Class of 57 Christmas tree lights up the campus

Christmas on the Square in Mt. Morris has for several years welcomed organizations, local businesses, civil groups and alumni to decorate trees to be placed on the band shell. The class of 1957 has participated  and this is our third year--the trees are lit at night  giving a Christmas glow to the old Campus from Thanksgiving weekend until the New Year. The tree is black with red ornaments, and that is Nancy F. showing off the handiwork of Lynne W.

The 13th annual Christmas Cantata in Mt. Morris will be Sunday, December 3rd at Trinity Lutheran Church on Brayton Road at 3PM. This event is bringing together voices from all over Ogle county to make a joyful noise. Proceeds from the good will offering supports local pantries in the area with refreshments following (Note from Lynne:  I made cookies so avoid the oatmeal/cranberry!)

The Old Sandstone Gallery Holiday Art Show is new this year...featuring wooden holiday themed objects. Hours are from 3-7 p.m., December 2nd as part of Christmas on the Square. The Encore group is a newly founded group to support Mt. Morris growth in many ways, including the arts. 

The Mt. Morris Senior Center offers a fabulous breakfast as their part of Christmas on the Square from 8:30 to 11 AM. It is a real country Christmas breakfast and a fortifying  start to a busy day in the village.

 Pinecrest Manor holds an annual Open House during  Christmas on the Square from 2:30 until 4 p.m. with a craft fair and a to-die-for bake sale. The proceeds go to the Good Samaritan Fund.  And Santa fits in here somewhere...Never know when or where that big guy is going to turn up.

A sprinkle of snow and our old home town will look picture perfect for Christmas...I think I wrote a poem about it once.. .

Merry Christmas from your old home town and those that still live here...

(Since the blog owner has never seen this lovely event, I asked Lynne to write it up.)

Candid shots from the 60th reunion October 13-14, 2017

Sunset Golf Club Pizza Party, Nancy, Jean Sara, Mike (hat), David, Phil W. Greely (hat)

Sunset Golf Club Pizza Party, Salley, Greely (hat), Nancy, Jean, Mike (hat), Myron, Sara, David, Phil W.

Jean and Moe at Dad's in Polo

Bill D. and Glenn O. at Dad's in Polo

Jon M. Sylvia S. Bill D. Darrell M., School tour in Mt. Morris

Class Reunion Group Photo

Sixtieth class reunion of the MMHS 1957 graduating class

Reminder of schedule:

Friday, October 13, 2017      5:30PM     Pizza Party at Golf Course 

Saturday, October 14   1:30PM     High school walk through

                                      2:30PM     Museum walk through

                                      4:00PM    Social hour - Dad's in Polo
                                      5:00PM    Reunion, Buffet, Dad's Polo
Sylvia is expecting a good turn out.

Ralph Dollinger, husband of Pat

Although I haven’t found an obituary, Marion Dollinger Walkner noted on Facebook that her brother Ralph “Tommy” Dollinger, husband of our classmate Pat, has died. He graduated from Mt. Morris High in 1956 and married Pat and they had 3 children plus grandchildren and great grand children. I will add more as I find it. I’ve looked through the candid shots from my 1957 file, and found one of Pat and Tom at the 2009 class get together at Moe and Nancy’s place, but only a partial of his face. Perhaps someone else has a better shot.

Update from Restland Funeral home.

Ralph William “Tommy” Dollinger, age 79, died of lung cancer on September  9th, 2017, in his home in Rockwall, Texas.

Tommy is survived by his wife of 59 years, Patricia Ann Bryant Dollinger of Rockwall, Texas, daughter Susan Mase, son-in-law Rob Mase, daughter Tonya Burns and son-in-law Lee Burns, sisters Marion Walkner of Dallas, Linda Baumblatt of California and Brenda Warren of Tennessee, four granddaughters and five great-grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his father and mother Victor Dollinger and Thelma Hibbs Dollinger, in-laws Eddie and Alda Bryant, sisters Martha Hosier and Carol Zellers and his son Steven Scott Dollinger.

Tommy was born on January 15, 1938, in Rockford, Illinois.  He graduated from Mt. Morris High School in Mt. Morris, Illinois and then joined the United States Army and was honorably discharged 1963.  He also attended DCCCD in Richardson, Texas.  He worked at Blue Cross Insurance, Hartford Insurance and Continental Emsco working in data processing.  He then left the corporate world and opened The Quick Print Shop in Rockwall, Texas.

Tommy was a Rotarian, won the Paul Harris award and was Rotarian of the year, a 4^th degree Knights of Columbus and active and involved in the ping pong group at The Senior Center in Rockwall, Texas.  He enjoyed carving realistic waterfowl and walking his dog, Carlie.

Tommy was a founding member of Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church in Rockwall, Texas and remained a faithful member until his death.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, October 4, 2017, from 6-8 pm at Restland Funeral Home in Dallas, TX.

The funeral is scheduled for 11 am on Thursday, October 5, 2017, at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic church, 1305 Damascus Rd, in Rockwall, Texas.

Burial will be at Restland Dallas following a reception at the church.  The funeral Mass will be officiated by Father George Monaghan and Deacon Jim Daniels.

All are welcome to attend and celebrate Tommy’s life. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Our Lady of the Lake Building Fund or Patriot Paws Rockwall, Texas.

Lola Duncan, Marion's mom

Lola Duncan, Marion’s mother,  passed away on September 11, 2017. Many in our class remember this sweet, quiet woman, and we send our sympathy to all the family, including Marion’s sisters Barbara and Linda, and her brother Steve.  Lola was born November 3, 1917 in Leaf River, IL the daughter of Galen & Carrie (Fisher) Blake. She graduated from Mt. Morris High School class of 1932. Lola married Robert L. Duncan in February 1937 in Mt. Morris, IL. She was a member of Disciples United Methodist Church, Mt. Morris, IL. Services were  held Saturday September 16, 2017 at 11:00 A.M. in Disciples United Methodist Church, Mt. Morris, IL with Rev. Julie Bunt officiating.  http://finchfuneral.com/2017/09/lola-j-duncan-99/

Don Falzone, friend of the class

The class of 1957 has lost a a good friend—the husband of Nancy Snodgrass.  He was well known to us all, and for the last 30 years had frequently attended our reunions and class breakfasts.  Nancy and Don met as children in 1951—on horseback, of course.  Later as teens they dated a few times, but both married someone else.  Some time later when both were single again, they started dating and were married in Trinity Lutheran Church in Mt. Morris in 1985. He will certainly be missed and the class sends Nancy our prayers and thoughts.

Duane, Dave, and Don, class breakfast Nov. 2015

(Ogle County Life)  MOUNT MORRIS – Donald A. Falzone, age 79, died Sunday Sept. 10, 2017 in KSB Hospital, Dixon, IL. Don was born June 16, 1938 in Rockford, IL,  the son of Joseph and Anna (Hall) Falzone.

Don served in the United States Army from 1962 to 1965 serving in Korea. Don married Nancy Snodgrass on July 20, 1985 in Mount Morris. He worked for Barber Coleman and Vensys Technologies. Don was involved with many things; his favorite pass time was racing homing pigeons.

Don is survived by his wife: Nancy Falzone, Oregon; sons: Brian (Julie) Falzone and John Falzone both of Rockford; Step-sons: Bob (Esther) Mongan, Oregon, and Joe ( Debbie) Mongan, Rockford; grandchildren, great grandchildren; brother: John (Kathy) Falzone, Cherry Valley, and Jeff Warren, Rockford; sister: Mary Ellen (Robert) Crowell, Rockford; many nieces and nephews. Don is preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Joe and Sonny.

A memorial service and burial service were held Friday, September 15, 2017 at 10:30 a.m. in Oakwood Cemetery, Mount Morris.  A luncheon followed the memorial service in The Disciples United Methodist Church, Mount Morris.

Memorials may be sent to the American Pigeon Museum and Library, 2300 N.E. 63rd, Oklahoma City, OK 73111
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Dalene Holverson Nelson, 1939-2017

Class members were shocked to learn by e-mail of the death of Darlene.  Her daughter, Kathy Blair, asked for some remembrances of her mother to use in planning the service for her. If class members have additional thoughts you shared with Kathy, I can add them here.

Lynne Wilburn:  Darlene was gifted at the piano and often would go to music contest as accompanying other soloists. She had very good musical taste. We shared that as early as 7th grade. She was a spirit lifter that always knew how to make her friends feel good about themselves. She also had excellent taste in clothes, as she always looked like a model, tall, thin with her long hair...she was stunning. She always reminded me of Suzy Parker, the super model of the 50's.  She was a loyal member of our Pep club, played in MMHS band and sang in school musical groups and acting in school plays.  I helped at her wedding to her first husband, Jim Appelgren, and she was a lovely bride. She was to the end, a good friend to her classmates. If I would use a short to the point profile of our Darlene it would be loyal, elegant and capable (she could type like the wind and run every type of business equipment.

 

I hope to meet you again, you were a toddler when last I saw you!  Your mom called me when Cassidy was born-she was so thrilled...  My heartfelt sympathy to you and your brother and families. 

Norma Bruce: You mentioned her love of music; yes, she played cornet in the band (4 years) and went to district contest. Band was a busy, competitive group—played for ball games and had concerts during the year.  She was also in the Girls Chorus and Mixed Chorus, and you know she played the piano and was the accompanist for several groups and also for soloists who performed for various events and for contests. I was in a group called Treble Clef and she was the accompanist—we sang for things like PTA and assemblies.  Your mom was in the school pep club, called Pepsters (we wore black skirts, white blouses and red long sleeve sweaters and supported the guys’ teams since Illinois didn’t have competitive women’s sports). We did get to have some “organized” sports as young women, and she was in the Girls Athletic Association (GAA) all 4 years. It sticks in my mind that as freshmen and maybe sophomores we wore horrid pea green baggy onesies, but graduated to white blouses and navy shorts.  Your mom was in the senior class play, “The Red House Mystery.” Her thespian talents were also used for school assemblies where students did little sketches about school happenings.  I recall she was a very good, honor roll student, and she put some skills to use working on the Hilltopper, our school newspaper we all eagerly read when it came out.  Then there was the unofficial activities like stuffing millions of napkins into chicken wire for our class Homecoming floats in freezing weather, and drinking a gazillion chocolate and cherry cokes at the local drug store after school with other screeching, giggling girls.

 I remember your mom as a young girl—tall, graceful, slender, thoughtful and often sober as she pondered life’s problems, and. . . perhaps important then. . . with style and flair. It’s sort of a silly memory, but when we were in 7^th or 8^th grade, long dangling necklaces came into style, and she was one of the first to wear them!  I’m sure I had a bit of envy which is why I remember it.

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(Finch Funeral Home, Mt. Morris) Rockford, IL, Darlene Nelson, age 78, Nee: Holverson, passed away at Swedish American Hospital on September 3, 2017 after a brief illness.

 Darlene grew up in Mt. Morris, IL and was a proud and beloved graduate of the Mt. Morris High School Class of 1957. Classmates describe Darlene as uplifting, loyal, and elegant. She had a love of music that she expressed over a lifetime through multiple bands, piano accompaniment, teaching piano, church choirs, bell choirs, and ushering at the Mendelssohn Center. Part of her adult life was spent in Lake County, IL and she eventually returned to the Rockford area. Darlene’s family will miss her and is thankful for the friends and family who helped her during some difficult times.
Darlene is survived by her children: Jon Appelgren, Rockford, IL; Kathy (Troy) Blair, Gurnee, IL; grandchildren: Cassidy (Daniel) Gerber, Jersey City, NJ; and Kevin Blair, Chicago, IL.
Darlene is preceded in death by her parents: Harold “Slim” and Bertha Holverson; and son: Michael Appelgren.

Memorial service was held Friday, September 8, 2017 at 12:00 P.M. in The Disciples United Methodist Church in Mt. Morris, IL. She was buried in Franklin Grove Cemetery, Franklin Grove, IL. Visitation was held Friday September 8, 2017 from 11:00 A.M. until service time in the church.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Darlene’s name to a charity of your choosing.

Can you spot Darlene? Front row center, white shorts, hands on knees
 

Top songs of 1957

Sixty years.  These have held up well. Oh, I did love the Everly Brothers; never got too excited about Elvis, although "All shook up" was #1. You hear some folk songs which enjoyed a brief popularity, and the rise of rock and roll.  My parents didn't have TV, so I only knew these through the radio, and we learned them without being attached to something with ear buds.  My parents' automobile didn't have a radio, so. . . I must have been listening at home or at parties.  Kids have their ways.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rDV7ey4mX1Q

"WESSELS RETURNS"

From July 27, 2017 The Rockford Register Star, sports page...submitted by Lynne

"WESSELS RETURNS" By Matt Trowbridge 

"Thirteen-time champ Salley Wessels will return to the Women's City for the first time in several  years when play begins Saturday at Sandy Hollow. She almost pulled out until tourney officals changed it so the women tee off first in the second and third rounds, rather than last.

That enabled Wessels and several others to both play in the Women's City and in an annual Wessels play day in the afternoon on August 5th at Rockford Country Club in honor of her son Thad, who died seven years ago at age 40."

 

 

 

Glenn Rowe, obituary

Glenn “Rowdy” Rowe, Age 77, of Vass, NC, passed away on Saturday, July 15, 2017 at FirstHealth Hospice House.

Glenn was born in Mt. Morris, Illinois on July 30, 1939 to Morris and Florence Miller Rowe. He and his wife moved to Woodlake in 1993.  He was an avid golfer, hunter, fisherman and chef.  He was very active in his community serving as a member of VFW, Moose Lodge, and Mason.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Donna Rowe; children, Margo Rowe, Marty Rowe and Matt Rowe; sisters, Muriel Wild and Lois Tremble; grandchildren, April, Roy, Brandon, Morgan, Kasey, Dylan and Jessica; great-grandchildren, Teegan, Damon, Marley, Glenn, Bradley and Jayden and a very special friend Buddy.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Morris and Florence Miller Rowe; son, Mark Rowe; sisters, Margaret and Dorothy; brother, Roy.

At his request, no services will be held.
Condolences may be sent to www.coxmemorialfuneralhome.com.

Someone announced this on Facebook, and this is one of the obituaries I found, with a photo. Glenn was a member of the class of 1957, and although I don't have my yearbook near by, I recall he played golf and basketball, and was an all around popular guy.  Perhaps others have some memories they could share. 

The color photo I believe is from 2007 when we had our 50th, and some of the golfers got together. Glenn is on the far right. The black and white classroom photo is 6th grade 1951, and Glenn is 2nd row from the right, 2nd from the back, dark shirt. Glenn had started elementary at Center School (rural) with Sylvia T., Barb H. and Judy T.

Francine Kitzmiller Scovel, obituary

Fran at the 2007 class reunion, White Pines

Francine M. Scovel (nee Kitzmiller), 77, of Braceville, IL, passed away Monday, Jan. 16, 2017 at her home.

Born Aug. 12, 1939 in Freeport, IL, she was the daughter of Melvin and Grace (nee Mennenga) Kitzmiller. Francine was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star and the Women of the Moose Lodge #1551 in Mt. Morris, IL.

Surviving are three daughters: Malinda Gentry of Dwight, IL; Lisa (Craig) Adams of Braidwood, IL and Sheila (Dale) Halstead of Mazon, IL; 13 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, special friend, James Baker; and one brother, Gregory Kitzmiller. 

She was preceded in death by her husband, Arthur Walker Scovel; daughter, Kelly Ann Scovel; grandson, Nick Peddicord and sister, Shirley Otten. 

Funeral services will be at the R.W. Patterson Funeral Homes, Ltd. & Crematory, Braidwood Chapel, Friday, Jan. 20, 2017 at 10 a.m. Interment will be in Chapel Hill Memorial Park in Dixon, IL. The visitation will be Thursday, Jan.19, from 4-8 p.m. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts in her name may be directed to Braceville Fire Department or Braceville United Methodist Church. 

For more information and to visit her online guestbook, log onto www.rwpattersonfuneralhomes.com or find their Facebook page at R.W. Patterson Funeral Homes.

R.W. Patterson Funeral Homes, Ltd. & Crematory, 401 E. Main St., Braidwood is in charge of arrangements.
++++++++++++++++++++++++

Several classmates attended the graveside service in Dixon and had the opportunity to speak to her family.  Lynne has prepared some personal remembrances collected from classmates. 

 LYNNE‘S Reflections: The fun has gone out of life today. The four of us, Priscilla, Fran, Nancy and I, did everything together in school. She was the first of the four to marry, have children and to die...leaving us to scratch our heads in wonderment. I dropped in one Sunday for some of their good coffee to find Fran reading to little Malinda, a Golden Book I had recently given the darling little girl. . . and thinking to myself. . . She IS a good mother, she was probably a “fun” mother, too. I had a “fun” mother. . .what a delight they are!  She never took herself seriously as some of us did. She was wonderful fun!!! Damn cancer anyway, on top of her strokes, if that weren't enough... Enough already--rest  now...Priscilla often says “old age sucks." Today she is soooo right.....
 
SALLEY‘S Reflections: Salley remembers that she and Fran were kicked out of the  Trinity Lutheran church junior choir for giggling and making fun of something. They were sent to the choir loft that next Sunday at services  as punishment. It was hardly punishment. They had more fun up there unsupervised  and continued to giggle and have fun, and considered it not much punishment.

DAVE B recalls: Fran and her husband Art attended some of the parties he and his wife Marilyn had.  Fran WAS the life of the party. . . many good memories of her. Unforgettable smile and laugh.

MIKE B:  Francine was terrific!  She didn’t know anyone she didn’t like or didn’t like her.  Always smiling and positive.  She loved to dance-boogying was her middle name. She was always among the volunteers to decorate a float or for a dance or cheering on the “Mounders.” Her parents were terrific people, too. Very supportive of their 3 kids. Fran was an “honest” personality. She will be missed.

SARA remembers: Franny was her own woman. You had to love her! The song ”We’ll meet again” is going through my head and mind now. I know that is true because of the Promise we have been given.  It’s the Between Times- we need to be pondering and cherishing more fully.  “We’ll meet again some sunny day”

Norma remembers: My most vivid memories are of us, at my parent’s home on Hannah, after a wedding shower for Fran and her excitement about her love--Art. It was dark and Fran and I were standing outside near a big evergreen. Everyone was talking and she was so sappy in love. I do remember Lynne saying, “She found a winner in Art Scovel.”  The next year when Tina K. was visiting we went to see her and her new baby, Malinda!  I do treasure those happy memories. She had her health struggles in recent years, but the laugh and smile stayed.”

PRISCILLA remembers: One clear memory is when she and Art lived on W. Front St., near us.  I was still single and she was married to such a nice guy (with such a wonderful speaking voice!). She had a tiny baby and I went to her home to visit Fran, Art and her little baby girl. I remember the high school slumber parties, making those pyramids, and the food!...French fries, everyone would bring a potato and the popcorn followed by brownies. Slumber parties--that’s an oxymoron, right? No one slept and Fran’s parents probably didn’t either!  She was such fun. I can clearly see her smile and hear her laugh.

Nancy S.:  I  had  no idea she was having problems until hearing the news of Fran’s death.  I am sad, very sad.  Francine was one to be so positive and always having fun. Her smile I will never forget as she used it often.

Nancy L recalls: For our 50th reunion (2007) Fran and Jim picked me up at O’Hare airport and we got motel rooms in Dixon. When time came to leave for the Pines she was to call my room to let me know she was ready and to meet her at the car. She called 911 instead of my room.  The police, the Dixon fire dept and the ambulance showed up at the motel!  I tried to tell this story to those attending the reunion but was laughing too hard and every time Fran and I looked at each other we laughed until we cried. I think it was the next day or so that we finally were able to tell the rest of our classmates. That was Fran. She could laugh her way out of just about anything. I remember the time we all hiked to the White Pines park. On the way she and I decided we would pretend to have been hit by a car. With the first aid kit we had, we painted each other with iodine and bandaged each other up.  Priscilla and Lynne were to stand by the road and pretend to be crying and wave down passers-by. Fran and I would jump up to show we were not hurt. We thought it funny-those that stopped to help us did not think it as funny.  We continued on our hike and that day we walked from Mt. Morris to the Pines and then on to Oregon. We were too worn out to walk home from Oregon and called Fran’s mother for a ride. I wonder to this day how Fran explained the iodine stains on her clothing. I could recall so much more--the evening talks on the Flemings’ picnic table-charting all our hopes and dreams. And watching the Northern Lights for the first time.  Over the years we four never lost touch. Oh, we had gaps--all friendships do--but when you truly love someone, time and distance closes when you finally are together. Fran is waiting for the rest of us--and probably waiting for me to plan our next adventure. What an adventure that will be.

Jon M said: I can hear her laughing as I write. She was the FUN in life. She got all she could out of every moment of it. Our Frannie. You go girl!

Sylvia comments: None like her. She will be missed!

Lynne concludes: A number of underclassmen from our school days said some nice things, too.  But am limiting this to “Us” and it is so-- “Think where man’s glory most begins and ends and say my glory was I had such friends.”- W.B.Yeats

Poems from the past by Lynne

In sorting through my Christmas basket of letters and photos (sorting and decluttering goes along with age) I found some great letters from my cousin in Canada, and even a few from my mother who died in 2000. Sadly, there were also Christmas letters from "Squeeky" and Nelson (Tom) (obituaries are on the blog). As a bonus,  I found three nice seasonal poems by Lynne. I've been nagging her for years to compile them, but who listens to me?  I really like the New Year poem message--remarkable from one who has faced down cancer three times.
"There is time out there to be lived,
But not one minute must we hoard."

Christmas 1993
Home for Christmas

I'm going home for Christmas
(who says one can't go home again!)
And it always recalls to mind,
The dear folks who will be waiting there
With smiles to sweet and kind.

I am going home for Christmas,
at the thought my heart sings;
I can scarcely wait for that morning
For the joy that it brings.

It's a small house in a village
where smoke curls in the air,
The log fire where the flames leap high,
A cozy, winged-back chair.
Pure contentment, yes it's there.

The shadows of the evening
fall across the snow,
and bathe the earth in pale pink glow,
While winter's sun burns low.

The neighborhood church is beckoning
With iviting candle light, and music,
traditional and old is telling of a reckoning
so long ago foretold.

Home reflects itself within my heart,
I'm at once happy and at peace for he who sees
For I'm going home for Christmas
To all those memories.

Christmas 1995
So, Tested Friendships

Like lighted cnadles set on a window ledge
at night, which throw
A mellow, yellow path of light
Across the Christmas snow. . .

Like dancing hearth flames' warm caress
Reflecting cheer,
Soft'ning kind faces
That we hold dear.

Like holly berries bright;
Like mistltoe, with berries white . . .
Like bright stars upon a clear midnight.

So, tested friendships,
Mellow, cheering, warm and purse;
One of life's cherished gifts,
Through passing years endure.

Christmas 2002
The New Year

The old year was generous in many ways,
In other ways she may have seemed austere.
But I feel no recrimination--only joy,
As I face the New Year without fear.
There is time out there to be lived,
But not one minute must we hoard.
The year is given to us in trust,
Wanton waste we cannot afford.
And the days will grow into weeks,
The tasks and blessings will pile high.
We'll find real joy in living,
As these weeks go swiftly by.
And weeks make up months--just twelve,
How quickly the precious time goes.
Amy time have made us wiser and better.