Taft Alumni Newsletter Vol. XXXIV, No. 2 Spring 2018

Remembering Taft’s Fallen

Taft’s new veterans’ memorial will be dedicated Monday, May 28, 2018, during Norwood Park’s annual Memorial Day celebra-tion. The Norwood Park Memorial Association sponsors this annual community parade, with a ceremony and classic car show to follow. Since the late 1970s, when the Taft plaza along Hurlbut was completed, this parade has traveled from Ona-han School at 11 a.m. to Norwood Park Field House, and then around the corner from Ardmore Avenue to Natoma Ave-nue to Hurlbut Street. As the parade concludes with a patriotic memorial ceremony on the plaza, it seemed very fitting for the new veterans’

memorial to be positioned there. There is a change from original design plans. The memorial, topped by a reverent eagle, will no longer be in a running fountain or outside. It will be relocated inside the Hurlbut entrance in the glassed-in multi-purpose meeting room across from the Graven Learning Center. (If Chicago has learned anything after the fluctuating hot and cold winter this year, it will be safer to be out of the elements). It will also be part of the same display area as the Legacy history shelves. Names of the lost, primarily from World War II and Vietnam who died during their active service, will be mounted on the base; names we confirm later will be added. Any who were lost in other wars (Korea and later) can be added as we learn of them. Principal Mark Grishaber promises to post the final schedule for the day on Taft’s web site, probably in early May. The community is welcome to attend. Because the design changed in several ways over the past year, the costs rose faster than the funds did. There will still be opportunities for those groups and individuals interested in donating to do so. The school is about $10,000 short of its fundraising target, but would really like to cover at least $5,000 in immediate costs. Donations should be sent to Taft High School, 6530 W.

Bryn Mawr Ave., Chicago IL 60631, care of the principal, with the notation “Vets Memorial.” If you live in the Chicago area or have friends or relatives who will be remembered, please join us. The school and Mr. Grishaber would appreciate knowing in advance if family members will be there. (773-534-1000).

Taft Alumni Association

Hall of Fame It is that time again. Nominations are now being accepted for the 2018 - next class of honorees to the Taft Alumni Association Hall of Fame. We are looking for Taft alums who, through a lifetime of achievement(s) and dedication, exemplify the values we hold dear and will become examples for all current and future Taft students. We encourage nominators to resubmit anyone who has not been inducted. Please include your best information, and when available, consult with the nominee as you prepare it. We must have current contact details for the nominee or a family representative. Also, remember that deceased alumni are now considered for induction. The following are highlights of the standing rules for nominations into the TAA in effect with the each induction period. Deadline for submittals is June 30, 2018. Nominees should be Taft graduates, living or deceased, who exemplify the best of Taft.

We ask that nominations be submitted on our Taft Alumni Association official nomination form, to be sure we get as complete information as possible for contacting the nominee and the nominator. Download the blank form from the TAA website, www.taftalumni.org. Forms can be mailed if you send a request to TAA at Taft. To be fair, we ask that all forms be submitted in a hard copy rather than electronic-ally. But you can attach documentation, photocopies, etc.

Judging will consider nominees’ contributions and achievements in categories which can include: Achieve-ment in scholastic pursuits; Achievement in vocational pursuits; Contributions to community and country; Meritori-ous recognition of actions, services or achievements; Significant philanthropic involvement; or other things that make them special.

Points are awarded cumulatively, but there is no requirement to achieve in every category to be considered. They may have done great things starting at Taft, or after Taft.

Who are you proud to know, who went to Taft?

Tell us why they’ve made the world a better place.

Bronze cast eagle to top the Taft Veterans’ Memorial

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Class of January 1953 (65th Reunion) Date: Saturday, September 15, 2018 Time: 12:00 - 3:00 p.m. Location: Lou Malnati's Pizzeria, Buffalo Grove Cost: TBD Contact: Lois Rolf - 53bvds@gmail.com Barb Behrens - bbop4404@gmail.com

Class of June 1959 (59th Annual Reunion) Date: Saturday, October 6, 2018 (All Classes invited) Time: 5:00 – 10:00 p.m. Details: Reception, Dinner, Entertainment Cost: $35 Location: Hilton Garden Inn, Des Plaines Contacts: Anne Fear-McManus - 630-584-9194 or Penni Eichin-Isaacson - 847-945-5168

Class of 1963 (55th Reunion) Date: September 7-8, 2018 Time: Friday, 6:00 – 11:00 p.m. Location: Hilton Garden Inn, Rosemont Time: Saturday, 6:00 p.m. Location: Golf Center – Des Plaines Cost: $30 (cash/check) Buffet Dinner Contact: RSVP by August 28, 2018 to: Cheryl Henninger Krupa cherylkrupa@gmail.com - 847-298-5484, Co-Chairs: Donna Griessmer Catlett and Wayne Andersen

Class of 1968 (50th Reunion) Date: Saturday, September 29, 2018 Time: 2 pm - 5 pm (school tour) Enter at center main doors on Natoma Parking lot – enter off Natoma or Bryn Mawr Location: Taft High School Reception: 6:00-11:00pm Location: Colletti’s (formerly El-Centro Pizzeria) 5707 N. Central Avenue (at Elston) - Chicago Details: School tour/catered reception. Cost- $75 R.S.V.P.: by August 25, 2018 Contact: Nancy Warzecha - nancywarz@sbcglobal.net or Carolyn (Sykes) Toerpe - carolyn.toerpe@gmail.com

Class of 1969 (50th Reunion) Date: TBD 2019 Place: TBD Contacts: Anne Lunde – alundewriter@gmail.com or Laurel Kaage – kaagefamily@gmail.com

16th Annual ALL CLASS Reunion Picnic FLORIDA-WEST Date: Saturday, March 9, 2019 (11:00 am – 3:00 pm) Place: Maxine Barritt Park, 1800 Harbor Dr. S, Venice, FL (Meeting at smaller pavilion near north end parking area) Pot Luck: a shared dish that serves 6 BYOB: Drinks in non-glass containers only Photo shoot: 1:30 pm Donation: $5 per person, lawn chairs suggested Contacts: Leon Kathan (June ’56) - 863-835-2211 leonkathan64@gmail – or Jerry (Beesley) Stephenson (June ’62) 920-559-7440 jerrybloomstephenson@gmail.com

9th Annual ALL CLASS Reunion Picnic ARIZONA Date: TBD Place: TBD Pot Luck: Bring something to share BYOB: Beer in non-glass containers only Donation: $4 per person, bring lawn chairs Contact: Paulette English, eagleemail@taftalumni.org

6th Annual ALL CLASS Reunion Picnic FLORIDA-EAST Date TBD, Saturday, 2019 (Noon – 4:00 pm) Place: 6140 Mourning Dove Way; Hobe Sound FL

(For those unable to attend the Florida west coast affair) Pot Luck: a food item to share (+ BYOB) Contacts: Lynn (Morley) Martin (June ’57)

lmml@sbcglobal.net or Jerry (Beesley) Stephenson (June ’62)

jerrybloomstephenson@gmail.com

4th Annual ALL CLASS Reunion Picnic CALIFORNIA Date: Saturday, September 8, 2018 (Noon - 4pm) Place: House of Savage, 2372 Recuervo Cove, Del Mar, CA Details: $8 includes for Rosati's Chicago Pizza, non-alcoholic

drinks, paper products, utensils; please bring a dish to share. BYOB

Contacts: Mike Day (June ‘60) - michael91942@yahoo.com Jan (Ostromencki) Savage, janhellokitty@hotmail.com

Lost Classmates

Are you looking for old classmates with whom you’ve lost touch? We will help you in your search by publishing the name(s) in this newsletter. If that party or another classmate with information on your request responds to us and agrees to share the information, we’ll forward that person’s name and address to you.

Send your request and/or response to Taft Alumni Association, c/o Taft High School, 6530 W. Bryn Mawr Ave., Chicago, IL 60631 or e-mail us at eagleemail@taft alumni.org. The suggested donation for this service is $5 per name.

This issue Linnea Conway (January ’61) is looking for Mary (Papciak) Samborski (June ’61). They were neighbors during their time at St. Thecla and at Taft.

Linnea is also looking for Samuel Benjamin Gold (Jan ’59) who moved from the Chicago area a few years ago.

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Norwood Park:

Battlefront and Homefront

A new exhibit opens this spring at The Norwood Park Historical Society. According to their website, this year examines the experience of local residents in uniform and in civilian life. 2018 marks the 100th, 75th, and 50th anniversaries of America’s participation in World War I, World War II and in Vietnam. Materials from the museum’s archives will be used. They are would appreciate donations or loans of relevant materials. This includes the wartime experiences of all veterans or family of veterans as well as civilians in Norwood Park. You can contact NPHS Board Member Dennis Schlagheck at info@norwoodparkhistoricalsociety.org for more information or if you’d like to add your uniform, letters, photographs, stories, or other items from any period of conflict, including the Korean conflict and service in Iraq and Afghanistan. All items will be carefully cataloged, displayed, and returned at the end of the year (if requested). The Norwood Park Historical Society and its museum are located in the oldest surviving building in Chicago (built 1833). It is located one block west of Taft High School at 5624 N. Newark Avenue. Visiting hours for the Historical Society are on Saturdays, noon to 4 p.m.

Grads in the News

Susan Moss (1979) is the new 17th District Commander in the Chicago Police Department. Taft is in the 16th District, while the 17th is east of Edgebrook, but in the general territory.

Taft senior Nicole Gorder (2019) was honored by the group Buddy's Helpers, a non-profit that works to unite Chicago area high school student athletes for community service campaigns. She was recognized at school and on ABC News TV on April 6, 2018 for her leadership. As a reward, she was presented with special Chicago Cubs tickets for making a difference on and off the field. Gorder helped collect and deliver new books and bikes to low-income Chicago elementary schools. She also mentors children and has helped cancer patients at Lutheran General Hospital.

Taft Winter Sports Updates Submitted by Ryan Glowacz (2006)

The following is an excerpt from a report submitted to the LSC during their February meeting.

Chess - Taft advanced past the sectional to the state champion-ship, which was held in early February in Peoria. At the state tournament our students progressed to top 100 in state - we are ranked number 84. Two students (board 5 and 6) received medals and placed in the top ten percent of the state.

Boys Basketball - The boys basketball team is 9-11 on the season, and finished in 4th place in the White North Conference. The Eagles were locked in City Playoffs!

Girls Basketball - The Taft Lady Eagles Varsity are currently 16-12 and now head into the state playoffs versus Glenbrook South at Glenbrook South. Glenbrook South was seeded 8th and Taft was seeded 9th. They also participated in the 3-point shootout. Taft had 4 participants in the contest - Go Eagles.

Boys Bowling - They earned 3rd Place in the Chicago City Championship and advanced to IHSA State Sectional.

Girls Bowling - The girls bowling team had its most successful season since the mid 80's. We placed second in the city championship. We also placed second at the IHSA regional, beating Resurrection; every girl on the varsity team bowled a game over 200. We look to continue our success with 5 of 6 varsity girls returning and nine girls on the JV team. Go Eagles.

Competitive Cheer - 2nd Place in City Championship.

Competitive Poms - 2nd Place in City Championship.

Boys Swimming - 5th Place in City championship. The team will competed in IHSA Sectional at Niles North.

Gymnastics - Academic Center 7th grader, Sarah Strezecki, won the Illinois State Gymnastics Champion-ship. Wrestling - The Wrestling Team went undefeated in Chicago Public League competition and won the City Championship by over 100 points, with 12 wrestlers placing 3rd or higher. The team also had a record 5 wrestlers ranked in state the same time - also a record. At the IHSA Regional the team placed 3rd, with 7 wrestlers advancing to the Sectional, which was held at Larkin High School in Elgin. Piotr Krupa became the fourth wrestling State Qualifier in Taft history by placing fourth at the Sectional. Krupa, the first Taft wrestler to qualify as a junior, hit the mat February 17th at the State Farm Center at the University of Illinois in his quest for a State Championship. Tryouts for spring sports were held the week of February 26. A total of 13 sports are offered this spring, including girls badminton, baseball, bass fishing, girls and boys lacrosse, boys and girls rugby, girls soccer, girls softball, boys tennis, boys and girls track, boys volleyball, and boys and girls water polo. WOW!!! Don’t you wish we had such an active athletic program when we attended at Taft? Go Taft Go!

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Letters to the Editor Paulette, Thanks so much for all of your work to pull us together for the picnic last Sunday. It was a thoroughly enjoyable day - and you did great with the weather, as well. See you next year, if not before.

Kathryn (Freese) Grant (June '65) Hi Gang, Nice to see you’re recognizing Taft Vets. Never forget! Thanks.

Ron Rusing (June 1962)

To TAA: Here is a long article about one of our classmates: Robert Hanssen – SpyMuseum.com – the #1 Resource for Espionage on the web

Louis J. Vassos (Jan ’62) [Louis, It is interesting to see that the link you offered is no longer valid, or has been pulled as an active link. As another classmate, Eileen Vogt states, “I read about him at the Newseum in D.C. I think he was in the class of 1962, now he's in Big Max in Colorado.” He was actually in the June ’62 class. Jerry Stephenson – TAAN Editor]

Ho Paulette... A Happy Day for this Taft Alumni of the 40's...three days after my 94th birthday, on Christmas Day, I accomplished a Hole-In-One at my golf course, Don Knabe Golf Center in Norwalk, CA. I play this golf center 3 times a week. I am also a Golf Coach at the Veterans Affairs Health Care Center Blind Rehabilitation Center, a 24/7 live-in training center of Long Beach, CA. I am blind and I teach golf to the Blind and the Physically Disabled at the center. I have a 5 Hole Putting Green....the Vets love the game. The Hole-In-One a miracle. God has been good to me. I only wish my dear Wife was with me ....Virginia Herringshaw (Jan ’42) also of Taft...I met her when we were sweet 16 and married in 1947. I hope you are pleased seeing that a Taft Alumni is helping Vets.

Howard A. Payne (Jan ’42) [Wow, Howard, that is fabulous news! We are proud to have such an energetic nonagenarian among our members. Paulette English, TAA Web Editor and TAAN Assistant]

Good morning, My name is Germaine Butler-Sheppard. My brother graduated from Taft High School in 1977. He passed away December 2017. I want to do something in memory of him and have a few ideas. One of them is paying school fees for Taft High some seniors whereby graduation /diploma is being held because of unpaid fees. Don't know if you could assist me in this endeavor or direct me to someone. My goal is make this an annual event and his name be mentioned in some fashion. Thank you.

Germaine Butler-Sheppard [Hello, Germaine, First, I'm sorry for the loss of your brother. Please give us his full name and date of passing so that we can recognize him on our memorials page and in our newsletter. This is a generous offer you have made, and I'm passing it along to Anne Lunde, our TAA president. She'll be able to suggest the best way to honor your brother. Paulette English, TAA Web Editor]

Hello again... [I] just had a "things that make you go ah moment" that there could be more than one Taft High School. It appears your alumni chapter is for a school in the Chicago area. If so, I have the wrong organization. Please confirm such for me and thanking you in advance for all responses etc.

Germaine Butler-Sheppard [Oh, yes, there are a number of Taft High Schools across the country, notably in California, Texas, and Ohio. Well, we are no less sorry for your loss, Germaine. Paulette]

Dear Jerry, [The enclosed article] is from the Chicago Tribune. I’m almost certain Charles [Amenta] was a Taft Graduate. Thanks for all you do for the Taft Alumni News.

Tom Gutzman (June ’50) [Yes, Tom, Charles was a Taft Grad from Jan ’48. See his name on the “In Our Memories” page in this issue. Thank you for the update. Jerry Stephenson, TAAN Editor]

To TAA: Please see the enclosed check for the TAA Scholarship Fund in memory of Judith Greasley Mich (June ’60) who passed away in February 2017.

Ron Tarica (June ’60) [Ron, Thank you so much for thinking of TAA in Judy’s memory. We have added your kind donation to the current scholarship fund. We will be announcing the 2018 TAA scholarship awards in our next issue. Jerry Stephenson, TAAN Editor]

Good Morning! Just reviewed the recent Taft Alumni Newsletter, Winter 2018. I enjoyed the article on the Taft Veterans Memorial, due to be dedicated around Memorial Day. I noted the TAA is donating $3,000 towards completion of the project. Has the project then been fully funded? Is there still a shortfall? If so, what is that shortfall? Appreciate the Newsletter and learning about “what’s new at Taft”.

Bill Eckholm (1968) Hi Jerry There are about ten ladies from 1952 and 1953 graduating classes who get together for lunch at a local restaurant about four times a year. This photo was taken at Jamieson’s in Arlington Heights last fall.

Darlene (Morris) Stenstrop (June ’53)

Top Row (L-R): Paula (Blagg) Skarsgor (June ’53), Pat (Tuhy) Socha (June ’52), Shirley (Burhop) Iverson (June

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’52), Louise (VandeMerkt) Lowry (June ’52), Darlene (Morris) Stenstrop (June ’53), Carol (Brokaw) Yeaman (June ’52), Carol (McGovern) Clark (June ’52) Seated (L-R): Joyce (Christiansen) Johnson (June ‘52) Jane Car-roll (June ’52), and Anita (Nebring) Petersen (June ’52) To Jerry:

(Submitted by Gary Bauer (June ’60)

[This is a fun photo, Gary. Any backstory to this? Jerry Stephenson, TAAN Editor]

Hi, Paulette. Love getting the newsletter and being able to catch up on what those I once knew are doing. I was very curious about the photo showing the convention of the Eagles football players, but the names weren't in any order. Would it be possible to post that information in the next newslet-ter? I graduated with several of the members but am unable to determine who's who. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks, and keep up the good work!

Sandie Stewart Tepsick (June ’66) [Sandi, Paulette forwarded your request for clarification/identifica-tion on the Taft Football Players Gathering photo as published in our last issue of the TAA newsletter. I checked my original source of the photo and subsequent correspondence with a couple of the players who attended that football gathering, but none had knowledge of who was who in the group photo. I asked for identification, but they were only able to send me a copy of the sign-in sheet they filled out when arriving. I suspect, with a gathering of this size, the guys gravitated mainly to and stayed mainly with the teammates they recognized. None apparently knew all the attendees (by face). But, I will put your letter in the next issue with your request to identify some of your classmates who were in the photo. If they respond, maybe they will clarify where they stood in the group. I see you're from the class of June '66, and there were several players who attended from that time period. Maybe, we'll be lucky if someone responds to your request. Jerry Stephenson - TAAN Editor] Hi all, Also enjoyed the latest edition of the TAA newsletter. Thanks to those putting it together.

Wayne Schmipff (Jan ’59)

To TAA: I visited John Moderi (June ’46) in Dallas for a week in October 2017. We had not seen each other for 75

years and both turn 90 in May. In turn, I am hosting John for one week in Sarasota Fla on the 18th -- what fun!

Barbara Loeschen (Jan ’46) Taft Alumni Association: My brother Bob Lopez (1979) went to grade school with the current principal of Taft, Mark Grishaber. Bob and I and two more brothers are all Taft alumni. Bob is still a close friend of Mark's. Bob and I went to Peru last fall and went to Machu Picchu. We brought a sign up as a tribute to Mark and Taft high school. See attached photo. Mark now has his "Marco Picchu" sign displayed in his office. My other brothers who also went to Taft: Victor J. Lopez (1977) and Anthony Lopez (1978). The photo is with Melis (Lopez) Carlson class of 1976 and Bob Lopez, class of 1979.

Melis Rose (Lopez) Carlson (1976)

Hi Jerry! I don't know if you want an RSVP, but at this time I am planning to attend [the Florida picnic] and looking forward to seeing everyone!

Novelle (Cunningham) Pallanich (June ’54) [Hi Novelle, An RSVP is not necessary, but it’s great to know you're interested in attending. We are coming from Stuart FL on the east coast. I don’t know if you’re referring to coming to the east coast or west coast picnic, but we are looking forward to another fun afternoon of "stories" from Taft memory banks – at both locations! Jerry Stephenson, TAAN Editor]

Dear Richard [Austin], Paulette English forwarded your emails about the upcoming reunion in Sarasota on Saturday, March 18th. We typically never get notice from alumni who are interested in attending each year. They just show up. So, to arrange car-pooling would be almost impossible to do. That being said, since you both expressed interest in attending this year, perhaps you could connect with each other about possibility of coming together. Another alum contacted me recently with an RSVP, so she is another potential rider/driver. She is Novelle (Cunningham) Pallanich, class of '54. My husband and I are coming from Stuart, FL on the east coast, so the 4 hours ride will be starting early in the morning. Hope to see all of you in a few weeks!

Jerry (Beesley) Stephenson (June ’62) [Continued on Page 6]

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New School Breaks Ground at Dunning

Submitted by Anne Lunde (1969)

Excavations have started for the Northwest Side’s newest high school building, one which Taft hopes to Incorporate into its facilities as a campus for the Taft Academic Center (7 th and 8 th grades) and as a freshman academy. The site, part of the old Chicago-Read Mental Health grounds, is at Irving Park Road and Oak Park Avenue. It started as farmland but by the 1870s was the Cook County Poor Farm with facilities for the mentally ill. It later was transferred to the state, which has been divesting itself of the property since in 1980s. Several county cemeteries on the eastern edge were rediscovered in 1989 and bodies were relocated to a memorial park near Narragansett. The facilities were once served by a train spur from the south which stopped on the Dunning family’s farm and tree nursery across the street, giving the hospital the nickname of “Dunning” ever since. “Dunning School” is the working title for the new building. There are, ironically, some historic connections to the Taft area. Andrew Dunning from the original farm family, ran his own tree nursery after the Civil War south-east of the future Taft HS site; his sister, Flora, was an early grade school principal in the Edgebrook area; and another sister, Laura Newberry, had two grandsons from Edison Park, Bob and John Wulff, who are Taft HS graduates. It is only in the recent past that Dunning community residents were added to the Taft feeder school area, however. Proximity to Wright College, whose new campus was built along Narragansett Avenue near Montrose, and access to space for additional athletic fields, have been

pluses for having this site close to and assigned to Taft. It’s a project that Taft lobbied to start, but the Public Building Commission and the Chicago Board of Education haven’t decided if Taft will have a new branch or if the Dunning area will get a new school for itself and be carved out of the Taft enrollment area. An announcement is expected from Mayor Rahm Emmanuel by late April or early May.

Taft Summer Camps!

In a program that in now in its fourth year of operation, Taft High School is offering students 51 different camps. Ages range from as young as Kindergarten age (wrestling camp) through high school. There is some type of activity to interest all kids. Choices of camps range from all varieties of team sports like lacrosse, baseball, basketball, volleyball, swimming, etc., as well as individual sports like tennis or gymnastics; also liberal arts programs, like art, writing, chess and college prep. Most camps are coed, although a few sports are gender specific. You can view the camps by typing in this link: https://williamhowardtaft.8to18.com/dashboard/catalog. Deadlines for registration to each camp varies, starting from mid-June. Costs include supplies (if needed) and are led by teachers and counselors from the Chicago Public School system. Ryan Glowacz (2006) provided the information for this article. Ryan is our TAA liaison with the school. He is also Taft’s Academic Center Coordinator and Athletic Director.

[Continued from Page 5]

Jerry, Thanks for your response and trying to help. It is because Novelle is planning to attend that I wanted to go, but she lives an hour and a half south of Venice, and I live an hour and a half north. We have stayed friends over the years but have lived many miles apart. We have both been involved in reunion planning for our 50th, 55th and 60th reunions of the class of June ’54. [We’re] even talking about a 65th but not much of a push for that yet. Anyway, thanks again for your thoughtfulness.

Richard Austin (June ’54)

Paulette, I wish I lived a lot closer. We live in central Florida by the Gulf. Don't stop sending me email [about upcoming events]. Perhaps I will surprised you some day.

Judy Harris Janiewicz (June ’59) [We'll keep you informed, Judy, and we'll look forward to being surprised! Paulette English, Web Editor and Newsletter Assistant]

Hi, I was so happy when I learned my friend, Barbara (Roess) Siwik (June ’53) told me you would allow me to join your ranks even though I transferred mid 2nd year. She had been here to visit her brother and brought about five years of newsletters. It was great to read about

old friends and neighbors, most of whom had attended Ebinger. I tried to be at the reunion in Scottsdale [March 18th] but you had folded up earlier than expected. The move to Mesa took place in 1970. Brought 7 children with us. Now we have 20 grandchildren, 34 greats and 3 great-greats! Very few have moved away so it makes for good gatherings on holidays. My dealings with IRS as an accountant soured me on computers, so I don’t use email. Thanks for your dedication to the Taft alums.

Pat (Riordan) Dvorak (June ’53) [Pat, we are delighted that your Taft experiences were such that you want to join TAA even though you transferred before graduation. I'm sorry you missed our Arizona picnic, but it seemed that everyone had things to do and left early. We hope to see you next year, and welcome to TAA! Paulette English, TAAN Asst. Editor]

To TAA, Thank you, TAA Committee, for all your work and dedication. When I received my newsletter, I sit down and read it all right away. I love reading the news about Taft and my classmates! Some of my happiest years were at Taft! Thank you again.

Judy (Merrill) Ruegsegger (June ’62)

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Reunion Picnic Gatherings Around the Country

Florida weather outdid itself on March 17th in Venice at the Maxine Barritt Park Pavillion by the beautiful, blue waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Despite St. Patty’s Day putting a bit of a damper on attendance this year, and the fact that our fearless leader, Leon Kathan (June ’56) could not attend, due a flu bug, we had another great day of reminiscing and sharing memories. The highlight of the day was when several classmates from June ’56 arrived in grand style, in a stretch limo! Attendees (in no particular order) were: John Schraffenberger (June ’61), Nancy (Wander) Stolfa (June ’56), Joanne (Stiller) McKenna (June ’55) Carole (Tobiasz) Rodi (June ’57), Janet and Bob Cella (Jun ’63) Ron and Jerry (Beesley) Stephenson (June ’62), Judith Holmes (Jan ’58), Paulette (Hase) McGuire (June ’56), Annette (Knuth) Gustafson (June ’56), Marion and Doug Blomberg (June ’56), Marjorie (Klarquist) Nehlsen (June 56) and limo owner/chauffeur John Mihalik (Lane ’52). Thanks to Ron Stephenson for organizing the group photo shoot. Come join us next year!

Another delightful day on March 18, 2018 for the 8th Annual Arizona Reunion Picnic at McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park in Scottsdale for classmates and their guests. Thank you all for coming!

Left to right: Barbara Kalish (June '65), Jay Forbregd (Jan '57), Kathryn (Freese) Grant (Aug ‘64), Paul Frizane (June '67), Judy (Reid) Preston (June ’65), Paulette (Zemaitis) English (June '67), Linda Rodrick (1968), Lee Pomeraning (June '65), Anita (Grabowski) Steinkemper (June '64), Fred Wordell (June '67), Jim Gibisch (1969), John Placko (June '65), Bill Herbst (June '55).

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Class Notes

Your TAA Class Notes includes names of both new TAA members and renewals, when received

prior to going to press. If you want to include other special details, please include that information on your membership form as shown on the inside of the last page of this newsletter.

1940s Mary (Boarini) Idstein (Jun 1942), has 5 children, 12 grandchil-

dren, 17 great grandchildren, lives in McHenry, IL, is retired.

Carol (Lewis) Christensen (Jan 1947), has 5 children, 9 grand-children, 11 great grandchildren, lives in Ingleside, IL, is a retired seamstress.

Grace (Hoglund) Hansen (Jan 1947), has 4 children, 5 grand-children, lives in Des Plaines, IL, North Park College AA, is a retired 23 year administrative assistant at General Electric, and thanks TAA for doing a wonderful job.

Ed (Przybylski) Price (Jun 1947), has 3 children, 4 grandchil-dren, 2 great grandchildren, lives in Peachtree City, GA, OSU BA; Sgt US Army Korea, is a retired IBM Systems engineer.

Mary Jane (Chmielowski) Schaeferle (Jun 1947), married Duane Blaine (deceased) (Jan 1948), has 3 children, 7 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren, lives in Garwin, IA and is retired.

Jackie Raff (Jan 1948), has 3 children, 2 grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren, lives in Poulsbo, WA, is a retired home-maker.

Jeannine (Forrest) Gibbens (Jun 1948), has 3 children, 8 grand-children, lives in Tulsa, OK, earned a BS, is a retired teacher.

Marillyn (Kane) Machon (Jun 1948), married Robert Machon (Jun 1948), has 3 children, 10 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren, lives in Park Ridge, IL, MSU AS Retail '50, is a homemaker.

Robert Machon (Jun 1948), married Marillyn Kane (Jun 1948), has 3 children, 10 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren, lives in Park Ridge, IL, MSU BA '52, Northwestern BA '68; US Air Force, Korean War 1952-54, is a retired insurance agent.

James Peterson (Jun 1948), has 6 children, 1 grandchild, lives in San Diego, CA, UI BSME, US Army Ordnance Corps 2 years, is a retired systems engineering manager, and was married from 1955 to 2014.

Per (Stieber) Glomski (Jun 1949), married Ray Glomski (deceased) (Jun 1940), has 4 children, 6 stepchildren, 10 grandchildren, 9 step grandchildren, 5 great grandchild-dren, 16 step great grandchildren, lives in Lake Geneva, WI, is retired, and always enjoys the newsletter; four of her siblings graduated from Taft.

Mary (Ehrlich) Lundmark (Jun 1949), has 3 children, 1 grand-child, lives in Albion, IL, DePauw U BA '53, is a retired homemaker.

Nancy (Mondientz) Tibbitts (Jun 1949), has 2 children, 2 grand-children, lives in Santa Barbara, CA, NIU BS Edu and is a retired teacher.

1950s Walt Wolf (Jan 1950), has 2 children, 2 grandchildren, lives in

Montgomery Village, MD, Northwestern BS '54; US Army 1954-56; Santa Clara U MBA '70, is semi-retired, and is living with his son and playing bridge (lots).

Dale Kendrick (Jun 1950), has 2 children, 2 grandchildren, lives in Green Oaks, IL, Wright Jr College; NIU DeKalb; US Army, is the owner/operator of Barnaby's Restaurant in Des Plaines (48 years) at Touhy and Wolf Rd.

John Nelson (Jan 1951), has 4 children, 7 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren, lives in Glen Ellyn, IL, US Air Force, was a telephone installer until he retired at the age of 79.

Doug Lattner (Jun 1951), has 3 children, 10 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren, lives in Arlington Hts, IL, UI BS EE '55; U Chicago MBA '75, is retired from AT&T, and the last two great grandkids were born a day apart to sisters in the same hospital, same doctors and nurses.

Ralph Adams (Jun 1952), has 3 children, 8 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren, lives in Mills River, NC, Northwestern U BSME '57; US Navy 1957-66, LCDR Naval Aviation, is a retired Pan-Am airline pilot, and is now playing golf and enjoying life.

Bill Bruhn (Jan 1953), has 3 children, 3 grandchildren, 1 great grandchild, lives in Rosemont, IL, US Army 1958-64, is a retired tool and die maker since 2000.

Bob Harsch (Jan 1953), has 7 children, 21 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren, lives in Venice, FL, Beloit College BA Econ/Psych '57; US Army 1957-59, is a real estate agent, and invites us to his website at www.unlockparadise.com.

John Lagorio (Jan 1953), has 2 children, 1 grandchild, lives in Sarasota, FL, is the retired president/owner of Jobar Ind. Sales, and manufacturing rep.

Paul Rebscher (Jan 1953), has 1 child, 2 grandchildren, lives in Moriches, NY, Beloit College 1 year; US Navy 1955-57, is a retired Flying Tiger Airline pilot, married wife Susan 30 years ago, still downhill skis, plans to continue traveling the world having been through the Northwest Passage and Australia.

Phyllis (Geisert) Umphres (Jan 1953), has 3 children, 7 grand-children, 7 great grandchildren, lives in Chatsworth, CA, RN, is a retired nurse.

Rich Albrecht (Jun 1953), has 3 children, 6 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren, lives in Fountain Hills, AZ, Beloit College BA; Lt. N.G. US Navy, is retired.

Marion (Johnson) Chabot (Jun 1953), has 2 children, 4 grand-children, lives in Berkeley, CA, BS, MD, is a retired pedia-trician.

Patricia (Riordan) Dvorak (Jun 1953), has 7 children, 20 grand-children, 34 great grandchildren, 3 great-great grandchild-dren, lives in Mesa, AZ, is a retired IRS accountant.

Barbara (Edwards) Freitag (Jun 1953), has 4 children, 11 grand-children, 15 great grandchildren, 2 great-great grandchild-dren, lives in Joliet, IL, US Navy '53-'55, is retired.

Donna (Craumer) Gibbs (Jun 1953), lives in Alameda, CA, Northwestern U BA, is retired.

Taft Alumni Newsletter Spring 2018 www.taftalumni.org Page 9

Douglas Gifford (Jun 1953), lives in Carol Stream, IL, is retired. Matt Joswick (Jun 1953), has 1 child, lives in Glen Ellyn, IL,

Benedictine U BS; US Air Force 6 years, is a writer and published author of romance novels.

John Petrie (Jun 1953), has 2 children, 5 grandchildren, lives in New Braunfels, TX, Elgin Comm College, MIT Urban Exec. Program '73, is a retired city planner.

Marleen (Martin) Romano (Jun 1953), married Joseph Romano (Jun 1952), has 5 children, 15 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren, lives in Santa Barbara, CA, Moser Secretar-ial School, is retired.

Donald Stanek (Jun 1953), lives in Myakka City, FL, UI BS; Baylor U MBA; US Army 22 years, two tours in Vietnam 1966-67, is a retired physical therapist and healthcare administrator.

Arlene (Rogowski) Warner (Jun 1953), has 3 children, 6 grand-children, 1 great grandchild, lives in Park Ridge, IL, is retired.

John Demes (Jun 1954), has 2 children, 4 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren, lives in Janesville, WI, is a retired dispatch-er/deputy fire chief.

Chuck Goonrey (Jun 1954), has 2 children, 5 grandchildren, lives in Camp Hill, PA, Northwestern U BA '58, JD '61, is a retired corporate attorney, and has been retired 20 years, enjoys life with wife Bee, life is good so long as the health and money hold. So far, so good.

Gary Mede (Jun 1954), married Eleanor Kuehn (Jun 1956), has 3 children, 5 grandchildren, lives in Normal, IL, Denver U BS BA Fin, UI MS Econ; US Army 1955-58 Germany, is retired from banking and finance.

Robert Roehl (Jun 1954), has 2 children, 2 grandchildren, lives in Homosassa, FL, U of CO, is a retired control branch manager, and thanks TAA for doing a great job.

Ellen (Frisen) Schaden (Jun 1954), has 2 children, 6 grandchil-dren, lives in Morton Grove, IL, is retired.

Wayne Barton (Jun 1955), has 4 children, 5 grandchildren, lives in Park Ridge, IL, Master, US Coast Guard, is an artist and woodcarver.

Arlene (Johnson) Schoessling (Jun 1955), married Phillip Schoessling (deceased) (Jun 1952), has 3 children, 8 grandchildren, lives in Chicago, IL, Wright Jr College, is a retired high school secretary, volunteers at Shriners Hospital for Children.

Robert Nannini (Jan 1956), has 5 children, 11 grandchildren, lives in Park Ridge, IL, DePaul U BA.

Doug Blomberg (Jun 1956), lives in The Villages, FL, St Olaf College '60; US Air Force, Capt., is a retired marketing executive.

Paulette (Hase) McGuire (Jun 1956), has 3 children, 3 grand-children, lives in Frankfort, IL, ISU BS Edu '60, is a retired teacher and director of a remedial learning center.

Eleanor (Kuehn) Mede (Jun 1956), married Gary Mede (Jun 1954), has 3 children, 5 grandchildren, lives in Normal, IL, ISU BA '86, MA '89, is a retired German instructor and translator.

Joan (Maas) Speirs (Jun 1956), married Chuck Petersen (deceased) (Jun 1954), has 3 children, 7 grandchildren, 5

great grandchildren, lives in Fort Pierce, FL, is a retired realtor, is happily remarried to Robert Speirs.

Bruce Weinwurm (Jun 1956), has 2 children, 4 grandchildren, lives in Middletown, NJ, St. Olaf College BA Chem '60; Loyola U MBA '76; US Navy 1961-69, is retired, and has been married to his German-born wife Jutta for more than 50 years.

Lynnette (Dickow) Clooney (Jun 1957), lives in Fox Lake, IL, is a retired purchasing manager.

Beverly (Sprecker) Laseke (Jun 1957), has 6 children, 7 grand-children, lives in Rockford, IL, Harper College AS '77; Con-cordia U BA '80, is retired.

Mary (Hughes) Kober (Jan 1958), has 3 children, 2 grandchil-dren, lives in Zion, IL, Knox College BA '62, UW grad, is a retired music teacher and choir director.

Margery (Roess) Rollins (Jun 1958), has 4 children, 5 grandchil-dren, lives in Torrington, CT, Wright Jr College, is a retired human resources assistant, and was widowed in 2013, but says life is good.

Mary Lynne (Marcus) Barris (Jan 1959), lives in Redlands, CA, is enjoying retirement.

Allan Brockstein (Jan 1959), has 2 children, 3 grandchildren, lives in Henderson, NV, UI PhD '75, is a retired aerospace engineer.

Bruce England (Jan 1959), has 6 children, 6 grandchildren, lives in Merrimac, WI, CLU, LUTCF, is a financial adviser.

Bonnie (Fanslow) Weiss (Jan 1959), lives in Northbrook, IL. Marlene (Rizzi) Crawford (Jun 1959), has 1 child, lives in

Chicago, IL, is retired from factory work. Sharon (Carlier) Dompke (Jun 1959), has 2 children, 6 grand-

children, lives in Chicago, IL, Wright College 2 years, is a retired department sales manager.

James Fisher (Jun 1959), lives in Terre Haute, IN, Grinnel College BA; Kansas U graduate studies KUCIMAT training program for cities managers, is a retired screenwriter, and a member of the William Howard Taft Hall of Fame.

Kelsey Peterson (Jun 1959), has 5 children, 8 grandchildren, lives in Huntington Beach, CA, MD, US Navy flight surgeon 2.5 years, is a retired orthopaedic surgeon, and feels fortunate to have had Taft High School in his educational process.

1960s

Gary Blohm (Jan 1960), has 1 child, lives in San Antonio, TX, Northwestern U BS Speech '64, is retired from the enter-tainment industry and a member of the William Howard Taft Hall of Fame.

Frank Braun (Jan 1960), married Charlotte Rizzo (Jan 1961), has 2 children, 3 grandchildren, lives in Mt Prospect, IL, is a security director.

Jo Anne (Barry) Edwards (Jan 1960), lives in Leesburg, FL, UI BS '64, MS '66, is a retired high school A.P. Science teacher.

Michael Kelly (Jan 1960), married Sheryl Buerger (Jun 1963), has 3 children, 6 grandchildren, lives in Fort Myers, FL, North Park College BS '64; NIU MS '68, is a retired H.S. business manager (30 years), and resides in Florida and Wisconsin.

Bill Schalk (Jan 1960), lives in Racine, WI, Coe College BA '65; Marquette U JD; US Navy 1966-86, Commander Retired, is

Taft Alumni Newsletter Spring 2018 www.taftalumni.org Page 10

a retired prosecutor, State of Wisconsin, and was elected to the Coe College Board of Trustees in 2018.

Judy (Kolpek) Speckmann (Jan 1960), married Robert Speck-mann (Jan 1960), has 3 children, 3 grandchildren, lives in Deerfield, IL, attended banking school, is a retired com-mercial banker.

Bob Speckmann (Jan 1960), married Judith Kolpek (Jan 1960), has 3 children, 3 grandchildren, lives in Deerfield, IL, UIU BA Arch '65, is an architect and owner of S & I Architec-tural Consultants.

Jacqueline (Metcalf) Abbett (Jun 1960), has 2 children, 3 grandchildren, lives in Okemos, MI, Marquette U Cert Dental Hygiene, MSU BA, is retired.

Nancy (Novak) Croll (Jun 1960), married John Croll (Jun 1958), has 1 child, 3 grandchildren, lives in Palatine, IL, is retired.

Roger Jensen (Jun 1960), has 2 children, 7 grandchildren, lives in St Paul, MN, St. Olaf BA, Valparaiso U JD, JAG Officer USMC 1967-72.

Judith (Koehler) Kozer (Jun 1960), has 2 children, 6 grand-children, 3 grandchildren, lives in Surprise, AZ, is retired, and has been married for 57 years.

Sandy (Bulatek) Ries (Jun 1960), married Bob Ries (deceased) (Jun 1956), has 2 children, 4 grandchildren, lives in Niles, IL, Wright Jr College, Bus, is retired from I.T. Communi-cations.

Mary Ann (Gulino) Rojas (Jun 1960), has 3 children, 7 grand- children, 1 great grandchild, lives in Hanover Park, IL, is retired.

Ron Tarica (Jun 1960), has 3 children, 5 grandchildren, lives in Templeton, CA, IIT BS Chem Eng '64; Northwestern U MS Chem '67, PhD '69, is a retired chemical engineer, is a business manager/treasurer for Young Imaginations, a non-profit arts education agency in San Rafael CA, and teaches classical music appreciation to senior citizens in three cities.

Noel (Tureck) Thomson (Jun 1960), married Donald Thomson (Jun 1961), has 4 children, 11 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren, lives in St Charles, IL, is a retired home-maker, and is blessed with the 16th grandchild (5 great grandbabies).

Dick Williams (Jun 1960), has 4 children, 5 grandchildren, lives in Boise, ID, U ID BS Bus Adm '65; Boise St U MBA Fin '73; Captain, US Air Force 4 years, is retired, and thanks TAA for great work and in keeping the Taft tradition alive.

Charlotte (Rizzo) Braun (Jan 1961), has 2 children, 3 grand-children, lives in Mt Prospect, IL, is retired.

Linnea (Lundberg) Conway (Jan 1961), has 4 children, 3 grand-children, lives in Georgetown, TX, SIU BA; Washington U MSW, is a retired clinical social worker, and has moved to Sun City near her children in Austin, Texas.

Susan (Miller) Aldrich (Jun 1961), has 2 children, 4 grandchil-dren, lives in Lincolnshire, IL, DePaul U BA, is a licensed real estate managing broker.

John Prochaska (Jun 1961), married Cynthia Ludtka (Jun 1964), has 3 children, 5 grandchildren, lives in Park Ridge, IL, NIU BS, MBA Fin; US Army HQ Japan 1967-69, is a retired non-profit CFO, spent two weeks of spring vacation with the grandkids in London.

Donald Thomson (Jun 1961), married Noel Tureck (Jun 1960), has 4 children, 11 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren, lives in St Charles, IL, college and LUTC and CLU insurance degrees, is a retired Allstate insurance agent with an honor ring after 42 years.

Stephen Wren (Jun 1961), lives in Seminole, FL, RN, BA, MPA; US Army 1966-72, is semi-retired poll worker trainer, and is brother to Marvin Wren Jun '60.

Marilyn (Prochaska) Copeland (Jun 1962), has 3 children, 7 grandchildren, 1 great grandchild, lives in Tampa, FL, NIU AA, is retired.

Karen (Rinkach) Johnson (Jun 1962), has 2 children, 3 grand-children, lives in Fox River Grove, IL, is retired, and will be traveling in May with sister Janice (Rinkach) Yacullo (Jun '64) on a heritage tour to Prague and Budapest.

Pamela (Kostenko) Kramer (Jun 1962), lives in West Chicago, IL, BA, MLS, Advanced Certification, is a retired educator.

Susan (Henriksen) Krumm (Jun 1962), has 2 children, 2 grand-children, lives in Topeka, KS, Bethel College BA '66, KSU MS '70, UK MSW '94, is a clinical social worker.

Frank Macedon (Jun 1962), has 2 children, 1 grandchild, lives in Peoria, AZ, UI BSEE, is a retired electrical engineer.

Carol (Lohr) Magin (Jun 1962), has 2 children, lives in Munde-lein, IL, U of MN BA '66, National Louis U MAT '00, is a retired media time buyer and special education teacher.

Judy (Merrill) Ruegsegger (Jun 1962), has 4 children, 15 grand-children, lives in Centerville, OH, Wheaton College BA Edu (English and French), is a retired teacher and counselor, and is enjoying retirement with some travel, reunions, and family time.

Ron Rusing (Jun 1962), has 2 children, 8 grandchildren, lives in Austin, TX, MS Mil Arts & Sci; Col (Ret) US Air Force 28 years, 2 tours in Vietnam, is a retired fighter pilot.

Marilyn (Romano) Satkiewicz (Jun 1962), married Robert Satkiewicz (Jun 1962), has 2 children, 2 grandchildren, lives in Lake Villa, IL, is retired.

Robert Satkiewicz (Jun 1962), married Marilyn Romano (Jun 1962), has 2 children, 2 grandchildren, lives in Lake Villa, IL, is retired.

Bruce Williams (Jun 1962), has 3 children, 4 grandchildren, lives in Ft Collins, CO, Bradley U BS Chem '67; U Rochester, is retired, and remarks that he's still vertical.

Sheryl (Buerger) Kelly (Jan 1963), married Michael Kelly (Jun 1960), has 3 children, 6 grandchildren, lives in Huntley, IL, Eastern IL U, is retired from banking.

Linda (Stoll) Kudelka (Jan 1963), has 2 children, 3 grandchil-dren, lives in Elk Grove, IL, is retired, and still enjoys golf, bowling and pickleball.

Rick Monahan (Jan 1963), lives in Cave Creek, AZ, IL Wesleyan U BA '67; U of MO MA '69, is retired.

Donna (Griessmer) Catlett (Jun 1963), has 3 children, 5 grand-children, lives in Des Plaines, IL, Ill. Wesleyan U BFA, is a retired administrative assistant for municipal government, and enjoys meeting Edison/Taft friends, renewing many friendships at the Edison 50 Year Reunion.

Cheryl (Henninger) Krupa (Jun 1963), has 2 children, 3 grand-children, lives in Des Plaines, IL, Wheaton College BS Phys

Taft Alumni Newsletter Spring 2018 www.taftalumni.org Page 11

Ed '67, is a retired phys ed teacher and activity director for senior citizens.

Karen Nothacker (Jun 1963), lives in Mt Prospect, IL, CTC North, USC, is a controller.

Mary (Fijak) Thomas (Jun 1963), married James Thomas (Jun 1963), has 2 children, 5 grandchildren, lives in London, Ontario, Canada, UI BS Econ, is a retired accountant.

Jim Thomas (Jun 1963), married Mary Fijak (Jun 1963), has 2 children, 5 grandchildren, lives in London, Ontario, Canada, Roosevelt U BSBA, MA Labor Relations, is a retired HR management consultant.

Ernst Cornielsen (Jan 1964), has 2 children, 4 grandchildren, lives in Lake Geneva, WI, UIU BS Zoology '68, UIC BSD '70, UIC DDS '72, Cook County Hospital, special training '76, is a retired oral and maxillofacial surgeon.

Lloyd Marquardt (Jun 1964), lives in Acworth, GA, UIU BS '68, Purdue PhD Psych '74; Lt. US Army 1968-70, is retired from Human Resources.

Cindy (Ludtka) Prochaska (Jun 1964), married John Prochaska (Jun 1961), has 3 children. 5 grandchildren, lives in Park Ridge, IL, BA Psych, MA OT, is a pediatric occupational therapist, and visited family in Florida in March.

Anita (Grabowski) Steinkemper (Jun 1964), has 3 children, 6 grandchildren, lives in Scottsdale, AZ.

Bob Johnson (Jan 1965), has 2 children, lives in Buffalo Grove, IL, IIT BSCE '69, MSCE '71, is a retired structural engineer, has been very active in STEM outreach to children and became a life member of Structural Engineers Association of Illinois.

Jane (Schaefer) Behnke (Jun 1965), has 3 children, 4 grandchil-dren, lives in Erie, CO, WIU BS '69, is a retired nanny.

Jim Fleming (Jun 1965), has 1 child, 3 grandchildren, lives in Addison, IL, BA '69, MBA '84, is retired.

Kathryn (Freese) Grant (Jun 1965), has 1 child, 1 grandchild, lives in Cave Creek, AZ, UI BS, is a speaker, teacher, coach and mentor.

Lynn (Hintz) Pozsgay (Jun 1965), lives in Mt Prospect, IL, is retired from banking and real estate.

Judi (Luga) Stephens (Jun 1965), married Dennis Stephens (Jun 1965), has 3 children, 4 grandchildren, lives in Barrington, IL, UIC BA French Ed '69, Middlebury College MA French '71, is a homemaker.

Dennis Stephens (Jun 1965), married Judi Luga (Jun 1965), has 3 children, 4 grandchildren, lives in Barrington, IL, UIC BSEE '69, MSEE '71, is an electronics engineer.

Janet (Howarth) Bulaw (Jan 1966), has 2children, 4 grandchil-dren, lives in Arlington Hts, IL, North Park College BA '70, is an accountant.

Len Wislow (Jun 1966), married Gaye Swatek (Jun 1967), has 3 children, lives in Naples, FL, is retired.

Joyce (Kerstein) Donicht (Jan 1967), lives in Colorado Springs, CO, U of WI Stout '71, is retired.

Holly (Gundlach) Mihalovich (Jan 1967), lives in Denver, NC, is retired.

Charles Bajerski (Jun 1967), has 5 children, 8 grandchildren, lives in Cary, NC, is retired.

Paul Frizane (Jun 1967), lives in Mesa, AZ, Northeastern IL BA '76, is a retired teacher.

Robert Naatz (Jun 1967), has 2 children, 4 grandchildren, lives in Elgin, IL, UL BS Acct '71, CPA, is a retired CFO.

Gaye (Swatek) Wislow (Jun 1967), married Len Wislow (Jun 1966), has 3 children, lives in Naples, FL.

Bob Altergott (1968), lives in Lake In The Hills, IL, is a senior project superintendant.

Wayne General (1968), lives in Phoenix, AZ, Florida Inst Tech PhD Clin Psy '80, is a forensic neuropsychologist.

Barbara (Coy) Janssens (1968), lives in Shevlin, MN. Larry Lonson (1968), has 2 children, lives in Sarasota, FL, MBA

Int'l Bus Mgmt, is a real estate broker. Thomas Schau (1968), has 2 children, 3 grandchildren, lives in

Saint Cloud, FL, is retired communications technician, and is enjoying the good life.

Richard Karneboge (1969), has 2 children, lives in Pekin, IL, WIU BA Sociology '73, CMU MSA Health Services Admin '87, is retired.

Linda (Angle) Mestling (1969), has 1 child, 1 grandchild, lives in McHenry, IL, is retired.

Jan (Abbinanti) Rucktenwald (1969), has 3 children, 2 grand-children, lives in Mission Viejo, CA, DePaul U BS Ed, Con-cordia U MA Ed, is an assistant principal.

Doug Ulasy (1969), lives in Bull Shoals, AR, is retired. George Zittnan (1969), lives in Fishers, IN, UIC BS Bus/Mkt '77,

is the owner of Speedway Steel Industries, and is looking forward to retirement with wife Lonnie at their Wisconsin farm.

1970s Joanne (Stefely) Heintz (1970), has 2 children, 2 grandchildren,

lives in Lindenhurst, IL, Loyola BS '74, Elmhurst MA '08, is a business process consultant.

Margie (Kosinski) Lacerra (1970), married Fred LaCerra (1970), has 3 children, 11 grandchildren, lives in Park Ridge, IL, Oakton Comm College, cosmetology, is a homemaker, genealogist and cosmetologist, is conference chair for the Polish Genealogical Soc of America and United Polish Genealogical Societies.

Fred Lacerra (1970), married Margie Kosinski (1970), has 3 children, 11 grandchildren, lives in Park Ridge, IL, NEIU Edu (K-12), is a retired 44 year teacher, coach and athletic director.

Steven Terlecki (1970), has 3 children, 4 grandchildren; lives in Littleton, CO, UNM BA Geology, is a petroleum geologist, enjoys skiing, hiking, camping and ice hockey and has lived in Colorado for 40 years.

Michael Tessendorf (1970), married Linda Ernst (deceased) (1971), has 1 child, lives in Loudon, TN, UIC BA, is retired, and was recently remarried to a Southern Belle (Miss Scarlet).

Carolyn (McCarthy) Vondran (1970), has 2 children, 2 grand-children, lives in Naperville, IL, WIU BA, Rockford College MAT, is a retired teacher.

Melody Childs (1971), lives in Sandia Park, NM, NEIU BS '75; UIU MS '77; UNM BSN '89, is a retired RN and microbio-logist.

Brian Johnson (1971), has 2 children, 1 grandchild, lives in Scottsdale, AZ, U IA BA Business, is a managing general partner at Mjolnir Partners, LP.

Taft Alumni Newsletter Spring 2018 www.taftalumni.org Page 12

Don Stein (1972), married Annie Bursoni (1974), has 1 child, lives in Niles, IL, UIC BA Mgmt, DePaul U MBA Fin, is a general manager.

Susan Moresi (1973), lives in Cordova, TN, Clemson U MA, is retired from USPS and US Naval Reserve, and visits Chicago regularly, raked a lot of leaves in November and December.

Joyce (Luga) Selker (1973), has 2 children, lives in Schaumburg, IL, is a medical receptionist.

Annie (Bursoni) Stein (1974), married Don Stein (1972), has 1 child, lives in Niles, IL, is retired.

Laurie (Hillstrom) Karman (1975), lives in Buffalo, IL, WIU BS '78; UI MBA '84, is a retired regional affairs manager for Ameren Utility.

Karen Kruse (1976), lives in Schaumburg, IL, Fellow Life Man-agement Inst., is the author of "A Chicago Firehouse: Stories of Wrigleyville's Engine 78" (www.achicagofirehouse.com).

1980s Christina Whitty (1988), has 2 children, lives in Batavia, IL,

DePaul U MBA, is a field manager.

HOW CAN WE FIND AND ATTRACT THE GRADS FROM THE 1980s, 1990s AND 2000s TO LEARN ABOUT US AND JOIN THE TAFT ALUMNI ASSOCIATON? Send us your ideas.

Taft Night Out 2018 Was a Huge Success!

Submitted by Taft parent, Melissa Bernier

Thank you so much to everyone that joined us for the 2nd annual Taft Night Out, bid on auction items, bought raffle tickets, donated auction items, sponsored or volunteered. We had about 200 guests. A special thank you to the Second Hand Soul band for the fabulous live entertainment, led by our LSC President, Kathy Fern! Thanks to you, the event raised almost $15,000 and will fund many different teacher-directed academic and extra-curricular projects that aren't covered by our school budget, as well as improvements to the school building and grounds. A big congratulation goes out to 8th grade parent Tammy Woods who was the winner of our first Taft Night on the Town raffle! We have a few items still available from the auction, so please email Karen Devine at kmdevine@cps.edu with an offer. Photo Shoot valued at $500: Photo session at location of your choice in Chicagoland area including (2) 8x10 photos from the session. Graduation or family session for one graduate or one immediate family. The session must be completed between January and August and the certificate expires in July, 2019. Minimum offer: $150 Mosquito Yard Treatment (2) valued at $160: 2 mosquito treatment services from Mosquito Joe - offers traditional barrier spraying or all natural mosquito control treatment. Expires 10/31/18. Minimum offer: $50.

Alums Giving Back Submitted by John Grud (June ’58)

Last year, the Martin J. Paluga Jr. Foundation Scholar-ship was given to Taft student Kaitlyne Diaz (2017), who was also presented an Evans Scholarship. It was, we hope, the first of many. See the full story on page 5 of the Summer 2017 issue of our newsletter. Karen Devine is the Professional School Counselor most knowledgeable about the program at Taft. The West-ern Golf Association awards approximately 225 Evans Scholarships throughout the country to the most deserving caddy students each year. Last year, about 800 students applied for the scholarship and 225 scholarships were awarded, each valued on average at $10,000 a year. There are many local golf courses around Taft’s campus, so a summer job of caddying can be rewarding in more ways than one. Some are small, some larger, some private and some public, but all accessible: Evanston CC, Edgebrook, Bryn Mawr CC, Glen View CC, Tam Golf Center, Billy Caldwell, Ridgemoor CC and Park Ridge CC. Martin Paluga, John Chious and I (all from June ’58) are interested in getting more Taft students interested in the program. We came up through the Chick Evans program ourselves, and know the benefits of attending college through this program. Housing is even provided in Evans fraternity buildings at a series of college campuses, but there are always some costs which aren’t covered. Resident students have to contribute so much a semester. That’s where this supplementary program comes in. Each successful Taft candidate who receives a Chick Evans Scholarship will be awarded the Martin J. Paluga Jr. Award to help with expenses not covered by the Evans Program. The value of the Martin J. Paluga Jr, Award over the four years is $2,000. .

Welcome to AmazonSmile! Thank you for supporting Taft Alumni Association

This is a great and painless way to do fundraising!

If you shop through Amazon.com, you can benefit Instead of going to Amazon.com, simply go to the web site your Taft Alumni Association each time you shop. It's true! Smile.Amazon.com and register. Amazon will donate a small percentage of your transaction to the Taft Alumni Association. Just select us as your charity of choice and let Amazon do the rest. This is a great way to benefit the TAA by shopping for things you would buy anyway. Giving a gift while buying things for yourself or others...it’s a win-win proposition! AmazonSmile is the same Amazon you know. Same products, same prices, same service. Amazon will donate 0.5% of the price of your eligible AmazonSmile purchases to the 501.C3 charitable organization of your choice. Simply make Taft Alumni Association YOUR choice!

Taft Alumni Newsletter Spring 2018 www.taftalumni.org Page 13

If you learn of a classmate, faculty member or other person affiliated with Taft High School who is deceased, or if any of the information we present appears to be in error, please contact us so that we can remember them with respect both in the newsletter and on our Memorials page online. This page on our web site now includes, when known, civil or military service and which conflict, if any, the person was associated with. We always appreciate your help in keeping our files up to date.

James Joseph Boarini, class of June 1943, died July 16, 2017 from a stroke. He served in the US Navy during World War II. He is the brother of Mary (Boarini) Idstein, June 1942.

Delores Marie “Dee” (Kane) McPheeters, class of June 1944, passed away on December 30, 2017 from pneumo-nia. She is the wife of the late Paul McPheeters (June 1943) and sister of Marillyn (Kane) Machon, (June 1948).

Geraldine Rose (Shramek) Payson, class of June 1945, died February 23, 2018. As a student at Taft, she was editor of the school newspaper and Vice President of the Girls' Athletic Association.

Doris Elaine (Gilson) Gundersen, class of February 1946, died February 21, 2018.

Irene Claire (Kohls) Stinson, class of January 1947, passed away on February 9, 2018. She married into the family business of Stinson Laundry in Norwood Park.

Charles Anthony Amenta, DDS, class of January 1948, died January 16, 2018. He was founder of the American Society for Preventative Dentistry.

Earl Carl Schennum, class of January 1948, died August 12, 2010. He was married to Carol (Weiser) Schennum (January 1951).

Doris Marlene (Coleman) Ewald, class of January 1950, died March 30, 2018. She is the wife of the late Ronald F. Ewald (January 1950).

Marilyn Evelyn (Paulson) Ketchpaw, class of June 1952, passed away on September 30, 2017 from cancer.

Gerald Munier, class of January 1953 died February 19, 2015 of congestive heart failure and stroke.

Patricia Ann (Miller) Burneson, class of June 1953, died in Naples, FL February 21, 2017.

Richard Walter Mattick, class of June 1954, died January 27, 2018. He is the brother of Howard Mattick (June 1957).

Thomas Schaller Talbot, class of June 1954, died February 22, 2018. He served in the Air Force as an Airman 3rd Class from 1954 - 1955 and in the Reserves 1954-1961.

Arlette Dale (Sabey) Swanson, class of January 1956, died February 4, 2018 from COPD.

Suzanne Virginia Anderson, class of June 1956, died on September 16, 2017.

Robert Walter Ries, class of June 1956, died December 7, 2017. He is the husband of Sandy (Bulatek) Ries (June 1960).

Michael David Peterson, class of June 1957, passed away January 30, 2018. He served in the US Marines. He is the brother to the late Nancy (Peterson) Larson (June 1953), the late Patricia (Peterson) Fassnacht, the late Betty (Peterson) Cooke and the late Herbert Peterson.

Walter “Wally” Edward Schrage, class of June 1958, died March 27, 2018. He is brother to Pat (Schrage)) Panarale, the late Judy (Schrage) Schubert and Rick Schrage (1964) and the late William Stringfellow (January 1960).

Paul Osborn Walker, DDS, class of June 1959, died in December 2017.

Richard “Rick” Leonard Corrin, class of June 1961, died April 3, 2018. He is the brother of Anne (Merrill) Eggetein.

Karen Marie (Stamborski) Yaroma, class of June 1963 passed away December 10, 2017 from brain cancer. She is the sister of Thomas Stamborski.

William Rowland Luikaart, class of January 1964, died on January 5, 2018 from cancer. He is the husband of Carol (Zowal) Luikaart (June 1964).

Old photo from World War II with painted ad supporting the

purchase of War Bonds on the side of a building in downtown Norwood Park, on the corner of

Raven and Northwest Highway.

Taft Alumni Newsletter Spring 2018 www.taftalumni.org Page 14

Taft Alumni Association Merchandise

Time to Renew?!!

Thanks to all who read our plea about keeping current with your TAA membership. If you receive the newsletter electronically, you’ll find an emailed reminder in your inbox when you are about to or have lapsed. If you receive the newsletter by post, check your address label for your year of graduation above the eagle logo on the back page. Is it correct? Also, check the expiration date of your current membership with the Taft Alumni Association located just below the graduation date. If your expiration date is close, we urge you to sit down NOW, complete the membership form on the next page and write out husband/wife graduates at the same address. You'll receive TWO full years of newsletters filled with opportunities to learn about classmates, reunions, school events and alumni programs. Be sure to use the application on the following page to share with us the latest updates in your life. Thanks to all who have opted to receive their newsletter electronically. It has made a BIG difference in our printing, mailing and handling newsletter costs. Bottom line, it gives us more opportunity to use our funds for other important TAA projects for Taft.

Qty Item Specifics Price Each Total Price

Windbreaker—blue nylon, drawstring bottom

printed with white TAA logo Medium $25.00 $

Windbreaker—blue nylon, drawstring bottom

printed with white TAA logo Large $25.00 $

Windbreaker—blue nylon, drawstring bottom

printed with white TAA logo X-Large $25.00 $

Windbreaker—blue nylon, drawstring bottom printed with white TAA logo

XX-Large $25.00 $

Windbreaker—blue nylon, drawstring bottom printed with white TAA logo

XXX-Large $25.00 $

Baseball Cap—blue embroidered “Taft Alumni” with full-color eagle

One Size Fits All

$15.00 $

Car Sticker—clear printed in blue/gray “You Can’t Hide That Eagle Pride”

---- $ 3.00 $

T-Shirt—gray cotton printed with blue TAA logo Medium $10.00 $

T-Shirt—gray cotton printed with blue TAA logo Large

$10.00 $

T-Shirt—gray cotton printed with blue TAA logo X-Large

$10.00 $

T-Shirt—gray cotton printed with blue TAA logo XX-Large $12.00 $

T-Shirt—gray cotton printed with blue TAA logo XXX-Large $12.00 $

Jacket , Fleece – embroidered Taft Alumni Logo Medium $40.00 $

Jacket , Fleece - embroidered Taft Alumni Logo Large $40.00 $

Jacket , Fleece - embroidered Taft Alumni Logo X-Large $40.00 $

Jacket , Fleece - embroidered Taft Alumni Logo XX-Large $40.00 $

Jacket , Fleece - embroidered Taft Alumni Logo XXX-Large $40.00 $

Taft Yearbook (be sure to state year) Year: $30.00 $

Shipping and Handling: Stickers only = $1.00, all other orders = $8.00 $

Total Remitted $

Name (please print): Grad Month/Year:

Address:

City/State/ZIP: Phone: ( )

Send check or money order (no cash please) with completed order form to:

Taft Alumni Association, 6530 W. Bryn Mawr Ave, Chicago IL 60631

Please use a separate order form for separate addresses.

Taft Alumni Association Membership Application

Please tell us as much about yourself as you like so that we can share your news in the Class Notes.

Only fields marked with an asterisk (*) are required for membership. We will not publish your address or phone number.

About You

*First Name ( PLEASE PRINT)

* Last Name at Graduation

* Current Last Name

*Home Street Address

*City

*State

*ZIP

Primary Phone

Email Address

List in Email Directory Yes No

*Month/Year You Graduated

Number of Children _____ Children, _____ Grandchildren, _____ Great Grandchildren, _____ Great Greats?

Higher Education, Degrees, Military Service, Years

Occupation

Retired? Yes No

Elementary School

Other news you’d like to share?

Do not publish my information in the Class Notes

About Your Taft Graduate Spouse

*First Name

* Last Name at Graduation

* Current Last Name

*Month/Year Spouse Graduated

Higher Education, Degrees, Military Service, Years

Occupation

Retired Yes No

Elementary School

Other news you’d like to share?

Enclosed is a check or money order for:

$15.00 2-year single membership $20.00 2-year alumni couples membership

Donation in the amount of $ ______

Send newsletter online Send newsletter by mail Send both by mail and online

Please mail application and funds to: Taft Alumni Association, 6530 West Bryn Mawr Avenue, Chicago, IL 60631

Spring 2018

Taft Alumni Association Board of Directors

Taft Alumni Newsletter www.taftalumni.org

Anne Lunde John Prochaska Arlene (Laufer) Ware Jeraldene (Beesley) Bloom Stephenson Kevin Krieger Paulette (Zemaitis) English Judy Jacobsen Paul Madsen Wayne Schimpff Ryan Glowacz Frank Heyer

1969 1961 1960 1962 1973 1967 1970 1971 1959 2006 1948

President, Historian Vice President/Treasurer Secretary Director, Newsletter Editor newsletter@taftalumni.org (920) 559-7440 Director, Webmaster webmaster@taftalumni.org Director, Web Editor, Newsletter Assistant eagleemail@taftalumni.org Director Director Director Faculty Representative Director, Emeritus

The TAA publishes the Taft Alumni Newsletter quarterly.

Please address general correspondence and changes to:

Taft Alumni Association

6530 West Bryn Mawr Ave. Chicago, IL 60631

or email eagleemail@taftalumni.org

Send photographs and articles for the next issue to:

Jerry Bloom Stephenson

2600 SE Ocean Blvd – Unit G-12 Stuart, Florida 43996

or email newsletter@taftalumni.org

Submission Deadline for the Spring Issue:

June 30, 2018

eNewsletter Signup: eagleemail@taftalumni.org

TAFT ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

6530 W. BRYN MAWR AVE.

CHICAGO IL 60631-0020

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

NON-PROFIT ORG.

U. S. POSTAGE

PAID

Permit NO. 215

Des Plaines, IL