Our 65th birthday turned out to be, since the theme dealt with song titles, a fantastic "Celebration" because "Memories Are Made of This." "With a Little Luck," the weather was wonderful, and no one was "Singing the Blues." About 10 PM on Saturday, though, it appeared that the "Eve of Destruction" was approaching. Those who went outside heard nature thundering and lightning to the tune of "Baby, The Rain Must Fall"
Credit goes to the organizational skills of Mark Kratochvil, Robyn Kortan, Paula Platz, Kayla Soleglad, Marilyn Johns, Jim Kohler, et al., for we could not have been "Reunited" "Without You." It was wonderful to meet up with old friends; there were even a few who were able to "Walk Right In" to enjoy the festivities. A number of our former high school instructors made their presence, as they returned to the glory days of yesteryear to "Teach Your Children." Also noteworthy was the attendance of some former classmates who had moved away before graduation. Of course, they were "Welcome Back" with "Open Arms." In short, we had a fantastic time remembering "The Way We Were." In short, we had a fantastic time remembering "The Way We Were." "There!I've Said It Again."
The festivities began with informal gatherings for beverages at the Kortan home, located just across the street from the former Central Elementary School, which is now a world-class Children's Museum (http://www.prairieplay.org/). Trying to place names with faces after numerous years proved to be as difficult as the challenge of Sisyphus (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sisyphus). After an hour or so there, we moseyed two blocks east to the Kratochvil home and garage (just across the street from the old high school annex) for fresh pizza made by our classmates who plied their trade at the Pizza Pub in their more youthful days. Counting classmates and spouses, our unofficial tally placed 82 people in attendance, 55 of whom were our classmates.
Saturday began at the relatively new Dakota Nature Park at the southern edge of Brookings. Small lakes for fishing, canoeing, and kayaking, along with bike trails, are the prominent features of the park. Wildlife, too, is plentiful. One may encounter many different kinds of animals there. Some people were fly-fishing so there must be nice trout in the lakes.
We enjoyed food and refreshment as we gathered to remember those classmates who are no longer with us. Many people signed the name(s) of the deceased on a rock(s) and then left it(them) on one of the trails, while others tossed their rocks into the lake, perhaps disturbing those fishing.
By noontime, Nick's was ready for our appearance. Coincidentally, just down Main at the VFW, the annual Southside Reunion was taking place. Some of us went first to Nick's, then over to the Southside gathering. Again, stories were told and memories were refreshed.
The afternoon included a tour of the present high school, which was new in our day. It still seems new, as there has been so much remodeling and enlarging of the original school that it is hardly recognizable. The total size must be double what is was when were in school. It would be interesting to compare the overhead photo in our senior yearbook with a present one. What a difference there would be. Anyone care to use Google maps to take an aerial photograph of that part of town today, and then compare it to that same area circa 1968?
The official festivities began at 6 PM at the Old Market, the former First National Bank, just across the street from the Children's Museum. 54 members (and 22 spouses) of our esteemed class graced the Old Market, at least eight teachers were present, and there were a few others from the class of 1968. The first teacher to arrive was Mr. Thury, history teacher and basketball coach of our state championship team of 1968 and runners-up in 1969. He presently resides in the Twin Cities area, so he drove some 200 miles just to be with us. He wanted to speak to us for about five minutes, but was unable to do so. He had told his wife he would try to be home by midnight, so it was necessary for him to leave around 8 PM. He wanted to speak to us from his heart, so it would not be appropriate, he noted, for someone else to his pass along his thoughts and emotions. His efforts were truly appreciated by those with whom he conversed. Without his coaching efforts, the results for our basketball team may have had a different outcome.
Also coming from out of town was Mr. Sherrill, another history teacher and coach. He has changed very little. Mr. Sherrill coached year-round: football in the fall; wrestlig in the winter; and track and field in the spring. Even though he moved to Watertown to teach and coach after our junior year, we still have great respect for him. Incidentally, while doing some research for our reunion, we found his wedding picture in a 1966 edition of the Register.
Other teachers with whom we enjoyed visiting were Mr. Klavetter (Alg. 2 and Trig), Mr. Rykhus (9th grade science and track coach), Mr. Webster (JV basketball coach), Mr. Tlustos (economics and football/wrestling coach), Mrs. Jostad (German student teacher our sophomore year), and Mr. Jostad (biology and assistant basketball coach).
There was a brief informal program before there was a "Whole Lot of Shakin' Going On." Did the "Sounds of Silence" prevail during the silent auction? For those of you unable to attend, we were "Wishing You Were Here," as we truly were "Missing You." We left, "Wishin' and Hopin'" that perhaps we could have had "One More Night." However, we all had to "Runaway" and go our separate ways, knowing that again "Someday We'll Be Together."
More information may be forthcoming on Paula's facebook page Brookings High School Class of 1969 Rockin' Reunion 2016.
In the time interval since we have last posted, some notable people have passed away. Four parents are among them: Marj Hendricks (http://eidsnessfuneralhome.com/memsol.cgi?user_id=1751046); Lori Kortan (http://eidsnessfuneralhome.com/memsol.cgi?user_id=1758110); Marvelyn Kessler http://rudesfuneralhome.com/memsol.cgi?user_id=1807168-; and Sadie Bortnem (
http://rudesfuneralhome.com/memsol.cgi?user_id=1786665).
Former ag teacher Mr. Kleinsasser passed away in April (http://rudesfuneralhome.com/memsol.cgi?user_id=1782398 ); Frank Denholm, former congressman also passed away in April (http://rudesfuneralhome.com/memsol.cgi?user_id=1773928 ).
The husband of Evelyn Edwards, also one of our former teachers, passed away in June (http://rudesfuneralhome.com/memsol.cgi?user_id=1809773 ).
Sylvester Billet, who was a year ahead of us in school, passed away unexpectedly in June ( http://rudesfuneralhome.com/memsol.cgi?user_id=1814361 ).
Roger Nelson, whose single game basketball scoring record was broken by Lee Colburn, passed away in February (http://rudesfuneralhome.com/memsol.cgi?user_id=1753454).
Our thoughts, prayers, and condolences go out to their families.
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