Red Cross Volunteers in the Advocate

DD, Val and Sandy were in the Advocate December 18, 2010.  This photo and some more info is on our Friday Evening Pre-Reunion posting from September 2008.

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A Poem...

THE CLASS REUNION

Every ten years, (maybe even more often than that)
An announcement arrives in the mail,
A reunion is planned; it'll really be grand;
Make plans to attend without fail.

I'll never forget that first time we met;
We tried so hard to impress.
We drove fancy cars, smoked big cigars,
And wore our most elegant dress.

It was quite an affair; the whole class was there.
It was held at a fancy hotel.
We wined, and we dined, and we acted refined,
And everyone thought it was swell.

The men all conversed about who had been first
To achieve great fortune and fame.
Meanwhile, their spouses described their fine houses
And how beautiful their children became.

The homecoming queen, who once had been lean,
Now weighed in at one-ninety-six.
The jocks who were there had all lost their hair,
And the cheerleaders could no longer do kicks.

No one had heard about the class nerd
Who'd guided a spacecraft to the moon;
Or poor little Jane, who was always so plain;
She married a shipping tycoon.

The boy we'd decreed "most apt to succeed"
Was serving ten years in the pen,
While the one voted "least" now was a priest;
Just shows you can be wrong now and then.

They awarded a prize to one of the guys
Who seemed to have aged the least.
Another was given to the grad who had driven
The farthest to attend the feast.

They took a class picture, a curious mixture
Of beehives, crew cuts and wide ties.
Tall, short, or skinny, the style was the mini;
You never saw so many thighs.

At our next get-together, no one cared whether
They impressed their classmates or not.
The mood was informal, a whole lot more normal;
But this time we'd all gone to pot.

It was held out-of-doors, at the lake shores;
We ate hamburgers, coleslaw, and beans.
Then most of us lay around in the shade,
In our comfortable T-shirts and jeans.

By the fortieth year, it was abundantly clear,
We were definitely "over the hill".
Those who weren't dead had to crawl out of bed,
And be home in time for their pill.

And now I can't wait; they've finally set the date;
Our fiftieth is coming, I'm told.
It should be a ball, they've rented the hall
At the Shady Rest Home for the old.

Repairs have been made on my old hearing aid;
My pacemaker's been turned up to "high".
My wheelchair is oiled, and my teeth have been boiled;
And I've bought a new wig and glass eye.

I'm feeling quite hearty, and I'm ready to party
I'm gonna dance 'til dawn's early light.
It'll be lots of fun; But I just hope that there's one
Other person who can make it that night.

Author Unknown

An Informal 50th Reunion - St Joseph's School Class of 1959

On Saturday, August 1 at 1pm, about 30 people, including 17 classmates, gathered for the 50th Reunion of St Joseph's School class of 1959 8th grade graduation. We met in the school parking lot on a windy afternoon to special greetings, smiles, hugs and OMG comments as we got reacquainted. A 3' by 5' enlarged class photo that had been taken on the steps of the church in 1959 was our introduction and reminder of those special days, long ago. Each of us signed the photo. There were about 45 people in our class of 1959 headed by Sister St. John Mary. Before entering the school for our tour, we all lined up with girls in one line and boys in the other. During our tour we heard many tales from our 8 years in that building. Following the tour we reenacted that graduation photo. Dave DeMelle decided he’d better sit as he wasn’t in the original photo – hmmmm, may have been hunting that day. Mike Chisholm, who led the charge in having this reunion, had rented the pavilion at Sunset Park for a picnic. Everyone had an enjoyable time chatting, reviewing photos and keepsakes from school days and generally learning about each others lives. We discovered numerous, common adventures of adolescence while growing up in Sturgeon Bay and Door County.

A special thanks to those who traveled quite far to attend. The states of Michigan, Illinois, Kentucky, Colorado and Wisconsin were represented.

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Check out some of the pictures below from the gathering.

FOCUS on Door County

The April 22, 1971 issue of the Door County Advocate contained a special section called FOCUS on Door County. That publication was dedicated to an upcoming (April 29, 1971) Jaycette Style Show. Numerous women and children were pictured wearing clothing that would be spotlighted in the Style Show.

Two classmates participated as models - in FOCUS. A special thanks to Donn Wiest who supplied the publication. Donn's mother (Kenn's mom too) Marge was also one of the models.

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PM Kindergarten

Donn Wiest recently found these two photos in his mother's collection in Sturgeon Bay. They are the match to the already posted AM Kindergarten, PM Kindergarten and the PM Boy's Kindergarten. Comparisons have been made for naming and additional individuals have been identified. If you have any names you can add or corrections that are needed please let us know at sbhs63.gmail.com.

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FRONT ROW: Dave Stanek, Lynn Walker Vandertie, Jane Austad Lambiotte, Lynn Zimmerman Corcoran, ?, Sharon DeMarb Karnitz, Dan Johnson, E.G Paul, Suzie Gilbert, DD Peichel Knutson, Dean Gigstead, Sidney LaViolet,?

MIDDLE ROW: Kenn Wiest, Judy Park LeMere, Mary Ann Konrad Bennet, Sharon Green, Jean Pizzala Zimmerman, ?, Mary Eickelberg Mueller, Helen Conlon Ploor, Jean Weber Austad, Suzie Hunsader Oblinger

BACK ROW: David Bingham, Mike Chisholm, Donn Wiest, Jim Smith, Gerry Berg, Tom Reynolds, Dan Johnson,Bill Haen, Frank May, Michael Brailey, Terry Smith, Bill Polster, Eddie Maenpaw, Gary Weber

TEACHERS: Mrs Raynard, Miss Westfahl

Dancers: Donn Wiest & DD Peichel Knutson, Tom Reynolds & Mary Eickelberg Mueller, Mary Ann Konrad Bennet & Kenn Wiest, Judy Park LeMere.
Sitting: Dean Gigstead, Suzie Gilbert

John's Picnic

A huge thanks to John Schiesser who once again sponsored a picnic at his home for classmates the day of the reunion - September 20. John throws a great party and it was a wonderful opportunity to begin getting reacquainted and reminiscing about the many common recollections from our high school years. There were also plenty of brats, hamburgers, and chicken breasts. He also had a chocolate fountain and fresh fruit to dip in it and array of cookies, and beer and soda.

Thanks, John!

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Say "Cheese"

Here's the group photo of the attendees at the 45th class reunion in September. It was taken by Fran Klotz. Check with him if you wish to purchase a copy. We are still working on identifying everyone and apologize for any errors. If you can help, let us know. Email: sbhs63@gmail.com

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September 20, 2008

Front Row:
Marilyn Hein, Val May Jursnick, Jean Weber Austad, Lynn Walker Vandertie, Jean Foelske VanDenElzen, Sharon Goodwin, Dave DeMelle, Ken Anschutz, M J Cordier, Sharon Potier Fehl, Elaine Bowen May, Margy Peterson, Sherry Suess Peterson, Candy Bonner Conrad

Middle Row:
Jim Peterson, Margi Stuth Richards, Ken Meyer, Gerry Lyons Nelson, Mary Eickelberg Mueller, Helen Conlon Ploor, Candy Dexheimer Colombo, Jane Knaapen Cole, Sandy Sperber Groth, DD Peichel Knutson, Tom Grota, Ann Knaapen Krumrich, John Scheisser, Bill Haen, Bill Fleishman, Dean Gigstead, Virg Gosser Gigstead

Back Row:
Gerry Berg, Jim Pragetz, Phil Johnson, Kenn Wiest, Glen Peotter, Bill Lehman, Mike Chisholm, Gary May, Sandy Boes, Bill Polster, Steve Aznoe, Chuck Hagmann, Donn Wiest, Henry Isaksen, Gray Fehl, John Kellner, Dan Ripp, Gary Poehls, Lee Groth

Thanks Mike!

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During the 45th class reunion on September 20, Mike Chisholm was recognized for his continuing contributions to the Class of 63 Reunions. Our class has managed to hold a reunion every five years since graduation. Mike is the driving force behind making these reunions a reality. To recognize his commitment to our class, the committee presented Mike with a plaque. The inscription tells of his emphasis and expresses all of our collective appreciation for his efforts. DD presented the laser engraved plaque.

45th Reunion Album

The 45th reunion was captured on "film". Check out the informal atmosphere and fun below. Click on an image to make them larger

Thanks to Henry and Jean Isaksen for the fine fotos.

Click on the arrow to start the slide show.

45th Reunion Attendees

Those attending the 45th Class Reunion on September 20, 2008 enjoyed an evening of conversation and connecting with old friends and classmates. Over 70 people were at the gathering. Check out who, below. Click on image to see them larger.

Thanks to Henry for taking time from the reunion to snap a few group photos just before dinner.
Click on the arrow to start the slide show.

Friday Evening Pre-Reunion

Scaturos in Sturgeon Bay on Friday night, September 19, was the gathering place for some of the Class of 63.

Here are a few of those that gathered at Scaturos: John Scheisser, Val May Jursnick, Sandy Boes Johnson, Jeff & Ann Knappen Krumrich, Mary Eickelberg Mueller, Marilyn Hein, Bill Haen and MJ Cordier.

A number of classmates enjoyed the fishboil and others sampled tasty delights from the menu. ...and of course a piece of cherry pie to top it off! It was a great place for the gathering as we began catching up on everyone's world. The huge flame at right is the "boil over" at Scaturos.

Special Report: With many local volunteers currently deployed to national disasters, DD, who is a volunteer for Red Cross Disaster Services, needed to respond to a very large barn fire on Friday night.

Sandy and Val volunteered to help and the three of them left the festivities early to lend a hand. Both Sandy and Val also have strong Red Cross ties. Sandy volunteers in Disaster Mental Health in the state of Michigan and Val's first job was as a Red Cross Recreation Aide in Vietnam. These three have connections and interests that go back MANY years. Not only are they all involved in the Red Cross, but they have been friends all through elementary and high school in Sturgeon Bay.

DD and Sandy share a special bond as they were Door County Memorial hospital roommates when they were born.

Thanks to DD Peichel Knutson and MJ Cordier for this report and the photos.

Reunion Reflection and Recommendations

The 45th Reunion is part of SBHS Class of '63 history.

Those that attended had a wonderful time. With the event fresh in the minds of the attendees, we ask them, and all classmates, to consider responding to a few questions as we look toward the future -- The 50th. Think broadly - beyond the traditional evening gathering. Your feedback and suggestions are important.

Please help us plan for an extra special 50th by sending an email with your comments to sbhs63@gmail.com

Here are a few questions to help you think about our gathering:

1. What did you like about our 45th reunion that might be repeated at the 50th?
2. What suggestions do you have for agenda, activities, gatherings, etc. for the 50th?
3. What would entice you to attend our 50th in 2013?
4. Would you be willing to assist with the 50th?

Any comments, suggestions, ideas are welcome at any time.

Thanks for your contribution.

We're "Keepin' in touch!"

The 45th Reunion Committee
Mike, DD, Virg, MJ, Jean, John, Donn, Bob

Cheerleaders Lead Again

During the 45th Reunion program Saturday evening, MC Donn Wiest called upon the Class of '63 Varsity Cheerleaders to lead us once again in singing Loyalty. He even had some red and white pom pons at the ready to make it more realistic. Go ahead -- sing along!

Thanks to Henry Isaksen our videographer for the evening.

45th Year Reunion

The Sturgeon Bay High School class of 1963 45th year reunion was held at the Sturgeon Bay Yacht Club on Saturday evening September 20, 2008. Donn Wiest, the evening's MC, had a couple of presentations he shared with the attendees. The school song "Loyalty" was played with images from our class in the 60s. He also displayed numerous pictures from around Sturgeon Bay today, asking questions to link those current images to past recollections from our days at SBHS. Check them both out...


Note: The picture of Mr. Freiman at the end of the video was from the 1960 Flashes.
He is shown receiving the trophy for the 1959 chamnpionship track team.

Why Boys and Girls Don't Study

A little something from the Bay Spray

October 9, 1962 and November 20, 1962.

Mike Chisholm Bay Spray Collection

Who Dat?

Back in high school the Bay Spray ran a "Who Dat" series. Students would submit photos and some info and we'd be asked Who Dat? From time to time we'll post a Who Dat when someone submits a photo.


These two talented young ladies graduated in 1963 and attended grades 1-12 together. Both were very active in high school, in National Honor Society, on the Student Council and active in GAA and class tournaments among many other activities that kept them busy. The photo was taken for their ballet recital circa 1951. Who Dat?

Class of '63 PM Kindergarten -- A new Find!

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While scanning Mike Chisholm's collection of Bay Sprays we discovered a photo of the Class of '63 PM Kindergarten to go with the AM Kindergarten and PM Boys Kindergarten photos posted earlier. This one even has names. Can anyone help with the missing names? Click on "Comment" below to add names.

"Oh There Was a Lofty Ship..."

What ever happened to our "adopted" ship?


In November 1962, SBHS Students "adopted" "the first ship ever constructed by the United States designed specifically for oceanographic research." Built at Christy Corp, the James M. Gilliss had "one of its major projects is trying to determine a foolproof submarine detection system." Gerry Berg, student council president, and other council members toured the ship and were presented with a photo of the ship to be displayed at SBHS.

According to Wikipedia, "On12-April 1963 she departed New York City to take part in the massive search for sunken submarine Thresher (SSN-593). Operating out of Boston, Massachusetts, she lent her "know-how" to this vital and difficult operation for 5 months before arriving Washington, D.C., 22-September. James M. Gilliss was placed out of service on an unspecified date and transferred to the Mexican Navy on 9 December 1996 where she continued to operate for that nation as an oceanographic research ship."

SBHS '63 45th Class Reunion Attendees

The following classmates have signed up to attend the 45th class reunion on September 20, 2008.

KEN ANSCHUTZ and Mary Vig
STEVE and Marge AZNOE
GERRY BERG
SANDY (BOES) and Rich Johnson
CANDY (BONNER) and Al Conard
MIKE and Barb CHISHOLM
HELEN (CONLON) Ploor
MJ CORDIER
DAVID DEMELLE
CANDY (DEXHEIMER) and Dave Colombo
MARY (EIKELBERG) and Steve Mueller
GARY and SHARON (POTIER) FEHL
BILL and Nancy FLEISCHMANN
JEANNE (FOELSKE) Van Den Elzen and Friend
DEAN and VIRGI (GOSSER) GIGSTEAD
SHARON (GOODWIN) and John Sullivan
TOM and Nancy GROTA
LEE and SANDY (SPERBER) GROTH
BILL and Pat HAEN
CHUCK, Leslie HAGMANN and Kathi (Nelson) Chosa
MARILYN HEIN
HENRY and Jean ISAKSEN
PHIL JOHNSON
JOHN KELLNER
ANN (KNAAPEN) and Jeff Krumrich
JANE (KNAAPEN) Cole
GERRY (LYONS) Nelson
VALERIE (MAY) Jursnick
GLEN and Nancy PEOTTER
JIM PETERSON
MARGY (PETERSON) Anderson
DD (PEICHEL) Knutson
GARY POEHLS
BILL POLSTER
JIM PRAGATZ
DAN RIPP
MARGARET (STUTH) Richard
LYNN (WALKER) Vandertie
JEAN (WEBER) and Dan Austad
DONN and Patti WIEST
KENN and Barbara WIEST

O-Fish-al Greetings -- SBHS63 Blog

...and now a word from our 45th Reunion MC.

Old Photos -- Got Any?

This photo was recently submitted by Keith King. It was taken on the steps of St. Joseph's School (SJS). From left to right we have Mike Siduaga, Keith King, Dave Zettle, Jim Peterson and Jim Smith. Keith doesn't recall the ocassion for the photo. Was it 8th grade graduation related? Did it have something to do with sports? Can anyone help us out? What's Dave holding?

Do you have any old photos of classmates like this? Scan them and send them to me rfuller@uwec.edu and I'll post them for others to enjoy and reminisce. When you send the picture(s) identify who's in them, when and where they were taken and tell a little about what's happening in the photo.

Three Buds in a Buick

How many of you remember this Buick?

In 1960, this 1941 Buick Roadmaster with overhead valves straight 8 with (2) 2 barrel carbs was purchased for $50 by Henry Isaksen, class of '63. This beauty was affectionately known as Mulferd. She provided excellent transportation and entertainment during the early and mid 60s.

Once she was a float in the SBHS Homecoming parade. Mostly, Henry and various classmates used to ride around town and blow charge on a bugle, just to entertain ourselves and anyone who could hear us. Actually, the horn didn't work and we blew the bugle to say hello to friends and warn others of our approach. Mulferd was also used for anchor dragging during the winter. Early on she didn't have a battery so we always parked her on a hill. Then we'd push her backwards and pop the clutch to start the engine - and "away we'd go". That provided some interesting treks in the country - no cell phones and if she stalled, and there wasn't a hill, we'd burn a lot of calories getting her started. Winter was expecially challenging with icy roads and popping that clutch. During the summer of '62, Henry decided Mulferd should be restored. Several of us put masking tape on the chrome and sprayed primer over the rough spots. The tape remained for over a year, the primer for many more. The results of our efforts can be seen in the above photo taken during a summer break and photo shoot when three of us spent an afternoon at Lake Michigan. Henry, Donn Wiest and Bob Fuller enjoyed the beach and took pictures documenting Mulferd and us all over the car. We also performed various gymnastic feats for the camera. Mulferd has since been fully restored back to her absolute original condition. That process began in 1986.

In 1996 we did another photo shoot and three old buds climbed gingerly into Mulferd's back seat for a repeat performance - no climbing on the roof this time. Getting out, however, was a bit of a challenge. Needless to say, none of the gymnastics were repeated.

The last photo shows Mulferd resting proudly in her fully restored costume while parked in front of the Schofield home in Sturgeon Bay. Bert Schofield was the original owner in the 1940s.

A Visit to Reunions Past

SBHS Class of 1963 has managed to host a reunion every five years since we graduated. That's pretty amazing and a tribute to all the hard work and time the various committees put forth on our behalf. Thanks to them and enjoy the reunion photos. I don't believe anyone has changed over the years, except me, I think I'm a bit shorter. We had some sporty costumes, especially at the 15th in 1978 - check out Kenn Wiest's pants.

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A special thanks to Mike Chisholm and MJ Cordier for locating these gems. Feel free to add your personal reflections by clicking on "Comments" below

Classes Clash in Hoop Classic - Bay Spray 03.19.63

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This headline appeared in the March 19, 1963 Bay Spray – Class tournaments were about to begin. “As Pep Club advisor, Mr Alberts organized tournaments in 1947 after the basketball season. The purpose …was to get as many students as possible to participate in a school activity. …He had the four classes meet …and discuss their plans on skits, decorations, and name of their team.” Teams were encouraged to involve the community by getting a coach from outside school. Team colors were assigned After a few years, Mr. Walker and then Mr. Moore eventually took on this advisory responsibility.

Many students worked hard on the tournaments including decorating the gym – headed by the varsity cheerleaders – with each class following their selected theme. Publicity was headed by Lynn VanDreese with Sandy Boes doing art, Sheila Murphy advertising, Judy Henkel and Margi Overbeck ticket sales. For the 1963 games, tickets were $.35 for participants for two nights and $.35 per night for students with adults paying $.50. After the final game, The team awards were given and the outstanding player awards were presented to Ann Knaapen and Gerry Berg. This was followed with a dance.

1963 Games Schedule
Tuesday, March 5
Girls Playoff
4:00 Senior vs. Sophomores
5:00 Juniors vs. Freshmen
Thursday, March 7
6:30 Girls Consolation
7:40 Senior boys vs. Sophomore boys
8:45 Freshman boys vs. Junior boys
Friday, March 8
6:30 Boy’s consolation
7:40 Girls Championship
8:40 Boys Championship

Championship Scores:
Senior “Skipper” girls 18, Junior girls 11
Senior “Skipper” Boys 38, Junior boys 30.

From the March 19, 1963 Bay Spray

Special thanks to Mike Chisholm for sharing his copies of the Bay Spray!