Class of 1968 -
I know you'll recognize me because I look exactly as I did that spring day in 1968 when you threw me into the lagoon, having recently become engaged to Susan Lehman. She looks the same, too. Well, we're maybe a bit grayer, and maybe a bit saggier.
OK, a lot grayer. And wearing glasses. And maybe it wouldn't take quite so many of you to throw me into the lagoon again (and thank goodness there's no need.)
I've shied away from most of these reunions in the past, often because it is embarrassing to not recognize my fellow classmates - but this is the 40th! Forty years since we walked across Founders Hall stage for our diplomas.
We are going to try to make this one. Besides, Joyce Schumacher promised she'd have name badges with LARGE letters for all of us (just in the rare case one or two of us have changed a tiny bit.)
Plan to come, won't you?
Jim Sommer
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Planning to attend reunion Yes Yes Yes Yes No Yes Yes Yes Marilyn Schrock Finney - I retired from teaching in 2000. My husband and I own Moreland Fruit Farm, Ltd.,which includes Pick Your Own, a Farm Market & wholesale business. Our oldest son works for us full time and our other 2 sons work part-time. We are active in the Moreland United Methodist Church where I have directed the Choir for 30 years. We enjoy traveling and appreciate the many opportunities we have had for unique travel experiences. Yes Yes Sandy Pritts Eckenrode - Presently, I am a substitute teacher in five different schools professing my kindness doctrine. I sing with the Johnstown Symphony Chorus. I recently completed college courses to satisfy Act 48 requirements to maintain my teaching certificate. Most importantly, I became a grandma of a strawberry-blonde blue-eyed little girl who will be one year old this May. Yes Yes No No No Yes Louise Shank Reeser - Larry and I just celebrated our 40th Anniversary with a trip to Costa Rica. We continue to farm in our neighborhood. I am involved in the Christian Education Program of the Mennonite Church of Normal. We enjoy spending time with our 3 sons and their families. We have 3 grandchildren. I enjoy biking, taking pictures, scrapbooking and gardening. Yes No
News from the class of 1968
Jim and Susan (Lehman) Sommer
Dave Lehman - Since retiring in 2004, I am working part-time, including stints at Veterans Hospitals in Denver and in Black Hills, SD, at Moi Univ Med School in Kenya, and at Okinawa Chubu Hosp in Japan. Skiing is a favorite winter activity, each Feb. with a Bluffton-NW Ohio group who comes to Colorado. Jean and I have enjoyed traveling, especially in France, Scotland, China and Australia.
Bob and Sharon (Messmer) Beitler
Tina (Minzer) Basinger - I retired in 2004; I am currently substitute teaching. I am active in work for my church, Trinity United Methodist in Ottawa. I also am a member of the local, district and conference United Methodist Women's Mission Teams. I am a member of the Putnam County Disaster Team. My husband, Mark, and I enjoy traveling and spending time with our children and six grandchildren.
Susan (Eppley) Rhoads - My husband and I are owners of Burden Electrical Co., Inc., an electrical contracting company. We have two sons, Michael and Matthew, who are in the business with us. We have one granddaughter. We enjoy golf and volunteer work.
James R. Davis
Joe Dwenger - I am retired from teaching 36 years. I am a volunteer at the Delaware County Historical Society. My wife, Nancy, and I enjoy hiking with Preservation Parks of Delaware County.
Joan (Kilper) Steiner - I'm teaching three days a week at a private school in Lima, Ohio. As of May 31 I will permanently retire and enjoy our first grandchild (2 months old). I enjoy gardening, Sunday school work, sewing and helping Bill around our farm.
Jerri (Younkman) Oliver
Lowell Miller - I retired from teaching but continue to work as a sales associate at Macy's on State Street in Chicago (formerly Marshall Field's). I cheer for the White Sox and hope that this is the year the Cubs repeat their World Series success of a century ago!
Barb (Eastman) Altstaetter - I'm enjoying being a new grandmother and my flexible schedule since I retired from teaching. We're traveling in Italy in May so I won't be able to attend May Day.
Pat (Metzker) Graber - I spent 32 years in the mental health field providing clinical services and administrative services. I am currently president-elect of NASW-MO chapter; lay speaker in the Methodist church; teach adult Sunday school class and enjoy many community and social activities.
Jerry Graber - I am active the in the Methodist Church and serve on the Board of Directors for Habitat for Humanity and other community activities.
Geoff Killey - I am retired from teaching special education in the Cleveland Public Schools. I am currently employed by J.C. Penney in Strongsville, OH. I volunteer at my church and am an election worker. I collect older sports cards and visit Brunswich Rec-center. I am a Red Cross Blood donor and this year I will reach 25 gallons of blood donated if I can stay healthy.
Stephen C. Strunk - I am a pastor at Saucon Mennonite Church and teach at Lakeside School.
