Phyllis (Taylor) Peterson will Visit Africa in August
(posted 6/24/21) MACHESNEY PARK, ILLINOIS —
Dear Ron...
Just an update from Phyllis Taylor Peterson. I've recovered from kidney cancer in late February. Surgeon saved 90% of my left kidney. Very grateful!!
In August I'll be off to the Gambia and Senegal to teach Protective Behaviors for Children, boundaries for youth, stories of women and girls as heroes, Authority of Self under God for Adults, Intergenerational Healing, Anger Alternatives, and a musical program based on my CD of meditations and prayers I have composed music for from the Baha'i writings. I now have 21 books out part of which you can view on Google under Phyllis K Peterson.
I am currently part of Eliminate Racism 815, doing my best to understand the systemic horrors African Americans have suffered through for centuries. If you believe in prayer, this 80 year old woman would appreciate having them. I'll be in Africa for three weeks with some down time, and will need to set boundaries in order to get some rest. I'll give another report on my return. Sorry I missed the 60th but maybe next time.
Gentle thoughts, Phyllis Taylor Peterson
Phyllis Peterson,
skylarkpp@aol.com
www.skylarkpubl.com
815-633-0492
Ronald Swanson Passed Away Peacefully at Age 79
(posted 6/16/21) ROCKFORD, iLLINOIS — Ronald Keith Swanson died June 7, 2021 at home.
He was in the Navy then lived and worked in Rockford for most of his life with retirement in 1997.
Ronald leaves his wife Ida and daughter Sheila.
He attended Washington Junior High and then all three years at West graduating in 1959.
A memorial service will be held June 19, 2021 at 3 p.m. at Grace Lutheran Church, 343 Grand Avenue in Loves Park, IL. Friends and family are invited back to the Swanson's home following the service to share stories and memories.
See his obituary for more.
The Johnsons Have Aquired Southern Charm
(posted 6/14/21) MILLIDGEVILLE, GEORGIA —
Hello to all you 59ers!
First, Ron and Pattie, thank you for all you do to keep us connected – wherever we are and whatever we’re doing.
We were so glad to see so many of you at the reunion. From the list of states represented, we have certainly dispersed. We can only hope there will be a 65th. We will be there for sure!
We have been firmly entrenched in Central Georgia for over 20 years. We’ve taken to the Southern charm and find that it gives us an excellent base for travels throughout the Southeast. We enjoy Charleston, Savannah, New Orleans and the Florida beaches. In the summer, trips to the North Carolina mountains provide a refreshing escape, and cruises any time.
We wish y’all health and happiness. If you are passing our way, please stop by and give us a chance to share some of that Southern hospitality!
With best Regards,
Judy (Jonason) & Jerry Johnson
Jeff and Grace Saunders Visit Rockford
(posted 6/9/21) ROCKFORD, ILLINOIS — Jeff and Grace Saunders from Rio Vista California were in Rockford to attend a memorial service for Jeff's brother. They are shown in the photo below having dinner at Linos with the Whites: L-R, Jim White, Grace Saunders, MaryLou White, and Jeff Saunders.
Jeff also met up with his (mostly) West High buddies at the Latham Tap as shown in the photo below: L-R , John Canova, Chico Rotello, Stan Gargani and Ed Goral (St Thomas), Walter Hargraves, Jim White, Bob Leach, Marty Pirello, Jeff Saunders, and Vince Provenzano.
Reginald Ring Died Suddenly at Age 79
(posted 6/2/21) ROCKFORD, iLLINOIS — Reginald Charles Ring died suddenly May 31st, 2021.
He retired as a Lieutenant Colonel from the Army National Guard of Illinois. He was also inducted into the Army National Guard of Illinois Hall of Fame.
Reginald leaves his wife Carol after 24 years together.
He attended Roosevelt Junior High and then all three years at West graduating in 1959.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, June 4, 2021 in Holy Family Catholic Church with a visitation beginning at noon.
See his obituary for more.
Classmate Tim Startup takes his Hobby to Nashville
(posted 5/16/21) NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE — Tim Startup who has been following our class via the website recently moved to Nashville with his wife Nancy where they are enjoying a warmer climate. Both in good health they started on a new path several years ago by taking their hobby of woodworking seriously as collaborative artists allowing them to be creative, travel, meet people and enjoy life together. They are inspired by the character and texture of unworked wood and create decorative sculptures and wood-art that they display at various craft shows and festivals around the country.
You can go to their website at http://www.wholegrainwood.com where they have a full calendar of events and more information.
On their website are photos of the various sculptures including several unusual freestanding cabinets along with tabletop and wall hung pieces.
The traveling craft show display tent is seen in the photo at the right.
The Sbragias Grew Closer to Family During Covid
(posted 4/14/21) PARKER, COLORADO — We have heard from our popular class couple Sharyn (Simpson) and Gary Sbragia:
Gary and I are doing well. We survived the Pandemic very pleasantly. We live in a multigenerational house with our daughter, son-in-law and two teen boys. There is always something going on. All were exceptionally kind and respectful of our age and vulnerability to Covid. One grandson is attending Colorado State University and the other is a junior in high school. Both have been able to attend classes on line and at school.
Gary and I have both been vaccinated and encourage others to do the same if possible. Our daughter works in the school system so she got her vaccinations around the same time we did. Her hubby Todd is in process of getting his 2nd vaccine shot! If this year has taught us anything, it’s to value family and to appreciate the lives we have.
In August, we’ll be celebrating our 60th wedding anniversary. We are so blessed to still have each other. We send you in the Class of 59 our love and wishes for continued good health! We are so proud to be members of your group!
Al Buckler Passed Away Short of His 80th
(posted 4/10/21) DURAND, iLLINOIS — Albert Joseph Buckler died April 8th, 2021 just 4 days before his 80th birthday April 12th, 1941.
Al leaves his wife Jean after 61 years together. He is also survived by three children.
Al attended Roosevelt Junior High and then all three years at West graduating in 1959.
See his obituary for more.
Karen Rudehs Passes on at 79
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(posted 4/10/21) MACHESNEY PARK, ILLINOIS - Classmate Karen Kay Rudehs (Holmes) died March 23, 2021 at the age of 79.
Karen attended Washington Junior High, all three years at West and graduated in 1959. She was preceded in death by her husband Raymond E. Holmes who died November 10, 2006 at the age of 68. They had been married 46 years.
Karen's wish was to be remembered with a Celebration of Life, full of laughter and memories, which will be held later this summer.
Arrangements by Affordable Cremation and Funeral Services, Belvidere, IL.
See her obituary for more information.
Wife of Bill Lamps Lost to Leukemia at Age 80
(posted 4/6/21) ROCKFORD, ILLINOIS — Nancy Jane Lamps wife of classmate William Lamps, Jr. died April 3, 2021 from Acute Myeloid Leukemia. They were married for 52 years. See their 51st Wedding Anniversary story posted on this website 8/5/2019.
Funeral service will be held on Saturday, April 10, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 620 N. Alpine Rd., Rockford, IL 61107 with Bishop Kaden Hardening officiating. The visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. until time of service. Burial in Willwood Burial Park. Masks are required and please observe social distancing. In lieu of flowers, please donate to your favorite charity in memory of Nancy.
See her obituary for more information.
Husband of Gloria Shafer Passed Away at Age 79
(posted 4/2/21) LOVES PARK, ILLINOIS — Harry "Jack" J. Pillmore, husband of classmate Gloria Shafer, died March 31, 2021. They were married for 57 years.
Cremation rites have been accorded to Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, 3910 N. Rockton Ave, Rockford, Illinois, 61103. To send online condolences, please visit www.fitzgeraldfh.com.
See his obituary for more information.
John Russell is Enjoying Life in Phoenix
(posted 3/28/21) PHOENIX, ARIZONA — You may remember John Russell in high school as a talented Saxophone player in the high school band. He could well have been a professional musician but while serving in the army at Fort Lee he found a weekend job in Virginia Beach at a local nightclub and became very interested in nightclub and theater lighting. This then led to opening his own theatrical lighting, stage sound and electrical business.
John’s business led him to Arizona to continue designing lighting and sound systems for nightclubs and county fairs and this is where he met a talented young lady, Candi, who had been hired as artist and designer for one of his new lighting and sound projects. They were married in 1978 and decided to live in the Phoenix, Arizona area.
Later John and Candi opened a retail store in Santa Fe called the Creative design Store. The store sells elegant ladies designer clothing, unique gifts, and jewelry. Go to their website at http://www.creativedesignstore.com to see more.
Kathy Shuga Remembers the Florida Gulf in 2020
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(posted 3/2/21) — COLMAN, WISCONSIN. Classmate Kathy (Shuga) Albert sent us the following:
Hi Ron and fellow classmates,
My biggest regret is the fact after sending my reservation and funds in for the 60Th reunion health reasons stopped us from being there. It is the first reunion missed since graduation and I am sorry.
We live in northern Wisconsin and it seems our weather has been milder than Rockford. My family of four siblings and many nieces and nephews still reside there. With the virus raging we have not been able to go and see them. Good Lord willing this will be over so we can have another class reunion.
Our last carefree days were in Florida 2020 when we had no idea there was a virus. Will try to attach a picture from the gulf shores to remind us we will be carefree again.
I enjoy this website and thank you for all the hard work.
Kathy Shuga Albert
Ed McCollough has Passed Away at Age 79
(posted 2/22/21) ROSCOE, iLLINOIS — Edward Michael McCollough died February 18, 2021. He served our country as a US Marine.
It appears that Ed was only with us for the senior year through graduation.
See his obituary for more.
Donna Robbel Passes on Valentines Day at 79
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(posted 2/17/21) WESTLAKE VILLAGE, rural WINNEBAGO, ILLINOIS - Classmate Donna Rae Robbel (Wallace) died at the age of 79.
Donna attended Roosevelt Junior High, and graduated from West in 1959. She was preceded in death by her husband James P. Wallace who died September 1, 2005 from cancer. They had been married 42 years.
A private family graveside service will be held at Sunset Memorial Gardens.
See her obituary for more information.
Kaaren (Wellman) Scanio Says HI to the Class
(posted 1/23/21) QUEEN CREEK, ARIZONA and GENEVA, SWITZERLAND
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Dear Ron,
I was sitting here thinking about how life is speeding by and thought I would contact you. First I must tell you what a great job you do keeping us informed. It takes lots of organization and patience and I thank you for that.
This past year certainly has been a time for reflection. As I think about my life, there is very little I would change, certainly not anything major. At Knox College I majored in Applied Music,& History, minored in Far Eastern Religions (I was curious) and picked up a teaching certificate. During the summers I was in NYC at Juilliard in voice. Opera was always my goal, so after a couple of detours on Broadway, I eventually ended up in Europe with the Vienna State Opera Co, as my home company. Under my professional name I spent many years happily singing here and there.
During that time, I broke into a man’s apartment (trying to get out of a massive snowstorm) fell in love with that man and we have been happily married for 56 years,. He is a chemist and owns a small chemical company. Because he is of Swiss extraction, we inherited a home just outside of Geneva, Switzerland, which we have used as a home base when in Europe. That proved to be very handy because of our occupations.
At 50 I quit singing professionally and become something of a “show or opera doctor” which proved to be just as much fun as singing. I still kept the old vocal chords in working order when needed, but more importantly, helped young singers and some smaller, European opera companies to stay in business and get better. Very satisfying work!
We also had two sons, one now an engineer and the other a police officer, now a Lt., and in charge of Riot Control and Operations, both men living in Mesa, AZ. We have wonderful daughters-in-law. The light of our lives now is Emily, 5.5 years old, our only grandchild. She is in the French Am school. She started French at 3 and is now completely bi-lingual. She also has a great set of lungs, a lovely singing voice for her age and almost perfect pitch. There is hope for the future!!!!!!!
I have also spent 40 years as a dog trainer, primarily of working dogs, Akitas my specialty, busy with church and also as an oil painter. I learned to paint for the fun of it, but somehow ended up selling quit a lot. However, my most important commission is happening now. I am painting, in acrylics, a 32 X 8 ft., mural of a French village at the French Am school, and my granddaughter is thrilled. That is my payment and it couldn’t make me happier.
Life is good!
When the world wakes up to the fact that it doesn’t have to live in fear and it opens up again, watch our dust as we head out. If anyone is in the Phoenix area or Geneva Switzerland, our door is always open so come on in. Hope we have a 65th because I plan to be there! Health and happiness to the whole class of “59.
Kaaren Wellman Scanio
Terry Swift has Passed Away at Age 79
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(posted 1/13/21) CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA — Terrance Marshall Swift died January 6, 2021. He served our country as a US Marine.
Terry attended Roosevelt Junior High and his Sophomore year at West High with most of us from the class of 59 and then later graduated with the class of 60.
See his obituary for more information.