Classmate DeAnne Lind Passed Away at Age 84
 Kudzma Photos/20250110 DeAnne Carla (Lind) Kudzma Obit Photo.jpg)
New news! (posted 1/12/25) ROCKFORD, ILLINOIS — We just learned that DeAnne Carla (Lind) Kudzma passed away January 10, 2025 at age 84.
She attended Roosevelt Junior High, and all three years at West High graduating in 1959.
Her husband Gerry Kudzma predeceased her June 24, 2022. His obituary was published on this website posted June 25, 2022 (see the newsletter archives).
They had two children and six grandchildren and had been married 61 years.
Dee loved a party and especially planning the party which led her to serve on most of the class reunion committees since the beginning. Sadly she later became ill and could not be part of the 2024 reunion. I believe she was there in spirit. We all missed her.
A Celebration of Life will be on Friday, January 17, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m., at the Lombardi Club, 209 Olive Street, Rockford, IL 61107. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Noah’s Ark Animal Sanctuary, 111 N 1st St, Rockford, IL 61107. Please share memories and condolences online at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.
See Dee's obituary link for more details.
Jim and MaryLou White Family Gather Together
New news! (posted 1/4/25) ROCKFORD, ILLINOIS — Jim and MaryLou (Spinello) White, both from our class of 1959 and married for 63 years, were able to get their complete family all together for Thanksgiving 2024. They have 2 Children, 6 Grandchildren, and 1 Greatgrandchild. You can spot Jim and MaryLou in the photo 5 and 6 places from the right.
Classmate Delores Grenert Passed Away at Age 83
 Trost Obit Photo.jpg)
New news! (posted 12/31/24) ROSCOE, ILLINOIS — We just learned that Delores Jean (Grenert) Trost passed away December 28, 2024 at age 83.
Delores attended Washinton Junior High and all three years at West.
She worked for the Bank of Alex Brown and owned Crafters Mall with her daughter. Her husband George Trost died February 19, 2014.
See her obituary link for more details.
Classmate Don Clark Has Passed at 84
New news! (posted 11/24/24) SALEM, ARKANSAS — We just learned that Donald Eugene Clark passed away September 30, 2024 at the age of 84.
He attended Roosevelt Junior High, and all three years at West High graduating in 1959.
He served in the US Air force and was a Volunteer Fireman in Sturkie, AR. In Rockford, Don retired from Eswing Manufacturing.
He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Naomi Ruth Black-Clark, and one son.
See Don's obituary link for more details.
Classmate Dave Atwood Has Passed at 83
New news! (posted 11/24/24) ROCKFORD, iLLINOIS — We just learned that David Phillip Atwood passed away August 15, 2024 at the age of 83.
He attended Westview Elementary, Roosevelt Junior High, and all three years at West High graduating in 1959. He played violin in the orchestra.
He also served in the US Army through 1966.
David is survived by his wife of 52 years, Mary Atwood, and two children.
See David's obituary link for more details.
Husband of Norma Moody has Passed at 88
 Ford Obit Photo.jpg)
New news! (posted 11/22/24) ROCKFORD, ILLINOIS — John C. Ford, husband of Classmate Norma (Moody) Ford, passed away June 29, 2024 - they were married for 62 years.
John was a Real Estate Broker for Dickerson Nieman retired in 2020. They had two children.
See his obituary for more information.
Classmate Bill Lamps Has Passed at Age 84
New news! (posted 11/5/24) ROCKFORD, ILLINOIS — William Lamps Jr. passed away November 2, 2024 at the age of 84.
He attended all three years at West High graduating in 1959.
He later attended Lincoln Junior College and Iowa Wesleyan receiving a BA degree in Business Administration.
Bill was drafted into the Army in 1964 where he served in Germany as an amulance medic driver. Later he returned to Rockford where he worked for Lamps Elevator Sales and Service.
In 1968 he married Nancy Hills and together they raised three children. Bill and Nancy were married for 52 years when she died April 3, 2021. Her obituary was posted on this website 4/6/21. They have 3 children and 8 grandchildren.
See Bill's obituary link for more details.
Classmate Gerry Lilja Has Passed at Age 82
New news! (posted 9/18/24) FEDERAL WAY, WASHINGTON — Gerald Dale Lilja passed away in his sleep June 17, 2024 at the age of 82.
He attended all three years at West High graduating in 1959.
He later attended Indiana Institute of Technology in Ft. Wayne Indiana graduating in 1963 with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering/
Soon after he moved to Seattle Washington where he began a career with Boeing Aviation.
In Seattle at Boeing he met Susan and they married on May 27, 1967. They have been married for 57 years with 3 children, 11 grandchildren, and 9 greatgrandchildren.
See Jerry's obituary link for more details.
Listen to Oldies on the Web by Classmate DJ
New news! (posted 9/14/24) ROCKFORD, iLLINOIS
For over ten years now, classmate Dave Fagen has been playing oldies and soft rock music in Rockford on FM Radio and broadcast to the world on the internet. At our recent class reunion in August, Dave provided background music and created the "Name that Tune " game with prizes given out to the winners at both Friday and Saturday events.
The station is called WTPBLP Rockford Community Radio 99.3 FM. Dave shares the station with a few other radio personalities including Mike Williamson who has played dance music at several of our previous reunions. You can reach the station directly here at WTPBLP.COM or from Google or your favorite browser by entering WTPBLP.COM.
You can hear "Only Oldies" with Dave Fagen at 9:00 AM Mon, Wed, Fri, and Sun and also "Night Music" with Dave Fagen at 7:00 PM on Tues, Thurs, and Sat.
Check the WTPBLP.COM website for more station background, scheduling and additional programming.
Reunion Photos now Available
New news! (posted 9/11/24) ROCKFORD, iLLINOIS
Photos of the reunion have been posted in the "Gallery" section as usual. For those who would like a 4x6 booklet of prints, Julie (Peeples) Thompson, who took the photos, is making a booklet available for a nominal fee plus postage. You can contact Julie by sending an email with your request or questions to either address on the "contact us" page or directly to Julie if you have her email address.
Howard Partch Writes about the Reunion
New news! (posted 9/8/24) ROCKFORD, iLLINOIS
All:
I wanted to send my congratulations for everything that was done by you folks & your support staff to make for a wonderful reunion @ the Lombardi Club.
And I was lucky enough to spend Friday night dinner with Janice & Stan Peterson, Diane Portnoff & Alan Fitzgerald @ Tavern on Clark-great food!
Also Saturday night dinner with Mike & Rachel Messman. Lyle Klugg, Marilyn & Dennis Johnson @ Thunder Bay. See pic.
Thanks again & my best for the remainder of 2024 & years ahead.
Howard
Kaaren (Wellman) Scanio Missed the Reunion because of a Horse Riding Mishap
New news! (posted 9/5/24) QUEEN CREEK, ARIZONA
Thank you so much for sending the new Directory booklet so quickly. I got myself a good cup of coffee, turned on Dvorak’s 9th, my favorite, and spent a fun time carefully looking through it, seeing where people were. It was so pleasant; yet, it certainly filled me with some sadness knowing I had missed all the fun of being together. I certainly did think about you all that Friday and Saturday.
I am happy to report that although I am still limping a bit, I am mobile. It took some rest and PT but I am moving ahead. I have given up mounted teaching, and certainly demonstrating barrel racing. I have only been teaching that for about 12 years and I think I have done my bit for the sport! The largest equestrian center in the Southwest is only about 5 miles from our home. I have also given up aiding in police canine training, and even my local training classes. I have been doing that, as time allowed, for decades.
I learned pretty early in my career that so many things in life fascinate me that totally devoting myself to one discipline would limit my life experience, plus, although I liked the concept of fame and fortune, the fame part of it really cuts into living—and privacy—and I am, by nature, a rather private person. I have many very successful and famous people as friends, and I would not trade places with any of them!!! In my very early career days I changed to my professional name to safeguard the rest of my life. Most people in the classical world keep there own names. At West, my best pal, Chris Saudargas Mason was the only one who knew I spent several weekends a year singing with the Chicago Lyric my senior year.
Deciding to be a B-list opera person, allowed me to pick and choose to some degree when and where I was employed. Looking back at my life now I feel truly blessed and I am deeply grateful. I have been able to pursue all my interests and yet, be very comfortable. Of course being married to just the right fellow who is also successful is a big part of the picture. We have been joyful and have laughed our way through life!! Our two sons are wonderful and successful in their chosen fields, and I have a granddaughter who I think, if she chooses, will be a dramatic first soprano like her grandmother, but better. What more can one ask!
Anyhow, this little incident caused me some introspection and I told myself (with a little kick in the pants by my husband) that it is time to concentrate on the less strenuous things in life. Since we live in Gy, Switzerland at least a third of the year, I have lots of opportunities to help opera companies and singers with difficulties , which I love doing, as well as some performance teaching. Painting is also a great blessing in my life.
I hope everyone had a terrific time at the reunion and that there will be another one in our futures. I am looking forward to the pictures on the web site. You and I never really knew each other in high school. You were Mr. Popular and I was the goofy girl in the music department. I don’t really know how you spent your life but I bet it was a life of great benefit to many people and I hope it has been one filled with happiness. Thank you for being the class “glue” holding us together. My best to the wonderful committee you have, especially my old friend, Susie Jarrett. Picture, Emily (granddaughter 9yrs. Old) took of me a couple of months ago. The top one is of Charlie, a good pal of ours across the table and me in Annecy, France about 45 minutes from our place. It was a great lunch and one of the few photos of us together because usually I take the pictures!!!The latch key is always out to you in both Queen Creek, AZ and Gy, Switzerland-tiny village just outside Geneva.
Sent from my iPad
Hear Phyllis (Taylor) Peterson Sing
New news! (posted 9/2/24) ROCKFORD, ILLINOIS —
Dear Friends,
I will be singing at Inscape Collective, former Just Goods, at 201 Seventh Street in downtown Rockford, on Friday,
September 13th, sometime between 6 and 8 pm. Hope to see some of you there! Gentle thoughts, Phyllis Taylor Peterson
Class of '59.
Classmate Jerry Rotello Has Passed at Age 83
New news! (posted 8/18/24) DURAND, ILLINOIS — Jasper Anthony Rotello passed away August 13, 2024 at Medina Nursing Home. he was 83.
He attended Roosevelt Junior High, and all three years at West High graduating in 1959.
He later attended Loyola University in Chicago graduating in 1963.
He was very popular at West particularly for his role as Cheerleader along with two other Seniors - the late Treasure Johnson and Sally Hoffman.
Jerry worked with the OWL, Forum, and Pep Clubs and was a member of the National Honor Society. He was in the top ten and was active in dramatics participating in Great Daze.
See Jerry's obituary link for more details.
Husband of Sharon Manning has Passed at 90
New news! (posted 7/30/24) ROCKFORD, ILLINOIS — William T. Weigand, husband of Classmate Sharon (Manning) Weigand, passed away July 27, 2024 - they were married for 58 years.
Private memorial service will be held. Inurnment in Sunset Memorial Gardens. To share a memory or a condolence, please visit olsonfh.com.
See his obituary for more information.
Classmate Judy Gsell Passed Away at Age 82
New news! (posted 7/23/24) ROCKFORD, ILLINOIS — We just learned that Judith Lynne (Gsell) Kittle passed away May 17, 2024 at age 82.
Judy attended Roosevelt Junior High and all three years at West graduating in 1959. At West, she was active in the Pan american Club.
She worked at Atwood Vacuum Machine Company for many years. Her husband Ed Kittle died August 10, 2008. They had been married 39 years.
See Judy's obituary link for more details.
Classmate Chris Mattison Passed Away at Age 82
New news! (posted 7/18/24) WOODRUFF, WISCONSIN — Christen H (Mattison) Kordash has passed July 15, 2024 just 2 days short of her 83rd birthday.
Chris was very active in school activities and was well known to all. She attended all three years at West and graduated in 1959.
Chris leaves two sisters, two children, and two grandchildren.
See her obituary link for more details and condolences.
Shirley Wilson Says Best Wishes to All
New news! (posted 7/5/24) BONITA SPRINGS, FLORIDA — Shirley (Wilson) Blake writes I won't be able to attend the 65th as we will be in CA visiting our son and family at the time of the reunion in August.
Congratulations to all of the classmates that are able to come to the reunion. In brief, after almost 40 years of living in MN (after the army in Texas-my husband was drafted at 25), we chose to move to Florida and forget about snow. I've been painting and parenting since the 70's and continue to enjoy teaching art (in local and national art centers). I'm wondering if there is an upper age limit. However, our health is good and we continue on. Hopefully we can come to the next one-if there is another. Best wishes to all of you.
Classmate Richard Canova Has Passed at 82
New news! (posted 6/29/24) ELK GROVE VILLAGE, ILLINOIS — We just learned that Richard Carl Canova passed away July 26, 2023 at the age of 82.
He attended Roosevelt Junior High, and all three years at West High graduating in 1959.
His career was in education teaching at the high school level Government and Social Studies.
Richard played on the school baseball teams all through Junior and Senior High school. At West, he also sang in A Cappella and was active in dramatics participating in Mikado, Wonderful Town, and Wizard of Oz.
See Richard's obituary link for more details.
Gretchen Lotzer Helps Chicago's Immigrants
New news! (posted 6/29/24) LOGAN SQUARE - CHICAGO, ILLINOIS — Classmate Gretchen (Lotzer) Farbstein, who goes by the career name of Gretchen Moore could be retired and having a leisurely lunch at the Chicago Walnut Room but several years ago everything changed. She'd seen dozens of immigrant men in a lot on Milwaukee and Belmont streets waiting in freezing weather for non-existent work and couldn't sleep. She remembered how a grandfather had sponsored 100 displaced persons after WWII and brought them to America. He implored his 37 grandchildren to always help people out.
So the next day, Gretchen Moore went back and after herding a group of guys into Dunkin Donuts for hot coffee found out things were worse than she thought.
Soon this non-ethnic not bi-lingual woman (shown at the right at our 55th reunion) was out finding clothes, taking guys to the clinic, collecting food donations and commandeering a room in Resurrection Catholic Church at 3043 N. Francisco, Chicago, IL. In a year, she was a licensed 501c3 charity but is still primarily a one woman 24/7 show working with a couple of grass roots priests to help 100's of male Latin immigrants working for the American dream.
This is a real Chicago story of one gutsy woman and two parish priests who stay involved by enabling men who came here to find work survive and feed their families during these trying times.
Gretchen will be attending our 65th reunion and if you wish to donate household items on her "Items to Donate List" there will be a table available.
Husband of Rosanne Cuppini has Passed at 79
New news! (posted 6/13/24) ROCKFORD, ILLINOIS — Larry William Hemmens, husband of Classmate Rosanne Therese (Cuppini) Hemmens, passed away June 11, 2024 - they were married for 52 years.
A memorial Mass will take place at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, June 18, 2024, in Saint Anthony Church, 1010 Ferguson Street with Father Carl Beekman officiating. The visitation will be from 10 AM until the time of service on Tuesday in the church. In lieu of flowers, a memorial will be established by the family.
See his obituary for more information.
Wife of Gerry Mastroianni has Passed at 81
(posted 6/10/24) WINNEBAGO, ILLINOIS — Rose Mastroianni, wife of Classmate Gerald Frank Mastroianni, passed away June 7, 2024 - they were married for 60 years.
Visitation Thursday, June 13, 2024, from 5-7 p.m., in Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, Riverside Chapel, 3910 N. Rockton Ave. with a Funeral Mass at 11 a.m. on Friday, June 14, 2024, in St. Mary Catholic Church, Pecatonica. A time of visitation will also be held from 10 a.m. until time of the Mass at the church on Friday. Burial in St. Mary Cemetery, Pecatonica.
See her obituary for more information.
Classmate Dan McCarthy Has Passed at 82
(posted 5/30/24) FALL BRANCH, TENNESSEE— Daniel Ross McCarthy passed away April 24, 2024 at the age of 82.
He attended Roosevelt Junior High, and all three years at West High graduating in 1959. He also served in the National Guard.
Dan was predeceased by his wife Shirley and leaves behind two children.
See Dan's obituary link for more details.
Husband of Phyllis Budd has Passed at Age 88
(posted 5/22/24) ROCKFORD, ILLINOIS — Edward J. Konopa of Sun City, AZ and Rockford, IL has passed at age 88. Edward was the husband of Phyllis (Budd) Konopa.
Cremation rites have been accorded. A funeral mass will be held in Rockford at a later date.
See Edward's obituary link for more details.
Classmate John Laurenson Has Passed at 82
(posted 5/10/24) ABILENE, TEXAS — John Emerson Laurenson Jr. passed away May 1, 2024 at the age of 82.
He attended Roosevelt Junior High, and all three years at West High graduating in 1959.
John leaves his wife Yvonne Laurenson having been married close to 26 years. He had three children, four grandchildren, and one greatgrandchild.
John and Yvonne had much excitement in their life as they spent two years exploring the Caribbean and Trinidad living on their sailboat. Then continued for several years exploring and working along the East Coast from North Carolina to Florida.
See John's obituary link for more details.
Classmate Nancy Conrads Passed Away at Age 82
(posted 4/30/24) ROCKFORD, ILLINOIS — Nancy Alice Conrads has passed April 14, 2024 at age 82.
She attended Roosevelt Junior High and all three years at West and graduated in 1959.
Nancy was the sister to our school nurse Mrs. Schuster which explains why Nancy was active with the Junior Red Cross at West. She went on to work in social work after receiving a Master's degree from the University of Illinois.
After earning her ecumenical degree, she became a Deacon at St. Anskar Episcopal Church in Rockford.
Services will be held Sunday, May 5th 2024 at St. Anskar’s Church, 4801 Springcreek Road, Rockford, Illinois. Visitation will be from 11:00 am until the service at 12 pm.
See Nancy's obituary link for more details.
Classmate Harold Nelson Has Passed at 84
(posted 4/16/24) ROCKTON, ILLINOIS — Harold Chester Nelson passed away April 15, 2024 at the age of 84.
He graduated from West High in 1959 and in 1963 married Lynnette La Marca who was a West High 1961 graduate. They were married for over 60 years and had 4 children and 3 grandchildren.
Harold served in the Marine Corps from 1961-1965. He specialized in Aviation Electronics and later worked in Rockford as an electrician at Barber Colman, Motorola, Wilson Electric, and Rockford Sanitary District, with entrepreneurial ventures mixed in between.
Funeral mass will be held on Friday, April 19, 2024, at St. Bridget Catholic Church, 600 Clifford Ave., Loves Park, IL 61111, at 11:00 A.M. with a visitation starting at 9:30 A.M. until time of mass.
See Harold's obituary link for more details.
Classmate Eddie Hoelyfield Passed Away at Age 83
(posted 3/18/24) ELKHART, INDIANA — We just learned that Eddie Joe Hoelyfield, Sr. had passed January 10, 2024 at age 83.
Eddie attended Roosevelt Junior High and all three years at West where he was very active in school sports mainly basketball, football, and especially track where he led West's jumping contingent of pole vaulters, broad and high jumpers. He proved to be one of the best pole vaulters in the Rockford area.
Eddie was married to LaDonne Hoelyfield who passed February 1, 2021 as posted on this website below 1/15/22. They were married for 59 years.
See Eddie's obituary link for more details.
Classmate Jim Harter Has Passed at 83
(posted 3/5/24) SAINT CHARLES, ILLINOIS — James Andrew Harter has passed February 23, 2024 at age 83 from complications of several diseases.
He attended Welsh Grade School, Roosevelt Junior High, and all three years at West High graduating in 1959. He also attended Elgin Community College.
Jim is survived by his wife Roberta of 59 years and two children. Jim and Roberta are well known to reunion attendees as they loved to visit with the high school class in the summer and they spent their winters in Mesa Arizona.
A visitation will be held on Friday, March 8, 2024 from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. with a funeral service to begin at 2:00 p.m. at Advantage Funeral Home, 7000 W. State St, Rockford, IL 61102. Burial at Willwood Burial Park.
See Jim's obituary link for photos and more details.
Classmate Esther Wetterholm Has Passed at 82
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(posted 1/26/24) CAPE CORAL, FLORIDA — Esther Eileen (Wetterholm) Prentice has passed January 21, 2024 at age 82.
She attended Roosevelt Junior High and all three years at West High graduating in 1959.
Esther is survived by her husband George Prentice and six children.
See Esther's obituary link for photos and more details.
Classmate Jack Oberg Has Passed at 82
(posted 1/24/24) ROCKTON, ILLINOIS — John "Jack" Carl Oberg has passed January 19, 2024 at age 82 from complications of Parkinson's Disease.
He attended Roosevelt Junior High and all three years at West High graduating in 1959. He also got his bachelor's degree in Biology from NIU.
Jack is survived by his wife Sandra of 60 years and three children
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, February 3, 2024. Visitation begins at 11:00 a.m. followed by a Memorial Ceremony at noon at Hope Church, 5656 Elevator Road, Roscoe, IL 61073 with a luncheon to follow. Cremation Rites were Accorded.
See Jack's obituary link for photos and more details.
Classmate Sandra Colbert Passed Away at Age 81
(posted 1/24/24) PALOS PARK, ILLINOIS — We just learned that Sandra Jo (Colbert) Carlson had passed October 29, 2023 at age 81.
Sandra attended Roosevelt Junior High and all three years at West graduating in 1959.
She was very active in school activities including Pep Club, GAA, Glee Club, and "Great Daze".
She is survived by her husband of 60 years, Robert Clarence Carlson and two children.
Rememberences can be made in the form of charitable donations to Habitat for Humanity of Oakland County IL.
See Sandra's obituary link for more details.
Classmate Jim Lindstedt Has Passed at 82
(posted 1/13/24) ROCKFORD, ILLINOIS — James Leonard Lindstedt has passed at age 82.
Jim attended Washington Junior High and all three years at West High graduating in 1959. He worked at Eagle Foods in Rockford for 40+ years.
Diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease in 1969. He is survived by his wife Judy of 55 years and three children
Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00am. on Tuesday, January 16, 2024, at the Cathedral of St. Peter, 1243 N. Church St. Rockford, IL. with Reverend Carl Beekman officiating. Visitation will be 9:00am until the time of Mass at the church on Tuesday. Arrangements by Fitzgerald Funeral Home and Crematory, Mulford Chapel, 1860 S. Mulford Rd. Rockford. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Michael J. Fox Foundation. give.michaeljfox.org. Express online condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.
See Jim's obituary link for photos and more details.
Rememberance from classmate Terry Gagnoni:
WOW!! DOUBLE WOW!! This HITS RIGHT CLOSE TO HOME…Jim and I grew
Up together with his parents house right up the road from ours. We went to 2 different one room schools together during those early years. After I moved to California and Colorado we lost touch. A PRAYER OF MANY FOR MY FRIEND JIM.
Classmate Earlene Trotter Passed Away at Age 82
 Gradozzi Obit Photo.jpg)
(posted 1/9/24) BELVIDERE, ILLINOIS — Earlene Ann (Trotter) Gradozzi has passed January 5, 2024 at age 82.
Earlene attended Roosevelt Junior High and all three years at West graduating in 1959.
She can be remembered playing the Clarinet in the Orchestra at both Roosevelt and West.
She is survived by her husband of 63 years, Dominic Gradozzi and three children.
A visitation will take place for Earlene on Thursday, January 11, 2024, at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, 1010 Ferguson Street, Rockford, Illinois 61102 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. with Memorial Mass to follow at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family. To send online condolences or share memories, please visit www.fitzgeraldfh.com.
See Earlene's obituary link for more details.
Howie Partch Wishes All a Happy Holiday
(posted 12/13/23) ANACORTES, WASHINGTON — One of my favorite vest pocket parks in the U.S. is Paley Park in NYC. The back wall is a waterfall at least in warmer months. Maybe some of you have been there. I also like it because the sound/smell of water partially drowns out the noise and odor of a big city. Good place to take a break w/ maybe a scone & latte!
Howard
PS: Actually sunny here [in Anacortes] this afternoon in the wet NW. Hope you all are looking forward to the holidays.
Classmate Helen Hopkins Has Passed at 82
(posted 11/9/23) DENVER, COLORADO — Helen Bonson Hopkins passed away November 5, 2023 at age 82.
Helen attended Roosevelt Junior High and all three years at West High and then Grduated from Denison University. She worked as a real estate assessor in Denver, Colorado for most of her working years.
While at West High, Helen was well known and very active in many school activities including Glee Club, A Cappella, JCL, Pep Club, GAA, Forum, ABL, Student Council, Publications, and performed in Wizard of Oz and Great Daze.
A graveside memorial service will be held at 11 am on Monday, November 13, 2023, at Greenwood Cemetery, 1011 Auburn Street, Rockford, Illinois 61103.
See Helen's obituary link for photos and more details.
Classmate Jack Daughtry Passed Away at Age 81
(posted 10/17/23) ROCKFORD, ILLINOIS — Jack Donald Daughtry has passed October 14, 2023 at age 81.
Jack attended Roosevelt Junior High and all three years at West graduating in 1959.
He started as a Tool & Die Maker for Atwood and later worked at National Lock and Chrysler plus his Auto Parts business.
He is survived by wife Judy Ann DalSanto who is also part of our class of 1959. They had been married for 60 years.
See Jack's obituary link for more details.
Classmate Rick Mayes Passed Away at 81
(posted 9/22/23) PROSPECT, KENTUCKY — We just learned that classmate Richard Frederick Mayes had passed February 21, 2023 at the age of 81. His wife Susan had passed from Parkinson's May 4, 2017 and her obituary was posted on this website 9/30/2018. They were married 53 years.
Rick attended Keith Country Day School and all three years at West graduating in 1959. At West he was an associate editor of the Owl Newspaper, a member of the Forum Club, and very active in intramural sports. He later graduated from Northwestern University where he majored in English.
It was at Northwestern that he met Susan (nee Spiller) and they were married in Evanston, IL in December 1963.
See Rick's obituary link for more details along with his 50th reunion biogrphy and photos.
Gary & Sharyn Sbragia Say Thanks for Memories
(posted 9/7/23) PARKER, COLORADO —
I need to tell the class of 1959 thank you. In the twilight years of our lives, we need to be thankful for the monumental changes, and moments in our lives. Moments that have effected us deeply, during the development of each one of us. I cannot tell you how much joy I find in my connections to our class of 59 website. Thank you to all of you still alive, as well as those who have passed. I miss them dearly. Thanks for my profound memories. Memories I received from you, about you, and with you. I have evolved in the blessings, and the memories I have every day.
I remember, back when we wrote the notes to each other, for our “50th reunion.” How interesting they were. Now each day, in the “Class of 59” website, I read about class members, especially in the obituaries. Not all of us have fond memories of those years. To them I apologize for anything I may have done, or did not do, for them. I’m sorry. As for myself, I didn’t know, until a few years ago, I am a dyslexic. I also probably had ADHD. I was blessed with D’S, and F’s in English. In addition, my gifts include having a photographic memory, (all my memories are pictures, in my head). Those were hard times for me, and in the way I learn. Now I can look back and see the miracles that have happened.
Sharyn “Simpson” Sbragia, “my wife of 62 years, both Class of 59’er’s,”and me, are truly thankful to you. With all of today’s trials, and tribulations, and in a world full of chaos, fear, and love, it is important to remind ourselves how fortunate we are to be alive. So many thoughts throughout the years, started during high school. It may remind us of what we have learned, and proudly, or not, remember. I hope that this note will encourage you to write about your memories from the class of “59”. It might also be cathartic. Please share some of your thoughts, memories, or pictures.
The picture of Mike Messman, and Howard Partch was uplifting to me. It reminded me when I was sitting next to Howie, during mechanical drawing class. He is one of the few people who knew, back then, what he wanted to be when he grew up. He wanted to be an architect. Low and behold he is. He believed that would happen and it did.
Mike Messman, and his wonderful wife, Rachel gifted us a large some of money when we needed it. We were loosing our business back during the 9/11/2000 crisis. We will always be thankful to them. Mike was also one of Sharyn’s old boy friends once. To this day, we are affected by our love for the class of 1959.
I want to thank the 1959 reunion committee, and Ron Ingrassia for updating the website. Ron and I were best of friends back then. We did many questionable things. Things that today, I would punish my two children, and ground them for Life for doing. It is my hope that many of you would continue, or to begin sharing your memories from our years in school with us. Good luck, and may God bless all of us who were the “class of 59er's.
P.S. any mistakes in spelling, grammar, or other misconceptions, I definitely blame on my dyslexia.
P.P.S anything I wrote in your yearbook was written, in “my own dyslexias language.” (Some day you should read my college love letters to Sharyn.)
Howard Parch Comments on Florida Storm Adalia
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(posted 8/29/23) ANACORTES, WASHINGTON —
Friends:
Batten down the hatches tonight. I imagine all of you will have some part of Idalia to deal with. I have a West High cousin in Key Largo so I assume he will be out of the path except for catching a few minor outer bands.
Out here in the Northwest we have had an uncommonly dry summer, but now are finally getting our Fall rains which will be good for tamping down the fires east & north of here.
Again, our best to all of you.
Howard & Serena
PS: we had dinner with the Messman’s two weeks last Saturday.
They were in a cross country road trip.
Classmate Judith Patterson Passed Away at Age 81
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(posted 8/27/23) ROCKFORD, ILLINOIS — Judith Ann (Patterson) Jones has passed August 25, 2023 at age 81.
Judith attended Roosevelt Junior High and all three years at West graduating in 1959.
She had been working in hospital food services at Rockford Memorial Hospital.
See Judith's obituary link for more details.
Classmate Curtis Wennerdahl Passed Away at 79
(posted 8/15/23) HIGHLAND PARK, ILLINOIS — We just learned that classmate Curtis Lee Wennerdahl passed on January 7, 2021 at the age of 79. Curtis had a long battle with cancer and died near the beginning of covid-19.
Curt attended Roosevelt Junior High and all three years at West graduating in 1959. At West he was active with ROTC and played Saxaphone in the Band. He later received a BA from Rockford College, a Masters of Divinity from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, and a Masters of Social Work from the University of Illinois-Chicago.
See Curt's obituary link for more details.
Classmate Pearly Mae Thompson Has Passed at 82
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(posted 8/14/23) ROCKFORD, ILLINOIS — Pearly Mae (Thompson) Hawks passed away August 4, 2023 at age 82.
Pearly attended Washington Junior High and all three years at West High and then Rock Valley College. She worked as manager of Operator Services at AT&T for 30 years before retiring. She also was the owner/operator of Matties Four Seasons Boutique. In high school she was active in GAA, Student Council, Knights of the Turntable, and the May Festival.
Pearly was married to Archie Hawks for 45 years before he died March 31, 2011. Archie's obituary can be found on this website in the archives (scroll to end of this page and follow the links).
Services will be held 11:00 a.m. Friday, August 18, 2023 at Pilgrim Baptist Church 1703 S. Central Ave. Burial in Sunset Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be held 9:00 a.m. until the time of service. Arrangements completed by Carl E. Ponds Funeral Home Inc. 200 N. Johnston Ave.
See Pearly's obituary link for photos and more details.
Classmate Harrietta Jennings Passed Away at Age 81
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(posted 7/22/23) MACHESNEY PARK, ILLINOIS — We just learned that Harrietta Mae (Jennings) Terrell had passed away October 31, 2022 at age 81.
Harrietta attended Roosevelt Junior High and all three years at West. She later volunteered her time teaching children at Sunday School and Vacation Bible School.
She is survived by her husband Alvin H. Terrell Jr. They were married for over 52 years living most of that time in Machesney Park.
See Harrietta's obituary link for photos and more details.
Classmate Lynn Blair Passed Away at Age 82
(posted 6/20/23) ROCKFORD, ILLINOIS — Lynn Edward Blair passed away June 19, 2023 at the age of 82.
Lynn attended Barbour Elementary, Washington Junior High and graduated from West.
See Lynn's obituary link for more details.
Howard Partch Shares a Book Recommendation
(posted 5/8/23) ANACORTES, WASHINGTON —
All:
Reading a book Gordon Hall’s widow Sandy recommended. She & I occasionally trade book titles.
The book is titled “Being Mortal” written by Atul Gawande.
It is a tough book to read, but gives perspective on the years ahead.
I have not finished it (reading on my iPhone) but you might want to pick it up. Even talks about what our kids deal with as we become less & less independent. Talks about Nursing homes & how Assisted Living homes were so successful back in 1980’s-2000’s & why they failed. And a lot more.
Take care
Howard
Survey Overwhelmingly Favors Afternoon Buffets
(posted 4/20/23) YULEE, FLORIDA — Most of the results have been received from the questionnaire mailed to classmates as an aid to planning the 2024 reunion. The survey requested a choice between the traditional Friday night mixer, hors d’oeuvres and Saturday night sit-down dinner or the new alternative of both Friday and Saturday afternoon buffet luncheons. The response overwhelmingly favored the afternoon buffets by approximately 86%.
This result sets the direction for the reunion committee who will now work on picking an exact date, time, and choosing a venue and/or caterer so as to keep the costs affordable for everyone who would like to attend. I will suggest to the committee that we provide special help with seating and buffet assistance for those less mobile (yes we have some folks with canes, walkers, and wheelchairs) so that they too can fully take part and enjoy the events to the fullest.
In addition to the survey, the mailing served to verify personal and family information and change of address to be used for the new 2024 directory available with the reunion or by mail for those who cannot attend.
Thanks to all who took the time (and a postage stamp) to respond to the survey and for the thoughtful comments and appreciations.
Ron Ingrassia
Classmate Icy Bedford Passed Away at Age 83
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(posted 4/13/23) ROCKFORD, ILLINOIS — Icy Lee (Bedford) Bryant passed away April 3, 2023 at age 83.
Icy attended Barbour Elementary, Washington Junior High and West High. She worked as a Pharmacy Technician at Swedish American Hospital and retired after 38 years.
A visitation for Icy will be held Saturday, April 15, 2023 from 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM at Total Faith Community Church, 1250 South Perryville Rd, Rockford, IL, followed by a celebratory funeral service at 10:30 AM.
See Icy's obituary link for more details.
Classmate Ella Cavitt Passed Away at Age 82
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(posted 4/11/23) KINGSPORT, TENNESSEE — Ella Marie (Cavitt) Frese passed away April 8, 2023 at age 82.
Ella attended Westview Elementary, Roosevelt Junior High and all three years at West graduating in 1959. She later received degrees in Nursing, and a Bachelor of Arts in German and Masters in German Literature.
Ella was very active at West High as a member of the honorary English Society ABL, Stagecrafters, and the Warrior yearbook staff. Her involvement in the Junior Red Cross was probably a precursor to her nursing career.
See Ella's obituary link for photos and more details.
Classmates Meet in Florida to Reminisce Old Times
(posted 4/4/23) JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA — L to R: Gerry Giolitto, Bill Carriere, John Contarino, and Chuck Espy got together at Bill's house along the Atlantic April 2, 2023 to check out the beach and talk about the good old days at West.
Classmate Carol McColl Passed Away at Age 81
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(posted 4/3/23) HOLMEN, WISCONSIN — Carol Marie (McColl) Halderson passed away March 25, 2023 at age 81.
Carol attended Washington Junior High and all three years at West graduating in 1959. She later received a teaching degree from Rockford College.
See Carol's obituary link for photos and more details.
Jacqueline Ragen Passed Away at Age 81
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(posted 3/25/23) SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA — Jacqueline Marie (Ragen) Gittens passed away February 12, 2023 at the age of 81.
Jacqueline was with us through all three years of West and graduated in 1959.
She was preceded in death by her husband William E. Gittens.
Note that the father of her son Christopher Nathan Doyle was our classmate John Skopinski who died December 31, 2008. John's obituary and photo tribute by Nathan and Jacqueline is in the archive pages of this website posted 10/3/2009.
A memorial service was held Saturday, March 11, 2023, from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. at Lima Family Erickson Memorial Chapel, 710 Willow Street, San Jose.
See her obituary for more.
Malcolm Allison has passed on at Age 81
(posted 3/22/23) STRATHAM, NEW HAMPSHIRE — Classmate Malcolm Lawrence Allison died March 7, 2023 at the age of 81.
Malcolm was with us for all three years at West High and was well known in several school activities including the orchestra, ROTC, Student Council, and Euclidean Circle. He also was involved with the school theatre Mikido, Wonderful Town, and the Wizard of Oz.
Malcolm's wife JoAnn Allison predeceased him December 11, 2010 and her obituary is on the website posted 12/15/2010.
In keeping with Malcolm’s wishes, there will be no visitation. A gathering of family and friends will be planned for early Summer.
See his obituary for more information, photos, and condolences.
Wife of Ted Hollander has Passed at Age 80
(posted 1/14/23) CHICAGO, ILLINOIS — Eleanor Hollander, wife of Classmate Adrian "Ted" Hollander, passed away January 11, 2023 at the age of 80. They were married for 59 years.
A "Celebration of Life" service will be at St. Paul's Bible Church, January 28, and broadcast via facebook live -- https://www.facebook.com/StPaulsBibleChurch at 2:30pm, with visitation before and after.
Eleanor accompanied her husband Ted for several school reunions and you can see their reunion photos in the obituary link.
Classmate Ted Marzorati Passed Away at Age 80
(posted 1/9/23) GOODYEAR, ARIZONA — We just learned that classmate Theodore Harry Marzorati passed on November 20, 2022 at the age of 80. Although not confirmed, it was speculated that he may have died from Covid 19.
Ted attended Washington Junior High and all three years at West graduating in 1959. At West he was active with the Debate class and the Forum Club. He later attended the University of Illinois School of Pharmacy in Chicago and became a Pharmacist.
Ted took Classmate Delores Corirossi to the Senior Prom and they were later married and had a daughter and two sons. Delores (Corirossi) Marzorati died December 4, 1999 at age 58 and her obituary is available in the "inmemorium" section of this website.
See Ted's obituary link for photos and more details.
Wife of Barry Doan Passed Away at Age 79
(posted 1/8/23) ROCKFORD, ILLINOIS — Darlene Sharon Doan, wife of Classmate Barry William Doan, passed away January 7, 2023 at the age of 79. They were married for 44 years. Darlene accompanied her husband Barry for several reunions and you can see their reunion photos with the obituary below.
Cremation Rites will be accorded. Memorials can be made to the Redeemer Radio Mission. To share a memory or condolence, visit www.olsonfh.com.
See her obituary for more information.
NOTE: Previous news articles can be found in the newsletter archives - see the archive table.
