A True Classic Car Lover

Recently, the brother of our classmate Susan Steen Tatro, Jim Steen, passed away Recently the brother of our classmate Susan Steen Tatro, Jim Steen, passed away (https://www.rudesfuneralhome.com/obituary/james-steen). He influenced manyJim was in the last graduating class (1967) from the old high school.  He was active in FFA, and was also the manager for the state champion wrestling his senior year. Those of us around town, though knew of his love fof classic cars.  As his obituary states, "he restored and sold many vehicles.  Jim took great pride in his community and was always trying to make an impact on young people's lives."   He influenced many young men to the thrill of restoring older cars, including a few who were former students of mine.  He and Emmett Earley helped me when I purchased one of the old classics many years ago.  He was active in the local car club, and assisted in the organization of the Brookings Car Show held annually early in June.  Our thoughts, prayers, and condolences go out to Susan and the rest of the Steen family. 

Tunr! Turn! Turn!

Many of may remember that song from 1965 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W4ga_M5Zdn4).  While this past weekend was a wonderful time for many of our classmates, these words  revealed their truths and eternal wisdom, as the mother of Nancy Westbrook passed away on August 1 (https://www.eidsnessfuneralhome.com/obituary/maureen-westbrook).   Our thoughts, prayers, and condolences go out to Nancy at this difficult time. 

 

While doing some preparatory work for our reunion, I came across numerous articles and pictures indicating her skill as a seamstress.  She and her daughters won many awards in  the South Dakota Make-it-Yourself with Wool contest.  She and her husband were also skilled bridge players, and they frequently were noted as winners in the local duplicate bridge gatherings in the Register. Their eldest daughter Anne has returned to Brookings, and seems to have taken after her parents, as her name is often mentioned in the duplicate bridge news.  It seems that she is often a partner with Donna O'Connell, wife of Pat, Kevin's older brother. 

 

We also learned of the passing of another classmate almost two years ago (thanks to Sandy Davis Meisenheimer for notifying us).  Robert E. (Bob) Lee passed away almost two years ago (https://www.starherald.com/obits/robert-e-bob-lee/article_84fe8a12-49d8-5108-947f-9b2696ede574.html). 

 

 

It seems that he was in grade school with us for at least a few years.  Was he also the student manager for our JV basketball team in 1967-68?  Now we know why no one could locate him for this past reunion.  Our thoughts, prayers, and condolences go out to his family as well. 

 

At our reunion, we remembered 19 classmates who had passed away.  Sadly, that number has grown by one. 

An August Beginning To August

While much planning, preparation, and perhaps frustration went into our class reunion that was held this past weekend,  the end product was well-received.  With 70 classmates and 30 spouses, plus a few teachers, the venues were jovial and enthusiastic.  We all became reacquainted with each other, as some of us had not seen each other in many years.  A great deal of thanks to those who worked so faithfully and diligently to track down a number of classmates, some of whom, over the years, had vanished from our radar. 

Thursday a number of classmates came early and had a grand time at Downtown Sundown, a city-sponsored activity on 5th St. between Main and 3rd Ave. Perhaps 25 came early to enjoy the festivities with a dozen or so of the locals.  Food and drink were available, along with some live music.

Friday night was a wonderful pizza feed at Mark Kratochvil's house/garage.  Perhaps 60 or so nourished themselves on the pizza and various liquids.  "Cody" (Marv Sherrill), came down from Watertown and rehashed some memories from his first teaching and coaching experience.  Many do not know that he had an outstanding career as a wrestler at SDSU.  We were hoping he would return on Saturday, as there were some old Brookings Register articles that featured him.  However, he had other commitments. 

Saturday was a busy day.  We met at Paula (Hoffman) Platz's house for a little breakfast and remembrance ceremony.  Afterwards, a few of us went for a bike ride around the Dakota Nature Park (http://www.cityofbrookings.org/Facilities/Facility/Details/45).  Vern Olson took us on a bumpy bike ride.  Fortunately, there were no casualties, although one rider experienced some embarrassment when his bike tipped over.

Nick's, as is customary for any reunion in Brookings, was the meeting place around noon.  Afterwards, about 30 ventured out to the high school for a 75 minute tour.  The school has about doubled in size since we started there in 1967.  One of the unexpected visitors was Mr. Thury.  He had connections with the principal, Mr. Paul von Fischer.  They knew each from Lakeville, MN; Mr. Thury was an economics teacher, and Mr. von Fischer was one of his students. 

That night was the main event at the 9 Bar (so-called because it opens at nine each night).  In addition to Mr. Thury, the other teachers who graced us with their presence were Mr. and Mrs. Bob Jostad. Mr. Les Tlustos, and Mr. Duane Rykhus.  A few others indicated that they would attend, but the class of 1974 also was reuniting that weekend, so those teachers may have gone there.  Mr. Thury and Mr. Tlustos, our basketball and wrestling coaches, respectively, had some kind words to say about us.  We thank those teachers for taking the effort to rehash old times with their former students and athletes.  It appears that a reunion will again be held in five years. 

Sunday morning concluded the activities with a breakfast at the Children's Museum (https://prairieplay.org/), formerly Central Elementary.  Many of us went to grade school there.  By chance, Mr. Dale Larson, who was responsible for transforming the former school into a museum, was there having breakfast with Mr. Jostad.  He graciously provided a tour of the facility, which some of us had not seen in over 50 years.  A big thank-you for his efforts. 

There were very few quiet moments during all of the festivities, indicating that everyone seemed to be enjoying each other's company.  The pictures indicate how glad we were to be together again.  We hope to see each other again in five years.  (It may take some of us that long to recover from this reunion.)