50th Reunion Attendees

Here's a list of registrants for the 50th Reunion

**Mike Chisholm

**Jeanne Foelske Van Den Elzen

**DD Peichel Knutson

Helen Conlon Ploor

Sandy Boes Johnson

Ann Knaapen Krumrich

**Bob Fuller

Dave DeMelle

**Virgi Gosser Gigstead

Dean Gigstead

Elaine Bowen May

Gary May

Candy Bonner Conard

Rick Zirbel

Gerry Lyons Nelson

**Louanne Krueger Fredrickson

Lynn Walker Vandertie

**John Schiesser

**Sherry Suess Peterson

Val May Jursnick

Gary Poehls

Janet Nell Esler

Candy Dexheimer Colombo

Bill Haen

Phil Johnson

Dan Ripp

Margaret Stuth Richard

Gerry Berg

Dennis Spaete

Bill Polster

Suzie Gigstead Simon

Tom Grota

Steve Aznoe

Faye Arndt Okranski

Marilyn Hein

Jim Hodge   

**Ken Anschutz

**Sharon Goodwin Sullivan

Kay Arndt Piontek

Lee Groth

Dan Jome
Paul Leasum

Sandy Sperber Groth

Jim Peterson

Frank May

**Donn Wiest
Kenn Wiest    

Henry Isakson 

Jim Haskell

Mary Eickelberg Mueller

Pat Tess Wolfgram

Lynn Wolfgram

Pat Raye

Bill Fleischman

Jane Knaapen Cole

John Kellner

Dan Gordon

Judy Dickinson

MJ Cordier

Georgeanne Walker Kodanko

Jim Pragatz

Ken Meyer

David Stanek

Sharon Potier Fehl

Gary Fehl

**Jean Austad Weber

**Lynn Zimmerman Corcoran
Jim Smith

**=Committee

Reprinted with permission of the Door County Advocate

Rekindling memories of earlier racing

Written by
Jon Gast, Door County Advocate

 American Motorcycle Association flat-track racing has a rich history on dirt tracks throughout the upper Midwest. It returns to the Door County Fair Saturday night. “That old rickety grandstand was packed, and people lined the track,” remembers John Schiesser of Sturgeon Bay. Schiesser was one of the most accomplished homegrown riders, getting his start at the fair in 1960 at the tender age of 14. A year later he was a state champion.

The fair circuit was just the beginning of a professional career that had him running tracks from Ohio to St. Louis, Chicago to Daytona. It was a career that would tragically end with the death of his teammate and his own career-ending broken neck within a week of each other in 1969.

Even after what racing has done to him, Schiesser isn’t planning on missing Saturday night’s motorcycle racing at the fair. “I’m going to take my grandkids and show them just how foolish I was,” said Schiesser with a chuckle. But, even after all these years, the passion seemingly drips from his recollection of a professional career that at one time included an amazing 42 wins in a span of 47 races.

After being rained out last year, the return of motorcycle racing rekindles memories for some of when the races were the hottest ticket at the fair. Schiesser was part of a pack of Sturgeon Bay riders whose talent was matched by the type of fearless daring that would make most mothers cringe. Guys like brothers Phil and Joe Peterson, and Johnny Wiesner. “They made me sit in the back of the pickup truck,” remembers Schiesser. “I was on a Triumph and they were Harley guys.”  But that pickup went to lots of other fairs and “we barely had room for all the trophies on the ride home,” he said.

The Door County Fair was no exception. Schiesser remembers one night “when I won on the last lap and looking up and thinking, ‘Boy, there are a lot of people here!’”  Schiesser was particularly fond of the short-track racing at the fair, racing so tightly bunched that he still remembers the tire rubber on his racing leathers and the gnarly knuckles he said still remain from tangling with too many handle bars from other bikes.

Scrambles also proved to be popular with riders and fans alike. A precursor to today’s motocross, Schiesser said they normally included a jump. But they also incorporated speed — reaching 90 mph on some tracks.

Because the Door County Fair was a lot like other tracks on the fair circuit, which were primarily horse tracks, the kind of speed these cycles were producing created a recipe for danger. “Our bikes back then had no brakes and shocks,” said Schiesser. “It was just a frame and a big engine.”

But Schiesser had the derring-do this type of racing required, and it took him to bigger cities and bigger fields. Still, Schiesser said the popularity of the fair races shouldn’t be underestimated as it regularly brought in some of the country’s top riders.

Saturday provides a rare opportunity to see a sport that at one time was a regular on Door County’s summer schedule. Today stock car racing continues to fill that motorsport void and Schiesser is glad it does. “I was just there a couple weeks ago, and there were families cheering on their favorite driver,” he said. 

It doesn’t matter if it’s done on two wheels or four.

Lynn Van Dreese

24 Dec 1944 - 31 Jul 2013

Lynn M. Van Dreese Christenson, age 68 , formerly of Sturgeon Bay, passed away on July 31, 2013 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Green Bay.  She was born on December 24, 1944, daughter of the late Robert and Myrtle (Peterson) Van Dreese.  Lynn enjoyed reading, baking, spending time with her granddaughters, family and friends and  working at her job as a benefit specialist for Door County.  She is survived by,  a son, Jason (Melissa) Christenson of Peshtigo; 3 grandchildren, Mikayla, Vanessa and Julia;a brother, Jon Van Dreese of Sturgeon Bay: 3 nephews, John Steve and Robert: a niece, Wendy and a sister-in-law, Faye Van Dreese.

Lynn was a devoted, loving and proud mother,  grandmother, sister, aunt and confidante.  She will always be remembered for her warm, compassionate  and generous  heart.   Many fond memories of Lynn’s giving nature, sunny disposition and famous baked goods will be with her loved ones forever.

Family will receive friends on Saturday, August 3, at Zion Lutheran Church in Peshtigo from 9:00 am until time of memorial service at 11:00 am. with Pastor Luke Myslik officiating.   Berth & Rosenthal Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

It's Official - The Celebration is Scheduled

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Contact/email SBHS Class of 1963 for more information

Top 10 Reasons to Attend Our SBHS 63 - 50th Class Reunion

 

10.  You've not thought about getting into shape since the last reunion.

9.   You want to try to dance one more time before your next hip replacement.

8.   You want to squash 50 years of rumors about you...and possibly start new and better ones.

7.   The reunion committee will NOT stop contacting you until you do show.

6.   You don't have to ask for the keys to the family car or sneak out a window to be with your friends.

5.   You can feel better knowing you're not the only who's been married, divorced, married, divorced...

4.  To see what color the girls' hair is now and to see how many of the guys still have hair.

3.  There will be no swimsuit competition.

2.  You don't have to lie about your age. We know how old you are.

 

And the NUMBER ONE reason to attend our SBHS 63 - 50th class reunion is:

 

1.  You can reconnect with old friends, recall the good old days, and reminisce the joys of youth. The reunion won't be the same without you.

 

PM Kindergarten: "Ring Around the Rosie..."

 

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EG Paul sent in this PM Kindergarten, Class of '63, photo that was taken the same day as the already posted PM Kindergarten group photo. Leading the line is Jim Smith, then Gerry Berg, Gary Weber, David Bingham, E.G. Paul, Dean Gigstad, and Bill Polster.  On the floor in front is Donn Wiest and Jean Weber Austad. The girl on the floor between Polster and Gigstad is Judy Park LeMere. Between Gigstad and Paul is Dave Stanek?

Sturgeon Bay High School

Class of 1963

50th Reunion

 

It's time to re-mark your calendars for the 50th.

Due to unforseen circumstances we have a

 

NEW DATE - CHANGE OF DATE

September 7, 2013

Formerly September 14, 2013

Watch for more information in the Spring
 

Sturgeon Bay Yacht Club

 

Cherry School 1956

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This  1956 Cherry School photo of grades 5 through 8 was furnished by Mike Chisholm. Mrs Schinktgen is the teacher and our classmates are 5th graders in the first three rows from the left.
Far Left - Front to Back:  Chuck Hagmann, Judy Dickenson, Bruce Miller, Lawrence Iverson (Sevastopol), Bob Ballo, Linda Weber (Sevastopol)
Second Row - Front to Back: Gerald Nelson (Sevastopol), Margaret Stuth, David Bingham, Possibly Suzie Roberts?, Kathy Arnold (6th Grader), John Hanson (bowtie) (6th Grader), 
Third Row - Front to Back: Barbara Rusche, Helen Nebel, Gary Rasperson (Sevastopol), Andrea Miller, Sue Asher (6th grade), Unknown (6th grade)

Corpus Christi 1954

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This photo of the 3rd and 4th grade classes at Corpus Christi was recently furnished by Kathy Ploor Robillard.  It was taken in 1954. 4th graders are the left two rows and last 2 kids in next row.  If you know any of the folks let us know and we'll post the names.

From the Door County Advocate news of 50 years ago...

"Barbara Rusche, a blue-eyed, blond, Sturgeon Bay High School senior, won the annual cherry pie baking contest. She went to Cherry School, lives on Cherry Road, and her father is a cherry grower."

Glen Peotter

Classmate Glen F. Peotter, 68, De Pere, died on Sunday, December 9, 2012, following a gallant battle with pleural mesothelioma. 

He was born on May 28, 1944 to the late Walter John and Freda (Maass) Peotter in Sturgeon Bay. A 1963 SBHS graduate,  he married Nancy Roscoe, April 24, 1965 in Sturgeon Bay. Glen found his church home with Nancy in 1999 through learning and studying the Bible at the Green Bay Seventh Day Adventist Church where he chose to be baptized and follow Jesus. 
Glen is survived by his wife, Nancy; daughter, Kathy Peotter; nieces, nephews, family and friends.

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

Click on photo to make it larger.

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.