Messages from Classmates

Thank you very much for the informative write-up of the reunion. This is the only one I believe I've missed, but was very nice to, at least in this way, be a part of it. I look forward to seeing the webpage and photos. Thanks again for the update.
--- Jim Wachuta

Thanks for doing such a superior job recapping the reunion. It was fun to share your article with my family and I look forward to the web page and pictures. Best of all it was great to see many of the Class of 69 again. I am sure that those who received your newsletter will wish that they had been able to attend. You may be doing a great service in upping the attendance for next time.
--- Kay Edquist

The following address is of a former classmate, Richard Lang, who moved out of Prairie, around the age of 14 or 15. I saw him about a month ago, and mentioned that he would probably be invited to the 35 th class reunion in 2004.

Richard Lang
2805 S. Claremont Dr.
Beloit, Wi.  53511
1(608)365-0556

It is so great of you to do all this, Gordon....I for one really really appreciate it. Hope you have a GREAT holiday and look for great things to come in 2000.
...Sincerely, Terri Larson Cunningham

Best Wishes to you all over the holidays. What an incredible year 1999 year was and it went soooooo fast.
...Looking forward to keeping in touch with you all in 2000. Take care and make sure you find the fun things to do on a regular basis. This time thing is going too fast and no sense in putting off the things we dream about. Time to do.
...Karen Day Troxel

Gordon and family,
MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW MILLENIUM!!!
...KEVIN & CRYSTAL GRAAP

Thank you very much, Gordon. I have enjoyed the pictures (even if I don't always know who is who without captions) from the class reunion. And that is the first time that I have seen Gary, in picture or in person, since graduation!
...You might consider posting email addresses (with permission) somewhere.
...David Hanson
dlhanson@prairienet.com

WEBNOTE: Email addresses will not be posted due to privacy concerns. However, any classmember desiring a list of class Email addresses can have one upon request.
...GG

(The following note is from Kate Larson...)
...Being in the business of managing other people's money, I was glad Y2K proved to be no big deal and so far things financially are running smoothly. It appears that all the technological preparation did the trick. Of course there's always [(Y2K)+1] (as Miss Dohse might have put it)!
...A few years ago when I was back in PdC, I looked up Miss Garrity and Miss Dohse. I had the opportunity to talk to Miss Dohse on the phone, but she didn't want me to stop out and visit her (she said she needed to get her hair done, etc). I did stop by and see Miss Garrity and thanked her for her work. At the time she was on oxygen and failing. We had a nice visit. Since then I know she has died.
... Do you know if Miss Dohse is still with us? Every once in a while I ask my mother, but she doesn't seem to know for sure. Are there any teachers you've stayed in touch with over the years?

I wish I could answer yes but unfortunately I cannot. Our teachers deserve a lot more thanks and gratitude than we've given them for educating us properly. Maybe that's something we could address at our next class reunion. I have a vague recollection of reading Miss Dohse's obituary but can't remember how long ago.
...I did attend Mr. Rheineck's funeral about 7-8 years ago, along with my brother Keith. I saw Mr. Frommelt there but regret I didn't try harder to talk with him. I believe Mr. Frommelt is still at the high school, but no longer teaching Latin.
... I also regret not attending Miss Goan's funeral. I don't remember how it slipped by me. But Miss Goan was a wonderfully kind lady who appreciated my love for books.
... After our family's housefire, in 1965, several of my brothers and I went to live with relatives and friends while we got our situation restored. Because I had spent so many hours in the library, I guess, Miss Goan invited me to live with her and her mother for several months. Only later did I appreciate what an extraordinary gesture that was.
...GG

Class members can visit with Mr Frommelt at Effigy Mounds where he is one of the head rangers. I had a nice visit with him this past summer...and he looks great! He must have been just a baby when we were in school!
...Happy New Year From Denise Thornburg Hitchcock

Merle Frommelt was a pallbearer at my Uncle's funeral this past year and I had a nice chat with him. Yes, I do agree he must have been a young man when we had him for a Latin instructor because his children were born during our high school days. Was fun to ask their where-abouts and what was so amazing is that I (unprompted) remembered their names! Perhaps Alzhimers isn't setting in yet--although some days it does feel that way.
...Ellen Check Olson

I got occasional notes from Miss Dohse up until about 8 or 9 years ago. Asked my aunt Ruth Todd, but she hadn't heard of her passing. She thought Miss Dohse may have been transferred into a home.
...Terri Larson Cunningham

In the Wednesday, March 18, 1998 Courier Press on page A-13, you may find the obituary for Violet Dohse.

..."Violet E. Dohse, 94, of Prairie du Chien, died Tuesday, March 17, 1998, at the Great River Care Center in McGregor, Iowa.
...She was born July 23, 1903, in Prairie du Chien, daughter of John and Mary Dohse. She attended grade school at St. Gabriel's and high school at St. Mary's Academy, both in Prairie du Chien. She later graduated from the University of Wisconsin, Madison. She taught school for 51 years at Estonica, New Mexico, Columbus, Wis. and Prairie du Chien Public Schools.
...After her retirement she worked as the town treasurer for Prairie du Chien, treasurer for the Rural Fire Department and served as president of the Lake Gremore District. She was active in church activities.
...She is survived by several nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers, Carl and Bud and two sisters, Vivian and Margaret.
...Funeral services will be Friday at 11 a.m. at St. Gabriel's Catholic Church, Rev. John Wambach S.J. officiating with burial in the Calvary Cemetery, both in Prairie du Chien.
...submitted by Kay Edquist

I have been reading the correspondence about our various teachers and dear Miss Dohse. I was talking to someone the other day who had just come from her 50th class reunion. She and her classmates had regularly, through the years, invited their teachers to the reunion celebrations. Many of them came, including one fellow who was well into his 90's. One downside would be that, if you planned to bring chewing gum to the party, you would have to bring enough for everybody.
...Have a great year!
...Steve Ristvedt

Juanita Johnson, our girl's gym teacher, passed away Friday, March 3 at her home of natural causes. Her memorial service is Monday, March 6th at the Thornburg/Hanson funeral home in Prairie du Chien.
...All four of Mrs. Johnson's children were Prairie High Graduates, Peggy, Kenny, Nancy, and Jim. Our class mate, Faye Paulus Johnson is married to Kenny. Mrs. Johnson's husband, Lyle, passed on several years ago.
...Notes to the family and memorials (which will be donated to the Diabetes and the Cancer Foundations) can be sent to The Johnson Family
...c/o Thornburg/Hanson Funeral Home
...P.O. Box 313
...Prairie du Chien, WI 53821

Passing thoughts:
...Mrs. Johnson always looked so good in her cute shorts sets, while we were in those ugly gym uniforms which seemed more appropriate for a Quaker school than ours.
...A few years ago I talked to her and we joked about those uniforms. She said that she lobbied the school board several times to change the uniforms. She was just glad that she didn't have to wear them.
...Mrs. Johnson always had tan legs, which is hard to do in the Wisconsin climate in the 1960s. And I will always remember she could wear those cute little mimi socks with the puffs on the back ... when we had to wear high top tennis shoes, before they were cool.
...Mrs. Johnson could put many of us girls to shame with her athletic ability. And she remained active in sports, frequently playing golf, until her passing.
...Thanks Mrs. Johnson
...Classmates, what are some of your memories?

Growing Up in the 60's:

60's: Long hair
00's: Longing for hair

60's: A keg
00's: An EKG

60's: Acid rock
00's: Acid reflux

60's: Moving to California because it's cool
00's: Moving to California because it's hot

60's: Watching John Glenn's historic flight with your parents
00's: Watching John Glenn's historic flight with your kids

60's: Trying to look like Marlon Brando or Elizabeth Taylor
00's: Trying not to look like Marlon Brando or Elizabeth Taylor

60's: The President's struggle with Fidel
00's: The President's struggle with fidelity

60's: Paar
00's: AARP

60's: Killer weed
00's: Weed killer

60's: Getting out to a new hip joint
00's: Getting a new hip joint
from, Stephen Ristvedt

CANDY SPROSTY
...Candy Sprosty, 46, of Prairie du Chien died unexpectedly March 24, 2000 at the Winneshiek County Memorial Hospital in Decorah.
...Gary Sprosty's wife was named Candy and was about this age as I recall from my time of working with Gary some 25 years ago at the Crawford County Sheriff's Department.
...David Hanson

Ellen Check Olson submitted this photo of her son Erik (on right), who escorted Gov. Tommy Thompson for the dedication of the World War II Memorial ceremony in Madison on May 12. Erik was to be the escort for Bob Dole but due to thunderstorms in Kansas City his plane was grounded and he was thus unable to attend.

Dear Gordon, I talked to my nephew, Kyle Hromadka, a couple weeks ago. The tickets he has for sale (for the Prairie High Football Team's game at Camp Randall Stadium) are $6 for adults and $5 for students. The T-shirts are $15, proceeds to benefit the football assoc. (He didn't know what would be on them.) The T-shirt & ticket package is $18.

The game is August 25th at 5:30 pm.

Kyle would be delighted to take orders unless you come up with another approach. Anyone else step forward yet to help organize the party?
...Kay Edquist

Merry Christmas and best wishes for a Happy and Prosperous New Year. If you know of any '69 classmates who recently got Email please send their address along so we can add them to our list.
... How many rented Stanley Kubrick's "2001 Space Odyssey" video for New Year's Eve? Can I have a show of hands? Since graduation we sailed through 1984 and now we're in 2001, the new millenium.
...The Govier family Christmas photo is now online at:
www.msn.fullfeed.com/~scribe/govifam.htm
If you have a family photo in a jpg (or similar) format, send it along and we'll make a class Christmas page.
-Gordon

Happy New Year to you, your family and all 1969 classmates!
... Yes, Gordon, I did rent 2001: A Space Odyssey and watch it NY eve. Believe it or not, I had never seen it before! So I figured this would be an appropriate time.
... All is well here in NC. We are "suffering" with our temps in the 20s and 30s, but it's supposed to be in the 40s by the weekend. I guess that will mean back on the golf course on Sat! Actually, I miss snow and hope we do get a nice snowstorm before the dogwoods begin to bloom.
All the best,
Kate Larson

COURIER PRESS, Monday, March 4, 2002, p. 12

Harold J. Rasmussen, 88, Prairie du Chien, died Tuesday, Feb. 26, 2002 at the Cedar Springs Health Care Center in Cedarburg.

Harold was born Aug. 23, 1913 in Beloit, son of Julius and Agnes (Henes) Rasmussen. He married Helen Felton April 10, 1941.

He worked as supervisor for Badger Ordinance in Baraboo from 1941 to 1945. His educational field began as principal of schools in Danbury for one year. He spent three years as a science teacher and coach in Lone Rock and later taught chemistry and physics for one year in Mosinee. He then taught chemistry and physics at the Prairie du Chien High School until 1968. In 1968 he became the guidance counselor at Prairie du Chien where he held that position until his retirement in 1983.

Since 1983 he enjoyed his retirement with Helen employing his winter months in Lake Wales, Fla. He was an active member of the Masonic Lodge 106 where he served as the Master of Lodge in 1955. He was a Kiwanian for 15 years and served as Lt. Gov. and secretary for 15 years. His hobbies included golf, choir, camping and fishing.

Surviving are his wife Helen, Prairie du Chien, one son Larry (Cathy) Rasmussen of Indianapolis, Ind., one daughter Lynda (Allen) Polachowski of West Bend; six grandchildren, Stacy, Mike, Chris, Kyleigh, Nicholas and Macey; two great grandchildren, Jake and Grace. He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister Bette Halvorson.

Memories:
...Mr. Rasmussen's commitment to Kiwanis included mentoring the PHS Key Club. I remember he chauffered some of us Key Club members to a state conference in Milwaukee, which was my first trip to the big city. But even more indelibly printed on my memory is a drive to a Key Club/Kiwanis meeting of some sort in Mineral Point one dark winter night. His new car had an 8-track player. I was not quite hip to the concept and couldn't figure out how the tape could change direction three different times. I never did get the concept, I guess, never did invest in the 8-track technology.
Gordon Govier

Following closely the recent announcement regarding Harold Rasmussen, Dave Hanson sent me the following note on Cecil Smith. Cecil Smith was one of the most indelible educators spanning my entire Pdc education, from trying to adjust to my first P.E. classes as a 3rd grader fresh off the farm; to the junior high science classes in that wing on the SW corner of the school; to my post-graduation summer job as scorekeeper for the summer softball league. It always seemed wierd to see him without a whistle and a clip board.
Gordon Govier

CECIL SMITH

Cecil F. Smith, 94, of Prairie du Chien, died Friday, April 5, 2002 at the Great River Care Center in McGregor, Iowa.

He was born Feb. 24, 1908 in Ft. Atkinson, son of Herman and Wilhamina (Seavert) Smith. He married Ann Burwitz on Aug. 7, 1932 in Belvidere, Ill. She preceded him in death on Feb. 21, 1987.

He served in the U.S. Army during WWII. He graduated from Ripon College and began teaching at the Prairie du Chien High School in 1930. He coached football, basketball, baseball and track until his retirement. He was one of the first inductees to the Prairie du Chien High School Hall of Fame.

Funeral services were held Monday, April 8 at St. Peter Lutheran Church, Rev. Doug Mathison officiating, with burial in the Evergreen Cemetery both in Prairie du Chien. Military Rites were accorded by the Prairie du Chien Honor Guard. Garrity Funeral Home assisted the family.

Not only teachers, but classmates. The following obituary appeared in THE WISCONSIN STATE JOURNAL on June 20, 2002.

MADISON - Lonnie F. Hubbard, age 51, died on Tuesday, June 18, 2002, after a year-long, valiant battle with cancer. We will miss our dear son, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. No one was a stranger for long once Lonnie had met them.

Lonnie graduated from Prairie du Chien (Wisconsin) High School and studied photography at Madison Area Technical College. An avid photographer and world traveler with a tremendous passion for music, he traveled to concerts throughout the Midwest and Europe, where he made lifelong lasting friendships. Lonnie was a lifelong New York Yankees fan. An employee of General Motors Corporation for more than 25 years, Lonnie moved from Janesville to Fort Wayne, Ind., in 1985. He left employment on official medical retirement last year and moved back to Wisconsin, happy to again be near family ... especially his grandsons, Hayden and Noah.

Lonnie was proud to recently celebrate his 17th anniversary of sobriety, and was thankful for the many friends he made through AA and NA, through the years being a tireless sponsor to many in the program, both in Fort Wayne, Ind., and Madison.

Lonnie is survived by his mother, Georgia May (Bunts) Wepking of Mount Hope; his brother, Kenneth (Terri) Hubbard of Madison; his first wife, Connie (Traub) Ihrke of Milton; his daughter, Shannon (Chris) Scharmer of Beloit; his grandchildren, Hayden and Noah; his second wife, Suzanne Hubbard of Indianapolis, Ind.; and his close friend, Dawn Danz-Hale of Sauk City. He was preceded in death by his father, Kenneth Charles Hubbard, who passed away in 1963.

Words are inadequate to thank the many dedicated volunteers from Madison's Hospice organization, as well as the kind and caring team at the Don and Marilyn Anderson HospiceCare Center in Fitchburg, where Lonnie spent his final days. A memorial service for Lonnie will be held at the HOSPICECARE CHAPEL, 5395 E. Cheryl Parkway, Madison, WI 53711, on Friday, June 21, 2002, at 7 p.m. Lonnie's special canine buddy, "Spook," his sidekick and constant companion for more than 15 years, passed on last summer. We can see little Spook on Lonnie's lap ... and thank Bob Dylan, Lonnie's favorite song-spinner, for these words from "Restless Farewell:"
"And though the line is cut,
it ain't quite the end,
I'll just bid farewell
till we meet again."

Informed Choice Funeral and Cremation Alternatives
5801 Highway 51, PO Box 105,
McFarland, WI 53558

(608) 838-0536

Former PdC resident in charge of postal security

Kratochvill, Frank H. Sr. PRAIRIE DU CHIEN - Frank H. Kratochvill Sr., age 75, of Prairie du Chien, died unexpectedly Sunday, Nov. 10, 2002, at Prairie du Chien Memorial Hospital.
...He was born April 20, 1927, in Muscoda, Wis., son of Henry and Anna (Sickert) Kratochvill. He married Phyllis Cullen Feb. 17, 1947, at St. Gabriel's Church, Prairie du Chien. He owned and operated a frozen food delivery business for a number of years and worked at Pladium Bowl in Prairie du Chien. He later retired from 3M Company in Prairie du Chien after 22 years of service in the maintenance department. Frank loved Christmas and many children enjoyed his role as Santa Claus through the years.
... He is survived by his wife, Phyllis of Prairie du Chien; a son, Frank Jr. (Roberta) of Prairie du Chien; four daughters, Kay Russell of Prairie du Chien, Connie (Leland) Hutchison of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Kathy Skaar of Little Chute, and Patricia (Steve) Schauf of Prairie du Chien.

Guy C. Ralph

PRAIRIE DU CHIEN, Wis. - Guy C. Ralph, 85, of Prairie du Chien died Tuesday Dec. 3, 2002, at Prairie du Chien Memorial Hospital. Funeral services will be Friday at 11 a.m. at St. Peter's Lutheran Church, and burial with military rites will be in Evergreen Cemetery, both in Prairie du Chien.

 Gordon Govier, scribe@broadcast.net
 Phone: 608/221-0344
P. O. Box 6293, Madison WI 53716 USA