Arnold Kreke

We received word today of the passing of classmate Arnold Kreke. Arnold passed away on February 7th, 2019 in Caseyville. Our sincere sympathy and condolences are extended to all of Arnold’s family and friends in this time of loss. Arnold’s full obituary, as published in the Belleville News-Democrat, can be viewed on our “Deceased” page.

A Chilly Alfonzo’s Gathering

These five brave souls ventured out in weather unfit for man and beast to enjoy some fellowship and reminisce with dear friends Monday evening (Jan 21). Perhaps you’d like to join the Ladies of ’65 next month – all it takes is contacting Joyce to get all the details. Thanks to Georgia Yost for the photo.

Alfonzo's - Jan 2019
From left – Nancy Kingsbury Fox, Georgia Yost, Adele Lozier Miller, Ellen Witte, Sandy Lindley Snyder

Robert A. Votava


We are saddened to learn of the passing of another of our classmates. Robert A. Votava passed away on Saturday, December 22nd, 2018 at Anderson Hospital in Maryville. Our condolences and sympathy go out to Robert’s family and friends.

Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m., Friday, December 28, 2018 at Herbert A. Kassly Funeral Home, Collinsville, IL

His complete obituary can be seen on our ‘deceased’ page.

Robert A. Votava 1947 – 2018

Ladies Luncheon

The Ladies of ’65 had another great luncheon on Monday, December 17th. The photos below were provided by classmate Georgia Yost.

Rear – Terri Koehne Odorizzi, Beatrice Dickman Clayton, Judith Beasley, Nancy DeLuca Caminiti, Sandy Lindley Snyder, Sharon Bauer Culberson, Renee Tope Taake, Adele Lozier Miller Front – Janet Baker Smith, Diane Hadfield Miller, Georgia Yost, Patricia Furfaro Totleben
Joyce Weber Ackerman and Janet Baker Smith
Theresa Koehne Odorizzi, Judy Schikowski Mentz, Diane Hadfield Miller

Terry Poneleit

Classmate Terry Poneleit passed away today in Edwardsville, Illinois. Our condolences and sincere sympathy go out to his wife Kathy and all of his family and friends.

Visitation will be 4pm to 8pm on Thursday, December 6, 2018 at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 304 South Street, Collinsville, IL.

Funeral service will be at 1pm on Friday, December 7, 2018 at the church.  Interment will be in Sunset Hills Memorial Estates, Glen Carbon, IL.

 


Terry Poneleit

Ladies of ’65 at Alfonzo’s

The Ladies of ’65 met again on Monday at Alfonzo’s Pizzeria in Troy for their monthly get-together. They look like they all had a great time, and I’m sure some were discussing plans for the big Christmas gathering next month. Now is the time to contact Joyce and get all the details – I know they’ll be glad to see you!
Click the image for a larger view.


Rear – Georgeanne Bub Georgoff, Adele Lozier Miller, Betty Stephens Wilson, Georgia Yost, Nancy Kingsbury Fox, Sandy Lindley Snyder, Gayle Holsinger, Judy Schikowski Mentz
Front – Nancy DeLuca Caminiti, Sharon Bauer Culberson, Janet Baker Smith, Ellen Witte, Sandy Oliver Anderson

Paul Bilyeu


1947 – 2018

We are sorry to learn of the passing of another classmate. Paul Bilyeu passed away in Altamonte Springs, Florida on October 17th, 2018. He is survived by his wife and classmate Jane Coffin Bilyeu, his children Paul, Christopher and Matthew,  and sisters Mary and Linda and brother Alan.

Our sincere sympathy and condolences go out to Jane and all of Paul’s family and friends in this time of loss.

Full obituary is available on our Deceased page.

Ladies of ’65 – October 2018

The Ladies of ’65 met again on Monday October 15th. A smaller group this month, but they still had a great time reminiscing and catching up. You would be amazed at the fun these ladies have each month. Perhaps it’s time to contact Joyce and make plans to join them in November. They’d LOVE to see you!


Ladies of ’65 – October 2018
Rear – Ellen Witte, Judy Schikowski Mentz, Georgia Yost, Beatrice Dickman Clayton
Front – Janet Baker Smith, Joyce Weber Ackerman, Sharon Bauer Culberson, Adele Lozier Miller

September at Alfonzo’s

The Ladies of ’65 met again on Monday, September  18th, for some food, fellowship and fun. Looks like they have a heck of a time EVERY time they get together! Don’t you think it’s about time to join them? Make sure you bring your memories! Contact Joyce for all the details.
(Click the image for a larger view)


Rear – Nancy DeLuca Caminiti, Joyce Weber Ackerman, Sharon Bauer Culberson, Renee Tope Taake, Theresa Koehne Odorizzi
Center – Betty Stephens Wilson, Ellen Witte, Judy Schikowski Mentz, Georgia Yost, Nancy Kingsbury Fox
Front – Georgeanne Bub Georgoff, Diane Hadfield Miller, Janet Baker Smith, Judith Beasley


From left – Joyce Weber Ackerman, Nancy Kingsbury Fox, Judy Schikowski Mentz, Janet Baker Smith

Sensei Fred Christian – 50th Karate Anniversary

Classmate Fred Christian was honored today as 8th Dan and highest ranking American in the World Matsubayashi-Ryu Karate-Do Association.  And he is celebrating his 50th karate anniversary.
I will not pretend to know what I’m talking about here – karate-do is not something I am familiar with. But I can certainly relate to a 50-year celebration – and that is AWESOME!
Congratulations Fred, your dedication to the sport is astounding!
Here is a link to the Facebook article too – Sensei Fred Christian