Happy New Year! Best Wishes for Good Health and Good Times in 2008 !

(Hope you realize that this makes us one year closer to the "50th Reunion" of the "Class of '62'" in 2012---now only 4 years away.)

More Classmate Reflections (Including 50th Reunion Plans)

Wayne Kryszewski shares some thoughts:

The 50th Class Reunion! Seems like just moments away at this age!

Relaxing at home and waiting for the word from my doctor yesterday and then the phone rang. It was the Cardiologist (replacement)! My first doctor has been awarded a vacation in Afganistan for the next four months. The replacement gets to do the defibulation procedure the 26th of December (a late Christmas present). Following that procedure,I get to do a follow-up with the replacement regular doctor. This replacement also called me to explain my recent lab tests and the proposed health regime. Military doctors are really very busy and very much in demand during these times. Two phone calls from two doctors in one day! (Are house calls next?) That makes yesterday the busiest discussion of my activities for me since Jimmy Carter stopped by the house.

But back to the reunion---2012 is the year, I believe. Looking forward to the trip by RV. Should be a "kick off" to an extended trip around the United States and seeing the beauty and the historic sights first-hand. Difficult to predict exact events, places and times, but we have a Reader's Digest tour book with areas that may be visited in a day or spending a week or more touring, depending on how much interest we have in the area featured.

Happy Holidays !

Christmas Greetings and our best wishes for a Happy New Year from the Reunion Committee of the "Class of '62."

Here we are, all assembled to celebrate the holidays and start planning the "50th Reunion" of the "Class of '62."

Please "pencil us in" for 2012---after you get done flocking your tree.

Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmm! Just In Time For The Holidays......

......from the secret recipe files of Marilyn "Betty Crocker" Raschka---by way of Hartford Union High School Upperclassman, Mary Ann (Hulbert) Klink---here is "CASEY'S HOT FUDGE SUNDAE" recipe that was deliciously served for dessert at the 45th Reunion of the "Class of '62:"

> 6 ounces of semisweet chocolate (use best quality available, like Ghiradelli or Lindt)

> 1/2 cup evaporated milk

+ Melt the broken-up chocolate in a double boiler (or very, very slowly and carefully in a microwave).

+ Halfway through the melting process, add half the milk.

+ Stir well.

+ When completely melted, gradually add remainder of milk until the desired consistency is reached. (Hot fudge will appear very thin when hot, but will thicken somewhat as it cools.)

+ Refrigerate any remaining sauce and, when reheating, add a little more milk.

Tasty "Truffle" Alternative:

+ Spoon out refrigerated leftovers and form into small balls.

+ While still chilled, roll balls in cocoa, coconut, grond nuts or any desired coatings to create bonbobs/truffles.

(Note from Chef Marilyn: "Leftovers? Not very likely to have any!")

Bon Appetit!

Funeral Services For Classmate Karen (Wagner) Walsh's Husband, Jim

A huge turnout for Jim's Sunday evening visitation and Monday's funeral services---family, relatives and friends, plus many, many of the West Bend Chapter of H.O.G., the motorcycle club where Jim served as treasurer and with whom Jim & Karen enjoyed many a motorcycle ride.

Funeral Information For Jim Walsh, Classmate Karen (Wagner) Walsh's Husband

Here's the obituary from today's (December 14, 2007) Milwaukee Journal/Sentinel:

Walsh, James L., Port Washington, died suddenly from a heart attack at home on December 11, 2007, age 66 years. Beloved husband of Karen (nee Wagner). Dear father of Kim (Larry) Dobberfuhl and Kelly (Allan) Beck. Loving grandpa of Jonathan, Rebecca, Benjamin Dobberfuhl, Zachary, Jacob and Karly Beck. Also survived by his twin sister Phyllis (Ernst) Wullenweber, his sister Jean Walsh, other relatives and friends.

Funeral Monday, December 17, 11 A.M. at St. John's Catholic Church, W1170 Rome Road, Rubicon. Interment parish cemetery. In state at the Eernisse Funeral Home, Port Washington Sunday, December 16, from 4-7 P.M. and at the church on Monday from 10 A.M. until time of services. EERNISSE FUNERAL HOME, 1600 W. Grand Avenue, Highway 33 and LL, Port Washington; 262-284-2601; www.eernissefuneralhome.com .

(Karen's mailing address is 1011 W. Melin Street, Port Washington, WI 53074 in case you'd like to send a sympathy card.)

Classmate Reflections

Classmate Wayne Kryszewski emailed from California:

"Just received the message of our departed classmate Pete and Karen's husband. :-( It puts a new perspective on current health. :-) I now have a stent that corrected a 95% artery blockage also atrial fibulation from using Sudafed for a sinus problem. =-O Two more weeks of blood thinner medicine and they can sedate me and attempt defibulation which may correct the problem :-\ I have had to stop teaching as the stress of the job and my health do not match but if all goes right I will be back to the classroom 7 January 2008. 8-) By then we will also know what playoff position The Packers are in and be hoping for a superbowl victory and the 13th championship ;-)"

Pete Engelke Services

Some classmates attended Wednesday evening's wake/visitation and others attended the Thursday morning Mass of Christian Burial.

At the services, Father David LaPlante gave a heart-warming homily that highlighted Pete's interests in family, good eating and basketball.

Classmate Karen (Wagner) Walsh Loses Her Husband, Jim, To A Massive Heart Attack

Word has just reached us that Classmate Karen (Wagner) Walsh lost her husband, Jim, to a massive heart attack yesterday, December 11, 2007.

Jim was a member of Hartford Union High School's "Class of '59" and had recently retired from a career in banking. Jim and Karen have lived in Port Washington, Wisconsin, for many years. They have two children and six grandchildren.

If you are in the southeastern Wisconsin area, please check this coming Friday's (December 14, 2007) obituary notices in the Milwaukee Journal/Sentinel for information on the funeral services. You can also see if there is a posting on the newspaper's web site at http://www.jsonline.com .

We will attempt to also post the obituary notice on this blog spot as soon as more information becomes available.

More Info On Our Classmate Pete Engelke

Today's Hartford Booster had an expanded obituary for Pete Engelke:

Peter "Pete" Engelke of Harford passed away on Saturday, December 8, 2007, at St. Luke's Medical Center in Milwaukee after a long, courageous, hard-fought battle with cancer. He was 63 years old.

He was born September 24, 1944, in Milwaukee to Herman and Hortense (nee Scherer) Engelke. He married Jo Ann Lechner on December 27, 1993, at St. Kilian Catholic Church in Hartford. Pete lived all his life in Hartford. He served his country as an MP in the US Army.

Pete was a NASCAR fan, but his love for basketball made the pages of the Indiana Basketball History Magazine. Pete, along with Don Lechner, had a love fest for high school boy's basketball. For many years, the two had been touring the State of Wisconsin to attend high school boy's basketball games. They traveled as far north as Seymour, east to Manitowoc, south to Janesville, west to Adams-Friendship and, on any given night, they could be spotted in the front row at half court. They also included many trips to Indiana.

Pete is survived by his wife of 14 years, JoAnn; his children, Kristin Ewert of Madison and Heather Engelke of West Allis; a brother, Jim Engelke of Lomira; his mother-in-law, Rose Lechner of Hartford; his nephews, David and Mark Engelke and niece, Jenny (Bud) Baugniet of Jacson; his great niece and nephew, Megan and Tyler; his brothers and sisters-in-law, Thomas (Kristine) Lechner of Richfield, Donald (Dori) of Hartford, Joseph (Kathleen) of Hartford, Cheryl (Michael) Checolinski of Hartford and Robert Lechner of Hartford; his nieces and nephews, Jenny (Chris), Mike (Dana), Michelle, Scott (Jody), Derek, David, Blake, Ryan, Ricky, Cindy (Charlie), Sean (Shawnda), Luke; his great niece, Isabella and his great nephew Korbin; as well as other relatives and friends.

Pete was preceded in death by his parents and his father-in-law, Fritz Lechner.

Mass of Christian Burial for Pete will be held on Thursday, December 13, 2007, at 10:30 A.M. at St. Kilian Catholic Church in Hartford with Fr. David LaPlante officiating. Visitation Wednesday, December 12, at the Shimon Funeral Home in Hartford from 4:00-7:30 P.M. with a prayer vigil at 7:30 P.M. Memorials to the Vice Lombardi Cancer Research Clinic would be appreciated. The Shimon Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Another Classmate Moves To Our Memorial Section

Pete Engelke died last Saturday.

His obituary was in today's (December 11, 2007) Milwaukee Journal/Sentinel

as follows:

Engelke, Peter "Pete"

Of Hartford. Dec. 8, 2007. Age 63 years. Beloved husband of JoAnn. Loving father of Kristin Ewert and Heather Engelke. Dear brother of Jim Engelke. Beloved son-in-law of Rose Lechner. Further survived by many other relatives and friends. Funeral services Thursday, Dec. 13, 2007, at 10:30 A.M.

at St. Kilian Catholic Church (428 Forest St., Hartford).

Visitation Wed., Dec. 12, 4-7:30 P.M. at the Shimon Funeral Home.

Memorials to Vince Lombardi Cancer Research Clinic appreciated. SHIMON FUNERAL HOME 824 Union St., Hartford, WI 53027 (262) 673-9500 www.shimonfuneralhome.com

Holiday Greetings With A Little Politics Thrown In

Bill Rudersdorf sent us two web sites:

Try this one for a special musical "Holiday Greetings" from Rail Europe:

http://downloads.raileurope.com/holidayCard/06_christmas_card.html

(and click on a "destination" at the bottom of that web page).

Then try this one if you'd like to get political and vote for THE GREATEST QUARTERBACK of all times at:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21036771/

(Hint: You may want to join the over 50% majority and vote for the fella pictured below.)

We Hope Thanksgiving Brought You Many Things To Be Thankful For. It Brought An Inch Or Two Of Snow To Southeastern Wisconsin...

...and "storm warnings" are posted for tomorrow and tomorrow night.

So, if you too are stuck inside because of the weather, try this little quiz to pass the time:

The "How Little We Pay Attention To The Commonplace Things In Life" Quiz

1. On a "Stop & Go" light, is the green on the top or bottom?

2. In which hand is the Statue of Liberty's torch?

3. What two numbers on the telephone dial don't have letters by them?

4. What six colors are on the classic Campbell's soup can label?

5. When you walk does your left arm swing with your right or left leg? (No getting up.)

6. How many cigarettes are in a standard pack?

7. On the United States flag, is the top stripe red or white?

8. Which way does the red slash in a "no smoking" sign run, "top left to bottom right" or
"top right to bottom left?"

9. What's the lowest number on the FM radio dial?

10. How many channels are there on the VHF TV dial?

11. How many sides does a "stop sign" have?

12. How many sides are there on a standard pencil?

13. "Sleepy, Happy, Sneezy, Grumpy, Dopey, Doc." Who's missing?

14. Does a "merry-go-round" turn clockwise or counter-clockwise?

15. How many matches are there in a standard matchbook?


ANSWERS:

1-bottom

2-right

3-"0" and "1"

4-red, white, blue, black, yellow & gold

5-right leg

6-20

7-red

8-top left to bottom right

9-88

10-12

11-8

12-6

13-Bashful

14-counter-clockwise

15-20

Stay warm and don't forget to get your Christmas decorations up just like we have...

"Happy Thanksgiving" (with helpful tips from "Martha Stewart" & "Maxine")

Martha says: "If you accidentally over salt a dish while it's still cooking, drop in a peeled potato and it will absorb the excess salt for an instant fix-up."




Maxine says: "If you over salt a dish while cooking, that's too bad. Please recite with me the cook's motto: 'I made it and you will eat it and I don't care how bad it tastes.' "






Martha says: "Stuff a miniature marshmallow in the bottom of a sugar cone to prevent ice cream drips."

Maxine says: "Just suck the ice cream out of the bottom of the cone, for Pete's sake! You're probably lying on the couch with your feet up eating it anyway."

Martha Stewart says: "To keep potatoes from budding, place an apple in the bag with the potatoes."

Maxine says: "Buy Hungry Jack mashed potato mix. Keep it in the pantry. It keeps for a couple of years.

Martha Stewart says: "Don't throw out leftover wine. Freeze it into ice cubes for future use in casseroles and sauces."

Maxine says: "Leftover Wine??? When has that ever happened?"

Bill Rudersdorf Shares "The Pot of Gold at the End of the Rainbow" and a "Health Alert"

Recently, I was diagnosed with A.A.A.D.D.---Age-Activated Attention Deficit Disorder.

This is how it manifests itself:

This past summer, I decided to water my garden. As I turned on the hose in the driveway, I looked over at my car and decided it needed washing.

As I started toward the garage, I noticed that there was mail on the porch table that I had brought up from the mail box earlier. I decide to go through the mail before I wash the car. I lay my car keys down on the table, put the junk mail in the garbage can under the table and notice that the can is full.

So, I decide to put the bills back on the table and take out the garbage first. But then I think, since I'm going to be near the mailbox when I take out the garbage anyway, I may as well pay the bills first.

I take my check book off the table and see that there is only one check left. My extra checks are in my desk in the study, so I go inside the house to my desk where I find the can of Coke that I had been drinking. I'm going to look for my checks, but first I need to push the Coke aside so that I don't accidentally knock it over. I see that the Coke is getting warm and decide I should put it in the refrigerator to keep it cold.

As I head toward the kitchen with the Coke, a vase of flowers on the counter catches my eye---they need to be watered. I set the Coke down on the counter, and I discover my reading glasses that I've been searching for all morning. I decide I better put them back on my desk, but first I'm going to water the flowers.

I set the glasses back down on the counter, fill a container with water and suddenly I spot the TV remote. Someone left it on the kitchen table. I realize that tonight, when we go to watch TV, I will be looking for the remote, but I won't remeber that it's on the kitchen table, so I decide to put it back in the den where it belongs, but first I'll water the flowers.

I pour some water in the flowers, but quite a bit of it spills on the floor. So, I set the remote back down on the table, get some towels and wipe up the spill. Then I head down the hall trying to remember what I was planning to do.

At the end of the day: the car isn't washed, the bills aren't paid, there is a warm can of Coke sitting on the counter, the flowers don't have enough water, there is still only one check in my check book, I can't find the remote, I can't find my glasses and I don't remember what I did with the car keys.

Then when I try to figure out why nothing got done today, I'm too tired to sort it all out. Don't laugh. If this isn't you yet, your day is coming.

(And remember that growing old is mandatory but growing up is optional---and laughing at yourself is therapeutic.)

More 45th Reunion Photos---this time from Marilyn Raschka

Our very own song leader---Classmate Suzy (Mittelstadt) Lewison.

Those plates didn't remain empty for long...

...Tenderlion Tips & Chicken Cordon Bleu are on their way...

...and hurry up with the Soup, Salad, Rolls, Green Beans and Mashed Potatoes & Gravy!

...or... What's the rush? We've got 45th years to talk over.

Looks like three satisfied classmates finally filled up after the big meal:

Bill Kissel, Dick Indermuehle & Tom Stephenson

Even more "satisfied customers:" Lyle Jens, Bill Rudersdorf

& Tom Stephenson again (twice as satisfied?)

More 45th Reunion Photos from Jim & Judy Dillon

Some people really know how to smile...

Su & Tom Courtney & Dave

Here's one of our "Class Couples"...

Tom Raasch & Sandi (Hundt) Raasch (with Marilyn Raschka in the middle to chaperone them)

Here are two happy classmates who finally got their hot fudge sundies...

Shirley (Funk) Beatty & Kathy (Murphy) Schlieve

How dare this man turn his back on these three lovely ladies???

Joanne (Hofmaier) Machecek & Mary Ann (Doll) Bothe & Karen (Wagner) Walsh & the back of Dave Hansen

These ladies are only smiling because they can see that the food is about to served...

Margie (Puls) Wiedmeyer & Casey (Gavin) Van Ark & Carlynn Hulbert

This happy couple has no time for retirement and they're still smiling...

Lyle & Linda Jens

Three contented party goers...

Judy Dillon & Kathy (Murphy) Schlieve & Gary Schlieve

Two couples discussing "flight plans"...

Jerry Beatty & Tom's friend, Karen, & Tom Hegy & Shirley (Funk) Beatty

Jim & Judy Dillon Share Photos of the 45th Reunion---

We have the two photographers themselves...

Judy & Jim Dillon

Then there were a couple of "Ann's"...

Jean Ann (Kroeten) Stone & Mary Ann (Doll) Bothe

And here is Idaho meeting Oakfield & Iron Ridge...

Wally Van Minsel & Ralph Mittelstadt & his friend Helen

We even had a couple of cousins...

Harriet (Simon) Doerfert & Janice (Simon) Eagan

At least one of them could stop eating long enough for a photo to be taken (but the Hot Fudge Sundies were awfully good)...

Kathy & Gary Schlieve

Can you tell this happy couple is getting close to retiring? (And he even had time to lead us in prayer.)

David & Barbara (Lueck) Nigh

Every now and then "the guys" had to put in some time on their own...

Tom Courtney & Chuck Schwalbe




And every now and then the women had to put in some time on their own too...

Casey (Gavin) Van Ark & Karen (Wagner) Walsh & Margie (Puls) Weidmeyer