A Double Loss

Our condolences go out to Paula Hoffman on the loss of her sister-in-law and to Jerry Moad on the loss of his sister. Their losses were not two different persons. Diann Kay Hoffman was the sister-in-law of Paula, and also was Jerry's older sister. Her memorial indicates what a truly remarkable woman she was.

Several of us were able to show our support and attend the services that were held in Dell Rapids. It seems like funerals are the only times some of us classmates are able to see each other. Diann's husband was Paula's older brother Jerry. Jerry was a few years older than we, but is best known to some of us boys as the manager of our Aurora Body Shop slo-pitch softball team that formed in 1970. We had all played baseball at some point in our lives, from little league to legion, so we thought we could field a rather competitive team. Our first game, though, truly humbled us. We played the Spies team, which was proctically a dynasty back then. They often were the class not only of the city, but of the state, winning several state championships in the 1970's. The final score was something like 45-4. It may have been the most runs the Spies team ever scored. Even when we were behind by 25 runs, one of their players hollered out "Show no mercy!" We did improve, and even won a "B" division tournament one summer. Although we were competitive, we seemed to come up short against the powerful teams. Nevertheless, those summers in the early 70's provided many of us with some grand times and memories. Perhaps some of those visions will resurface this summer at our reunions, both the all-60's reunion and our own 55th class reunion. As of now, about 70 people have plans to come. We are looking to forward to a wonderful time.