kuiper Funeral Home, Highland, IN. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of the Calumet Area.

Condolences may be sent Larry, our classmate, at larryherod@aol.com.

Jacqueline (Kelley) Lendabarker, age 80, of Calumet City, IL, mother of classmate Randy Lendabarker, passed away. Visitation will be on Friday, February 24, 2006, at the Hennessy-Nowak Funeral Home, 400 Pulaski Rd. (154th St.), Calumet City, IL, from 2-5PM and 7-9PM. Chapel service will be held on Saturday at 10AM at the Funeral Home. Interment will be at Oakland Memory Lanes Cemetery.

Jacqueline was very active in the Calumet City Little League, past president of school district #155, and a devoted animal lover.

Condolences may be directed to Randy and Helen Lendabarker and their family of Sauk Village, IL, at randy4486@aol.com.

Anne (Hamnik) Curosh, mother-in-law to Charlene Simaga Curosh, passed away on February 22, 2006, at St. Margaret's, Hammond, IN. Anne's husband, Joseph L. Curosh, Sr., died in 1970.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, February 24, at 9:30AM at the Baran Funeral Home, 1235 119th St., Whiting, IN, with a Mass at 10AM at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Whiting, IN. Rev. John Kalicky will be officiating. Burial will be at St. John Cemetery, Hammond, IN. Visitation will be at the funeral home on Thursday from 4-8PM.

Anne Curosh was a life long resident of the Calumet Region, a graduate of E.C. Washington H.S., Class of 1935.

Condolences may be expressed to Charlene and Joseph Curosh, Jr. of Whiting, IN, at cmcurosh@sbcglobal.net.

Be careful what you wish for! According to “The Times” newspaper on February 16, 2006, our classmate friend, Barb Pszczola Mattingly of Crete, IL, sets her aspirations high as the Principal of Orchard Drive Elementary School in Hammond, IN. Knowing how important good reading skills are to every student's future, she devised the perfect incentive to crank it up another notch. Barb decided to propose a prize to the entire student body and here was the deal. For every book that a student read at home, they received a musical note. If there were enough musical notes to circle the school building, the Principal would dress like ELVIS!

Well, in no time at all, it was time, no, not for the “Jailhouse Rock,” but for Barb to “pay up” her end of the bargain with a musical school assembly that had the schoolhouse rocking! Complete with black leather and gold lame`, sunglasses and slicked-back hair, Barb figured “It’s Now or Never,” and had to “Surrender” to her offer. The kids knew she’d be “All Shook Up,” but they had a point, “Don’t Be Cruel,” we won it fair and square. Yet, deep down each student also knew that Ms. Mattingly did “Love Me Tender,” and her desire for me to aspire to be all that I can be was a “Good Luck Charm,” that would help now and in the future! Teachers exclaimed that they could see improvement in the students’ work since the reading initiative began. The top readers in each class received, no, not “Blue Suede Shoes,” or a “Hound Dog,” but baskets with books and other prizes. And, we’re sure the students would say, just as Elvis would say at the end of a perfect performance, thank you very much!

Barb may be reached for autographs at blm447@yahoo.com. Oh, and Barb, better hang on to your Elvis impersonator garb - - we just might need you to perform "It's Now or Never" as a great backup to our invitation to all '65 Jivers to join in on our group "Big Six-Oohhh Birthday Bash" in the summer of 2007!

How appropo - - the Home Page of our Class Website is scouting for ideas to remedy the “Cabin Fever Blues” and today’s local newspaper shows that one of our favorite Jivers has found a unique way. Yes, our fellow classmate, Jim Wieser of Wieser, Sterba & Wyllie Law Firm, is pictured in an article entitled, “The Times All-Star Ballroom Dance Challenge.” Stepping up in a big way, the contest states, “Ever wanted to dance like a star? Win a chance to compete along with local celebrities!” Of course, being friends with the family that operates the Second Street Dance Studio in Schererville, IN, made it hard for Jim to turn his pals down. Let us know how you do, Jim, at the February 23, 2006, contest at the Radisson Hotel, in Merrillville, IN. (Hey, that’s where we had our 38th Class Reunion)! Get the steps to the “Tango” and an upbeat “Cha-Cha-Cha” perfected so that you can help us all “swing” at our upcoming group BNI ’65 Six-Oohhh(!!!) Birthday Bash in the summer of 2007! Madonna may have turned a few heads with her “Tango” in the 1996 release of the movie "Evita," and, a weekly Dancing with the Stars television program has added hype to dancing competition, but, on a local level - - you’re OUR Star! John Travolta beware!

If nothing else, Jim, you can always hope that your “name recognition” and a healthy sunny glow will carry you through - - it worked wonders for George Hamilton! See ya at the tanning salon. Just jesting, Jim - - have fun and good luck with the competition. We’ll be rooting for you!!!

If you wish to "cheer him on," Jim may be reached at wieserjl@yahoo.com.

I wanted to send a thank you to everyone, as well as this week’s update.

First, I thank each and every one of you who sent an e-mail with your concerns, prayers, and encouragement. As much as I would like to thank you personally, my strength and energy at this time prohibit me from doing that. Please know that I am eternally grateful to each of you for taking the time to encourage me and to pray for me and my family during this new part of my journey. Thank you.

It seems that this is the week when I really get to know each of my doctors up close and personal. The latest is that the preparation work for both radiation and chemotherapies is finalized this week and treatment is to begin for both on February 20. On a scale of 1 – 10, physically I feel about a 7 because my energy level is so low; emotionally, I am at about a 9 and spiritually a 10. I know that God has a plan for this part of my life and I look forward, hopefully with a great awareness, of what it is.

Once again, I thank everyone for being such a blessing to me.

In His Love, John

(Personal words of cheer and camaraderie may be sent to John at preacherjohn@gnmonline.org).

Our classmate, John Schweisthal of Florida, is facing the biggest challenge of his life and we all rally behind him with get well wishes. If positive vibes and the power of prayer and the rosary can aid John on the road to a swift recovery, we're on! Hang tough, John, and stay strong. The e-address for John is preacherjohn@gnmonline.org.

Following is the latest update from John himself.

Dear Elaine, I want to thank you for being so kind in sending my e-mails to everyone. You are an incredible blessing to me. Here is the latest update as of this morning. If you would be so kind to post it to everyone I would greatly appreciate it.

2/2/06 Update: It has been 14 days since the operation and 7 days since I left the hospital. On a level of 1 - 10, I feel about a 6. I had no idea how devastating an operation this was to me physically. You know the proverbial truck, well not only did it run over me but it backed up and stayed for a while. Regarding the operation itself, the surgeon was satisfied with the removal of all the cancer that he could see. The tumor itself was bigger than a baseball. The pathology report showed that I have a stage 3 cancer which means that it has gotten into the lymphatic system. A stage 3 cancer given the right treatment, etc. has a 70% cure rate meaning no reoccurrence of the cancer. They do not think it has gotten into any of the major organs. In a few weeks I begin a very tough and aggressive 6-month chemotherapy and radiation treatment.

All my scheduled ministry engagements, including my mission at St. Thomas More in Munster, have been canceled until September. Hopefully, that mission will be rescheduled for the fall of 2006 after treatment is completed.

I truly want to thank everyone that has prayed for me. I believe that prayer is an important part of the treatment process so I thank everyone who took the time to offer up a prayer for me. I would ask especially over the next 6 months that you would continue to pray for a complete healing.

I also want to thank everyone for their e-mails of support and prayer. You have no idea what an encouragement they were and still are.

I will post an update in a week or so.

Your friend, John

Lauretta Bulfer, age 85, of Munster, IN, mother of classmate Kathy (Bulfer) (late Edwin) Mankey, passed away on December 21, 2005.

Funeral service will be held Friday, December 23, at 9:30 AM from the Burns-Kish Funeral Home, 8415 Calumet Avenue, Munster, IN, with 10 AM Mass from St. Thomas More Church, Fr. Michael Yadron officiating. Interment, Chapel Lawn Memorial Gardens, Schererville, IN. Visitation will be Friday from 9-9:30 AM at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to the American Lung Association in her memory would be appreciated. Kathy (Bulfer) Mankey resides in Aurora, Colorado, and may be reached at kmm304@comcast.net.

Spending many hours donating her time and love to caring for babies being fostered at the Nazareth Home of St. Catherines Hospital in East Chicago, IN, Eileen is now the proud grandmother of her own little bundle of pink! Breanne Madison McKern arrived on January 10, 2006, at 5:39PM, weighing 7#-15ozs, 20 inches long. Everyone is doing great: Baby, proud parents Shawn and Candi McKern, proud big brother Dillan, and, of course, proud grandma Eileen.

What a precious way to start the New Year! Congrats and best wishes to all! Eileen may be reached at eimac7@aol.com.

Thomas Francis Hazel of Merrillville, IN, passed away on January 19, 2006, at the age of 84. Survivors include sons Thomas and Timothy, and daughter Carol Jean Morris; two sisters, M. Patricia Hazel of Merrillville, IN, and Mary Hazel of Cobourg, Ontario, Canada. His daughter, our classmate, Sharon (Hazel) Kolbe preceded him in death.

Mr. Hazel was formerly employed by LTV Steel and was a WWII veteran. Funeral services will be in Cobourg, Ontario, Canada. Burns-Kish Funeral Home, Munster, IN, handled arrangements.

Classmate John Schweisthal of Margate, Florida, announced to me on January 4, 2005, that he was diagnosed with colon cancer only yesterday. John will have major surgery to correct this condition on January 19, followed by a month or two of recuperation. Your goodwill and prayers would be appreciated by this special classmate of ours. Please remember John when you lower your head, and if you wish to share a thought with John, his e-address is preacherjohn@gnmonline.org.
Ted PanDeva Zagar

Carl C. Sowa, age 90, of Highland, IN, father of Mary Ellen (Sowa) West, passed away on December 30, 2005. He was preceded in death by his wife, Genevieve "Gene" Sowa in 1986.

Funeral services were held on January 3, 2006, at the Fagen-Miller Funeral Home, Highland, IN, with a funeral mass at Our Lady of Grace Church, Rev. Edward Moszur and Rev. Francis Lazar officiating. Interment Calumet Park Cemetery, Merrillville, IN.

Carl was a member of Our Lady of Grace Church, the Holy Name Society, the Highland Seniors and the Highland Democratic Club. He retired from Standard Railway Company after 35 years of service.

Condolences may be sent to Mary Ellen at mewest189@yahoo.com.

The mother of classmate Justine (Kluga) Biesczat, Bernice (Wisniewska) Kluga, age 92, of East Chicago, IN, passed away on December 20, 2005, at St. Catherine's Hospital in East Chicago.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, December 23, at 9:30 AM from Oleska-Pastrick Funeral Home, 3934 Elm St., East Chicago, IN, with Mass at 10 AM at St. John Cantius Church, East Chicago. Burial will be at St. John-St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, Hammond, IN.

Mrs. Kluga was a longtime resident of East Chicago. She was a member of the St. John Cantius Church, including being a member of the Senior Citizens Club and the St. Cecelia Choir. She was a longtime secretary for the St. John Cantius Church, working with Fr. Val Janeczek.

Justine and her husband Don Biesczat reside in Griffith, IN.

Mrs. Vione "Vi" Agnes Kelly, age 90, of Plymouth, IN, formerly of Griffith, IN, passed away on December 9, 2005. She is survived by her sons Patrick (Margie) Kelly of East Chicago, IN, and Charles (Lynne) Kelly of Center, TX, daughter, Mary Anne (Gene) Henke of Warrenton, MO, daughters-in-law Bernadine (Marty) Nemeth of Ft. Collins, CO, and Barbara Kelly of Homewood; 13 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren; sisters Catherine (John) Flood of Huntington Beach, CA, Sr. Margaret Hannon, PHJC, and Sr. Mary Frances Boby, PHJC, both of Donaldson, IN. Preceded in death by her husband, James M, and three sons, James, Martin and Robert.

After visitation on December 12 at the Burns-Kish Funeral Home, Griffith, IN, the funeral service was held on December 13 at St. Mary Church in Griffith, IN, with burial at Calumet Park Cemetery, Merrillville, IN.

Mrs. Kelly was a graduate of St. Francis College in Joliet, IL.
A former BNI teacher beloved by many Nollites including us Jivers, she was the first lay teacher at Bishop Noll Institute to attain the goal of teaching at BNI for 50 years! She was one of the first inductees into the Bishop Noll Hall of Honor and was a 20-year associate of PHJC ministry. Donations may be made to the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ Ministry, R.R.#1, Donaldson, IN 46513 or to BNI in her memory.

May she rest in eternal peace.

Monday, November 28, 2005, brought Barb her first granddaughter, Ashley Renee, who weighed in at 8 lbs and 19-1/2 inches. Barb says her daughter is doing fine and Ashley joins Nolan and Simon in stealing Gramma's heart.
Congratulations to all!

Robert F. Bartczak, age 87, of East Chicago, IN, passed away on Friday, November 11, 2005. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, November 15, at 9:30 AM at the Lesniak Funeral Home, 4918 Magoun Ave., E.C., IN, with 10 AM Mass at St. Stanislaus Church, Rev. Bruno Socha officiating. Burial, Holy Cross Cemetery, Calumet City, IL.

Friends may call at the Lesniak Funeral Home for visitation on Monday, November 14, from 2-5PM and 7-9PM.

Mr. Bartczak was a longtime resident of East Chicago, a retired employee of U.S. Steel Company with 45 years of service, and a Veteran of WWII U.S. Navy 71st Seabees.

Joan (Bartczak) Cannon and husband Ray reside in Andover, Massachusetts, and may be reached at jbc5117@aol.com.

Frank's youngest brother, Michael, died last week from medical complications after surgery for a brain tumor. His death in November, 2005, also leaves behind brother Patrick '67, and sister Sheila '70. Frank can be reached at dixonf@ameritech.net.

The father of classmate Michael Daumer, LeRoy "Mike" Daumer, age 85, of Munster, IN, passed away on October 3, 2005, after a long illness. The funeral mass was held on October 7 at St. John Bosco Church, Hammond, IN, with Fr. Richard Orlinski officiating. Mr. Daumer was a veteran of WWII and was awarded the Purple Heart for injuries received on July 4, 1944, while in action in Normandy. He was a professional artist best known for his oil and watercolor paintings of the Indiana Dunes. Mr. Daumer was a parishioner at St. John Bosco Church for more than 50 years and he donated several works of art to the parish. Mike especially enjoyed fishing with family and friends at Island Lake near Northome, MN. Classmate Michael and his wife Christine (Kozlowski) Daumer reside in Crown Point, IN. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that a donation in Mr. Daumer's name be made to Catholic Family Charities.

Excited grandmother-again LaDonna Grandgenett Housh announces the birth of Ryan Anthony Kremer who weighed in at 9 lbs-7 oz on September 28, 2005. Daughter Rene, her husband Tim, brothers Joey, Michael and sister Grace are all doing fine! If you would like to send a greeting, LaDonna's e-mail address is houshmtd@aol.com. Congratulations to all!

Knowing that classmate Joe Brzezinski and wife Vera reside in Tuscaloosa, AL, where Joe is an Alabama State Trooper, we were anxious to hear news that all was well with the family after the wrath of Hurricane Katrina. We are sharing Joe's recent response, as follows:

Vera and I are doing fine. We had no damage to our home. A few others in our neighborhood sustained some, but only minor. The worst we had to contend with was having no electricity for 14 hours. Other than that, just a lot of debris to clean up. The city had around 600 trees down. There were several cars destroyed and other homes and apartments damaged. Some injuries, but no deaths here. Overall, we faired quite well.

I was sent to western, coastal Mississippi on September 7, 2005, and returned home on September 16. Our mission was to support the local police, supply food and water to those in need, and search for bodies. We worked 16-hour days, slept in a high school locker room, ate in the open or in the school cafeteria, and drove 85 miles to and from our assigned area. The area along the coast there, and elsewhere, is utterly devastated. Unless you've seen this type of destruction in person, you really don't have a clue to how terrible something like this is. Entire neighborhoods completely destroyed. Carpet bombing B-52s could not have been more destructive. People searching through their property for a cherished heirloom or pet. People sitting near the remnants of their homes, housed in tents or under tarps, with bottled water and MREs stacked nearby. No phone service, neither land line nor cell. People cleaning their yards, cutting trees, even mowing their lawns. Anything they could do to reach some semblance of normalcy.

I met some of the most stoic, yet nicest people Ive ever seen. People with next to nothing left, telling us to take the extra food we offered them to someone else who needed it more. People with a sense of humor who, when asked what we could help them get, would reply, "a can of electricity would be good", or "a new car for Christmas," or other such things. And always with a friendly face and smile, and a "thank you" for our service and efforts.

I could go on and on, about the young boy on a go-cart who led us to some houses in need of supplies; or the man who rode the storm out in a boat tied to a tree, who looked like he hadn't bathed in weeks and lives in his disabled van and tattered travel trailer; or the Vietnamese family, who barely speak English, asking for nothing more than help getting to the FEMA location so they could register for assistance.

There are stories and stories, and I was there for only a short while. The experience has left me humbled and thankful for what we have. What Katrina left us with was barely an inconvenience compared to what happened, and is still happening, to the people down there.

My partner and I took a lot of pictures while we were there. He still has the camera. Ill try to get them to you when I get them.

Thank you for your concern and interest. It's nice to know people are thinking of us.

Joe & Vera Brzezinski

(Note: If you wish to share your thoughts with Joe, he may be reached at jbrzezinski@dps.state.al.us).

In the wake of the terrible destruction that has occurred in our beautiful South, and, this being the anniversary of September 11, thought we’d interview and share the following message from our classmate and friend, Bob (Zabrecky) Breck, our New Orleans meteorologist for Fox TV Network.

Hi Bob - - So sorry to see all the destruction in your hometown, especially when it relates to WEATHER as we know how personal it all is to you and to your job responsibilities. We were relieved to learn that you have been “accounted for,” and did escape physical harm, though we know the emotional stress is heavy.

Perhaps you may wish to send along your words and express your feelings to assure us fellow classmates that you are “hanging in there.” We thank the good Lord that you are OK and hope for the best for everyone involved in the reconnecting, cleanup and renewal phases. May the SUN begin to shine again proudly on your precious New Orleans after this 2005 disaster.

Thanks, Annette . . . still in a state of disbelief. Here are some of my thoughts . . .

Dear Fellow Classmates:

When you train all your life to acquire the skills that will help you achieve or succeed in "Primetime" or "The Big Game," it is emotionally very frustrating to be unable to perform when that once in a lifetime moment arrives. Never have I felt as helpless or worthless or useless as on the night Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans. Three of the 4 major TV stations were knocked off the air when their transmitters flooded under the 15-20 foot storm surge. Mine was one of them. I was trained to provide information, yet I had no way to broadcast that information. We have been off the air now for two weeks as my station took in over 5+ feet of water. My wife evacuated two days before the storm and I joined her at her sister's house in Dallas. Our own townhome was on the other side of the levee that broke, but we still had 1-2 feet of water on our lowest floor. It will be many weeks before we can move back home.

The Creator teaches us many lessons in life. When my dearest Paula was taken from me 3+ years ago, I realized how unimportant material things really are. How much more precious is life, our kids and our families. When you look at this tragedy and you see all the suffering, get your loved ones close and give them a hug. You never know when tomorrow won't come . . . next time it could be you. Stay safe.

Bob Breck (Zabrecky) '65

Note: Bob and his wife Brenda joined us for our 2003 reunion and we were all so glad to visit with them. Unfortunately, they were not able to attend our 2005 reunion as it coincided with a yearly Benefit that Bob has chaired for years in New Orleans. See you "next time," dear friend. Bob may be reached at brecky@att.net.

Louise Swaim (nee Welch), age 92, mother of classmate Susan Swaim Paz of Hammond, IN, passed away at home on September 5, 2005. She is survived by her 4 children, 12 grandchildren, and 3 great-grandchildren.

Louise was born in Ft. Wayne, IN, where she grew up in a large, loving family. Louise moved to East Chicago, IN, where she completed nurse training at St. Catherine's Hospital. After marrying, she made her home in Hammond, IN, where she raised her family. Louise made her home with daughter Ellen for many years, the last years in Florida. Louise loved to watch the water, birds, and especially the sunsets. All of Louise's caregivers spoke of her sweetness and smile. Louise was a former member of Pi Sigma Phi Sorority and a member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Hammond. She attended St. Colimbkille Church in Ft. Myers, FL. Funeral services with Virgil Huber Funeral Home were private as per Louise's wishes. No "Fol de Ra" or "Rigamarole" for Louise. She will be missed by her family and friends.

The mother of Maxine Krygiel Nowobilski, Catherine M. Krygiel, age 91, of Lansing, IL, passed away on September 2, 2005. Funeral services were held on September 7 from the Schroeder-Lauer Funeral Home, Lansing, IL, to St. Andrew the Apostle Church, Calumet City, IL, for Mass of Christian Burial. Interment Calvary Catholic Cemetery, Edwardsville, IL. Mrs. Krygiel was a voracious reader and gardener. She enjoyed fishing in Angola, IN, and she enjoyed the outdoors. Donations may be made in Catherine's name to the Lansing Paramedics, Hospice of the Calumet Region, or St. Andrew the Apostle Church.

Maxine and Frank Nowobilski reside in Tinley Park, IL.

Helen Krause (nee Salek), age 90, of East Chicago, IN, the mother of classmate Carol Krause, passed away on Sunday, July 3, 2005. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, July 7, at 9:30 AM at the Lesniak Funeral Home, 4918 Magoun Ave., East Chicago, IN. There will be a 10 AM Mass at St. Stanislaus Church with Msgr. John Siekierski officiating. Burial Holy Cross Cemetery, Calumet City, IL. The wake will be at the Lesniak Funeral Home on Wednesday, July 6, from 3 - 8 PM. Mrs. Krause was born, raised and lived her entire life in the same house in East Chicago. She was a retired employee of Queen Anne Candy Company, with 36 years of service. Condolences may be sent to Carol, of Schererville, IN, at ckrause@ntcelectronics.com.

Genevieve "Jean" Marszalek Wojnarowicz, age 82, of Hammond, IN, mother of our classmate Larry, passed away on August 28, 2005. Funeral services were held on August 31 from the Anthony & Dziadowicz Funeral Home in north Hammond, with Mass at St. Casimir's Church, Rev. William O'Toole officiating. Burial Holy Cross Cemetery. Jean was a lifelong Hammond resident and a member of the St. Casimir's Ladies Rosary Society. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The Downs Syndrome Association of Northwest Indiana.

Larry and his wife Susan of Chesterton, IN, may be reached at lwojnarowicz@havey.com.

Margaret Ryder West, age 88, formerly of East Chicago, late of St. Anthony Nursing Home, Crown Point, IN, passed away on August 28, 2005. Margaret was the co-owner of Jack West's Tap in Hammond for 45 years. She also worked as a receptionist for "The Times" newspaper. Funeral services were held on September 2, at St. Anthony Nursing Home Chapel, with Rev. Myron Lowisz, OFM, officiating. Interment Ridgelawn Cemetery.

Our classmate, Lynn Flynn of Beaverton, Oregon, may be contacted at lynn00@msn.com.

TWINS! That's the word that Diane Deiotte Rockhill got from California when Diane's son and his wife gave birth on August 13, 2005. Twin girls, Page and Ryan, weighed in at 4#-13oz. The doctor said he had never delivered a set of twins where they both weighed the same. When they left the hospital a week later, they both weighed the same again, 4#-11oz. They had a well-baby checkup and both are now 6#-5oz. Looks like this family can be ready for double the pleasure, double the fun! Being new to the grandmother scene, Diane did the typical thing - - flew out to view the babies herself and stood over their cribs taking several pictures. Diane says, "I didn't think 24 was too many. You can never have too many pictures of your grandchildren!" Thanks to the beauty of our modern ways, daughter-in-law also keeps grandma updated, sending new poses through e-mail and through a Kodak photo account. No doubt, when Dennis, Diane's husband, gets his November vacation - - a straight path to California! The proud grandparents of Portage, IN, may be reached at dianedrockhill@cs.com.

"The Times" ran a feature story dated August 25, 2005, on classmates Dan and Mary Lou (Trgovich) Zurawski, "Prescription for Success at Fairmeadows Pharmacy." Dan, a pharmacist, says that much has changed since they started the business 30 years ago. After receiving his pharmacy degree from Purdue University, Dan worked as a pharmacist at St. Catherine's Hospital when he was named director of pharmacy at The Community Hospital in Munster, IN, when the hospital first opened. This led the way for Dan to open Fairmeadows Pharmacy adjacent to the nearby hospital. Dan says that now filling scrips is only a part of the job. Starting as a retail pharmacy, the focus is now on home care. Utilizing technicians for counting functions, medication management is more of a pharmacist's job today, both in terms of cost and researching reactions for those taking multiple medications. With the aging population, Congress has placed a real emphasis on the Medicare Part D program. Ten years ago, Zurawski opened Fairmeadows Home Health Center in Schererville, IN. That company sells hospital beds, oxygen, and supplies for respiratory and IV therapies. Health care is evolving and we are going with that program, says Dan. We contract with nurses to administer medication. We work with patients who need wound care and other more sophisticated care. Dan concludes, "The way we compete with the giant retailers is through personalized service."
Here's the link to the story, but it's too bad the photo doesn't appear online - - you could see how Mary Lou and Dan haven't changed at all since we walked the halls with them at BNI.
http://www.nwitimes.com/articles/2005/08/25/business/business/61fcd757fe48669a86257067007309f7.txt.

Patricia Ann "Pat" Marzec, age 58, of East Chicago, IN, passed away on August 17, 2005. She will be remembered as a loving daughter, sister, aunt and friend to many. She is survived by her mother, Agnes Marzec (nee Kmetz) of East Chicago and sister, Joyce (Dale) Szyndrowski and their children: Julie and Eric Szyndrowski, all of Plano, TX; many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Funeral services were held on August 22, from Fife Funeral Home, 4201 Indianapolis Blvd., East Chicago, with Mass at St. Mary's Church, East Chicago, Rev. Stephen Gibson and Rev. Frank Torres, concelebrating. Burial Holy Cross Cemetery, Calumet City, IL.

Pat was employed by P.H.J.C. Vocations Office, Indiana Harbor. She was past president of Bank Women, Chicago Chapter, a member of St. Mary's Church and St. Vincent DePaul Society and a lifelong resident of East Chicago. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to "Building with Mary" (St. Mary's Church Building Fund).

Angelo, Sr., of Cedar Lake/formerly of Hammond and East Chicago, age 86, the father of our deceased classmate Dr. A. Peter Bonaventura, passed away on July 12, 2005. Born and raised in East Chicago, IN, Angelo, Sr. attended Catholic Central H.S. (later known as BNI), went on the Loyola University and Indiana University, where he earned his Medical degree. He served in the U.S. Army and was stationed in the Phillipines and Japan. He and his wife, the late Wanda Kelleher, had 9 children, 8 of whom are living today, in addition to 26 grandchildren, and 9 great-grandchildren. Dr. Bonaventura began practicing medicine in the Indiana Harbor section of East Chicago in 1945. He later built and operated the Highland Clinic in Highland. He purchased land and developed Ventura Estates in St. John. He later acquired property that he developed into Palmira Golf Course and Palmira Estates in St. John, which he named after his beloved mother.

Visitation will be at Fagen Miller Funeral Home, 8580 Wicker Ave. (Rt.#41), St. John, IN, on Monday, July 18, 3-8PM. Mass will be celebrated by Fr. Charles Niblick at St. Maria Goretti Church in Dyer, IN, on Tuesday, July 19, 11AM, with visitation at the church beginning at 10AM. Cremation to follow. In lieu of flowers, you may make a donation to a charity of your choice.

As Sally King Zimmer quips, "Well, Ive finally done it. While most people my age are preparing or have already retired, I have started on a new career path!" Yes, along with business partner Jo Twiddy, Sally marks the Summer of 2005 with the opening of "A Time to Remember...When."

Located at 806 Cedar Parkway, Schererville, IN 46375, the Florist and Gift Shop can be found on U.S.#41 in the AAA Plaza, across from the new TJIF Restaurant. Phone: 219.864.1947 or e-mail: atimetoremember@sbcglobal.net.

Sally says, "we specialize in freeze drying fresh flowers, a process that no other florist in northern Indiana or the Chicago area yet offers. Any fresh flower that holds special meaning (baby, first prom, wedding, funeral, etc.) can be freeze dried and displayed in a special frame. We are excited about the process and our business."

Visit "A time to Remember...When" for Fresh Flowers and Silk Arrangements, Elegant Baby Accessories, Soy Candles, Camille Beckman Bath & Body, Fall Giftware and more. Come in and see the new line of Bearington Bears. Full Wedding Service includes Invitations and Rentals. Corporate Accounts are welcome.

Hope all of you get a chance to stop in. As Sally quips, "Ivan has spent most of his career coaching football, his love, allowing him to 'play' at 'work,' and, now, it's MY turn!"

Hours: M-F 9AM-5:30PM; Sat. 9AM-1:30PM.

Best wishes to Sally and her partner as they begin this new venture. We wish them much success! Sally may be reached at mama1416@peoplepc.com.

Pearl Bridgman (nee Schreiner), age 94, of Munster, IN, passed away on Thursday, June 30, 2005. She is survived by her four children, one of which is our classmate Terry Bridgman. After visitation at Burns-Kish Funeral Home, Munster, IN, on July 5, the funeral was held at St. Thomas More Church, Munster, IN, on Wednesday, July 6, with Fr. Michael Yadron officiating. Interment Chapel Lawn Memorial Gardens, Schererville, IN. Mrs. Bridgman, born and raised in Hammond, was a graduate of Bishop Noll in 1929. Back then, it was called Catholic Central. She was a charter member of St. Thomas More Parish. Pearl was also an avid bridge player and belonged to many bridge clubs. Condolences may be sent to Terry and his wife Patricia, of Wauwatosa, WI, at bridgman@execpc.com.

Word is just in that another proud first-time Gramma is about to head down to Indy for that special first loving look at her brand new grandchild! Marilyn Schopp Nagdeman's son Ryan and his wife Jennifer had a Baby Boy, weighing 8#-7 oz. Born on June 18, 2005, Bryce is the name of the Nagdemans' bundle of joy! Bet it was a true Happy Father's Day in that household! It is no surprise that Marilyn will be spending a few days getting to know her new grandson! If you wish to extend your congrats, Marilyn may be reached at ziosite50@aol.com.

We all know the perky personality of classmate Barb Benson Butcher. Well, kick it up another notch there - - Barb has just become a proud new first-time grandma! The elated grandparents flew to Evergreen, CO, as soon as they received the news from Son John and Ginger. The Butchers have returned with the proud announcement, "The baby is beautiful!" Noah Michael Butcher was born on June 10, 2005, at 3:17AM, weighing 7lbs-15 ozs, 20-1/2" long. Yes, that now confirms Barb and Bob's retirement plans - - Colorado here we come! Congrats and best wishes may be sent to Barb and Bob, in Crown Point, IN.

Let's see - - who would have their bags packed two weeks before the delivery date? Not just the pregnant lady, but, you guessed it - - Linda Szymanski Colter, the NEW grandmother-to-be! Yes, when Linda and Dick got the phone call from Indianapolis that the time was imminent, they hopped in the van and headed out for the 2-1/2 hour drive. The birth of their first grandchild on June 10, 2005 - - Katelyn Danielle Siurek, 7#-2oz. - 19-1/2# long - - is truly an exciting and blessed experience they will never forget! By now, we're sure the Colters are out shopping for the tinest PURDUE sleeper they can find! Congrats and best wishes to the entire family. The Colters may be reached at bbqr@jorsm.com.

After retiring from E. I. DuPont & Company as Business Division President in their Ohio offices, George is not the type of guy to sit on his laurels. He and another Columbus businessman, Tony Nixon, have acquired the Ohio assets of the Invironmentalists in the hopes of creating their own legacy. They bought the flooring business from Koch Industries, Inc., a Wichita, Kansas-based holding company. The business, which includes offices in Cincinnati, Cleveland and Columbus, has about $40 million in annual revenue. The pair renamed it Legacy Commercial Flooring. The business employs around 260, with about 150 at its Columbus headquarters, 50 in Cincinnati, and 60 in Cleveland.

Legacy Flooring took a circuitous route into Holinga and Nixon's hands. A large piece of the business came from the Wilson Floor Company, a Columbus-based flooring company that was founded in 1900. E. I. DuPont & Company bought Wilson Floors in 1997, folding it into its DuPont Flooring Systems unit. That unit was later renamed the Invironmentalists, and Koch bought it in 2004. The new name honors Wilson Floor's legacy and DuPont's legacy in innovation, Holinga is quoted in the local newspaper there as saying. Legacy Flooring installs floors and offers maintenance services. It is a member of the StarNet Commercial Flooring Cooperative, a nationwide network of flooring contractors. Looks like 2005 will be quite a busy time of change for George!

Bill Murphy tells us that George and his business partner even reserved the local science museum in Columbus to celebrate their grand opening and, as Bill tells it, "It was quite a party!" Carry on, George, and we all wish you much success. If you'd like to tell George himself, his new e-address is gholinga@legacyfloor.com, or, come and hear the story directly from George at our 40th anniversary class reunion in July!

2005 has been quite a busy year for our fellow classmate and friend, John Gerbas. He's a proud father with two graduations and two weddings - - and the year is only half over! John's son, Lt. Christopher Gerbas, had his bar pinning following Spring graduation from West Point. Chris, Class of 2005, Class of "9/11" will be in flight school for the next year, training at Ft. Rucker, AL. Christ started flying at age 16 and received his private flying license in high school. Besides sharing their love of flying, John says, "Yes, Chris rides a motorcycle too - just like dad!" Guess John is staying close to his own philosophy, "I am an adventurer in life - a participant, not a spectator - I love to live, and will have plenty of time to rest when it's all over!" Can't wait to hear more of John's stories when he comes to The Region for our 40th anniversary class reunion. If flying doesn't give him "jitters," wonder how calm he was walking his daughter down the aisle this weekend for her wedding!

The mother of Annette Gordon Dorn passed away on May 25, 2005, at age 88. Rosemary had suffered for ten years with alzheimers disease. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, May 28, at 10AM from the Fagen-Miller Funeral Home, Highland, IN, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30AM at St. Michaels Church, Schererville, IN, with Rev. Joseph Vamos officiating. Burial will be at Chapel Lawn, Schererville, IN. The wake will be held at Fagen-Miller in Highland on Friday, May 27, from 2-5 and 7-9PM. A devoted wife, mother and homemaker, Annette recalls her mom could make three homemade pies on a Sunday morning before her seven kids had changed out of their church clothes! Leaving the long years of pain and suffering behind her, may Rosemary rest in eternal peace.

Condolences may be sent to Annette and Rick and their family at aardorn@yahoo.com.

Elaine and Joe Bielefeld welcomed Alexis Madeline to the family on May 25, 2005. She is the daughter of Mike and Jenny and the sister of Sydney Nicole of Greenfield, IN. Alexis was born at 12:50PM, weighing 6lbs.-11 ozs. and over 21" long. Of course she is beautiful! There are now 5 Beely girls and 2 Beely boys with another baby due in November. Congrats may be sent to the Bielefelds at ebeely@hotmail.com.

We send congratulations and best wishes to Bob as he will be taking early retirement from his teaching assignment at Lake Central H.S. after 36 years.

He will continue to coach football, moving to Valparaiso University beginning with Spring practice in '05.

Bob also has a new e-mail address: rwkomara@comcast.net.

The Sunday, April 24, 2005, issue of "The Times - Hammond" featured an article on our very own Bob Zabrecky Breck, entitled, "Where Are They Now." Yes, the Class of 1965 can boast that we have our very own TV celebrity! Bob Breck is the chief meteorologist for the Fox affiliate, WVUE-TV in New Orleans. He started his television career in Tampa, FL, in 1971 with WTVT, then on to Dayton, OH, with WDTN. He joined the crew of WVUE in 1978 and recently celebrated his 27-year anniversary. Breck is the weathercaster for the 5, 5:30 and 9PM news. His upbeat and entertaining style has captivated audiences in the Louisiana area, where he is known as the weather authority and is the city's top rated weathercaster. Earning a number of prestigious awards from his peers, Bob is quite proud for being voted the Best Local Weathercaster in the local newspapers annual Best of New Orleans section.

Bob was married for 32 years to his Noll H.S. sweetheart, Paula Dybel, who died in January, 2001, of a pulmonary embolism. After losing his soulmate so early in life, Bob says he was lucky to meet and later to marry Brenda, who has been able to make life worth living again. They live in Metairie, LA.

Bob says that earning his Bachelor of Science degree in meteorology and oceanography from University of Michigan gave him the skills to become a weatherman, but, learning to become an extrovert allowed him to become a success in the TV world. If you would like to read the entire article, check into http://nwitimes.com/articles/2005/04/25/community/reunion_focus/ea07d30638ba787386256fe900639f1e.txt. Bob may be reached at brecky@att.net. Congrats, Bob, and we wish you "sunny" days ahead!

Joseph T. Fijut, age 63, of Bonita Springs, FL, died Sunday, April 24, 2005, at North Collier Hospital in Naples, FL. Joe was an avid fisherman and boater. He loved the beach and the water. He had breakfast every morning at Doc's Beach House in Bonita Springs. Mr. Fijut was a retired pipefitter from Chicago Local 597 Union.

He is survived by his wife of 14 years, Marsha (Koedyker) Fijut and their children - 1 daughter, 3 sons, and 2 grandchildren, also 1 brother and 2 sisters - - one being our classmate, Bunny (Jerry) King.

Arrangements are being handled through the Shikany's Bonita Funeral Home, 28300 Tamiami Trail South, Bonita Springs, FL.

Our condolences to the Fijut Family. Bunny and Jerry may be reached at fishie5@sbcglobal.net.

"Pink" is the order of the day! LaDonna Grandgenett Housh and her husband Mike welcomed their 10th grandchild on April 19, 2005 - a BABY GIRL named Gina Rene who weighed in at 8lbs.-13oz. LaDonna says, "I was able to witness the event and it was incredible. Gina, Mom Christie (our youngest), and husband Greg are doing fine."

Congratulations to LaDonna and family from all her many Class of '65 friends! LaDonna, of Omaha, NE, may be reached at houshmtd@aol.com.

Leonora M. "Lee" Wagner age 86, of Highland, IN, passed away on April 13, 2005. Lee was a member of St. James Parish, a Eucharistic Minister, Lector, Catechist, Amnesty International, St. James Womens Guild, Bethesda Lutheran Home Parents League, Cursillo in Christianity, Lake County Association for the Retarded, St. James Peace and Social Justice Commission, St. James Pastoral Council and the RCIA. Donations to the Alzheimers Association would be appreciated.

Al and his wife Carol, who reside in Weaverville, NC, can be reached at wagsalan@hotmail.com.

John Krol, age 87, of Munster, IN, passed away on April 8, 2005, to be with his beloved wife of 57 years, Jean, who preceded him in death. He is the father of our classmate, Carol Krol, of Milwaukee.
John was a hard worker, starting at an early age as a newsboy for the Hammond Times, employee of Metz Furniture Company, and with his brother, Frank, owned and operated Frankie and Johnies Service Station in Hammond for more than 43 years. Donations may be made to The American Heart Assocation, Diabetes, or Share Foundation.

Carol Krol may be reached at ckrol@mtsd.k12.wi.us.

More than a dozen classmates gathered at the House of Pizza for a Spring, 2005, Gathering - - an evening of stories and laughs - - just like we did back in the 1960s. There will be other meetings like this soon! Be sure to check out our class website so YOU don't miss out on the fun! And, if YOU are "back in The Region" for whatever business or pleasure, please let us know and we'll announce a time and place and JIVE again!!!

Location: House of Pizza - 7008 Indianapolis Blvd., Hammond, IN 46324 Contact: Annette Gordon Dorn/Elaine Engle Bielefeld.

The Town of Dyer had an advertising supplement, "Building Dyer Brick by Brick," in "The Times" today (3/29/05), showcasing the growth and changes Dyer has experienced. One featured article was State Line Pizza, owned and operated by our very own classmate Marilyn Rieder Ambos and her husband Mark. Taking over the family business from Mark's father, they not only run the original 1957 pizza house on State Line in Calumet City, but have grown to include businesses in Dyer, Highland, Schererville and Munster. The articles headline says, "Homemade quality and family dedication recipe for success at State Line Pizza," and it surely does ring true. Husband Mark works primarily behind the scene, while Marilyn and both of their daughters are involved in the daily management of the restaurants. Holding a couple of our meetings there, our class reunion committee can sure vouch for the great food! Marilyn is Vice President of the Dyer Chamber of Commerce for 2005.

While others were checking church services and thinking Easter eggs and ham, Linda Szymanski Colter was trying to determine if the "pain" she was experiencing was worth checking out at the emergency room of St. Margaret's Hospital in Dyer. Sure enough, by the time Linda exited 24 hours later on 3/25/05, it was minus an appendix and a hernia repair. The miracle of laproscopic surgery sure does get you up and out fast. Glad to finally determine the cause of her discomfort off and on this past month, Linda thought her troubles were behind her, until she began to experience an allergic reaction to her medicine. Well, another 24 hours of itching and discomfort and now, hopefully, Linda is on the road to recovery. Get well soon, Linda, so you'll be good as new for our July reunion!

Gloria Espitia Reyes, age 79, of East Chicago, IN, passed away on Thursday, March 17, 2005. She was preceded in death by her son, our classmate, Robert Reyes, who died on December 1, 2004.

The wake will be held on Sunday, March 20, 2PM-8PM, at the Kuiper Funeral Home, 9039 Kleinman Road, Highland, IN. There will also be a viewing from 9:15AM until 10AM Mass at St. Mary Church, 812 W. 144th St., East Chicago, on Monday, March 21. Rev. Frank Torres will officiate. Burial Ridge Lawn Cemetery, Gary. Please remember the Reyes family in your prayers.

Edward Schopp, age 90, of Hammond, IN father of classmate Marilyn Schopp Nagdeman of Highland, passed away on March 14, 2005, while visiting family in Las Vegas after the death of his loving wife of 67 years, Kathryn, who had died on October 25, 2004. Our sympathy goes out to Marilyn, losing both elderly parents within months of each other.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, March 21, at 9:30AM from Solan-Pruzin Funeral Home 7109 Calumet Avenue, Hammond, with 10AM Mass at St. John Bosco. Fr. Richard Orlinski will officiate. At rest, Calvary Cemetery. Friends may visit with the family on Sunday, March 20, 4PM-8PM, at the funeral home. Condolences may be sent to Marilyn at zoisite50@aol.com.

A new Bundle of Joy was welcomed into the world at 10:04 PM on March 4, 2005. Cheryl Watts Lorance's daughter Kris (also a BNI grad, but in the year 1988) gave birth to a healthy new daughter, weighing 7 lbs.-4 oz. and 20 " long. Emma Kristine Vetroczyk is welcomed with open arms from Mom, Dad, and even 21-month old brother Luke. Cheryl now has a total of four grandchildren to adore! Have fun, Grandma Cheryl!

Paul Mazerik wrote on February 27, 2005, to say a close friend of Fred's had called him with more news. Fred has regained consciousness and spoke a few words although not sentences yet. They were going to take him off the ventilator as his breathing has greatly improved. He will still be on dialysis for his blood condition. Also, he was going to be moved out of the IC unit at Community Hospital in Munster, IN. Apparently, one of the broken sentences Fred uttered was "he saw the bright light." Paul says, "Anyway, some of us jivers still must be in favor spiritually." We continue to pray for Fred's complete recovery and hope to see him in July.

Paul Mazerik sent a message on February 21, 2005, that we please circulate that classmate Fred Rodriguez of Hammond, IN, is seriously ill. He is at the Munster Community Hospital in an induced coma and the situation is grave.

Please keep Fred and his family in your prayers and picture him with us at the reunion in July.

Lillian Tamborski, 82, of Munster, formerly of East Chicago, IN, passed away on Monday, February 14, 2005. Lillian is the mother of our classmate, Barbara Tamborski Chmiel. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, February 17, at 10AM from the Anthony Dziadowicz Funeral Home, 9445 Calumet Avenue, Munster, IN, with a funeral mass at St. James, Highland, IN, at 10:30 AM with Fr. Francis Lazar officiating. Burial will be at Holy Cross Cemetery, Calumet City, IL. Visitation will be on Wednesday, Feburary 16, from 2 - 7 PM, with a Wake service at 4 PM.

Condolences may be send to Barb & Patrick Chmiel, 432 Lexington Dr., Sebring, FL 33876. They may be reached on e-mail at chmiel6971@cs.com.

Leonard Volk, age 94, of Griffith, IN, passed away on Thursday, February 3, 2005. A funeral mass was held at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Griffith, IN, with burial at Chapel Lawn Cemetery, Schererville, IN.

Mary Ann Volk Grcevich and her husband John, who is also a classmate, reside at 225 N. True St., Griffith, IN 46319. Please remember the family in your prayers.

Be sure to check out the back cover of the newly-issued Winter, 2005, Bishop Noll "Today" quarterly magazine! Of the ten Warriors pictured in the recent annual gathering to attend a BNI varsity basketball game, you'll find seven Jivers from our Class of 1965: Tory Hudspeth, Paul Schreiner, Jerry King, Dan Hoffman, Jim Wieser, Dave Hutchens and Dave Croner, as well as Mr. Ron Luketic, who was not only from the BNI Class of '53, but also a fav teacher to many '65ers! Pictured also is Class of '59 -John Schreiner (Paul's brother), and Joe Haviar, Class of '67.

Also, please note that the Summer issue of the Bishop Noll "Today" magazine will feature student remembrances of faculty and staff members who made a difference in your life. If you wish, submit a brief story about a faculty or staff member who helped you to become the person you are today. Stories may be edited for space. Deadline for submissions is May 1, 2005. Stories may be sent to: Development Office: Faculty Stories, Bishop Noll Institute, 1519 Hoffman St, Hammond, IN 46327 or sscanlon@bishopnoll.com.

Mary Kulczyk Pociask, 84, of Hammond, IN, passed away on January 19, 2005. One of her five children is our classmate, Paulette Wieser Michalak. Funeral services will be held on Monday, January 24, at 9:15AM from LaHayne Funeral Home, 6955 Southeastern Avenue, Hammond, and 10AM Mass from St. Margaret Mary Church, 1445 Hoffman St., Hammond, with Rev. James Schulz officiating. Burial will be at Chapel Lawn, Schererville, IN. Friends are invited to meet with the family on Sunday, January 23, 2-6PM, at the funeral home, with a prayer service at 4PM.

Condolences may be directed to Paulette and Frank Michalak at 9400 Wildwood Dr., Highland, IN 46322. Paulette's e-address is frmichalak@worldnet.att.net.

Kenneth Mazur, formerly of Indiana Harbor, late of Phoenix, AZ and Alpharetta, GA, passed away on January 20, 2005. He is survived by his wife Marie of 37 years. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 29, from Prusiecki Funeral Home, 3831 Main St., East Chicago, IN, with a 10 AM Mass at St. John Cantius Church with Fr. Joseph Niezgoda officiating. Burial will be at Holy Cross Cemetery, Calumet City, IL. Visiation will be on Friday, January 28, from 3 - 8 PM, with a prayer service at 3:30 PM.

Unfortunately, we had not located Ken and he had been on our Missing Classmates listing. His obituary noted that Ken played drums in a band called the Chevelles. It goes on to say that his cat Oil Pan was very precious in his life, as was his computer work. He was employed by AT&T in Georgia. Please remember this former classmate in your prayers.

We have recently learned of the passing of Sandy Volk's brother, Michael. He died on January 9, 2005, of a heart attack in California, where he was living. The funeral services were private at Chapel Lawn, Schererville, IN.

Sandra Volk lives in Mesa, AZ, and may be reached at slvolk@cableaz.com. Our sympathies go out to Sandy and her family.

Helen (Kudnowski) Kaye, age 84, of Valparaiso, IN, formerly of Hammond, passed away on Monday, December 27, 2004. After a private family memorial mass was held, the burial took place at Holy Cross Cemetery, Calumet City, IL. Memorial donations for research may be made to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, Grand Central Station, P. O. Box 4777, New York, NY 10163, or to VNA Hospice of Porter County, 501 Marquette St., Valparaiso, IN 46383.
E-mail condolences may be addressed to Bob and his wife, Cheryl (Peifer) Kaye (also our classmate) at docrkaye@yahoo.com.

We just received word today of Pauline Bradtke's death on December 25, 2004. Pauline's sister, Rose Kwasny, said that Pauline suffered an 8-month battle with pancreatic cancer. Pauline leaves two sons and two grandchildren. She is also the dear sister of Robert Bradtke, a popular former BNI coach back in our H.S. days. Pauline was buried from St. Cletus Church, Lagrange, IL, with Interment at Queen of Heaven Cemetery.

Those of us who were present at our 2003 reunion will always have the pleasant memories of the fair-haired Gal we talked and laughed and danced with, as we all shared that special evening. May Pauline rest in peace and may we meet again in eternity.

Miroslawa "Mira" Opach (nee Pichorowski), age 78, of Hammond, IN, passed away on December 22, 2004. She is survived by her five children, one of which is our classmate Jean Opach Liss of DeMotte, IN. The funeral mass was held at All Saints Church in Hammond, with burial at St. John-St. Joseph Cemetery in Hammond.

We do not have an e-mail address on file for Jean, but condolences may be sent to Jean and her husband Henry at 405 Dogwood NW, DeMotte, IN 46310.

The mother of Thelma Stocki Matthew, Monica A. Stocki, age 89, of East Chicago, IN, passed away on Thursday, December 2, 2004. Funeral services will be held on Monday, December 6, at 10 AM at St. Stanislaus Church in East Chicago. Burial will be at Holy Cross Cemetery, Calumet City, IL. The wake will be on Sunday, December 5, from 2-4PM and 6-8PM at Kuiper Funeral Home, Highland, IN. Mrs. Stocki was an avid Cubs fan, bingo and pinochle player who loved to knit and crochet. Thelma said that her passing was peaceful and the family is so grateful that she did not suffer. Our thoughts and prayers are with Thelma and her family. Condolences may be sent to Thelma at auntiefish@comcast.net.

Robert (Bobbie) Reyes, of Hammond, IN, passed away on Wednesday, December 1, 2004. He is survived by his wife Yolanda, three children, and one granddaughter, all of Hammond. Funeral services were held on December 4, with a funeral mass from Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, Hammond, IN. Memorials may be given to the American Diabetes Association. Bobbie had been a lifetime resident of The Region, an Army Veteran of the Vietnam War, a retired operator from BP with ten years of service after working for Inland Steel Company for 25 years. Please remember our classmate in your prayers.

Our friendly, outgoing, and always full of school spirit, Mary Alice Herod Lajoie will have back surgery on November 30, 2004, and again on December 3. She has had back pain for some time and asks for our prayers for a successful surgery and recovery. Her e-mail address is malajoie@yahoo.com.
Here's hoping you recover quickly Mary Alice so you can party with us in July!

Who said Thanksgiving is a time to count your blessings? Well, that wasn't exactly how the day went for our poor Janet this year. The buzz we hear is that Janet slipped coming out of her apartment that day, thought that she may have broken a bone, drove to her mom's house using her left foot to brake, they went to dinner using her mom's cane, stopped at her cousin's on the way home for dessert, decided she was too tired to deal with all of this so she went to bed at her mom's, then got up on Friday morning and went to E.R. for x-rays and a cast. Yep, Janet, guess we couldn't even "make up" a story as good as that! Seriously, though, we all wish you a speedy recovery and hope you'll be back in your dancing shoes long before our July 23, 2005, class reunion! E-mail get-well wishes may be sent to Janet at jan@pryweller-realty.com, though she doesn't have access to her computer just yet. In the meantime, Janet may be reached at her mom's house, 635 213th St., Dyer, IN 46311.

Sadly, upon receiving the notice of our upcoming reunion, Martin's daughter contacted us with the news that Martin had passed away on November 19, 2004. Martin had lived in Minnesota and he loved the outdoors/wilderness. He was very active and loved to hike and bike. On weekends he would go up to his land in northern Minnesota to enjoy the peaceful outdoors. He leaves two daughters and two grandchildren, and many siblings, and will be greatly missed by friends and family.

As an additional note, Martin's sister, Ruth Ann Regeski, is also a 1965 classmate of ours. We are told that the Regeski family consisted of ten children - - 8 boys and 2 girls. Ruth Ann Regeski Stacy may be reached at ruthannstacy@hotmail.com. Our sympathy goes out to Ruth Ann and the family and friends of her brother, Martin.

Hey classmates, you will want to check out the www.nwitimes.com web site for Ted (PanDeva) Zagar's latest project. Our Ted is now a weekly columnist for "The Times" local newspaper, giving his advice on health astrology and herbal alternatives to drugs.

Congratulations and best wishes to Ted on this new endeavor, and be sure to read his articles each Monday in the Get Healthy section of "The Times"!