Two of our class members recently experienced the loss of one of their siblings. Kathy (Smith) Tassler lost her sister Donna Nagel (https://www.rudesfuneralhome.com/obituary/donna-nagel), while Karen (Thysell) Borsay lost her brother "Rusty" (https://brookingsregister.com/article/joseph-thysell-jr-thibodaux-louisiana).
Donna's two daughters, Danelle and Denise, were students of mine many years ago. It was enjoyable talking with them at the visitation. There were numerous people in attendance, as both Donna and her late husband Dennis, were well-known in the community.
Also at the visitation was Mr. Walder, who had also taught Danelle and Denise. He and I reminisced for many minutes, as we had not seen each other for quite some time.
Donna and Dennis were quite active in the local car club. Dennis, owner of a local body shop, was a key member (founding father?) of that organization. That group has put on a local car show in early June for a number of years, and has attracted many beautiful classic cars. From our class, Emmett Earley, Bob Ishmael, and Tom Salonen have displayed their classy machines at this festival.
(Want to post a picture of the poem with her obituary notice, but the blog will not allow it. Will try later, as this computer sometimes acts irrationally) One day later and it works.
About 30 years ago, Kathy's children Charles and Jessica were also students of mine, although I did not make the connection at the time. Charles was a student during the 1991-92 school year, while Jessica was a student the following year.
Two summer ago, our parish priest asked me to assist him on his home visits. One of the stops happened to be at Kathy's residence. Unfortunately, Kathy and I were not able to reminiscence very much, as there were many other individuals we needed to see in a rather short period of time.
Passing away suddenly was Karen (Thysell) Borsay's younger brother "Rusty" (Joe, Jr.) (https://brookingsregister.com/article/joseph-thysell-jr-thibodaux-louisiana). As the obituary states, the family moved to Brookings in 1965. Karen's father worked at the Insect Lab north of town. As many Brookings students worked summer jobs there (including yours truly), we became somewhat acquainted with the scientists and technicians there. During my tenure there, I did not work directly with Dr. Thysell, but it seems to me that Alan Leibel's brother Jay was assisting Dr. Thysell in his wheat research.
Our condolences, thoughts, and prayers go out to Kathy and Karen at the loss of their sister and brother.
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