Jerry Blake

Gerald E. “Jerry” Blake, 74, died Friday, Jan. 25, 2013, at Serenity Hospice and Home in Oregon. He was born on May 22, 1938, in Rockford, the son of Walter and Kathryn (McKee) Blake. Jerry attended Mount Morris High School. He worked as a material handler for Kable Printing Co., and he also was a diesel mechanic for Binkley Enterprises. Jerry loved his “old time” country music, Blue Collar comedy, golfing, bowling, swimming, riding motorcycles, and snowmobiling. Jerry is survived by his past wife Joan Moore of Salton City, Calif.; and their children Cheryl (Joseph) Ciuffreda, of San Diego, Calif.; Becky Bailey, of Durand; Kathy Rude, of Sycamore; Esther Martin, of Marengo; and Cliff (Jill) Blake, of Polo; and past wife Connie Blake and their daughter, Cassie Blake, both of Oregon; 12 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Jerry was preceded in death by his parents; stepmom Bertha Blake; brothers Darrell and Lloyd Blake; and sister Janice Johnson. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at Finch Funeral Home, 405 E. Hitt St., in Mount Morris. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Doc Newcomb officiating. Burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery in Mount Morris.

55th class reunion photo, White Pines State Park

Sharon Lynn Genz Thomas

Sharon Lynn Genz Thomas: Sharon's daughter, Tara, posted on her Facebook page that Sharon died on Thursday, July 14, and the funeral is July 20. Sharon came to our 50th in 2007 accompanied by a grandson. A month after our graduation she joined the Navy where she met her husband Lonnie (d. 1993). After her service she went to college and became a teacher retiring in 1999. She had a lot of hobbies and really enjoyed traveling--having visited all 50 of the states.

Congratulations Jon and Dixie Martin

The Martins celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on June 11, 2010 with a family cruise to Alaska. Congratulations!

I Dare You Honor Roll--Danforth Foundation

I found this little certificate inside the I Dare You book, which had become too moldy in a box in the basement* even to read. I don't remember that I ever read it--and according to this site, it is considered a classic of self-improvement books. Maybe I was voted the girl most in need of improvement? Were the book and certificate given out with a different award? How many of these were given? It's not mentioned in the 1957 yearbook than I can find. Here's a summary:

"Fourfold development. Think tall, stand tall, smile tall, live tall. I Dare You; You can be bigger than your are; Are you one of the priceless few? I dare you to adventure; I dare you to do things; Now for the start; I dare you to be strong, think creatively, develop a magnetic personality, build character, to share; Launch out into the deep; I dare and share.

This self-empowerment classic is specifically written for the young and young at heart. This book encourages young readers to "dare" themselves to do things they should be doing, but fear or dislike doing. Things like getting up in the morning, doing their homework, trying out for the team, going to the dentist, etc.

This book is a classic in motivation and success that ranks right up there among such titles as "Think and Grow Rich", by N. Hill, "How to Win Friends and Influence People", by D. Carnegie, "The Power of Positive Thinking", by N. V. Peale, and "The Geatest Salesman in the World" by O. Mandino. This is truly a message that is just as valuable today as it was the day it was written. This is a wonderful book for both the young and not so young. The advice is invaluable for helping anyone achieve a positive and "can do" attitude.

"I Dare You is for the daring few who are headed somewhere. Those afraid to Dare might as well pass it up. It will weary the lazy because it calls for immediate action. It will bore the sophisticated, and amuse the skeptics. It will antagonize others. Some will not even know what it is all about. It will not be over-popular because it calls for courage, swift and daring. But in the eyes of you, one of the priceless few, I trust will come a renewal of purpose as you read on. You can be a bigger person than you are and I am going to prove it to you". - The author"

*For 34 years we lived in a house with no basement and no attic and we had no moldy papers.  Finally we have storage, and poof, most of it is unusable or smells bad.

Services for classmate Carolyn Manis Reynolds

From the Daily Herald: Carolyn A. Reynolds of Round Lake Beach; Carolyn A. Reynolds, 71, passed away Sunday, Dec. 5, 2010, at Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville. Private services are being held at the Burnett-Dane Funeral Home, Libertyville. Carolyn was born Oct. 13, 1939, in Freeport, Ill., and was raised and went to school in Mount Morris, Ill. She was a former Libertyville resident and had lived in Round Lake Beach for the past five years. Surviving are her husband, Herbert J. Reynolds; sons, Chris (Patrice) Reynolds of Wauconda and Michael Reynolds of Round Lake Beach; grandson, Tyler Reynolds; and brother, Lynn Manis. She was preceded in death by her brother, Jerry Lee Manis.

The most recent photo I have of Carolyn was taken at our 1987 class reunion, and mine is a very poor scan, so I'm posting this one of a girl scout outing. If you have something more recent, please forward. You'll remember that Carolyn was struck down with polio shortly before the vaccine became available, and returned to class, I think in 6th grade, on crutches. She gamely kept up--I remember hiking with her to Camp Emmaus and that she was active in CBYF! Few today younger than us remember this terrible scourge--our little community was hit hard.

And thanks to Jon M. who noticed this item in the Daily Herald and alerted Lynne.

Update from Nancy's archives: 1987 reunion photo of Carolyn

Two photos from 1972 Times

Nancy has recently sent along two photos from the 1972 Mt. Morris Times, but taken 20+ years apart. The first one is our classmate Barb and a nice story for the home town on her career. The second is a "down memory lane" photo of the split 6th-7th grade class with Mrs. Westfall in 1951. If you click to enlarge you can read the captions.

National Honor Society election 1956

No date on this Index photo, but it says we were juniors (1955-56), and in the Yearbook photo the girls are wearing white shoes, so induction must have been in the Spring, because you know we all followed those fashion dictates in those days. The Yearbook reported that only 15% of a class can be elected, and the Index said the upper 25%, and both that the standards were rising. The class of 1956 had 8 members, ours only 5.

King and Queen of 4-H--Dwayne and Mary Jane

You can click to enlarge and read the story about two members of our class, Mary Jane and Dwayne being crowned King and Queen of the Ogle County 4-H clubs in Spring 1956. Nancy L. another class member was included in the Royal Court. What a lovely slight this must have been during the candle lighting ceremony.

Cheering on the team 1955

Actually, I'm taking a stab at the year--1955. I didn't get a story or a date with the scan of this Index photo. However, I see Donna Lamm, Judy Garrison and Pat Claussen, class of 1955 in their Pepster outfits, and possibly Jean Davis, and it's indoors, so we're pretty sure it's basketball. Almost in the middle I see Gayle Dickson, class of 1956, then to her right is Judy Thomas, and in front of her maybe Sig Shook, possibly Jane Kiplinger, and Diane Bechtold, and down in front Don Raney and possibly Chuck Wean; near foreground Darlene Ruter, Dolores Saunders, Janet Fleer, and on the end is Sybil Dohlen. They weren't even in high school yet! Lynne was able to spot herself, but I couldn't; think I see Darlene and possibly Mary Lou. Anyone else want to take a guess and who, what and when?

Birthday parties were big for the ladies of '57

Click to enlarge

Can't be sure of the years, but I'm guessing the Lake Ripley event was May of 1952 or 1953,  and the party at the Olsens was 1954.  Does anyone have photos? Nowadays, everyone would have a cell phone camera and there would be 25-50 photos of each party!

A thank you note to the Kable Brothers Company

The bronze marker on the rock located behind the band shell on the campus and in front of the community gym reads:

1948

50th anniversary

Kable Brothers Company

In grateful appreciation of the contribution made by its co-founders Harvey and Harry Kable, to the printing industry and the life of this community, their giving spirit has set a high standard of enterprise, integrity and kindness to our American way of life.

Erected by the businessmen's league of Mt. Morris, August 28, 1948.

Lynne sent in this photo and reports she doesn't remember the dedication and wonders if anyone else does.

Sophomore sports photos

The caption of the photo doesn't tell the whole story. The night before our guys creamed Mt. Carrol, a town much closer to our size. And even so, the varsity did beat Dixon, after a record setting performance the night before against Mt. Carroll.



I don't have all the golf scores, but it looks like the Mounders did well against schools our own size, and the yearbook says the backbone of the team was Glen R., Dick M., Ken Z. and Dick Z. Norm G. and Jon M. played with the junior varsity.

Music activities from 1955

Sylvia T. won a first at District Music Contest along with Mary Ellen K. and Jon M., and then went on to play at the University of Illinois at the State Music Festival in Urbana (I don't have the outcomes for the others). In this Index photo she is going over her music with Wayne Johnson. She still plays in the town band and is the organist for the Church of the Brethren. Band members also played for school assemblies, marched in the Homecoming parade, played for football and basketball games and with the choral groups participated in the Blackhawk Music Festival.

Photos from the Pinecricker PowWow in Polo

The mostly local members of the class of 1957 met for lunch on a lovely fall day at the Pinecricker Grill in Polo on October 8. I thought the food and service was excellent, so if you're looking for a spot for your Friday night date, check this out. I took a few photos, and I think Sylvia did too, so let's see what we have. She has a much better camera and usually alerts people to "look this way," so I expect hers to show more faces, and fewer backs.

Here we have Bob C., Nancy S., Dave S., Sylvia T., and Ebba L.

I get some great "back of heads" photos--this is Bob C., Ron D., Lynne F. in the red, Fran K., Nancy G. standing, Marion D. and Diane B. The child is Diane's grandson, and the two guys you don't recognize are Fran's friend (green shirt) and my husband (blue shirt). Nancy S. husband Don was there too, but I don't see him in any of the shots. Jean M. was there, but maybe came after I took the photo.

Here's a surprise! Fran laughing, Lynne making a strong point, and Dave drinking a cup of coffee! Is there life after high school, as they say.

Photo from Sylvia added Jan. 16, 2011

It was a very hot day for October, and the sun was so bright we're all squinting, but we sat down for a mini-group photo on the bar side of the restaurant for a one last "see you next time."

I hadn't been to Polo in years. It looks much the same as when I was a corn detasseler in the 1950s, and the town has a very nice looking business district. Like Forreston it no longer has a grocery store. Shop local! Save your stores!

Funeral for Classmate Marvin Miller on October 9

From the Ogle County Life:

"COLUMBIA, MO — Marvin R. Miller, 71 passed away Aug. 29, 2010, in Columbia. Born August 21, 1939 in Freeport.
He served in the United States Army Reserve and was stationed in Germany during the Korean war.  He grew up in Mt. Morris  where he  resided and worked at Kable Printing Company  until moving to Columbia,  MO in 1974.
He is survived by sons Charlie (Lisa) Miller of Menomonie, WI; Andrew Miller Webster of Eau Claire, WI; and Frank Miller of High Bridge, WI.  Grandchildren are Ash and Tyler Miller of Menomonie, WI and Lilly Miller of High Bridge, WI.  Sister, Dianna (Wayne) Kretsinger of Leaf River, IL and several nieces and nephews.  He is predeceased by parents Edna Cullen and Kenneth Miller and brother John Miller. 
Military Honors will be held at the graveside in Oakwood Cemetery in Mt. Morris on Saturday, Oct. 9 at 3 p.m."
Note: I think the author of the obituary made an error on the era in which Marv served in the military--the Korean War ended in July 1953, the year we graduated from grade school. Sylvia Hageman of our 1957 class was his step-sister. His brother John (d. 2008) was a freshman when we were seniors and I think Dianna was a few years younger.

Our archivist Nancy S. found this great photo of the class walking in the 1992 July 4 parade and Marv is out front.

We're of an age. . .

Yes, friends and classmates, it's time.

If you turned 70.5 in 2009 or earlier you'll need to withdraw your minimum distribution from your tax-deferred retirement accounts by December 31, 2010.

If you turned 70.5 in 2010, you'll need to withdraw your minimum distribution by April 1, 2011.

I don't give tax advice, so for the details, you'll need to find another blog.

Lynne completes 700 mile walk during summer 2010

Possibly she didn't get those last few miles in--but last I heard, with 3 days of summer left, she'd walked 670 miles. Walking 5 miles a day is nothing for her. Now think about how small Mt. Morris is! She must know every tree, bird and bus driver by name!

Imagine what our track team could have done in the old days if the teams were co-ed!

Train photos by Wesley Fane and Steve Smeadly.

Update from Mike on his hip surgery

Well, here I am two weeks to the day after my surgery (September 21 from an entry at his blog). I have a nurse come to see me once a week to check my vital signs and to check my blood to see how the various drugs are affecting me. They ask me to evaluate my pain on a scale of 0-10. I'm pleased to say that it is a 0 most of the time, with and occasional 2-3. Most of that pain is not from my hip, but from my other muscles which are taking over the task of supporting my weight that I cannot put on my hip.

There are 3 things that I must keep in mind, according to the doctor. 1) Only 50% weight on my left leg, no more; 2) the angle of my body bending at the waist cannot exceed 90 degrees; and 3) my foot and leg cannot cross a line equidistant between my feet. So crossing my legs is a no-no. Also I must walk like a duck with my left foot pointed to the outside of my body. It must not be forced to turn to the inside. These things are getting hard to remember as it is difficult, with no pain, to resist just getting out and running or jumping or climbing trees, as I feel that I can readily do all that.

I sleep at night very well, but it must be on my back. I have adjusted to that as I am a side sleeper. Judy said that I snore mightily on my back. So to insure a sound night for her, I must sleep where all my growling bear noises cannot be heard by anyone. (She suggested the car in the garage, but I nixed that.) I am still a little uncomfortable sitting and typing on the computer as it is close to the 90 degree rule. As time allows, and time does march on here, I will keep anyone interested apprised of my progress in future blogs. Thanks for reading. Mike

For the complete story of Mike's hip problems, which actually began about three years ago, please go to his Owensville blog where he explains how it began, worsened after a fall, and then the procedure and  prognosis.

Update on Mike's progress as of October 13.

Correction leads to interesting biography

Someone anonymously corrected information at this blog about the Milwaukee Brewers/Braves and when I checked it out I came across a very detailed biography of Nelson Potter, Sr. with a number of quotes and anecdotes from our classmate Nelson "Tom" Potter. You'll enjoy reading this. If you grew up in MM, you remember all the Potters.