The Shawano High School Class of 1949 recently met to observe 66 years since graduating on June 2, 1949. The reunion was on July 15 at The Main Event in Cecil. The classmates have met every five years since graduation, and every three years since 2009. Of the original 141 graduates, 69 are living, and 72 are deceased.
Forty-three classmates, spouses and guests enjoyed a meal prepared and served by Sally’s Catering. The Shawano area was well represented as was Green Bay, the Fox Cities and other parts of Wisconsin. Lyle Swenson and his wife, Carole, came from Minneapolis, and Vern Alesch and his wife, Mary, drove the farthest distance — from Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Other class members who were unable to attend sent greetings with messages of regret that were read during a brief program following the dinner, including Luella Ohrmundt Young, Punta Gorda, Florida, Martin Runge, Fort Wayne, Indiana; Dr. Dick Wallrich, Santa Rosa, California; Jerry (Bierman) Klitz, Big Bear Lake, California; and Phyllis (Krumbach) Peterson, Madison.
The reunion committee included Joylyn (Hoppe) Utke, who again served as treasurer, assisted by Carol (Hartwig) Yaeger and Dolly (Hoppe) Koeller. Other committee members were Don Goers, Mary (Gilson) Holtz, Mary (Vomastic) Jahnke, Maxine (Mueller) Berner, Anita Hartman, Bernice (Kriescher) Huebner, Marcella (Flaig) Cheyka, Fred Pahl and Bill Gehrke, who provided help from his home in Great Falls, Virginia.
Donna (Klumb) Mrozinski, Manitowoc, gave a memorable tribute to her lifelong classmate and friend, Shirley (Kammerman) Montour, Appleton. It was both sincere and touching and spoke to the value of lasting friendships formed during high school years. Both wore beautiful matching and embroidered shirts made by Donna’s son.
The reunion closed with the singing of the class song, “Forever and Ever,” which was adapted by class member Sylvia (Marsh) Mader, who is deceased. They also sang the Shawano High School loyalty song.
The 70th reunion is tentatively planned for 2019.
