A Holiday Message, an Invitation and a Reminder

Hello Everyone,

The Reminder - In just a little less than 4 weeks we will gather on a Sunday afternoon at the home of our classmate Patsy Munger Lehr for our annual mid-winter pot luck get together. These events are always great fun and a chance to get caught up with old friends and enjoy the beautiful holiday decorations in Patsy’s lovely home on the St. Louis River . The date is January 10, 2010; the time is 3:30 p.m. Bring something luscious to share with everyone. If you are not sure what to bring give Milt Hill a Ringy Dingy at 218-722-7193 for some ideas. It’s always a wonderful time; you will be so glad that you were there. It’s a great way to start off a new year, end up the holiday season, and catch up on classmate news. Please join us.

 The Invitation - On another matter: Your Reunion Committee will meet that same day at 2:30 p.m. in advance of the pot luck at Patsy’s. Here is a bit of information about the Reunion Committee we would like to share. None of us, regardless of how long we have served on this panel feels we have been appointed or volunteered FOR LIFE. As a matter of fact, I am sure there are some who would very much like to be cut loose. Some – Joanne, Mary, Marilynn, and others have served on this committee since 1963 and have survived 9 (count ‘em NINE) Reunions. Others, like Berta, Dick, and Barbara have only been around for the last 1 to 16 years – newbies. Our point is, we welcome any and all members of our class who would like to join with us as members of this committee. New members bring new ideas and fresh enthusiasm. So, our point is, If you’ve got a hankerin’ to be a part of this group, don't hesitate - join us. We are not a closed corporation; we serve on your behalf. Just make your way to Patsy’s ready to get down to business at 2:30 p.m. on January 10, 2010. Patsy’s home is at 1121 South 70^th Avenue West ; phone 218-624-4050. If you need directions, give Milt a call and he can help you out there. And for goodness sake if you live in Duluth , drive past Milt’s Master Award winning home and take a look at his Holiday Lighting display (see below). 1126 Anderson Road . It’s spectacular.

The Holiday Message - We are in mid-celebration of Hanukkah and just 10 days from the celebration of Christmas. So from all of us to all of you, our best wishes for a joy-filled holiday season.

  All the Best,
Milt Hill
Barbara Humphrey
Co-Chairs, Duluth Denfeld Class of 1953, Inc.
www.denfeld53.org

The winners and still champions - Milt and Kay Hill

We here in the editorial offices of the Duluth Denfeld Class of 1953, Inc. web maintenance division have lost count. 'Twouldn't be surprised if Milt and Kay have lost count of the number of times they have waltzed away with the super prize either, but by golly, they have done it again. Yep, walked away with the Masters Award for another outstanding Outdoor Home Decorating scheme - again. Milt thinks this is the last year they can enter to compete but he guesses he'll keep it up as friends, neighbors, and relatives encourage him to "put up those lights."

If you live in Duluth, for goodness sake take a drive by and see it for yourself. For those of you in far away places, here are some wonderful photos that Milt has given us permission to use.

Three slightly different views of Milt and Kay's home in Duluth. 1126 Anderson Road. Typically the lights are on nightly until New Year's. 

Part of the prize is a tour of all the wining entries in a classy block-long limousine. In the left photo you can spot Milt in red looking like Santa's helper elf. In the center in her beautiful far-north jacket is Kay. And the center photo, of course, in front of the prize winning home looking like the champions they are. In the right photo, second row, second and third from the left, there they are again. Our winners, our champions, our classmates - MILT AND KAY HILL! ! ! 

"It was a real nice clambake"

It sure was and it's very hard to know where to start reporting on this wonderful event. But I spose I can start with the weather. It was perfect. It only rained when we were inside, or when we were driving home, but at all other times, the sun shone on Denfeld, the members of the Hall of Fame, and all those who were present to cheer them on. 

The Bruncheon:

As senior citizens are want to do, everybody was arriving well ahead of the time they were called. And that was a good thing. The staff at Blackwoods was outstanding, the food was wonderful, the smiling and laughing and renewing of friendships filled the beautiful space with joy. The only wrinkle - our guests of honor somehow went to the Blackwoods in Proctor. But they found us and only missed the speeches. Thousands of thanks to Milt Hill and Joanne Cameron Robson for the arrangements with Blackwoods, to Clyde Rogers for the inspiring table prayer, and to Mary, Bizz, and Faye who helped things move along. And a special thanks to our "photographer of the day," Jerry Fitzpatrick for the stunning photos taken at the bruncheon and at the Denfeld Hall of Fame Ceremony.

Too soon it was time to get everybody moving out to Denfeld to ensure getting good seating. By the way, it was great to see several classmates for the first time in many years: Merle Jean Clemons Eliason, Marion Johnson Ricard, and Donna Olson Peterson and her husband Don (class of '47).

The Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony:

The building was buzzing with excitement when we arrived. Walking into the panel lobby was thrilling. Maroon and Gold everywhere. Denfeld trinkets were for sale by the Denfeld group and the alumni association, the photographer, Butch Williams, was taking portraits of the past Hall of Fame recipients, the registration table was crowded with guests getting their maroon and gold boutonnière, the label with your Hall of Famers name and photograph, and the wonderful program with the names and bios of all the Hall of Famers, past and present. 

Because we had such a large participation from our class, we were honored with our own section on the main floor of the auditorium. Most everyone who had been at the luncheon made it over to the auditorium for the program, each proudly wearing their '53 button. 

The Program:

Scheduled for two hours, it exceeded that by a wee bit. Each past honoree was introduced, a photo displayed on the giant screen above the stage, escorted by current students at Denfeld to seats in the front sections of the auditorium with all of the family members joining in the parade. Receiving huge ovations were the families of Robert Denfeld - including his great grandson William, his wife and two sons, one named for his great, great grandfather; Mary Lou Hunting, daughter of Walt Hunting and her family, husband, daughter, and son. As a special event towards the end of the program those two families, representing perhaps the most influential members of Denfeld's history were called out by Joe Vukelich and met in the center of the stage, the first meeting of these two great families. 

The most rousing welcome was reserved for Mike Colalillo, the only World War II Medal of Honor recipient living in Minnesota. 600 strong the audience rose to their feet, applauding and cheering for this gallant Denfeld alum. 

Several moments were very special for the class of 1953:

The introduction of Susan Anderson Benson, daughter of our classmate Gloria Hammer and Jerry Anderson ('52) and one of the two first women inducted into the Hall of Fame was an exciting moment. Congratulations to Gloria and Jerry and to their outstanding daughter.  

David Karpeles received his plaque with these words: "One row would not have been enough for my family. My family needed an entire section. My family is the Class of 1953." We gave him a standing ovation and were thrilled to have been a part of David's induction into the Denfeld Hall of Fame. 

Clyde Rogers, our class president, accepted the award for Miss Lenore Snodgrass. We were her last class prior to her unexpected death in August 1953. Clyde used the opening lines from a Tale of Two Cities to begin his remarks, "It was the best of times, it was the worst of time." Very well chosen and well received.

A special guest at the ceremony was Duluth Mayor Don Ness. Mayor Ness has given us permission to share his profound remarks here:

(Editors note: Special thanks to Karin Henson Swor, Denfeld class of 1960, who procured Mayor Ness' speech and his permission to use it here.)

In addition to the remarks above, Mayor Ness read two Mayor's proclamations declaring Saturday August 1, 2009 Robert E. Denfeld Day and Walt Hunting Day in Duluth. What a wonderful honor for those families and for our school. 

(Photos above: The Hunting Family on the left, the Denfeld Family on the right in the Tower.  Photo on the right, Robert E. Denfeld, great great grandson of Robert E. Denfeld adds his name to the thousands on the walls of the Tower)
Photos compliments of William Denfeld, great grandson of Robert E. Denfeld and used with his permission.)

The Solid Gold Ensemble opened the program with The Star Spangled Banner and closed it with The Halls of Denfeld leaving us all with that "sweet afterglow." The Denfeld Pep Band and the Cheerleaders led the audience in the singing of the Denfeld Rouser. Andrew Akervik, the son of the new head of the ADOPT committee, Terry Akervick, the committee to get the repairs to the organ completed, was able to get the organ going and we were welcomed into the auditorium with those majestic sounds, the sounds we heard every Friday as we filed into the auditorium for assembly. What a treat! Thank you Andrew. 

(P. S. It was my honor to represent Leo Method, Class of 1924 and an original inductee into the Denfeld Hall of Fame. His daughter, our classmate Anna Marie Method, had an irrevocable conflict and was unable to participate. I was thrilled to have been asked to take part on her behalf in this historic event. BFH)

The Dance:

Great music from our era, although the crowd was quite a bit thinner than the one in the auditorium earlier in the day. Some of the music (Blue Skirt Waltz) reminded us of the Friday Night dances up at the Hillside when we were Lincoln ninth graders. A good representation of '53ers came back to be a part of the dance. Haven't heard if anybody fell in love. 

And then:

It was a great start to what we hope will be a new tradition at Denfeld High School. There are many, many wonderful people who have been associated with Denfeld over the years who must be inducted into the Hall of Fame. Certainly at the top of this writer's list is G. Dell Daedo, our principal who would be celebrating 100 years this year. We will need to marshal our forces the next time there is a call for nominees and hope that we will see him added to this wonderful roster. 

We hope this short dissertation and the dozens of photos you will find on our photo page will give you a sense of this awesome event. It was a great day to be a Hunter. But as Mark Daniels, son of the esteemed Denfeld sports hero, Bobby Daniels was quoted as saying, "Everyday is a great day to be a Hunter."

For additional photos of the Hall of Fame event go to: www.denfeldalumni.com/denfeld-history-photo-gallery-2009-hunter-hall-of-fame-ceremony.cfm 

We are INCORPORATED!

At the final 55th Reunion wrap-up meeting, held in mid-September 2008, your Reunion Committee voted to incorporate as a non-profit corporation in the State of Minnesota. We are designated as an Alumni Association. Several benefits will be ours as a non-profit corporation. First and most importantly, we were able to obtain an Employee Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS and with the EIN assigned we were able to open a checking account on which we will pay no costs or fees. The cost for printed checks was minimal and a supply that will last a long, long time was ordered. At the next meeting, the committee, now designated as the Executive Committee elected Milt Hill and Barbara Humphrey, Co-chairs, Joanne Cameron Robson, Secretary, and Milt Hill, Treasurer. As a Committee we are very excited about this next step in our organizational growth. The State of Minnesota provide a beautiful, suitable-for-framing certificate, which will be on display at the Holiday Potluck in January. Should you have any questions about this action, any one of the members of the Executive Committee would welcome them. Please contact any member. They'd be delighted to hear from you. 

Duluth News Tribune articles offer updates on schools project

The Duluth News Tribune runs articles regularly about the progress of land acquisition and the red plan in general. Read the Duluth paper regularly to keep up on the changes. www.duluthnewstribune.com 

News of '53-ers!

Duluth Superior Symphony Orchestra honors Mr. Environment - Rep. Willard Munger

Clyde Rogers, Denfeld class of '53 president, is the newest member of ADOPT, the organization dedicated to the restoration and rehabilitation of Denfeld's magnificent organ. Committee members report that Clyde's knowledge of non-profits and small business management have been invaluable. With several new members like Clyde and Terry Akervik, the group is back on track and progress is being made. As a 501 c 3 organization, your contributions are tax deductible. Please consider them for your memorial gifts.

As one of a series of concerts honoring Duluthians who have made significant contributions to the Northland, the Duluth Superior Symphony Orchestra (DSSO) so honored Rep. Munger on March 14, 2009. In a concert attended by former Vice President Walter Mondale and a score of Duluth dignitaries, several '53 classmates were also in attendance to honor Patsy's dad. Attendees included Milt and Kay Hill, Clyde Rogers, Caryl Rilling Turcott, Joanne Cameron Robson, and Barbara Humphrey among others. The symphony chose "The Tender Land," a seldom played piece by Aaron Copeland. The guest violinist was inspiring playing a Mozart in his soloist spot. The concert concluded following an intermission with a majestic piece by Sibelius. The Munger Family was introduced from the stage before the start of the concert. Patsy's cousin, The Honorable Judge Mark Munger was in the lobby offering his recently published biography of Rep. Munger for sale. Friends who stopped by included Grant J. Merritt, first director of the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, who had worked with Rep. Munger on several projects. It was an honor to be present.  

Losses

• These recent years have seen the passing, not only of several of our classmates, but of those loved ones that mean so much to all of us. We have noted the deaths of Arlie Kartvedt Moen (precious best friend of Patsy Munger Lehr); Ray Hammer (beloved husband of Helmi Lepisto Hammer); Robert Kelpatz, Jr. (treasured son of Robert Klepatz, Sr.); Floyd Turcott (precious husband of Caryl Rilling Turcott); Don (Toby) Oie, the dear son of Gloria Moen Oie; we mourn with Alex and Bobbie Sisto the death of his sister and our sophomore class colleague, Shirley Sisto Thibault; the life partner of Ed McParlan, Dr. Nina Kostraba. On December 20, 2006, Robbie Robson (Mr. Wonderful), husband of our dear classmate Joanne Cameron Robson died quietly at home after a long illness; and on March 5, 2007 Dick Seymour, husband of our classmate, Joan Glapa Seymour, died after a long illness. We mourn with David Mohr the death of his sister; Barbara Whitely Engstrom on the death of her brother Mark, Ted Keppers on the death of his sister Rose Marie and Sharon Konsti Doyle on the death of her brother, Dennis. And we must acknowledge the death of our classmate Jack Stauty two years ago as reported by his cousin, our classmate Larry Stauty. Sometimes life's challenges are pretty overwhelming. Just weeks before their daughter's diagnosis of breast cancer, Roger Anderson's sister Margaret Swenson died in San Diego. Margaret loved to sing in her church choir, attend as many dances as possible and was crowned Homecoming Queen prior to her graduation from Denfeld High School in 1945. We recently learned of the death of Dorothy Carter wife of our Classmate, Dick Carter. And just within these last few months, our dear classmate Faye Bjork mourned the death of her husband of 53 years, Ryan Hietala. We have just received word that John Olaf Olson, husband for 50 plus years of our classmate Charlene Wick died on December 27, 2008 after a two year struggle with Mesothelioma. John was a member of the Denfeld class of 1950. Most recently we learned of the deaths of Eli Miletich's sister, Barbara, and the husband of Mary Ann LaFlamme, Jim Fitzsimmons, to whom she had been married for more than 53 years. 
• A blizzard was raging in Duluth but that did not stop the friends and classmates who came to pay their respects to Bill (Wild Bill) Nelson, Denfeld Class of 1952. Bill was married to our dear classmate Bizz Boyd for more than 53 years and it was a tribute to them that the weather did not keep their friends and family at home on that sad day of farewell. Roads were closed in some parts of the state, including those on the range, which prevented some friends and former team mates from making the trip to Duluth. They were there in spirit. Bill was diagnosed with mesothelioma in December, a vicious, painful form of lung cancer. Keep Bizz in your hearts. Just days later, Bizz's cousin Bob Boyd, Denfeld class of 1951 also died. Bob was married, as you may remember to Charlotte Anderson, also class of 1951 alum. Sad times for the Boyd family.
• Since our reunion in August, 2003, several of our classmates have mourned the loss of one or more of their parents. By listing those whose mothers or fathers have recently died we will surely miss one or two, and for that we apologize: we remember David Karpeles, Marcy Rendulich Gannucci, Joyce Ekstrom Fairbrother, Dale Asperheim, and most recently Elaine Pederson Hill. Loss of a parent at any age, whether it is at 53 or 96, is devastating and to those whose parents have recently passed, we extend a particular sense of sympathy and understanding.
• This past year has brought the sad news of the deaths of the children of two of our classmates. Jon Alan Lepisto, age 44, died on Sunday, June 7, 2009 in Duluth. Jon was the son of our classmate Kay Hultman Van Rossen. His family shared this message, "Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle. Jon taught us so much." Just this week, an email from Gayle P. Johnson told of the death in Wilmington, North Carolina of his daughter Kelli, aged 42,  on July 8, 2009. There is no sorrow like the sorrow of a parent whose child pre-deceases them. Our sincere sympathy goes out to Kay and Gayle. Take some small comfort knowing that your classmates are holding you warmly in their hearts. 
• Typically when a classmate dies, we post the facts on the In Memoriam page. This time, however, we have lost a classmate that was so special to so many of us, it bears mentioning here. Billy Hussey succumbed to the pancreatic cancer that had been ravaging that great man for so many years. Those of us who were lucky enough to visit with him during his last days found him in great spirits and at peace. From the moment of diagnosis he knew he was fighting and unconquerable foe. But he pressed on, spirits high, courage on full speed ahead, unvanquished by what had befallen him. Death came on October 21, 2009. Bill was very proud to be a Denfeld Hunter. He proudly displayed his Denfeld Hunters Alumni TShirt and delighted in the visits with classmates. He was a gentle giant of a man. There will not be another like him.
    
  Our friend, Bill Hussey
  
• These deaths are mourned by us all. Please let me know whomever I may have missed.

DHSAA Board of Directors

The following are members of the Board of Directors of the Denfeld High School Alumni Association and their year of graduation from Denfeld:

2009 Denfeld Alumni Association Board of Directors

Marilyn Monson (Goneau, 1946)
218-722-9470

Rudy Monson (1947)
218-722-9470

Ruth Thorpe (Van Kleek, 1956)
218-624-4692
ruthvk @ denfeldalumni.com

Adrienne Thureen (Bergquist, 1957)
218-525-5664
adrienne @ denfeldalumni.com

Karin Swor (Henson, 1960)
218-348-5843
karin @ denfeldalumni.com

Linda Paulick (Seger, 1963)
218-628-9224
linda @ denfeldalumni.com

Richard Swanson (1966)
218-722-0796
swanny @ denfeldalumni.com

Joe Vukelich (1977)
218-628-0519
vuk @ denfeldalumni.com

Anna Montgomery (Jimenez, 1979)
218-624-3582
anna @ denfeldalumni.com

Mandy LeGarde (Roman, 1988)
218-628-2584
mandy @ denfeldalumni.com

Tim LeGarde (1988)
218-349-1580
tim @ denfeldalumni.com

Russell Salgy (1989)
218-624-0178
russ @ denfeldalumni.com

Andy Ensign (1991)
218-624-2086
andy @ denfeldalumni.com

Drew Bloomquist (2006)
218-626-2390
drew @ denfeldalumni.com

Last updated: December 15, 2009