More messages from classmates

Everyone looked like they were having a good time...I spent time last night looking at the pictures. I did plan on attending...sorry I missed a good time. Terry Sellers Hutchins

It sounds like the reunion was a lot of fun. Sorry I missed it. Since 1993, I have struggled with Parkinson's Disease and was placed on disability in 2006. The medication that had given me relief was no longer working, After consultation with doctors, I made the decision to proceed with Deep Brain Stimulation Surgery this spring. The surgery was very scary since I had to be awake. The surgery was done at Froedtert Hospital in Milwaukee and was very successful. My hair is growing back finally, however it is gray. I am still taking medications but it has improved my quality of life for which I am very grateful. My oldest son is getting married on Halloween this year. Now I can really enjoy the day. Greetings to you all
Phyllis (Lenzendorf) Rodriguez

Classmates,
As I head out to work this morning it's with a special smile on my face after spending a great weekend in Prairie with you all and family. God blessed us with great weather and comradery. I would like to echo Gordon's very well stated thanks to all those who worked hard to make it a great reunion! I would like to offer a special thanks to Dave Polodna, Mike Obmascher, Steve Ristvedt, Robyn Hedeman, and Dave and Jeanette Cook who also made this a great music reunion for me! We had a great time getting together to practice and playing at the reunion and so glad to hear so many enjoyed the era music we put together. Gordon, thank you for keeping us all informed and in touch, and for all the great photos. I didn't get a chance to take many but you captured the moments well - and I WAS able to download them.
Take care all. Hope to see you all in 5 years (or less)!
Off to work! :)
Jim Wachuta

Dear Gordon,
What a total success. Blew my expectations way out. I just hurt the next day...face from laughing and feet...well the music was so good. Karen (Day)

40-year reunion fades into history

We now have a few more memories and few more photographs, and maybe our ears ringing and our feet sore from an evening with a great band (all former classmates). The PHS Class of 69 40-year reunion was a great success, with turnout numbering around 65, including former band teacher Dave Todd and his wife, plus several extra members of the Wachuta and Hedeman families who came mainly for the music.

The afternoon picnic was a great way to enjoy a gorgeous Wisconsin summer afternoon, and get a head start on all of the catching up that these reunions seem to foster. About two dozen made it for the afternoon.

The music was fantastic. Jim Wachuta, Dave Polodna, Mike Obmascher, Steve Ristvedt and Robyn Hedeman practiced together for the first time in 40 years on Friday night and played several sets of memorable tunes. I can't imagine a better way of doing a class reunion.

Photos have been posted on the Class of 69 Fadebook page, click here.


I think anyone can access the photos, you don't have to be a member of Facebook. However, if you are on Facebook and join the official Class of 69 group, you should be able to add your own photos to the mix. If anyone wants to have their own copy of any of the photos, you should be able to download it from Facebook, but I'll be glad to email you a copy also.

I heard from several classmates who couldn't make it this time but are already looking ahead to 2014:

Gordon, thanks for keeping my in the loop on the reunion. I don’t plan on making it to the festivities but if anyone asks, we are doing fine. We are empty nesters now. Our youngest son started college this Fall ,even though he is in town at Iowa State, he has moved to the dorms. We anticipate seeing him on the weekends for home cooked meals and laundry duty. Enjoy the weekend. - Gary Novey

To all of my fellow classmates.. I hope you all have a great time and a wonderful reunion. I so wish I could be there. It will be a blast. Where did 40 years go? With love, Mary Jerde Chapman

Man, I wish I could be there. Know you'll have a great time. Now I'll have to wait 5 more years. That hurts. Tell Barb Floyd I'll have "Send in the Clowns" ready for her next time. · Terri Larson Cunningham

Kristine Otteson Maag and Kathy Kaber Kruse will be putting together the 2014 reunion, with technical support from yours truly. We'll try to keep up the steady communication so that everyone remains informed about how classmates are doing. Thanks to all who expressed their appreciation for the communiques.

A special thanks to Rick and Kathy Brown for shouldering the main responsibility for organizing this year's gathering. Karen Day made arrangements for the cake, handled decorations, and donated the park shelter reservation. Lois Moeller Baker provided flowers for the tables. And thanks to the spouses who patiently endured another night with a room full of strangers because they know how much it means to us.

As Karen put it, we have a unique familial bond that's linked to a specific time and place. Whether it was four, six, ten or twelve years together, we have classes, teachers, coaches and a lot of memories in common. Even if we now have a twangy Texas accent like Wayne Horkheimer (I love listening to him talk) our roots are still in Prairie du Chien, our alma mater. Wherever we have made it to (some of us have made it and retired already), PDC is where we started.