Pearl Harbor

The Sioux Falls Argus Leader has a nice article on five South Dakota survivors of the Pearl Harbor attack of Dec. 7, 1941. Included among those is the father of Patty Mehegan. He is now 91. He was living north of Brookings, somewhat toward the Oakwood, I believe. I am not sure if he still resides there. He was quite active in the tennis leagues when he was a few years younger, also, and rather competitive in his age bracket. The entire article can be found at http://www.argusleader.com/article/20111204/NEWS/312040028

High School Remodeling

Brookings High School has undergone extensive remodeling in the past 15 years. It is probably twice as big compared to the days when we attended. The Brookings Register has a short article at http://www.brookingsregister.com/v2_news_articles.php?heading=0&story_id=12830&page=76

The picture was rather small; it is enlarged, so it is somewhat blurry. The view is from the west parking lot. The east side is completely different. There are some classrooms and another gynmasium, with a big wrestling room upstairs, where the staff parking and front lawn used to be. A big music area has been added to the southwest corner, where the auto mechanics shop was. If anyone gets back to Brookings before our next reunion, stop out. Mr. von Fischer, the principal, would be happy to give you a tour.

Our Condolences and Prayers to Patty Felt

The father of Patty Felt passed away yesterday, November 9, 2011. He was 95 and lived a very active life. His complete obituary can be found at http://rudesfuneralhome.com/sitemaker/sites/RudesF1/obit.cgi?user=503955Felt
Some of Patty's older siblings were in my older brothers' classes, and I can recall seeing all of their pictures and reading about their achievements in the annuals when I was a bratty little kid, dreaming of the day when I would be in high school and get to be involved in some of those same activities. Our thoughts and condolences go out to Patty and her family at this difficult time.

More Sad News

Recently I have been informed of another parents' passing. Our condolences and prayers go out to Ron Havermann, whose mother passed away October 28, 2011 in Rapid City. She and her husband had lived there for the past 30 years. One of Ron's younger brothers, Rick, was in 8th grade when I started teaching. That first year is always memorable, and I remember Rick and that class very well. Mrs. Fiedler, the senior English teacher along with Mrs. Sheimo, also had a son in that class. He is now principal at the new 4th-5h grade school in Brookings. He had been principal at Central Elementary when that was still a school.

I have not seen Ron since the early 70's. We were in cross-country and track together, as well as in many of the same classes. We had many extremely smart kids in our class, and I always thought he was one of them. He was a science whiz. We also were members of the same church. His father was a mason (bricklayer). My brother-in-law had a masonry business in Yankton for a few years, and said Ray Havermann was as fast and competent as any worker he had seen. No one could lay as many bricks as neatly and quickly as Mr. Havermann. Her obituary was not in the Sioux Falls or Brookings papers. I accidentally stumbled upon it because I had seen in the Argus that a Harlan Nielsen had died. That name probably means nothing to you, but he worked at the Post Office with the fathers of Stew Linn and Teresa Steen for a few years in late 60's, early 70's. I worked there from January 1968-August 1968, so I became familiar with him, also. He was an avid Bobcat fan, and really enjoyed talking about our basketball team. His obituary was in the Argus, but he also passed away in Rapid City about a week after Mrs. Havermann. His complete obituary was found at http://www.kirkfuneralhome.com/sitemaker/sites/KirkFu1/obit.cgi?user=502813Nielsen It was there that I stumbled upon Mrs. Havermann's obituary, also. http://www.kirkfuneralhome.com/sitemaker/sites/KirkFu1/obit.cgi?user=500798/Havermann I cannot access her obituary with this address, so it may be easier to go to http://www.kirkfuneralhome.com/ and look for her obituary.

Incidentally, Kirk Funeral Home is run by Ken Kirk, who graduated from BHS a year or two after we did. His sister Kathy was a year ahead of us. I remember her from Latin class with Miss Briscoe. I think the Kirk family moved here during our freshman year or shortly before, when their father began working at the Bug Lab north of town. I was employed there during college, and even worked with him for about a month. He was an entomologist, and an expert on ground beetles. Sorry to ramble on about myself, but thought it might bring back some pleasant memories in the midst of these sad times. Let me know if you have any ideas or news for posting. This is not just my blog; it's for our whole class. Please don't hesitate to let me know if you wish to post something.

Alan Otteson's Mother Passes Away

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Alan Otteson. His mother passed away recently. This computer will not allow copying and pasting to this blog; a complete obituary can be found at http://rudesfuneralhome.com/sitemaker/sites/RudesF1/obit.cgi?user=493291Otteson

The Father of Greg Koenders Passes Away

Our thoughts, prayers, and condolences go out to the family of Greg Koenders, whose father Don passed away on Monday, October 17, 2011. Don was a custodian and bus driver for the school system, as well as being a fine custodian at the high school and later, the middle school, for many years. He and I had many wonderful conversations when he would come around and tidy up my classroom. His son Rich ran the Red Owl store in Brookings for a number of years. Another son was also married to Fraulein Huwe, the German teacher when we were in high school. A complete obituary can be found at http://www.eidsnessfuneralhome.com/sitemaker/sites/Eidsne1/obit.cgi?user=492623Koenders.

The Mother of Jim Wakeman Passes Away

Our condolences and prayers go out to Jim Wakeman and his family on the loss of his mother. As a boy, some of us were in Cub Scouts together, and Jim's mother was a wonderful den mother. Greg Graff (anybody remember him), another scout, lived right across the alley from the Wakemans. Our troop was sponsored by the Catholic Church, which was across the street from their houses. We probably spent much time at the church, but most of it wasn't in prayer. A complete obituary can be found at http://rudesfuneralhome.com/sitemaker/sites/RudesF1/obit.cgi?user=492099Wakeman

Mr. Westbrook and Mrs. Heath Pass Away

Our condolences and prayers go out to Nancy Westbrook and Diane Heath. Diane lost her mother, and Nancy lost her father.

Beatrice M. Heath of LaVista, NE
Published: October 09, 2011

LaVista - BEATRICE M. HEATH of LaVista, NE and formerly of Brookings, SD passed away in Omaha, NE October 6, 2011 at the age of 80 years.
Beatrice is preceded in death by husband Duane; parents Orville and Gladys Ward; two brothers Robert Borstad and Darwin Ward and one sister Beverly Mallory.
She is survived by three daughters, Sherry (Leroy) Grafing, Diane (Ray) Newman and Susan (Ty) Smith; one son Michael (Kathleen) Heath; 9 grandchildren and 2 great-granddaughters brothers and sisters Betty Olson, Wayne Ward, Barbara Decker Anita Likes, David Borstad and Linda Cunningham and many nieces and nephews
Visitation will be held Monday, October 10th, at 12:00pm to 2:00pm with Funeral Service's at 2:00 p.m. at the Rude's Funeral Home in Brookings, South Dakota.
Interment will follow the funeral service at Greenwood Cemetery, Brookings, SD

condolences may be sent to the family through www.rudesfuneralhome.com

Thornton Westbrook of Brookings, SD
Published: October 09, 2011

Brookings - Thornton Westbrook, 91, died Sept. 29, 2011, at the United Retirement Center in Brookings. A Service of Remembrance will be held at 2:00 P.M. Sat., Oct. 15, 2011, at Eidsness Funeral Home in Brookings. In lieu of flowers, memorials should be directed to the United Retirement Center or the First United Methodist Church Community Life Center. Survivors include his wife, Maureen, of Brookings; his children, Anne of Brookings, Mary of Iowa City, IA, Nancy (David Ayers) of Des Moines, IA, and James (Susie) of Destin, Florida; three grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. www.eidsnessfuneralhome.com

A Former Teacher Passes Away

Our condolences and prayers go out to the family of Leslie Wayne Peterson, 93, of Brookings, who died Thursday September 8, 2011 at the United Retirement Center in Brookings. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 am, Thursday, September 15, 2011, Brookings Wesleyan Church in Brookings. Visitation will be held from 4:00pm to 7:00pm, Wednesday, September 14, 2011 at Rude's Funeral Home.

Mr. Peterson was the shop teacher when we were in junior high. He also taught some classes in 8th grade science. His wife Alma was a third grade teacher, whom some of us had. She passed away July 10, 2005. They had two children, Nancy and Dwight. Dwight may have been an Eagle Scout. His mother would bring copies of Boys' Life magazine to school for us to read in our free time.

A complete obituary can be found at http://rudesfuneralhome.com/sitemaker/sites/RudesF1/obit.cgi?user=456092Peterson.

Updates Good and Not So Good

Our thoughts, prayers, and condolences go out to the families of Sue Pulford, Sue Ribstein, and Mr. Cole.

Recently, the father of Sue (Kattke) Pulford passed away. This is the obituary that appeared in the Brookings paper:

Leo Kattke, 87, died at the Madison Community Hospital Monday, July 25, 2011.

Funeral services are at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Madison with the Rev Robert Vinslauski officiating. Burial is in St. Catherine Cemetery at Oldham.

There will be a parish scripture service at 7 p.m. Friday at the Weiland Funeral Chapel, which is in charge of the arrangements.

He was born April 4, 1924, in Manchester to Henry and Frieda (Dobrinski) Kattke. He married Regena McAdaragh at Oldham on June 4, 1947. He grew up in Oldham and farmed near Oldham his entire life. He was a member of the Whitewood Township Board, St. Catherine Cemetery Board and Church Council. He enjoyed restoring Allis Chalmers tractors which he displayed in parades and tractor pulls.

He is survived by two sons, Dan of Benson, Ariz., Tim (Vicki) of Watertown; Six daughters, Dianne (Doug) Quinn of New Hampton, Iowa, Susan (Bill) Pulford of Sioux Falls, Mary Ann (David) Appel of Redfield, Jane Lee of Madison, Joan (Greg) Huus of Sidney, Neb., and Kay (Kevin) McLain of Pierre; 21 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren; a brother, Verne of Oldham; four sisters, Evelyn Graff of Rapid City, Vera (Bud) Dooley of Tuscon, Ariz., Neva (Moe) Frey of San Antonio and Judi Riley of Waupaca, Wis.

He was preceded him in death by his wife in 2009 and one brother, Harold.

Also passing away recently was Rachel Cole, the wife of Mr. Vic Cole. Some of us may have had Mr. Cole as a teacher in Jr. Hi. This is the obituary from the website of Rude's Funeral Home:

Rachel Cole, 95, of Brookings, died Wednesday, July 27, 2011 at the Brookview Manor. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30am, Tuesday, August 2, 2011 at St. Thomas More Catholic Church in Brookings, SD. Visitation will be held from 4:00pm to 7:00pm, Monday, August 1, 2011 at Rude’s Funeral Home in Brookings, SD, with a Liturgical Wake Service beginning at 6:30pm.

Rachel K. Barber was born on September 28, 1915 near Tyndall, SD to Samuel and Adelaide (Hughes) Barber. She attended rural schools and was a graduate of the Tyndall High School class of 1932. She continued her education at the University of Missouri and South Dakota State University in Brookings, SD. She was united in marriage to Vitalis I. Cole on May 10, 1941 in Tyndall. After their marriage she lived with her family on or near military installations in Iowa, Missouri, Oklahoma, Indiana, Michigan, Virginia, Alaska, and Brookings, SD. She was employed several years by the Bon Homme County Extension Service and the ASCS office during WWII. She was a farmer field woman demonstrating and assisting with victory gardens and rationing programs. She was a 4-H Club leader for more than twenty-five years and was honored as a Friend of 4-H. She continued to provide awards for special foods winners. She also was a Girl Scout leader and organized and supervised a teen club for three years in Fairbanks, Alaska.

She was a member of St. Thomas More Catholic Church and was active as a Sunday school teacher for many years as well as a 60 year member of the Catholic Order of Foresters. She was also a member of the Local John Kerr Chapter of the DAR, the Retired Teachers, Brookings County Historical Society and several bridge clubs. She especially enjoyed playing bridge, gourmet cooking, traveling and spending time with her grandchildren.

Grateful for having shared her life are her children Kathryn (Louis) Quinones, of Riverdale, New York, Carroll (Richard) Sens-Castet, of Brooklyn, New York. Eleanor (Randall) Roth, of New London, MN, Christopher (Jane Ann) Cole, of Ashburn, VA; six grandchildren, one great granddaughter and her sister, Mary (Dr. Lloyd) Scheffel, of Mt. Prospect, IL.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Vic, her sister, Hazel and her brother, John.

In today's Sioux Falls paper, there was a very brief item that Colin Bork, a 1976 (?) grad of BHS, was selected to the North Dakota Golf Hall of Fame. He is the younger brother of Carol Bork of our class. He was (is) an outstanding golfer, and won some titles in South Dakota before moving, evidently, to North Dakota.

Many of you may know that Central Elementary School was converted into South Dakota's only Children's Museum. The Museum has been only open for about 11 months, yet already is closing in on 100,000 visitors. It really is a world-class facility. When my niece was in Brookings last Easter, she, her husband, 5-year old son, 6-year old daughter, and I spent a whole afternoon viewing and playing in the the exhibits. It was quite exciting for all of us, and was helpful to me as I tried to remember which teacher taught in the respective classrooms. The classrooms have been converted into hands-on activities for the little ones. They can play the part of an auto mechanic, try their hand at composing or playing music, paint to their heart's delight, engage in a number of physical challenges, and participate in many other activities. The gym is a replica of what life may have been like for the pioneers of our state. Among the "buildings" are a "sod" house, a one-room schoolhouse, a farm, and a tepee. There is a grocery store where they can "buy" their food. For those who are interested in the newer technology, there is a "TV" studio that allows the kids to "air" a weather forecast, just as it is done on the 6 o'clock news. They can then watch themselves and see if any have a budding career as a meteorologist. In the area where the old entryway was, a trophy case holds some interesting artifacts related to the history of the school. If any of you ever make it back to Brookings, a trip to the only children's museum in South Dakota should probably have the same importance as eating at Nick's. It truly is worth the price of admission.

Some of you may know that I have embarked on a second career. I have returned to school to become a priest. Two years are completed, with two left to go. This summer, my assignment was at a parish in Sioux Falls. Part of our work is to visit patients in the hospitals. One day, I had stopped at the hospital desk to get a list of patients from our parish. I accidentally went into the wrong room, but the patient there knew me. She was the wife of "Doc" Serlet, who was the shop teacher at the old school, and then taught electronics when we went to the new high school. "Doc" passed away in 1974, and she has since remarried. She was a patient because she had missed the last step when coming down some stairs at home, and really smashed up her shoulder. Her younger son Mike was there; he was a year behind us in school. We had a great visit. Her other son Tim was a year ahead of us in school. both of them are engineers; Mike is near Denver, and Tim is somewhere in California.

More sad news: The stepmother of Sue (Cavanaugh) Ribstein passed away on Aug. 16, 2011.The obituary from Eidsness Funeral Home (http://eidsnessfuneralhome.com/sitemaker/sites/Eidsne1/obit.cgi?user=437151JorenbyCavanaugh) contains this information:

LouAnn Jorenby Cavanaugh, age 87, of Brookings, formerly of Volga, died Tuesday, August 16, 2011, at the Brookings Hospital. Memorial services will be 2:00 P.M. Friday, August 19, 2011, at First Lutheran Church in Volga, preceded by a family service at the church at 1:00 P.M. Interment of cremated remains will be in the church cemetery.

LouAnn Caroline (Jorgenson) Jorenby Cavanaugh was born May 14, 1924, at Hayti, South Dakota, to Alvin and Effie (Stormo) Jorgenson. She grew up near Hayti, and on November 17, 1941, married Everett Jorenby. The Jorenbys farmed near Volga and later owned and operated the Silver Bell Café in Volga. Everett died February 17, 1985. On February 14, 1990, LouAnn married Dale Cavanaugh. He died June 27, 2001.

LouAnn will be remembered for her delicious food at the Silver Bell, where she was especially known for her cinnamon rolls, meatballs, and Sunday smorgasbords.

Survivors include four children: Rollie (Nita) Jorenby of Bessemer, Alabama, Linda (Len) Santema of Brookings, Larry (Macy) Jorenby of Springfield, Tennessee, and Randi Johnston of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; four step-children: David (Carol) Cavanaugh of Montgomery, Alabama, Susan Ribstein of Brookings, Rea (Rick) McKeown of Brookings, and Sheila Cavanaugh of Sioux Falls, 24 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; a brother, Bob (Mary) Jorgenson, of Columbia Falls, Montana; two sisters: Ellen Kneip of Port Angeles, Washington, and Marilyn (Gerald) Ziegler of Franklin, Tennessee; and her beloved companion, Dene Jones of Brookings, and his family. She was preceded in death by her husbands, Everett and Dale; step-daughter, Patty Gilbertson; and an infant grandson, Richard Jorenby

Mr. Bell's Wife

Many of us probably have some notable memories of our principal, Mr. Virgil Bell. He has been gone for many years now. His wife continued to live in Brookings, and was at our reunion in 2001. She recently passed away at the age of 100. Her complete obituary can be found at http://www.brookingsregister.com/v2_news_articles.php?heading=0&story_id=11343&page=80

Whatever Happened to?

During these past few weeks, we had some fond memories of some truly outstanding mothers, Mrs. O"Connell and Mrs. Moulton. As some of us were reminiscing, we also mentioned Mrs. Cheever, a 6th grade teacher for some of us. That brought up the topic of some of our classmates who moved away during our junior high days. Some names that come to mind (with the help of some old annuals) are Dianne Baird, Patsy Bates, Joan Bjordahl, Jerry Briggs, Danny Brown, Patty Erger, Tami George, Greg Graff, Eddie Hansen, Lee Larson, Sonia Miller, Larry Nolan, Lynette Ostermeier, Bob Pape, Wanda Pike, Betty Rickerson, vickie Scannell, Carol Schulz, Deb Sedler, Susan Stamp, Beverly Sween, Ginger Thompson, Margaret Travis, Jill Wheelborg, Larry Wilson, and Steve Wobbema. All of these were here for our 8th grade year. A couple of names that are familiar from 7th grade are Teresa Buckbee and Cheri Tack (sp?). A number of these people were still here for our 9th grade year. Some new students that year were Arlisse Grant, Nancy Josephson, Leonard Otkin, Bill Ramey, Candy Roberts, Dan Scanlon (sp?), and Vicki Scannell. Randy Christensen, Donna Duenwald, John Gorman, Barb Milic, and Joann Sauer were some of the new students our sophomore year. They did not graduate with us. Has anyone had any contact with these former classmates?

Memorial Service For Irene Moulton

A wonderful memorial service was held this afternoon for Irene Moulton, the mother of Janice, Cheryl, Mary, and Rita. Each of the daughters told some delightful stories about their mother. Mrs. Moulton was a truly outstanding woman. She attended nursing school at the University of Minnesota. After the daughters were born, she put her career on hold so she could become a mother to her children. She then restarted her her nursing career at the Brookings Hospital, where she was widely respected. Her daughters stressed the imortance of courage, patience, and sacrifice in the live of their mother. Mrs. Moulton was a gifted seamstress, cook, and gardener. More importantly, though, was her love of God and her love of others. She was was very active in her church, and was always looking out for the neighbors and others in the many social groups to which she belonged. She had an impact on numerous people in the community. I can personally attest to this, as she assisted my own mother in the last years of her life. The memorial service was held today because it is the anniversary of her birth, May 22, 1917. Robyn (Connelly) Kortan was also in attendance from our class; we had a fun time reminiscing about our younger days.

If any of you have some news or information that could be passed along, do not hesitate to let us know. With your permission, we will gladly post it here. We have some ideas to get the ball rolling, but can always use some help and ideas.

A Former Sixth Grade Teacher Passes Away

Some of you may have had Mrs. Cheever for a 6th grade teacher. If memory serves right, the other 6th grade teachers at Central were Mrs. Travis, Mrs. Walker, and Miss Pedersen. Let me know if that is correct or not. She passed away a few weeks ago. She must have retired in the 70's. Our 6th grade year with Mrs. Walker was extremely memorable. Janice Briggs and I exchanged a few emails last summer about the wonderful experiences we had in school, particularly at Central.


Winifred N. Cheever of Brookings, SDPublished: May 04, 2011
Brookings - The memorial service for Win Cheever, lifelong educator and student, will be 2 pm Wednesday, May 11, at the Brookings First Presbyterian Church. Win made her home at 925 5th Street for almost 60 years.Win was born near Woonsocket May 5, 1912, to Lloyd and Harriet Weir Webster; taught home economics in Wall and Gettysburg after graduating from SD State in 1932; married Lyle Cheever in 1936; and was the mother of Walter (Cleveland, MN), Douglas (Dubuque, IA), and Kathleen "Kay" Cheever and of Margery Mullins (Denver, CO). Lyle and Kay preceded her in death as did one sister and both brothers (Mattie Olinger and Keith and Herb Webster), her son-in-law, Thomas Mullins, and grandson, Robert (Jill) Cheever. Four grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, and her sisters, Melba Ellis of Evergreen, CO, and Connie (Waldo) Burrill of Forestburg also continue Win's life interests.Win and Lyle lived in Sioux Falls for six years where three children attended Washington High. After returning to Brookings, she taught sixth grade until her retirement. Win was an avid reader, an active gardener into her ninth decade, and a loving, gentle advocate for the underprivileged and for far-sighted stewardship of God's earth.Memorial suggestions include the Brookings First Presbyterian Church and Public Library.

Last week, a memorial service was held for Kevin O'Connell's mother. He gave a moving tribute about her life: her love of word games, such as scrabble and crossword puzzles; her volunteer work with the arts, especially at the SD Art Museum at SDSU; and her love of learning. Tom and Cathy (Wilber) Madson came all the way from Virginia. Tom's brother Bill, who has been in Sioux Falls for a number of years, was also in attendance. We exchanged many pleasant memories, and made the obligatory trek to Nick's and also to Ray's Corner.

The Mother of Dennis and Danny Kruse Passes Away

The mother of Dennis and Danny Kruse (Vada J. Iverson) passed away on April 8, after a long courageous battle with cancer. She was born June 22, 1930, in Brookings, the daughter of John and Helen (Johnson) Swedlund. She grew up in Brookings, and married Donald Kruse on Feb.2, 1948 in Volga. They made their home in Brookings and had six children: David, Danny, Dennis, Debra, Dwight, and Susan. Her husband Don passed away on Aug. 20, 1974 in British Columbia while on a hunting expedition. She married Darrell D. Iverson in 1976. She worked at SDSU from 1975-2003. She was a member of the Morningside Community Church in Brookings, and had a special gift for knowing just when to set the hook on her many fishing excursions. Vada is survived by her husband Darrell of Brookings; two sons, Dennis (Nettie) Kruse of Brookings and Dwight (Marilyn) of Lake Preston; two daughters, Debra (David) Stewart of Brookings, Susan (Kenneth) Weinberg of Lake Poinsett; two daughters-in-law, Julie Kruse and Sheila Kruse; 17 grandchildren; 31 great-granchildren, and one sister, Lola (Don) Stampe of Brookings. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Donald; two sons, David Kruse and Danny Kruse; one daughter-in-law, Wanda Kruse; one grandson, Scott Kruse, and three sisters, Mabel Severson, Frances Nordbye, and Blanche Evans.

Mary Moulton's Mother Passes Away

Our condolences and prayers go out to Mary Moulton and her family on the passing of her mother. She was a wonderful woman. I met her a few times when she, Dianne Sturdevant's mom, and my mom would get together and socialize every once in a while. They all grew up around the Faulkton area about the same time, so they had many things to talk about.

Irene Ellen Moulton passed away on April 2, 2011 at the of of 93 while living at the Sanford Mid Dakota Care Centerin Chamberlain, SD. She was born on May 22, 1917 in Faulkton, SD to Dorothy and Lars Andersen. Irene was long time resident of Brookings, SD and the wife of Lowell C. Moulton, who died April 4, 1979. Irene was beloved mother of four daughters, Janice Christian (I'm wondering if that should be "Christiansen"-I recall looking at annuals of my older brothers and sisters and seeing the name of Janice Moulton; there was also a boy named Christiansen (Bob?), whose father may have had Chris's Market across from the swimming pool. Did they get married?) and Cheryl Paulson of Oacoma, SD, Mary Steen and Rita Vanterpool of Colorado Springs, CO. She has six grandchildren, thirteen great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild. A memorial service in celebration of her life will be held in Brookings, SD around her 94th birthday (May 22, 2011). Information on the time and exact date will be published in Brookings Register when this information is known.

Mark Bortnem's Mother Passes Away

Our condolences and prayers go out to Mark Bortnem on the recent passing of his mother. What a truly remarkable woman. She was obviously devoted to her faith and her family, and had a passion for helping, assisting, and aiding her fellow men and women. Her unselfish love and willingness to sacrifice for others is unmatched.

Ruth A. "Ruthie" Eggebraaten Bortnem passed away on March 28, 2011 at Brookview Manor in Brookings. She was born on June 21, 1918, so she was almost 93. She had 12 siblings, and was very active at Lake Campbell Lutheran Church for her entire life. She graduated from Brookings High School in 1937. As a student, whe was involved in drama, vocal and band groups, and athletics (there was competitive girls' athetics back then; why they were done away is anybody's guess). After graduation, she was a bookkeeper and secretary for Service Grocery (I remember that store; it was sponsoring a woman's fastpitch softball team in the 50's), and a secretary for attorney B. H. Schaphorst in Brookings.

She married Harris W. Bortnem on June 21, 1939 (her birthday) at Lake Campbell Lutheran Church, and worked alongside him on their small, diversified farm near the church. They lovingly and faithfully raised three children, Eileen, Ralph, and Mark, and attended church regularly. Ruth supported her children in their church, 4-H, and school activities, encouraging creativity and perseverance. She made time to nurture a flower garden and yard and loved to cook and sew.

As often as possible over the years, she visited her adult children, grandchildren, and her extended family in South Dakota and elsewhere.

For decades Ruth diligently maintained the formal written lineage for her father's family, and she published and distributed current versions to family members. She took two trips with family to Europe, including Scandinavia from which her father's and mother's families emigrated.

After moving from the farm to Brookings, Ruth worked at Midtex where she assembled electrical relays for about eight years. She befriended SDSU foreign students and their families. Then she worked as a Senior Companion for 18 years in the Brookings-Volga area, selflessly caring for her clients until her own health began to fail at age 86.

Ruth was the secretary-treasure of her townhouse association in Brookings for about two decades. She enjoyed caring for her flowers at her home. Written history was one of special interests. She even learned how to play the guitar at an advanced age.

At the church, Ruth sang in the ladies' chorus, rang in the bell choir, taught Sunday School and was Superintendent, participated and held offices in the women's groups, and prepared and presented programs at nursing homes for many years. She carefully prepared and presented radio programs for the Christian Women's Hour on KBRK for many years. She designed and constructed many large Christian-theme banners which have been used at the church for nearly 40 years.

After suffering strokes in late 2004 and in early 2007, Ruth's conversation ability was diminished, but her current and past memories of family and events remained very solid. She made her home in assisted-living facilities in Brookings for about six years and continued to live a fulfilling life, with her supportive and loving family and friends close by her side.

She was preceded in death by her parents, twelve siblings, and her husband. She is survived by her three children: Eileen (James) Klein of Prescott, AZ; Ralph Bortnem of Kent,WA and Brookings, SD; Mark (Janet) Bortnem of of Newberg, OR. She is survived by two grandchildren in California: Eric and Julie Klein; three grandchildren in Oregon: Nathan (Addie) Bortnem, Grant (Megan) Bortnem, Luke Bortnem; three great-grandchildren in Oregon: Jameson and and Jackson Bortnem, and Colby Bortnem. She is survived by two sisters-in-law: Velma Eggebraaten of Oregon And Drusilla Ness of Colorado, and many nieces and nephews.

Lee Colburn Into South Dakota Sports Hall of Fame

From the Sioux Falls Argus Leader web edition of April 2, 2011: Perhaps the greatest basketball player in South Dakota State history, Lee Colburn probably was the most exciting as well. The Brookings High grad was all-state in 1968 and 1969 as the Bobcats won the state "A" title in 1968 and were runners-uup in 1969. Colburn, who set the scool single-game scoring record with 38 points, was a prep All-American in 1969. After being recruited by Division I coaches Joe Cipriano (Nebraska), Tex Winter (Washington), and Cotton Fitszimmons (Kansas State), Colburn signed with Jim Marking and SDSU. The number one reason for choosing State was that Division I did not allow freshmen to play varsity, while Division II did, and Colburn wanted to play right away. At State, he finished his career Nol. 1 in scoring (1,822 points) and rebounding (837). But more than scoring or rebounding, the 6'6" Colburn is remembered most for his exceptional speed, body control, and twisting-turning lay-ups. "He just always went flying down the court," Marking told the Brookings Register. "Lee was a great competitor. He laid it on the line every ballgame." Colburn was an All-American in 1973, when he led the North Central Conference in scoring (23.3), was third in rebounding (12.2), and shot 52.9 percent from the field. He earned all-conference honors three times (1971-72-73). The Jacks were in the NCAA playoffs in 1970, 1972, and 1973. Colburn was a third-round draft choice of the Houston Rockets, surviving until the final cuts. He played pro basketball for a season in Belgium and atttended the NBA summer league in Los Angeles, playing for the Rockets. He tried out again with Houston the next year, again making it to the final cuts. He was a co-owner of MC&R Pools, Inc. in Sioux Falls from 1975 until his death in a car accident in 1997. Lee married Connie Wikle in march 1973. They had one daughter, Cristina Lee. Connie passed away in 1984. Lee was married to Karen Dickerson at the time of his death. I believe that Lee is also going to be inducted into the South Dakota Basketball Hall of Fame later this spring, along with two other Bobcats, Roger Nelson, class of 1954, and Renee Sallquist, class of 1986. Roger held the school single game scoring record of 37. He later played at USD, and was a starter on the team that won the national championship in 1958. Ironically, when Lee broke his record in Pierre in 1969, Roger was there. He was teaching in Onida, and had refereed the sophomore game. He later told us that he always wanted to see the game in which it was broken. Fortunately, he was able to be there. Renee was a member of two undefeated teams in 1984 and 1985. Their teams were rated as high as number three in some of the national girls basketball rankings during those years. Also rather ironically, their coach (Jim Holwerda--he was also the athletic director at BHS until 1992, replacing Nig Johnson) played for Tex Winter at Kansas State. Coach Winter left Kansas for Washington, where he tried to recruit Lee. It is a small world.

Kevin O'Connell's Mother Passes Away

Kevin O'Connell's mother passed away recently.

Northfield, MN--Margaret (Wall) O'Connell was born July 20, 1914, in Gettysburg, SD to Frank and Winona Hall. Following two years as a teacher, Peg married Jim O'Connell, a livestock specialist at South Dakota State University in Brookings, SD. She and Jim raised three sons and resided in Brookings until their move to Northfield, MN, in 1998. Peg died March 10, 2011, at the Northfield Retirement Community Care Center.

Peg, a devout Catholic, had a passion for reading and a lifelong pursuit of knowledge. Her love of crossword puzzles contributed to her excellence as a wordsmith. Art was a constant in Peg's life. She volunteered as a tour guide at the SDSU Art Museum and continued to champion art appreciation throughout her years in Northfield. She was currently enrolled in water color painting at the senior center.

She is surviver her son Patrick and wife Donna of Spearfish, SD; Kevin and his wife Kay of Northfield, MN; daughter-in-law Suzan O'Connell of Bismarck, ND; sisters Marion Lowrey and Patricia Wall of The Woodlands, TX; six grandchildren and four great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband Jim and son Michael.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, March 13, from 2-4 pm at the Northfield Retirement Center Chapel. Interment services and Mass will be held later this spring in Brookings, SD.

Memorials can be directed to the Northfield Public Library or the South Dakota Art Museum, Brookings, SD.

Arrangements are with the Benson & Langehough Funeral Home.

If anybody has any comments to add, feel free to do so. I spent a great deal of time over at the O'Connell house, especially during the summer of 1963. We were altar boys at the Newman Center right across the alley from their house, and served there almost every day.

Bob Gustafson's Sister

Bob Gustafson's sister passed away recently. I did not realize this, but she graduated from BHS in 1962. I had a brother who graduated that year. It was also the year that they won the State "A" basketball title, which we duplicated six years later. Her complete obituary can be found at http://www.rudesfuneralhome.com/index.php?option=com_obituary&task=details&oid=827

The Mother of Lonnie Herron Passes Away

Lonnie Herron's mother passed away recently. She was 94. On a personal note, Lonnie was on the same Little League team when we were 11-12 years old. He was our catcher, and could really hit the ball, too. Her complete obituary can be found at http://www.rudesfuneralhome.com/index.php?option=com_obituary&task=details&oid=828

Mrs. Joan Tabor, Our Librarian

This has been a difficult Christmas around Brookings for the members of our class. We have lost a couple of beloved mothers, and today we have lost our librarian, Mrs Joan Tabor. Our condolences go out to her and her family. I take no great pleasure in passing this information along. If anyone has some positive news to pass along, please advise. This is the obituary from rudesfuneralhome.com:
May 18 1929 - Jan 04 2011
Joan D. Tabor, 81, of Brookings, died Tuesday, January 4, 2011 of congestive heart failure at the Brookings Hospital. A Memorial Mass has been set for 11:00am Saturday, January 8, 2011 at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, Brookings, SD, with family visitation one hour prior to services. A visitation with friends and family and a celebration of her life will be held from 6:30pm to 9:00pm on Friday, January 7, at the Meadow Green Community Center, Brookings.Joan Dougherty Tabor loved to read, and she loved to find the book that would unlock the world of reading for students. In her years as the librarian at Brookings High School, she lured countless students into the world of reading with high interest books and a willingness to talk about every subject. Born May 18, 1929 in Huron, SD to Ella Gartland and E. B. Dougherty, Joan spent her early years in Omaha, NE and grew up in the many small towns of South Dakota along the Chicago & Northwestern railroad line where her father worked. They lived in Houghton and Iroquois, finally settling in Gettysburg where she graduated from high school. She attended South Dakota State University, graduating in 1951 with a degree in Journalism and began her career as an English teacher in the Watertown public schools. She married Theodore Lee Tabor in the summer of 1952. Her career as a teacher continued in Sturgis, SD, Belfry, MT and Hoven, SD, though she spent most of her teaching years as the Brookings High School librarian, from 1964 until she retired. She received her Masters in Journalism from SDSU, and had recently begun writing a series of short memoir pieces about her years in South Dakota.Music was as much a part of her life as the written word. Joan was an accomplished musician. She won awards for the piano and her singing in high school. In the Iroquois School band, she played trombone, saxophone, and trumpet - whatever instrument the band needed. At SDSU she was part of a vocal trio that performed in Rabbit Rarities and other college reviews, as well as on WCCO radio. Joan was an avid dancer, learning to dance from her father to the big bands of the 30s and 40s. In later life she learned the string bass and played for years in the SDSU-Civic Symphony. She served for years on the board of the Brookings’ Chamber Music Society, bringing a broad range of artists from around the world to perform at SDSU.After her retirement from BHS, Mrs. Tabor continued to keep libraries a focus, becoming a member of the board of the Friends of the Brookings Public Library, and she maintained her membership in the South Dakota Library Association. Involved in many organizations and clubs, she was active in three bridge clubs, Queen Bee of a Red Hat chapter, a volunteer at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, and a member of Delta Kappa Gamma and PEO.She is survived by her brother, Charles (Diana) Dougherty (PA); her three children, Liz Robinson (John) of Oak Park, IL, Kate Tabor (Sam Fishkin) of Evanston, IL and Matt (Mary) Tabor of Racine, WI; her eight grandchildren Mamie (Neil) Simpson, Abigail, Nicholas, Margaret, Madelyn, Emily, Sophia and Hannah; her two great-grandchildren Jonathan and Jennifer; and many nieces, nephews and their families.

Does anyone remember whan we first started classes our junior year? The furniture had not yet arrived for the library, and we had to sit on the carpeted floor. And how Mrs. Tabor scolded us for talking too loudly instead of studying quietly? The library wasn't for studying; it was a place to converse with friends (or so we thought). Also, I was not aware of her musical abilities. I heard her sing enthusiastically in church, but I had no idea that she played so many instruments.

Another Parent Passes Away

The mother of Pam Johnston passed away on tuesday, Dec. 28, 21010. This is the obituary from http://www.eidsnessfuneralhome.com/index.php?option=com_obituary&task=details&oid=698

Anmae Johnston
Mar 28 1929 - Dec 28 2010
Anmae Johnston, age 81, of Brookings, died Tuesday, December 28, 2010 after a short battle with cancer. She died in her home with her family at her side. She was loving mother, grandmother, and friend. Memorial services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Monday, January 3, 2011, at First United Methodist Church in Brookings. Visitations will be from 4-7 P.M. Sunday at Eidsness Funeral Home in Brookings.Anmae Moberg Johnston was born March 28, 1929, at Brookings, South Dakota, to John and Golda (Boots) Bishop Moberg. She grew up in the Brookings area, attended Brookings schools, and graduated from Brookings High School. She loved music and was very active in band and pep band playing her saxophone. Following school she trained for work with the telephone company. On January 30, 1949, she married Marion R. Johnston. They farmed north of Brookings for several years, and later the family moved into Brookings where Anmae worked for several businesses. Marion died May 7, 2009. Anmae was a member of First United Methodist Church and the Mizpa Club. She enjoyed many crafts, fishing, flowers, and her family and friends. Survivors include her four children: Greg (Michelle) Johnston of Miles City, Montana, Pamela (Jack) Schricker of Pagosa Springs, Colorado, John (Mary) Johnston of Brookings, and Jodi (Butch) Friedel of Brookings; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; a brother, Jack Moberg, of Lake Norden, South Dakota; sister-in-law, Kathryn Chester, of Brookings; a special cousin, June Jones, of Brookings; many other relatives and a host of friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and a great-grandson.