News from the Pacific
Northwest we had a good year 2007 and the highlight of the year was 5000 mile
road trip through the Southwest. We traveled from our home in Edmonds, WA
through Oregon, Idaho, Colorado, Arizona and California. While staying with
friends in Colorado Springs, we had a wonderful but short visit with old buddy
Tom Hansen and wife Leona. We hashed over the past fifty plus years in a couple
of hours. Not near enough time to do that. We will have to go back when we can
spend more time. Tom looks good and is in good health. Enclosed is a picture of
a couple of old buddies.
We toured and hiked in some
of the mountains of CO then traveled to Utah visited friends for more hiking and
crawling around ancient ruins. While in AZ we stayed with friends in the Cave
Creek area. We had a wonderful evening with Rita (Frankenstein) Vogel. She looks
just great and is also in good health. We laughed, told stories and had a lot of
fun. She put on a great dinner and it was in the wee hours when we left.
Enclosed more pictures.
In California we visited more
ski friends of mine and school mates of my wife’s. We had planned to get in
touch with Elaine (Raska) Purdom, Gordy Cole and Ann (Erickson) Bohen but
unfortunately Janet was becoming ill. Nothing serious but sick and we had to
skip a lot of California. We shall have to go back.
We wish all of the “52”
Classmates a very Happy and Healthful NEW YEAR in 2008. We extend our invitation
for any of you who might travel to the Pacific Northwest to give us a call and
let’s get together.
Take a look at the graphic below I bet you will be amazed
at how small the Soviet Union is economically. Most of our lives we have heard
how big and powerful the Soviet Union is with 8,495.380 Square miles of land and
a population of 293,047,571 million people, it does not produce as much as Italy
with only 116,303 square miles and 57.8 million people.
Email From Doug Ball
my email address is
dougball8@gmail.com.
Email From Barbara Swiderski
barbr1952@cox.net
Hi everyone, just wanted to let you know I have a new e-mail address
please start using this one, as I am going to shut down my Juno site.
Email From Geraldine "Krippner"
Spears
07/22/2008
wa9shh@aol.com
Hi Jim.... Glad to answer and say "hello".... the days
seem to go by way too fast...and the months also... we are all fine here just
keeping too busy! Hope all is well with you and yours... thanks for keeping in
touch... Had a nice visit with some of the Grant High
gang in Florida
Gloria Smith Thorne. got me on the list as we are down
in the Fort Myers Beach area usually in Feb. So got to see Gloria...(been many
years since she worked for my folks and since I saw her) also the two
Casey's..
and Greta Wesielius.. whatever their last names are...and a couple others... was
fun....I need them to wear name tags! Was just thinking today that it was over
five years since our 50th class reunion....but that was a great time..... Gerry
and Ralph
Follow up note:
Will take a look at your site soon....yes, I saw where
the flooding stopped the boating on the chain...also see where there is more
problems with people stealing fuel... Always
something... Hope
things start changing for the better.... starting to
know too many out of work. Got word today that Monaco coach..who is the maker
of our motorhome...closed down all their operations in Indiana...so a lot are
out of work.. They so far have their Oregon plant in operation. From what I
hear a lot of the motorhome and trailer places in Indiana have closed...so a
very hard time for a lot of people there. About now we are glad to be
retired.... I am sure the boating business, etc...will really feel it also. I
saw were Six Flags are saying that adults can come in for the same price of
kids...so that tells you something... I think most people are putting the money
in the fuel tanks.... Good luck with your site..I will try to take a look at it
tomorrow.... Gerry
mail from Gordy Cole
7/23/2008
gordyrae1@aol.com
Hi Jim,
You came through on this end
just fine. Good to hear from you. Any thoughts on 60th reunion. Have any of our
class officers offered any suggestions. If it comes to being - I'll be there.
Gordy
mail from Lester Gandt
8/1/2008
lestergg@embarqmail.com]
Hi Jim,
Been there.....done that. Good luck on restoring everything you've lost.
Lester
mail from Barbara
Swiderski
8/4/2008
ibarbr1952@cox.net
Hi back to you Jim, glad you have your system up and
running. Hope you are doing good and things are great in California. We are
having really warm weather here in Virginia and I bet you are too. Not much
happening with me, still working and hope to retire next year and so some
traveling.
Talk to you later,
barb
8/4/2008
I don't have any of the e-mails you asked about, as you
can see I have a new e-mail address and because of that I have lost almost all
the old e-mails I use to have. I am so glad I am not the only one working, it
seems like each year goes faster and faster and I continue to work. I hope to
retire soon (again). I am so tired of working, like you I have been working
since we got out of high school and that seems ages ago, and some days I really
feel like my age and then there are other days I feel like I am a lot younger.
Glad you are doing o'kay and I will go out and check out
your website.
barb
mail from Ronald Cook
8/28/2008
rbry34@sbcglobal.net
Hi Jim;
Looks like a lot of work! Thanks .
Ron
mail from Janet and Irwin
Buchholtz
11/20/2008
irv.buchholz@gmail.com
Hi Jim,
I haven't read any new letters on the web site. Is all well? I hoping it is and
that all the classmates are still in good or acceptable health.
Thanksgiving in the Pacific Northwest this year we will see a reduction in the
number of participants at the feast. No one passed on, it is some people have
relocated to other parts of the country. So we will have only 19 or 20 instead
of the usual 25 to 28. This is a good things we can purchase a couple of
smaller birds. One is usually grilled on the barbie and the other in the oven
(Janet says it is to fill the house with the odors of the roasting bird) ,
sounds good to me.
We wish all well in this time of the Economic downturn and most of us have been
through trying times before and have survived. I know it will be tough on some
of the children and especially the grand kids. People will just have to do the
tighten up as survive we must. Hopefully it will make the country stronger in
the long run.
Happy Thanksgiving everyone and love to all,
Janet and Irwin
mail from Kathy Dunn
Daughter of Jackie
JACKIE "CAVETT" WALKER
Class of 1953
11/17/2008
jkd53@live.com
Hello everyone-
This is Kathy Dunn, Jackie's daughter : This email is to inform you of Mama's
passing and the service details.
Mama passed on Saturday November 15, 2008 . Archie Tanner Funeral Home in
Starke,Fl is charge of service. As Mama requested, there will be no viewing,
only a graveside service. The service will be Saturday November 22, at Dedan
Cemetery @ 11:00 am with gathering at her home afterwards. In Luie of flowers I
am requesting donations be made in her name to American Heart Assc. or Haven
Hospice. You can contact me @ 352-870-0619 if you need any further information.
Foot Note: From Jim Umbarger
Jackie lived in Crockett Estates not far from my house we both
went to Big Hollow grade school. Jackie was my best buddy I have know her since
she was 10 years old we had names for each other I was the Lone Ranger and she
was Tonto, during those years we swam, fished, hunted, played with our sleds' in
the winter time on the many hills in the subdivision and just hung out, that was
before TV.
After high school I lost track of Jackie until about 8 years ago
she found me on Classmates.com and sent an email I was thrilled to here from her
a couple of years ago my wife Jane and I went down to Florida to see her, I gave
her some pictures I had taken when we were in grade school I thought her kids
would get a kick out of them.
We had a great time talking about the good old days. I just lost
a big part of my life.
Poem Written by
Jackie
LIFE IS AN ETERNAL
WEAVING OF A WEB, NOT TO BE BRUSHED AWAY-
LIGHTED BY OUR
SMILES AND CLEANSED BY THE TEARS WE SHED.
AN EVER CHANGING
FORM BROUGHT ON BY LIFES STORMS.
"CONFORMITY OF
DESIGN, WAS NEVER MINE"
WHAT IS THE INNER
THING, THAT COILS LIKE A SPRING-
WHEN RELEASED,
GOES IN A DIRECTION THAT IS DIFFERENT WITHOUT EXCEPTION.
A WEB HAS STRANDS
WEAKEND BY OUR FAILURES, BUT SUPPORTING STRANDS
STRENGHTENED BY
OUR SUCCESS.
ONLY THE WEAVER
KNOWS WHAT IS SUCCESS AND WHAT IS FAILURE.
AND WHEN THIS
LIFE IS DEAD, THE STRANDS BECOME ONE THREAD-
TO BE PICKED UP
AND CONTINUED TO ANOTHER WEB
BY: JACKIE WALKER
JULY 17,1935 -
NOVEMBER 15, 2008
mail from Phyllis "Werhan" Bauer
11/25/2008
Phyllis.J.Bauer@comcast.net
Some of you will
remember Paul W. Ferrigan:
Ferrigan, Paul William*
Paul W. FerriganBorn: Jan. 15, 1935; in
Algona, IowaDied: Nov. 18, 2008; in Sawyer, Mich.SAWYER, Mich. - Paul William
Ferrigan, 73, of Sawyer, Mich., passed away Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2008, at his
home.He was born Jan. 15, 1935, in Algona, Iowa, to Howard and Esther (Neuroth)
Ferrigan. He served his country in the U.S. Air Force. He owned and operated
CompuCare in Three Oaks, Mich.Survivors include his children, Jeffrey (Jennifer)
Ferrigan of Hanover Park, James (Linda) Ferrigan of Lake Villa, Donna (Daniel)
Welter of Fox Lake and Diane (Joseph) Perez of Marengo; 11 grandchildren; his
dear friend and companion, Lue Butler of Sawyer, Mich.; his mother, Esther
Ferrigan of Fox Lake; three sisters; and four brothers.He was preceded in death
by his father and four brothers.A memorial service will be held at a later date.
For information, call Pike Funeral Home, Boyd Chapel, 9191 Red Arrow Highway,
Bridgman, Mich., at 269-465-3239. Online condolences accepted at
www.PikeFH.com.Sign the guest book at
www.NWHerald.com/obits
Published in the Northwest Herald on 11/20/2008
Information on Jim Kramer
La Verne (Beskow) Thompson has just
told me that Jim Kramer has passed away. I went on-line to see if I could find
the obituary and there are two from two sources:
James R. Kramer Born: Aug. 6, 1934
Died: Oct. 23, 2008
He and grandson owned Creative Copper
ANTIOCH - James R. Kramer, 74, of Antioch, died Oct. 23 at Holy Family Medical
Center in Des Plaines. He was born Aug. 6, 1934, in Chicago, to the late Stephen
and Mae (Higgins) Kramer. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict.
On March 2, 1957, he married Sharon Behrens.
Survivors include his wife, Sharon; his daughter, Julie Ano of Round Lake;
grandchildren, and numerous relatives and friends. In addition to his parents,
he was preceded in death by three brothers; a sister, and a grandson.
Funeral services with Mass of Christian Burial were held Oct. 27 at St. Peter
Church in Antioch. Interment followed in Millburn Cemetery in Old Mill Creek.
Visitation was held Oct. 26 at the Strang Funeral Home of Antioch. Please sign
the guest book for Jim at
www.strangfh.com. Please also sign the guestbook at
www.lakecountyjournals.com/obits.
James R. Kramer 
James
R. Kramer, 74 years old, of Antioch, IL passed away Thursday, October 23, 2008
at Holy Family Medical Center, Des Plaines, IL.
He was born August 6, 1934 in Chicago, the son of the late Stephen and Mae
(Higgins) Kramer. His younger years were spent growing up in Chicago until the
family moved to Fox Lake, IL.
He was a 1952 graduate of Grant High School where he was an outstanding athlete,
especially in football and had earned football scholarship to Northern Illinois
University.
Jim was a member and ushered at the 6:30 AM Mass at St. Peter Church in Antioch
for over 40 years.
He served in the US Army during the Korean Conflict.
Jim worked as a journeyman plumber and was a member of the Local 130 of Chicago
for 36 years. Upon his retirement, he and his grandson, Matt started their own
business, Creative Copper. They made custom copper Gazebos, Arbors and trellis'.
Jim was an extremely hard worker all his life and was willing to lend a hand to
anybody who needed help.
He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend. On March 2, 1957 he
married Sharon Behrens at St. Peter Church, Antioch, IL.
Survivors include his wife of 51 years, Sharon; his daughter, Julie Ano of Round
Lake; his grandchildren, Jennifer and Matthew Ano; several brothers-in-law,
sisters-in-law; and numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Jack, Russ
and Rich Kramer; his sister, Noreen Moscato; and his grandson, James Ano.
Funeral services with Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 AM Monday,
October 27, 2008 at St. Peter Church, 557 Lake Street, Antioch, IL.
Interment will follow in Millburn Cemetery, Old Mill Creek, IL.
Visitation will be held from 2:00 PM until 6:00 PM Sunday at the STRANG FUNERAL
HOME OF ANTOCH, 1055 Main Street (Route 83).
Please sign the guest book for Jim at
www.strangfh.com.
La Verne (Beskow)
Thompson has just told me that Jim Kramer has passed away. I went on-line to see
if I could find the obituary and there are two from two sources:
James R. Kramer Born:
Aug. 6, 1934
Died: Oct. 23, 2008
He and grandson owned Creative Copper
ANTIOCH - James R. Kramer, 74, of Antioch, died Oct. 23 at Holy Family Medical
Center in Des Plaines. He was born Aug. 6, 1934, in Chicago, to the late Stephen
and Mae (Higgins) Kramer. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict.
On March 2, 1957, he married Sharon Behrens.
Survivors include his wife, Sharon; his daughter, Julie Ano of Round Lake;
grandchildren, and numerous relatives and friends. In addition to his parents,
he was preceded in death by three brothers; a sister, and a grandson.
Funeral services with Mass of Christian Burial were held Oct. 27 at St. Peter
Church in Antioch. Interment followed in Millburn Cemetery in Old Mill Creek.
Visitation was held Oct. 26 at the Strang Funeral Home of Antioch. Please sign
the guest book for Jim at
www.strangfh.com. Please also sign the guestbook at
www.lakecountyjournals.com/obits.
mail from Lesters Gandt
12/14/2008
lestergg@embarqmail.com
LLESTER
G.GNADT,245-B MILAKEE AVENUE,SEBRING,FL 33870-7035
(863-385-3908)
lestergg@embarqmail.com
CHRISTMAS 2008
Merry Christmas One and All:
Another year has passed and
each of us has celebrated another birthday. Christmas will
Soon be here, and the
purpose of my message is to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and the
Lord’s blessings in the New
Year.
All is well here, I’ve
passed my annual physical exam reasonably well for a 74 year old and
Continue in my job as
mailman at Florida Hospital. The abdominal Aneurysm surgery I wrote
Of last year went well, and
after spending a week in the ICU, and 5 more weeks recovering
At home, I was ready and
able to return to work.
It is said that a picture is
worth a thousand words, and over the last 12 months I’ve placed
All our family pictures,
plus many more in unrelated subjects, on my digital picture sharing
Website, and invite anyone
interested to have a look. You go to the picture sharing
Site……there’s nothing that
downloads on your computer, so if you have a dial-up connection
It’ll work just as fast as
any other website you log onto. No long download wait. Go to:
www.lestergg.myphotoalbum.com
Navigating through the four
main menu pages using the navigational strip on the left, both top
And bottom, <prev 1 2 3 4
next>, shows the various picture categories. Click on what you’d like
To see, then click on
Slideshow which also enlarges each picture to about ¾ of full screen size.
It stops at the end of each
album automatically…..to get back to the main menu pages, click
On View Full Album on the
left top or bottom, and then click on Lester’s My Photo Album at
The top left and you’ll be
back where you started.
Wishing you all of God’s
blessings with love, peace, and joy to everyone.
Sincerely,
Lester Gnadt
