Memorial tree dedication

Good Morning and welcome...

We gather this lovely summer morning to dedicate our Class of ‘57 Memorial Tree-an idea that sprang for the passing of our beloved German exchange student, Klaus Dreyer shortly after our 50th class reunion. Klaus was with us one short year but his impact on our world was profound...that year was 1955-56 one of those quality years of the golden 50's.

While consoling each other -the idea surfaced for planting a memorial tree-Today it stands before you-An Autumn Blaze Maple-10 feet tall.


...OUR TREE

FIRM IN THIS GOOD BROWN EARTH
SET WE OUR LITTLE TREE
COOL DEWS WILL FRESHEN IT
SUMMER SHOWERS WILL FEED IT
SUN WILL BE WARMING IT
AS WARMTH IS NEEDED.
WIND WILL BLOW ROUND IT FREELY
TAKE ROOT GOOD TREE!

SLOWLY, AS DAYS GO ON,
THESE BOUGHS WILL STOUTER BE,
LEAVES WILL UNFURL ON THEE,
AND WHEN SPRING COMES TO YOU
BIRDS MAY BUILD THERE,
SHADE OUTSRETCH,WIDE AND FREE-
GROW WELL, GOOD TREE!.
IN THIS GOOD BROWN EARTH.
So we dedicate our tree to:

Sharon Rothermel - Lovely, smart and troubled-she was our first devastating loss. We vowed to take better care of each other thereafter...

Larry Stiger, Duane Blake and Jerry Wagner - the quiet ones - not saying much but not missing much either. "Still waters run deep" is the old saying...and true.

Mary Lou Seay Saldecki-Pert - pretty, petite and blonde...having it all-she was a good and loyal friend.

Tomas Walker - or "Walk' as he liked to be called with his dark, slicked back hair in the Elvis duck tail. He'd be pleased to be remembered that way, I think

Libby Mayo Woody - Striking red head with a sprinkle of freckles and a hint of a southern accent-she was something!

Donald Hundertmark - Known affectionately as "the Don" by his co-workers, instilled with the strongest of work ethics but under that seemingly gruff exterior lay a kind and considerate soul.

Norman Garrison - Dear Norman .. world’s worst ukulele player but with a self deprecating sense of humor ..he was such a joy..his loss was the hardest to bear I think..

Klaus Dreyer - Charismatic, ever smiling, well mannered- he was Germany's bridge builder to a better, more peaceful world...we will never see the like of him again.

We ask God's blessing on our little tree...that it may grow...wide and tall-to reach the floor of heaven that they may look down and know that they are not forgotten.

Sylvia on bagpipes with "Amazing Grace"

Thank you Sylvia and Thank you all for sharing this wonderful day ... May God bless us all.. Lynne

Additional note from Lynne: "We had 14 at Breakfast and that was a lively time...The Mt. Morris TIMES was there for a photo and story."

Lynne, Priscilla and Marion at the breakfast meeting last Friday.

Priscilla, Jean and Salley with Nancy and Sylvia. "In spite of the solemn occasion to follow, much merry hearted laughter prevailed at this early hour breakfast." Photo and comments from Lynne

Autumn Blaze Maple selected for Class of 57 tree

What: Class of '57 Memorial Tree Dedication
When: Friday, August 14th
Time: 9:30 AM
Place: Campus(south portion)
Optional: There will be an 8 a.m. breakfast prior to the dedication at Spring Valley Coffee Shop located across the railroad tracks east of Mt. Morris, just past Kable News Fulfillment and across from Finch Funeral Home.

There will be a photo op on the Campus and the local Mt. Morris TIMES has agreed to take a photo for the paper.

Come if you can. . . Hope to see you there. . . casual dress.

Lynne reports that "our" tree is 10 ft. tall. According to a web site I checked, "the Autumn Blaze is an extremely fast-growing maple with brilliant red fall color. Under good conditions it can grow 3 ft. or more per year. It is tolerant of clay soils and drought and has a dense, oval head with strong branching. Developed in North Central Ohio, this tree will grow in a wide range of climates from Michigan to central Florida. It grows 50 ft. high and 40 ft. wide."

A big thank you to all the class members who worked so hard getting this done.

Several class members (Bob, Lynne, Sylvia and Dave) assist the nursery crew in finding just the right spot for the Class of 57 tree, under the careful eye of Tess and Buddy, the Saunders' border collies.

"Nancy S. marks just the right spot of our memorial tree." Photo and comments by Lynne. Bandshell in background.

"Fresh in the ground, tall and straight." Photo and comments by Lynne. In the background is the dormitory from the college years, sold to become apartments after its closing in 1932.

We're proud of Salley!

Salley loses out to a college kid 50 years her junior, but we’re still proud!

From the Rockford paper:

"Using borrowed clubs and a new putter [her clubs were stolen out of her car], Hui Chong Dofflemyer held off 13-time Greater Rockford Women’s Golf Classic champion Salley Wessels 1-up Tuesday at Forest Hills Country Club to get her shot at Brittany Atterbury in Thursday’s semifinals.

“Salley took me all the way to 18, and it wasn’t easy. I had to sink a 30-foot putt for birdie to win it,” said Dofflemyer, who has never won the Women’s City tourney. “I was just happy to get through against Salley. And now it won’t get any easier.”

Atterbury, the Northern Iowa University junior who shot a course-record 68 on Monday, had a hole-in-one on No. 4 and lipped out an eagle putt at six while knocking off Erin Gorman 2-and-1 to move on. After reaching the quarterfinals of the State Women’s Amateur this spring, Atterbury is now looking to improve on her First Flight victory in this last year’s tourney.

“I have been close in this tournament before, but it’s just never clicked all the way,” the 20-year-old said. “I’m playing solid, and I just have to keep playing my game. Hui Chong is a tough player, though. She grinded it out over Salley today, and that’s saying a lot.” "

HT Murray, Lynne and my brother-in-law who all forwarded Salley's story.

A poem for our birthdays

Sybil, wife of Mort who writes the blog Octogenarian, wrote this on the occasion of her recent 80th birthday, but reading through it, I decided it sounds pretty much like turning 70. At the mini-reunion at Moe and Nancy's, three members of the class were rejoicing at being returned to friends and family after recent serious health problems. So for all of us, whatever our age this year (I think 1939 would probably win out as a birth year for our class), here's her poem. I missed the reunion, but when I was in MM at Easter having coffee with Nancy and Lynne, I know I heard the importance of friendship many, many times, which is really what Sybil decides too.

AN OCTOGENARIAN'S LAMENT

I look in the mirror and see a strange face.
Oh, surely this image is in the wrong place.

There should be a picture, alive and aglow,
A young pretty girl with no signs of woe.

But alas I see a woman, who's old and worn,
With wrinkles and lines from the cares she has borne.

It's hard to accept that never again
Will I get the glances of much younger men.

I really feel like I'm out of the loop.
The computer keyboard to me Looks like alphabet soup.

The mouse is erratic and just won't behave
And I never remember the key for work that you save.

I don't have a Blackberry, or play an Nintendo game
And all the hip-hop music to me sounds the same.

I'm even beginning to feel quite bitter
That I have no idea what it means to TWITTER!

And so like the poet I wandered lonely as a cloud
That floats on high O'er vale and hill
when all at once I saw a crowd
Not of golden daffodils, but of my wonderful friends.

I really should tell ol' Wordsworth
That a friend brings more joy than a daffodil.
Your love and compassion have helped me through the years
As you have patiently listened to my woes and my fears.

So thank you and bless you for helping me celebrate my special day.
Your devotion means more to me than I can say.

I love you all.

---------------

Sybil gave permission to post this.

More mini-reunion photos

Sara, Fran, Mary Jane and Sylvia enjoy the lovely weather and flowers

Sara's husband Bill and Dwayne.

Here's Bob C. chatting with Pat B., Nancy K., Nancy S., and Mary Jane F. Pat's husband Tom D. from class of 1956 at left.

Sylvia S. with the three Nancy's.

The guys sitting under a tree, l. to r. Fran's friend, Jim, Glenn R., Phil E., Diane's husband John T., Don F. husband of Nancy S., and Tom D., Pat's husband. Darlene H. in the foreground.

Enjoying the day are l. to r. Darlene, Donna wife of Glenn R., Diane B., Nancy L., Greely M., with Nancy S. in doorway.

Moe and Nancy's place has prairie grasses and wild flowers east of the house. Their 80 something neighbor still milks his cows and makes hay.

Photos from the mini-reunion

Here are some photos and captions contributed by Nancy S., Sylvia T. and Lynne F. of the reunion and breakfast. What a gorgeous setting for a reunion! I'll add more as they are sent.

Lynne writes that the lake is man-made, in that Moe bought a back hoe and dug the lake himself. He also has a couple of marshs and recounted, when he took the group on the tour, the types of ducks, geese and other wildlife that enjoy the fruits of his hard work, pointing out all the different types of grasses and wild plants that call Moe's Lake their home. On the lake, hanging on a tree, is a rope swing for when the "grands' come and go swimming. Can't you just hear grandkids screaming and squealing as they let go of the rope and plunged into that cold lake water. It was a warm, sunny day but not hot for July 4th weekend and our hosts offered us plenty of shade.


With back to camera is Marion D., Jean M. in pink, Mary Jane F. in blue and white, Fran K. in raspberry, Lynne F. in red and Nancy S. in bright blue. Nancy keeps the lovely photo albums of our events--all 52 years worth of them. Her albums are class treasures.

Phil and Kay rest on Moe and Nancy's porch while visiting with the other guests. Kay you'll recall is class of 1958 and she and Phil dated in high school and have been married happily all these years.

The Nancys catch up on what's happening now.

Dave S. with his catch of the day! Kind hearted Dave hurried away to release the fish back into Moe's lake.


Pat B. and Darrell M. chat on the patio of Moe and Nancy's country home. The view and the flowers were spectacular. Lynne F. in the background talking with her hands, nothing much changes there!


Ebba L. arrives at the picnic all smiles. Note: Moe's corn in the background


Marion D. and Donna B. (Glenn's wife, class of 1959) enjoy the moment.


Our hostess Nancy G. chats with Sara Y.


Darlene H. and Ebba L. look for a spot to sit and talk.

Glenn R. and Nancy S's husband Don.

Greely looking fit after his recent surgery.




Here are Nancy L. and Lynne F. and Moe K. at the annual fire department breakfast. The class sat together and were greeted by many others returning for the festivities. The fire station had four tables decked in black and red (our school colors) with assorted Mounder memorabila such as cups, pencils and even key chains at each table. "They took good care of us... we did not want for a thing and it was appreciated," writes Lynne.

Another great reunion reports Nancy S.

The class of 1957 met July 3, 2009, for its 52nd year reunion at the beautiful home of Moe and Nancy near Seward, IL. We started arriving at about 1:00 p.m. The committee helped Nancy with the finishing touches of tablecloths, lawn chairs and food preparation. The ledge around the inside of the garage worked out just perfect for a place for our food. Our hosts furnished the tea, coffee, lemonade and pop, and John and Marian furnished the roast pork.

The women classmates visited on the patio surrounded by beautiful flowers, and in a big circle under large tents out of the sun. The men were under a huge oak tree. Dave S. went fishing and came back with a 5 lb large mouth bass he caught on his third cast. He released it back into the lake. Moe said grace and we all ate together in a group. The food was wonderful and we were blessed with absolutely perfect weather.

Moe and Nancy have a beautiful view across the country to their lake with birds and I’m sure a lot of wild life. A baby rabbit or two were spotted. Moe took us on a tour of their beautiful home and showed us his collection of artwork and limited edition prints. He then took us on a caravan and we drove around his 4-acre lake where he has a duck refuge with duck blinds, deer blinds, boats, canoes, and a rope swing. Everyone enjoyed this trip through God’s country. For the next several hours all of us joined together for a fun time just talking and reminiscing. There were a lot of laughs and good conversation.

The 29 attending were Nancy L., Nancy S. and husband Don, Nancy and Moe, Darrell M., Glenn R. and wife Donna, Fran and friend, Diane B., Lynne F., Marian D. and husband John, Mary Jane & Dwayne, Pat B. and husband Tom, Sara Y. and husband Bill, Bob C., Jean M., Ebba L., Darlene H., Phil E. and wife Kay, Greeley M., Dave S. & Sylvia T. Everyone mingled and conversation was great. It was especially nice to see classmates, Diane, Fran, Greeley and Glenn, all of whom have had health issues recently and had surgery this year, but still came to visit with their classmates.

This get together could be described as possibly one of our best reunions. It was casual and relaxed. It may have been small in number but sometimes small groups are better. It was a very successful and fun day.

The next morning we all met again at the Mt. Morris Firemen’s breakfast. It was pouring rain, but I think that just added to the atmosphere and we all sat there several hours just talking and laughing together. It was just a great time. Every once in awhile someone from other classes would stop by to visit also. I am sure all will remember it well.

A perfect ending to a very successful get together for the Class of 57.

New trees for the campus

Lynne tells me four new trees have been planted on the former campus of Mt. Morris College. There was a terrible storm in August 2008, and a large number of magnificent trees were lost--many were diseased and frail, but still beautiful and providing wonderful shade and respite. It certainly made the townspeople sad, especially after the recent loss of so many trees on Rt. 64/Hitt St. However, trees are not “natural” to this little mound in northern Illinois. According to the Mt. Morris Past and Present of 1900

"The present site of Mount Morris, as stated before, was an open prairie, with not a tree or a shrub to be found. What is now the college campus was then the crest of a hill of considerable size, the country sloping from it in all directions. The early settlers say that before the view was obstructed by buildings and trees, the altitude of the hill was very perceptible. The prairie grass was very rank. In fact, in some places it grew so luxuriantly that it was almost impassable. Most of the ravines and hollows were in a wet, boggy state; and the streams and ponds retained the water from rains much longer than now, because of the absence of tiling in the lowlands. There abounded hundreds of springs, which have long since ceased to flow, owing to the rapid drainage now effected by the work of tiling and the development of the soil."

So, I don't know what the soil in mid-town Mt. Morris is like now, but I'm guessing it's well drained. However, last week I attended a program on the trees here at Lakeside, Ohio, which has a totally different type of soil--very rocky, as this is called the Marblehead Penninsula on Lake Erie (a body of water that has changed shape and size many times since the glaciers passed through here). Our speaker said that for every inch of trunk, the newly planted tree needs 5 gallons of water a week, plus 5 gallons. So if the tree is 2 inches, it needs 15 gallons of water a week to get a good start. There is no way those new trees can get that much naturally. But he told about a wonderful contraption called a tree gator--looks like an ugly green bag attached to the trunk. It holds 5 gallons, and you move it from tree to tree each day, and start over the next week. It's drip irrigation and won't drown the tree the way an impatient employee or volunteer might.

Newly planted trees are under severe water stress right after transplanting. And they will remain under water stress for the first several years after planting. Maintaining soil moisture is especially important during the first three years following transplanting. So how do you prevent transplant shock and avoid water stress on new trees? The answer is simple, Treegator® slow release watering system for trees. Treegator delivers a high volume of water directly to the root system of a newly planted tree.

Maybe this could be a project for the reunion committee.

Minnie Burke, mother of Donna

When I was a little girl living on Hitt Street across from the Burke 66 station, I adored Mrs. Burke. Always smiling, always teasing, and always an encouraging word. A role model for all working women and business women.

MINNIE E. BURKE, 89 MOUNT MORRIS - Minnie E. Burke, 89, of Mount Morris died Tuesday, June 23, 2009, in Pinecrest Manor Nursing Home, Mount Morris. Born Oct. 28, 1919, in Mount Morris Township, daughter of John H. Diehl and Elizabeth (Rambough) Diehl. Graduate of Mount Morris High School, class of 1937. Married Vernon E. Burke on Aug. 20, 1938, in Clayton County, Iowa; he died Dec. 1, 1975. Along with her husband, she managed and operated Burke's 66 Service. After her husband's death, she worked as a returns clerk at Kable News Co. in Mount Morris. Life member of the Women of the Moose, Mount Morris Moose VFW Auxiliary and American Legion Auxiliary. Survivors include daughters, Donna (Richard) Satterfield of Fort Collins, Colo., Denise (William) Walsh of Durand; sons, Steve (Barb) Burke and Stan (Angie) Burke of Mount Morris; nine grandchildren; 27 great-grand-children; four great-great-grandchildren; sisters, Lois Mongan of Mount Morris, Rose Egland of California, Betty Martinson of Malta, Marcia Hill of Rochelle; sister-in-law, Ada Diehl of Mount Morris; and special friend, Phyllis Brown of Mount Morris. Predeceased by husband; brother, Don Diehl; and granddaughter, Sherri Lynne. Service at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 27, in Finch Funeral Home, 405 E. Hitt St., Mount Morris. Burial in Oakwood Cemetery in Mount Morris. Visitation from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, June 26, in the funeral home. Memorials to Pinecrest Manor of Ogle County Hospice.

Our sympathy to the Coddington family

The step-mother of our classmate Bob, Elvira Marcella Coddington, 91, of Mount Morris died Thursday, June 4, 2009, in Rockford Memorial Hospital, Rockford. Born Sept. 17, 1917, in Benedict, N.D., the daughter of William and Martha (Umbach) Krebsbach. Graduated from Belvidere High School, Class of 1936. Married Bert Coddington on Aug. 28, 1948, in Belvidere; he died Feb. 6, 1995. Lived in Mount Morris since 1948, coming from Belvidere. She was employed as an accounting clerk in the accounts receivable department at McGregor Magazine Agency for 38 years, retiring in May 1987. Attended Trinity Lutheran Church. Member of Women of the Moose Chapter 485 and Mount Morris Senior Center. Survivors include stepson, Robert Coddington of Mount Morris; stepdaughters, Shirley Hackbarth of Jacksonville, Fla., and Donna (Tim) Sassaman of Hot Springs, Ark.; seven grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; brother, Ardell Krebsbach of Belvidere. Predeceased also by parents; and brothers, Arvine, Arbay, Arley and Arzell Krebsbach. Service will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, June 10, in Finch Funeral Home, 405 E. Hitt St., with Frank Lay officiating. Burial in Plainview Cemetery. Visitation from 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, June 9, in the funeral home, with Women of the Moose Service at 8:30 p.m. Memorials to Moose charities.

Mark Rowe, son of Glenn and Donna

We were all so sorry to learn of the death of Mark Rowe of Lanark, son of classmate Glenn and his wife Donna. The following is from the Freeport paper.

Mark L. Rowe, 50, of Lanark died Monday, June 1, 2009, at his home. He was born April 3, 1959, in Dixon, a son of Glenn and Donna (Bearden) Rowe. Mark married Kim Hazlip on Jan. 27, 1983, in Mount Morris. Mr. Rowe was employed at Quebecor World in Mount Morris. Survivors include his wife, Kim of Lanark; one daughter, April Miller of Tennessee; one son, Mark R. Rowe of Lanark; parents, Glenn and Donna Rowe of North Carolina; one sister, Margo Smietana of New York; two brothers, Marty Rowe of Polo and Matt Rowe of Lanark; and two grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Ottis and Josephine Bearden and Mike and Eleja Rowe. There will be no visitation. A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, June 6, at Polo Family Funeral Home, Polo, with the Rev. Jeremy Heller, officating. Burial will be at a later date. A memorial fund has been established in his memory.

Upcoming reunion July 3

After the next reunion which is just about a month away, we hope to post a few photos. You should all have received your invitation and map, and I think at last count there were 19 planning to attend. Then the blog will close and no new material will be added; it has served its purpose. If you'd like to save any of the photos here, place your cursor on the photo, and right click. Then click on "save picture as. . .", select a file from your Picture folder, name the photo and click on save. Just to be safe, double check your file to make sure it's actually there. It's been fun and I thank everyone who sent photos and stories.

We'll see you in July

"Hi Kids!

Time is drawing near for our picnic event at Moe and Nancy's. All final plans were made last week. . . all is in readiness." Writes classmate Lynne.

"As we get ready to party together. . . our classmate Greeley is having another type of event. On June 1st our Greeley will be having some colon cancer surgery. His cancer is well contained and the outlook for a complete recovery looks good indeed. I was able to have a visit with "G G" and give him some support having "been there, done that" nearly 8 years ago. But no matter how many times you hear, "If I can do it, you can do it," it is still an unsettling thing, to be sure. If anyone would like to send Greeley a note of encouragement and give him some grins, I am sure he will appreciate it. . .and Greeley has asked for prayers. He is planning on attending our July 3rd picnic. If you need an address e-mail me (lflemingwilburn at yahoo dot com) and I will provide or check your class booklet from the last reunion it should be in there.

Diane B. is currently recovering from a broken ankle at Pinecrest. . .she is our first classmate to take up residence there, however temporary it might be. . . a doubtful honor to be sure. She is undergoing therapy and some of us visited her last week to find her doing as well as could be expected. . . but bored. She, too, could use some cheering and some "atta girl" pats on the back.

I spoke with Fran today, and she is doing very well. But after 3 surgeries since October she is not really looking forward to her fourth on June 3rd. The fact that none of the surgeries found any cancer is a positive thing and she is grateful. She has one more surgery to go to remover the growth on the kidney, which she will now be able to keep and be done with hospitals. She has had a long bout, but you know Fran. Today she cheered me up! She has heard from many classmates and thanks us all for our thoughtfulness saying, "it means a lot, believe me!"

All three of these stars from the Class of '57 plan to attend our July 3rd picnic, as Fran and Greeley both said, "I'll be there if I have to crawl," and Diane said she'd probably have to hop! Again, if addresses are needed for any or all of three let me know. . .

See you in July.

A note from President Mike

Mike and Judy will not be able to attend the mini-reunion at Nancy and Moe's this summer, but they send their regards to everyone. They are in the middle of a move to Missouri and selling their home in Michigan. If you'd like to see what they are doing, check out their new blog (not the same as their old blog). I've looked around their new digs (on the internet) and it looks a lot like Mt. Morris to me.

Dr. Albert Sherwood Baker, 1916-2009

Another fine member of the "greatest generation" that many of us knew is gone. Many years ago, your family doctor may have been Dr. Baker, who after WWII returned to Mt. Morris and was originally in practice with Dr. Murray Dumont (who delivered me and probably others in our class of 57). From the Columbia Daily Tribune obituary:

"Albert Sherwood Baker, M.D., 92, of Mount Morris, Ill., formerly of Columbia, died Friday, May 8, 2009. Memorial services and visitation were Wednesday, May 13, at Disciples United Methodist Church in Mount Morris. The cremated remains will be buried at Cedar Hill Cemetery rural Mount Morris, located on a corner of the Baker family farm.

Dr. Baker was born Dec. 1, 1916. He attended primary and secondary school in Mount Morris, graduated with an AB degree from Cornell College in Mount Vernon, Iowa, in 1939 and the University of Illinois School of Medicine in Chicago in 1942. He completed a 12-month rotation internship at Cook County Hospital in Chicago before serving as a captain in the U.S. Army Air Forces at Jefferson Barracks and Scott Field, Ill., from 1943 to 1946.
After World War II, Dr. Baker returned to his home town of Mount Morris to work as a general practitioner from 1946 to 1963. During this time, he was a member of the medical staff at Rockford Memorial Hospital. In 1963, he joined the faculty at the University of Missouri, where he helped develop their rural preceptorship program for medical students and served as chief, Section of Medical Practice.

In 1967, he traveled to Thailand to study the public health training needs of Peace Corps volunteers. That same year, he spent three months helping to train Peace Corps volunteers in Hilo, Hawaii. He received a Master of Science in public health degree from MU in 1968.
Dr. Baker initiated the campaign to establish a family medicine residency in Columbia in 1969, shortly after the American Board of Family Practice was created, and served as MU’s first family medicine residency director from 1970 to 1974. From 1972 to 1975, he served as chairman of the Department of Community Health and Medical Practice at MU. Dr. Baker was a charter member of the Society of Teachers of Family Medicine and one of the early Residency Assistance Program consultants. He retired from MU in 1982 and was named professor emeritus.
Dr. Baker is considered by many to be “the father of family medicine” at MU. He was known and admired for his common-sense approach to primary care, his sage advice and his incredible breadth and depth of knowledge that extended well beyond medicine. He claimed this was the benefit of having a photographic memory that served him exceedingly well until the end of his long life.

One on his great joys was publishing a book titled “Dear Gang,” in which he recounted the story of 12 of his AKK medical school fraternity brothers who corresponded with one another by letters during World War II. It chronicles their experience of military medicine in the 1940s, whether stateside, in the Pacific or European theatres, as well as the importance of deep and lasting friendship.

Dr. Baker served as a troop leader for the Boy Scouts of America in Mount Morris and was honored to receive the Silver Beaver award for meritorious service. He was a member of Kiwanis and Community United Methodist Church in Columbia from 1963 to 2004. Because of failing health, he moved to Pinecrest Community in Mount Morris in 2004 and joined Disciples United Methodist Church. There, he was affectionately known as “Doc.”

Survivors include a brother, Harlan (Marion); daughters Edith Baker Lauerman (Bruce), Martha Baker Thomas (Mike) and Nancy Baker (Dan); grandchildren Randy Fawcett (Stephanie), Grant Fawcett (Marne), Sara Crow, and Karl and Anna Olson; and great-grandchildren Sadie Fawcett, Driscoll Fawcett, Hattie Fawcett, and Braxton Lauerman. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 58 years, Myrtle Miriam Schafmayer Baker; brother Edward Francis Baker; father Harry Hammer Baker; and mother Bertha Alberta Tholen Baker.


HT Murray Trout

A Spring Poem

Spring.
A time of sowing
and growing.
Seeds in the earth.
Thoughts in the mind.
Germination.
Imagination.
Cultivation.
Caring
Raindrops feeding.
Love encouraging.
Seedlings sprouting.
Friendship supporting.
Sun Warming.
Faith Comforting.
Flowers blooming.
Spirits refreshed.
Spring.

by Lynne

Scarce as hen's teeth

Did your parents ever say that? Well, the original Mount Morris Past and Present is scarce as hen's teeth, but I found a scanned copy on the internet while looking up something else. Here's the link. You click on the picture at the top hand left column and start turning the pages with the little arrows in the right hand column. It's scanned and very easy to use (easier than the copy on Google because you can turn the pages). I have the photocopy of the 2nd ed. (gift of my parents) that was sold by the public library, and recently looked through the 1st edition at the home of a relative. Anyway, although a lot of the text of the 1st ed. is used in the 2nd ed., a lot was also dropped, including photos of the campus buildings. After all, they had a lot more information and names to include 30 years later, and probably had a page limit to keep costs down. Any way, take a look. When I was a kid I spent hours browsing the two Mount Morris Past and Present titles. It was fun to find it again on the internet.

Eighth grade class photo on school steps

Sent by Nancy S. Can you identify everyone?

Go Team!

This is from the 1954 Mounder which accounts for the poor scan quality. I can identify Sara jumping up--I guess we know why she was a cheerleader! I think that's Tina and Mary Lou on her left, and possibly Deb next to the person in black with her head turned on Sara's right. The person in front of Tina might be me, but it's hard to tell. Libby M. possibly in the front row. That's Nancy L. 2nd from the left edge of the photo, and possibly Barb E. behind her, with Nelson P. and Marv M. a few rows back. Up near the top is Steve B. Get out your annual and look at the page sponsored by Houghton and Buser, and see if your eyes are better than mine. It's a pretty small photo. I'm always surprised when I look at these old photos how much better dressed we were than today's teen-agers, and on a smaller budget, too!

Trinity Confirmation Photo

Many members of our class were confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church in Mt. Morris in the Spring of 1953. Nancy S. was a member of that class and has submitted the group photo. The Library of Trinity has all the confirmation class photos, in case you needed to check on another year.

I'm going to make a stab at the names, and if I'm wrong, I hope someone will send a correction: Left to right, back row: Nelson P., Neal J., Mike B., Glen O., Pastor Stone, Carl L. (class of '56), Dave S., Dick Z., Bob C., Don H.
Left to right, front row: Larry B. (class of '56), Fran K., Priscilla D., Salley O., Judy T., Tina K., Ebba L., and Nancy S.

I just visited Trinity this Easter. What a lovely sanctuary and organ. Here's what it looks like today, much like it did 60 years ago when it was built and when these handsome young people confirmed their baptism.

Not exactly a reunion, but. . .

The Mounder Cafe is a nice place to get together for members of the class of 1957.


Lynne, Nancy and Norma, April 13, 2009

I also chatted with Sylvia, Dave, Marion and Salley at Good Friday services.

45th class reunion, July 6, 2002

I have a few candid shots of this reunion, but they are really poor. It was my first attempt at using a digital camera. Anyone have some? It was a joint reunion with the class of 1956. If it weren't for the sign, I'd have no evidence.



Nancy, Fran and Sara

Dave and Sylvia

Tina and Jack

Mike and Rosalie

Big laughs

No one in the class has a bigger laugh and warmer hug than Fran. She's had some serious surgery this week and you might think about saying a few prayers and pressing a stamp on an envelop to wish her a speedy recovery! It seems like yesterday that I had a wedding shower at our home on Hannah for Fran, then the next year was visiting her as a new mom, and then before I knew it we were meeting at Pinecrest where our parents lived. My, how time flies!

Your busy reunion committee

It looks to me like they've all been on a glamorous ski trip, but Lynne says it was their meeting yesterday at the Mounder Cafe in Mt. Morris. Here's the scoop on the summer 2009 activities.

"We finalized our July 3rd picnic/potluck at Nancy and Moe's. A mailing will go out in May with details, and a map with directions. Moe says, "Fishing poles will be provided, but you might need to bring a lawn chair." The menu of bar-b-q and chips was planned with the committee providing salads, veggies and desserts, and iced tea and lemonade. Your committee is hoping as many as can will join in the fun. We have ordered up a sunny day."

FYI: The Ladies' Breakfast will be the following morning, July 4th at the White Pines Lodge at 8:30 a.m.

Katie Dirksen

KATHRYN L. DIRKSEN, 83 OREGON - Kathryn L Dirksen, 83, died Monday, Feb. 16, 2009, in Pinecrest Manor in Mount Morris. Born on the family farm east of Oregon on Jan. 3, 1926, the daughter of Rasmus and Anna (Bush) Rasmussen. She attended the Honey Creek, one room school through the eighth grade, graduated from Oregon High School in 1943, and received her teaching degree from Central College in Pella, Iowa, where she attended from 1945 to 1949. On July 17, 1954, she married Roger H. Dirksen in Oregon. Katie loved many sports and taught physical education in Muscatine, Iowa, for three years before moving to Mount Morris to teach PE from 1952 to 1979, when she retired.

She also played softball for the Sinnissippi Rockets. She started teaching Body Recall from 1979 to 2006, which helped many learn how to retain there activeness in life. She was an active member of Ebenezer Reformed Church, where she was a former choir director, Sunday school teacher and member of the Naomi Ruth ladies group. She also owned and operated a Christian Bookstore. Survived by nieces and nephews, Ginger (Gary) McDanel of Byron, Mary Ann (Rich) Rhodes of Oregon, Jane (Larry) Hoke of Clinton, and John (Linda) Rasmussen of Cheboygan, Wis.; many great-nieces and -nephews; and her pet beagle, "Mort." Predeceased by husband, Roger; parents; brothers, George and Russell Rasmussen; and nephew, James. Service at 11 a.m. Friday, Feb. 20, in Ebenezer Reformed Church, near Oregon, with the Rev. Phil Rauwerdink officiating. Burial in Ebenezer Cemetery. Visitation from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 19, in Farrell-Holland-Gale Funeral Home, 110 S. Seventh St., in Oregon. Memorial fund is established for the Pinecrest Manor of the Rockford Rescue Mission. For more information, visit farrellhollandgale.com.

Miss Rasmussen, school picnic, May 1954

Class reunion, July 2, 1977

Nancy and Lynne, top; Sylvia, Donna, Barb and Sally, bottom.

Have your albums fallen apart?

Click to enlarge

The album I made in grade school (black paper, colored photo corners, string binding) started to disintegrate about 30 years ago. I put the photos in one that is now started to go too, but worse, there was no place to write. So I don't know if this is 7th grade or 8th grade, or a mix. The snapshot is Judy, Sarah and Sharon, and I think that might be 8th grade from the length of the skirts. Wasn't Mike B. just the cutest? Is that why we elected him class president? And Francine looks like a 21 year old executive!

Clarence Mitchell, 1907-2009

One of Mt. Morris best known citizens died on his 102nd birthday Monday, January 12, at Pinecrest Manor. If you haven't read his book "The Diary of a Journeyman" you're missing a lot of town history. He dedicates it to "the land and the people of Northwest Illinois. The four counties: Ogle,, Stephenson, Carroll and Jo Daviess, that lie between the Rock and Mississippi rivers comprise the Highland Community College District." Mitch retired from Kables in 1967 and writes, "Little did I dream that my retirement years would stretch on into the next century." Arrangements are pending at Finch Funeral Home.

Christmas Greetings from Mike and Judy

Bob Buser, class of 1956

"I am certain you remember Bob Buser (class of 56.) Yesterday evening he was at the Shell station. Bought a cup of hot chocolate, had a heart attack and died. That's all the details I have. No obit in the paper yet. Will keep you updated.

We saw Bob mainly in the Summer. He was announcer and sound technicion for the Kable Band. Had not heard of him having any medical problems. He and Sylvia sat together at Sara's mothers funeral a couple months back." Dave and Sylvia

Update: Rockford Register Star, Dec. 25, 2008: Robert E. Buser, 70, of Mount Morris died Monday, Dec. 22, 2008. He was a lifelong resident of Mount Morris. The oldest son of Gail and Harriet (Conrad) Buser, born July 26, 1938. He was a graduate of MMHS, class of 1956, and went on to the University of Illinois, getting a degree in mechanical engineering. Later he returned to achieve his master's degree. He loved the Illini and stayed connected by his work on the Engineering Alumni board. Bob was also involved with the Kable Concert Band. He announced the band for the past 25 years. He was on the board of the Mount Morris Senior Center, and he would never miss the Fourth of July parade in his blue 1950 Dodge truck with the Dixie band. Many may remember Bob in his famous black and white 1953 Ford that took him to Rockford every day, over 600,000 miles, and earned him a Phillips 66 Trop Arctic radio commercial and a spot on WGN-TV. Bob worked for Sundstrand Aviation and then Hamilton Sundstrand for 43 years. He worked an additional two-year contract to finish a pet project, the F22 Raptor. He loved his job and the places it took him, and the people he met and worked with. Family was very important to Bob. He is survived by his fiance, Doreen White of Mount Morris; brothers, Frederic (Rita) Buser of Byron and Charles (Deborah) Buser of Leaf River; niece, MaryAnn (Rich Akers) Fredericks of Milledgeville, Anne (Mike) Felton of Norcross, Ga., Kaila (Jim) Slade of Hanover, Amy Buser of Missoula; nephew, Nathaniel (Amy) Buser of Byron; one great-niece; four great-nephews; cousin, Gretchen Diab of Mount Morris; and aunt, Elva Buser of Mount Morris. Funeral at 11 a.m. Monday, Dec. 29, in Finch Funeral Home, with the Rev. Larry Jameson officiating. Burial in Adeline Cemetery in Adeline. Visitation from 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 28, in Finch Funeral Home in Mount Morris. Memorials have been established for Kable Concert Band and the Mount Morris Senior Center Elevator Fund.

Neighborhood sporting events

Mike contributes this memory of the old neighborhood:

"There was a barn in the back of the house where we lived on Main, but the barn in back of that belonged to Otto and Mae Herzfeldt. Greeley Myers and I built a basketball court in the upper story of our barn where all the neighborhood guys would gather to play hoops--Nels Potter, Mike and Dave Powers, Duane Blake, Gerald Blake, Greeley, John LeVar. Others I seem to remember playing were Marv Leopold, Jon Martin and maybe Lloyd Pretsch and Steve Brinker. Maybe Greeley would remember more detail. We used to choose up teams and smell armpits--(big joke back then). They all participated at one time or other, until someone fell through the floor and landed on top of Marge Tice's car's hood. He wasn't injured but put a considerable dent in the aforementioned auto. This not only made an impression in the hood, but also one on my father and Miss Tice. We promised to repair the hole in the floor before we played again, but that did not make my father happy. He removed the ladder that was nailed to the wall where we gained entrance to our gym and the future basketball schedule was cancelled.

There were great baseball games too in back of the Powers house in that field. I think that a car wash is there now. I don't remember any games in the street. I remember Dave Powers got hit in the head with a ball, but no damage except a large hematoma. His head looked like a basketball with a growth. All I can remember him saying was "I'm telling Mom"."

Class of 1959 Reunion site

Don Snodgrass has created a really nice website for information about the 50th class reunion of the Mt. Morris class of 1959 here. I've added a link to it over at the left.

Dave and Sylvia are everywhere!

You'll have lots of fun watching this video--to support the Mounder statue project. You'll recognize Dave and Sylvia, the class movers and shakers.

Click Video to download and view a video created by committee member Judi Cassidy DeKoning.

The ram was chosen as a school mascot by the classes of the mid-60s, so the class of 1957 missed out on that, but you can support the cause. Here's the committee:

The Mounder Statue Committee, Doug Wean, Chairman; Rod Miller (Vice-Chairman); Linda 'Jewett' Miller, Sarah 'Sally' Gray, Judi 'Cassidy' DeKoning, Lenny Wells, Joyce Carr

To see more about the progress, or to help with expenses, click here.

Frances Babler, mother of classmate

Frances Eliza Babler, 95, of Mount Morris died Sunday, Nov. 23, 2008, at home with her family around her. Born to George and Alice (Good) Lawver on Aug. 13, 1913, in Cadiz Township, Green County, Wis. On June 16, 1937, Frances married Myron Babler of Orangeville. Myron and Frances had four children together. The couple farmed east of Freeport until 1954, at which time they purchased the family farm in Mount Morris. Frances graduated from Monroe High School as valedictorian of her class and also graduated from Normal Teachers College in Monroe. Wis. She taught school at Cadiz and Enterprise schools in Browntown, Wis. for five years at which time she married. Frances was an instructor for Stephenson and Ogle County Home Bureau, was also a 4-H leader in both counties. Frances received Christ as her personal savior in 1952, and served Him through her community and church, The Evangelical Free Church of Mount Morris. Survivors include children, Mrs. Ronald (Mary Jane) Crowell of Peoria, Myron (Rosalie) Babler of Malakoff, Texas, Charles (Ruth) Babler of Mount Morris and Alice Babler; grandchildren, Pamela Crowell-Morely, TJ Crowell, Patrick Crowell, Desiree Babler-Lamb, Todd Babler, Terrence Babler, Sabrina Babler-Carver, Gary LaBorde, Bill LaBorde, Jared Babler, Benjamin Babler, Megan Babler; great-grand-children, Emma Morley, Addison Morely, Grace Crowell, Caroline Crowell, Jeremiah Crowell, Greyson Lamb, Houston Lamb, Georgia Lamb, Luke Babler, Alexa Babler, Breanne Carver, Luke Carver, Erin LaBorde, Connor LaBorde, Haley LaBorde, Brycellyn LaBorde and Jerram LaBorde; sisters, Nellie Berget, Mable Yeagle and Catherine Gissing. Predeceased by parents; husband; two sisters; five brothers; and precious grandson, Christopher Crowell. Service at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 26, in Evangelical Free Church of Mount Morris, 102 S. Seminary, Pastor Larry Jamison will be officiating with a luncheon immediately after. Burial at 2:30 p.m. in Chapel Hill Cemetery in Freeport. Visitation from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 25, in Finch Funeral Home, 405 E. Hitt St., Mount Morris. Memorial has been established for the Village of Progress, Oregon.

From RRStar.com 11/25/08

Save July 3, 2009 for mini-reunion

Nancy and Moe have graciously invited the members of our class of ’57 for a picnic/potluck at their lovely country home.

The 3rd of July has been selected and your class reunion committee has come out of retirement to plan for this informal event.

Our plans for a memorial tree and marker for Klaus Dreyer will be formulated, perhaps a walk around the grounds, lots of catching up and just plain relaxing, of course.

As the holidays draw near we remember back to our childhood and youth and long for those friendly voices of old companions echoing out of the past once more.

We take this opportunity to wish you a wonderful New Year and are hoping to see you on July 3rd.

Your Class of ’57 Reunion Committee

The Crimson Days of Autumn

By the class poet, Lynne, September 2002

The crimson days of autumn etched merrily in gold,
Unfold silently before me to watch the world turn cold.
There's frost upon the meadow where the clover used to bloom,
And the scent of clove and cinnamon permeates every room.
There's fresh cider to buy and a fresh-baked apple pie.
It's no wonder hearts beat faster when autumn fills the sky!
It's a time to pick the apples, a time to harvest corn.
It's a time to gather walnuts early in the morn.
It's a time we should be thankful for all this goodness and grace.
When the crimson days of autumn puts on her gold face.