At the 2015 Labor Day centennial parade, the 1966-1967 Suring football Marinette & Oconto Conference champions and their coaches gathered to celebrate their legacy.
The 1966 homecoming king, Greg Kresse, was joined by his queen and wife, Rachel Leisner Kresse, wearing her crown.
Three members of the team are deceased: Ken Schuettpelz, Larry Dufek and Dan Tomalak.
Coach Ira Rebella left Suring in 1968 and moved to Merrill, where he still resides. He kept photo memorabilia from the championship season and gave his treasures to the team, making the reunion even more special.
Five classmates, Carol Rupiper, Chic Tousey-Tabor, Gloria Pyatskowit, Rachel Kresse and Linda Miller, get together periodically and were reminiscing about their championship team when Pyatskowit suggested the team be recognized in the parade. Rachel Kresse agreed and started searching for the teammates. Ruth Bartz, Betty Elbe and Susan Markesan, wives of team members, joined in the effort, and the float became a reality.
The football players traveled from out of state and from all over Wisconsin for the reunion.
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