Aquinas High School ALUMNI NEWS

Volume 47 No. 1 3420 MN Road, David City, NE. 68632 October 2015

OFFICIAL AQUINAS ALUMNI NEWSLETTER Alumni from the 1970’s ALUMNI C A L E N D A R honor John Kirby O F E V E N T S This year’s annual taught and coached at Graduation, May 15, 2016 2:00pm awards banquet at Aquinas High School. Aquinas had an addi- The alumni football All Souls Day Mass tional honor given out. players from Aquinas November 2, 2015 8:10am Awards Night is usually presented John with a a night to honor current plaque and a replica 2015 Phone-a-thon students of Aquinas helmet from the Minne- November 15 & 16 High School. However, sota Vikings 1960’s-70’s Chris Alt, Class of 1976, present- several Aquinas football era. John autographed players from the 1970’s ed John Kirby with a plaque and the helmet and now helmet on behalf of the players Aquinas Alumni asked if they could pay both the helmet and who John coached at Aquinas. Potato Bake tribute to one of our plaque reside in the tro- January 23, 2016 own who has already phy cases at Aquinas graduated. along side State Cham- John Kirby was a 1960 pionship trophies. graduate of St. Mary’s

High School and a part

INSIDE THIS of a St. Mary’s team that ISSUE: recently received the Dominant Dynasty Superintendent and 2 Development. Office award for their success as a football team. After News and Notes 3 graduation, John went

Births & Weddings 4 on to play football for the University of Ne- Alumni Updates 5 braska, Lincoln where he served as a team cap- In memory of... 6 tain his senior year. Af- ter graduation from Summer Reunions 8-11 UNL, he was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings. Strategic Plan News 11 L to R: Mark Moravec ‘79, Russ Moravec ‘77, Chris Alt ‘76, Tom Following his time with Zitek ‘76, Terry Bartunek ‘76, Tom Soukup ‘76, John Kirby SM Up Coming Events 12 the pro’s, he came back ‘60, Rick Grubaugh ‘76, Marty Krafka ‘76, Jerry Roh ‘76, Dan to his roots where he Lyons ‘78, Tom Hilger ‘77, Ken Hilger ‘80, Bill Gillespie ‘78 P a g e 2 Aquinas alumni News

A Message from the Chief Administrative Officer

Dear Aquinas Alumni, family. Our Alumni Direc- alumni will be assigned the communication of our tor, Deb Svec also works task of evaluating current Catholic schools needs to Greetings from the Home very hard to communicate programs, projects, and the improve, we have hired a of the Monarchs! We hope to you the news coming overall funding of Aquinas part-time marketing assis- that you are enjoying a from Aquinas Catholic and St. Mary’s. They will tant, Mrs. Laura Adair, who beautiful autumn as we are Schools via this newsletter, identify the areas that are will oversee the marketing here in Nebraska. This past our school website, and working well, and the areas arm of our Development May we added 36 new Facebook. We want you to that could be enhanced or Office. She will also be graduates to the Aquinas not only be informed about improved. After more than helping to build and con- Catholic Alumni list, and your alma mater, but also 60 interviews of Aquinas sistently update our brand please God there will be 36 to know how important and St. Mary’s stakehold- new website, which will be more in 2016! Those clas- your relationship is to us at ers, the consensus was to debuting in December! We ses will get progressively Aquinas. begin a process to ensure will be excited to let you bigger over the next 3 the long-term sustainability know when we launch the years, as our current fresh- To that end, I want to an- of our Catholic schools, new website, and look men class boasts 55 stu- nounce that Aquinas and including the following forward to helping you be dents! St. Mary’s Catholic Schools areas: Spiritual Ministry, better informed about are in the beginning stages Finance and Development, Aquinas and St. Mary’s We are grateful for the of a new Strategic Plan. Academic Programs, Enroll- Catholic Schools. spiritual and financial sup- This pro-active, forward ment Enhancement, and port that our alumni have looking planning will help Alumni and Benefactor God Bless you! provided to us this past us to navigate the next five Relationships. year, and we appreciate years in a variety of areas. Fr. Sean Timmerman the communication you A dedicated team of teach- Knowing also that the mar- Fr. Sean M. Timmerman provide to us of significant ers, administrators, par- keting (especially for re- events in your life and your ents, benefactors, and cruiting new students) and Chief Administrative Officer F r o m t h e Development/alumni

Dear Alumni, From the main page you wanted to see taken can download the school care of before the something you would BREAKING NEWS: calendar to your phone. Strategic Planning Pro- enjoy attending or Aquinas is getting a From this page you will cess was completed. participating in? Let new web page!!! It will also be able to see St. We will continue the me know by dropping be new and improved, Mary’s Catholic Elementary Alumni Facebook page me an email to: deb- and Alumni will be a information and connect to as well. [email protected] I’d part of it. On the Alum- all 13 parishes. We are love to hear from ni page, you will be hopeful that the page will We are also always you!!! able to send us address go live sometime in De- looking for ways to In Christ, changes, email ad- cember. The address will gather alumni togeth- dresses, cell phones, er. It has come to our Deb Svec name changes and be: attention that we have news!!! Also once the www.aquinas-catholic.com numerous alumni who Alumni Director page is up and running, are in bands and that Our goal is to make the you will be able to page more current, user it might be fun to have make donations to the friendly and informative. a “Battle of the Bands” school via credit card. We began a process of event for our Alumni, This is something that Strategic Planning this past family and benefac- some of you have been summer and the state of tors. We have alumni asking for numerous our web page was one in polka, country and times over the years. thing that our committee rock bands. Is this Volume 41 No. 1 P a g e 3

News and Notes

Sr. Mary Markita ness, Russ also auctions for Mecum Auto Sister Rose Klein SM ‘59, celebrated Kratochvil, T.O.R., Auctions and numerous charity events 50 years as a vowed member of the ‘99, made her perpetual throughout the state including our own Adorers of the Blood of profession of vows with Gold Rush! Christ (ASC) on Saturday, the Franciscan Sisters, Doug Densen ‘78 and Chad Lyons ‘82 July 11, 2015, at the Wichita Third Order Regular of were honored by the National High School Center in Wichita, Kan. Penance of the Sorrow- Athletic Coaches Association as top eight Sister Rose made her first ful Mother on July 11. coaches in Wrestling and Assistant Boys vows in July 1965 and her As a religious sister, she Sport Coach respectively. Denson went on final profession on July 4, made the three vows of to take honors as the number one coach in 1970. She marked her anniversary with a chastity, poverty, and obedience, a life lived Wrestling. These men were honored in Mass and dinner, and was joined in the in close imitation of Jesus. Sr. Mary Markita Rochester, MN for their accomplishments. celebration by Sisters, family and friends. is the daughter of Lawrence and Suzanne The Rev. Tom Welk presided at the (Fiala) ’70 Kratochvil of Ulysses, Nebraska Sr. Fiat Marie liturgy. Sister Rose was born in Bell- (Stephanie Eller wood, Neb., to Nicholas and Alice Klein. THANK YOU to the Class of 2015 for ‘10) took her First She received her bachelor’s degree in their donation of the new conference Vows as a Christ the education from Sacred Heart College, King Sister in July. In now Newman University, in Wichita, in banners which now grace the wall of addition to members 1966 and her master’s degree in educa- our south gym! of her order, Bishop Conley and her family tion administration from the University were there to witness the vows. of Dayton in Dayton, Ohio, in 1981. She Sister Marilyn Geiger ‘62, a member of held certificates in elementary teaching the Sisters of Saint Francis of Carol Ann Kobza ‘75, is the new Direc- and/or administration in New Mexico, Rochester, MN, will celebrate tor of Development for the Bemis Center Kansas, Nebraska and Oklahoma. Sister her Golden Jubilee with the for Contemporary Arts in Omaha. Most Rose’s ministry as an elementary teacher Congregation on August 2, recently she served as the Director for the in Kansas included St. Mary in Aleppo, 2015. Sister Marilyn Geiger, Bone Creek Museum of Agrarian Art in St. Nicholas in Kinsley and both Christ formerly Sister Florian, was David City. Gabrielle Comte ‘09 will be the King and St. Anne in Wichita; Christ born in Seward, NE, and en- helping to fill the role of the vacant director the King in Oklahoma City, Okla.; St. tered the Rochester Franciscan Congrega- position at the Bone Creek Museum along Mary’s in David City, Neb.; and St. Hele- tion from the Immaculate Conception par- with the museum’s current curator. Gabi is na in Hobbs, N.M. She served as both ish in Ulysses, NE. She graduated from the also the Collections Manager. principal and teacher in Kinsley and College of Saint Teresa in Winona, MN, Hobbs. Her community service included with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, and Msgr. Myron Pleskac, DA ‘52 celebrat- working in the treasurer’s office and from the University of Washington in Seat- ed his 55th anniversary to the priesthood later serving as business office manager tle with a Master of Science in Nursing. She this past spring and Msgr. Robert Roh, at the Wichita Center. She also spent also received a Master of Divinity in Theol- SM ‘57 celebrated his 50th along with re- several years as the bookkeeper for Villa ogy from Seattle University. She spent tirement. Maria in Mulvane, Kan. Sister Rose cur- many years working in the Archdiocese of rently resides at the Wichita Center Seattle, WA, as pastoral coordinator of St. Tina Plasek Hitz ‘89 is a where she is Living Mission in Later Life Anne's Parish, and as a family nurse practi- Sergeant with the Seward with a ministry of prayer. tioner in a community clinic in Seattle. County Sheriff’s Department. Presently, she serves as the Congregational She has been with the depart- Minister/President of the Sisters of Saint ment 18 years and was in Francis, Rochester, MN. Sister Marilyn is a charge of the D.A.R.E program there for 15 member of the Leadership Council of years. Women Religious (LCWR), serving on LCWR’s National Board of Directors as the Chairperson for LCWR Region 11, and If you have any interesting news or notes concerning Aquinas alumni, please as a participant on the LCWR Global Con- consider contacting me for inclusion in future newsletters. Please include as cerns Committee. much information as you can as well as contact information. If you would like to send me information or if you need to contact me, I can be reached at: Russ Moravec ‘77 was awarded the Nebraska E-mail: [email protected] Auctioneer of the Year Phone: (402) 367-3175 award for 2015 this past Address: P.O. Box 149, David City, NE 68632 c/o Deb Svec summer at the Nebraska Please also check us out on the web: Auctioneer Association http://aquinas.esu7.org/Alumni Convention. In addition to the family busi- Facebook: Search for Aquinas High School Alumni

P a g e 4 Aquinas alumni News Baby Monarchs Renee Vandenberg Howe ’92 and Brad, a daughter, Leyton James Howe, October 7, 2014 Karen Topil Miller ‘10 and Tyler, a daughter, Elizabeth Kay, born April 10, 2015 Shea Hilger Perillo ’02 and Mike, a daughter, Chloe Janelle, born April 26, 2015 Andrea Urbanek Svoboda ‘98 and Eric, a daughter, Sophia Lynn, born May 2, 2015 Jeff Andel ’95 and Christy, a daughter, Kalliope Rose, born May 5, 2015 Tony ‘04 and Lisa Schmit Meister ‘04, a daughter, Sadie Marie, born May 7, 2015 Corey Ostdiek ‘05 and Sara, a son, Eli Wayne, born March 22, 2015 Elise Klosterman Brown ‘04 and Adam a daughter, Eloise Jane, born June 2, 2015 Bryce Urbanek ‘04 and Corey, twins, Collin Jacob and Cassandra Jade, born June 5, 2015 Brian Birkel ’06 and Brianna, a daughter, Emerson Brialla, born June 22, 2015 Todd Meysenburg ’05 and Tricia, a son, Graham Wiston, born July 1, 2015 Nick Kobza ’95 and Michelle, a daughter, Emily Michelle, Born July 6, 2015 Jeremy Belsky ’92 and Bridgett, a son, Josiah Joseph, born July 8, 2015 Ryan Meysenburg ’01 and Tricia, a daughter, Leah Rose, born July 11, 2015 Kyle Eller ’06 and Carly, a son, Karver Allen, born July 21, 2015 Michelle Rerucha Todd ‘99 and Cliff, a son, William Jameson, born July 23, 2015 Beth Engel Moulton ’07 and Chris, a daughter, Estella Marie, born July 27, 2015 Jennifer Meysenburg Balsille ‘03 and Aaron, a daughter, Jodelyn Margaret, born August 14, 2015 Chad Juranek ’01 and Rebecca, a son, Henry Jonathan, born August 15, 2015 Trev Moravec ’06 and Michaela, a son, Jase Russell, born August 20, 2015 Matt Gruntorad ’05 and Laura, twins, a boy, Luke Woodson and a girl, Rose Eleanor, born August 27, 2015 Scott ‘00 and Connie Pohl ‘07 Samek, a daughter, Sadie Marie, born September 9, 2015 Chanda Ostdiek Nelson ‘00 and Chris, a son, Tyler Elwin, born September 19, 2015 m a r r i a g e s

Jacob Miriovsky ’07 to Sara Montag, May 23, 2015 Sarah Smith ‘04 to David Nedrig, June 20, 2015 Lynsey Kreikemeier ’07 to Joel Martenson, July 18, 2015 Nicki Woolsey ’01 to J.R. Nelson, August 1, 2015 Valerie Smith ’06 to Anton Engel, August 15, 2015 Nick Rech ’06 to Kelsey Beiermann, August 22, 2015 Brett Schmit ’06 to Alesia Hock, August 29, 2015 Britny Novacek ’07 to Nick Brichacek, September 12, 2015 Megan Kucera ’06 to Dustin Valenti, September 12, 2015 Volume 41 No. 1 P a g e 5

2016 Reunion Honor Years 1966, 1971, 1976, 1981, 1986, 1991, 1996, 2001, 2006, 2011 Let us know what your class plans are for reunion. Also, if you have an e-mail address, send it to [email protected]. It makes it easier and cheaper to send you information on class reunions and updates on classmates. Thank you!

***CLASS OF ’66 50TH REUNION Can you believe it has been nearly 50 years since our days at Aquinas? Well, we will be celebrating that 50 years next June 11 in Lincoln. Len Sloup and Sue Quambusch are graciously opening up their home for our get togeth- er. We are hoping for a great turnout so put it on your calendar and tell any classmates that you are in contact with to do the same. We also have a Class of ’66 facebook page so if you are a facebook user, please join us to keep in touch. More information will be forthcoming but if you have questions or comments, contact Len Sloup at [email protected] or Terry Geiger at [email protected]

Keep up with what is going on with Aquinas and Aquinas Alumni through our Facebook page. Look for us at: https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Aquinas-High-School-Alumni/134378903298894 2014 Alumni Scholarship Recipients

Mikayla Kadlec is the female recipient of The male recipient of the 2015 Alumni the 2015 Alumni Scholarship. She is the Scholarship is Andrew Duke. He is the daughter of Mike and Barb Kadlec of Da- son of Leslie and Rachel Augustin Duke vid City. Mikayla is attending Southeast ‘92 of David City. Andrew is attending Community College/University of Nebras- Wayne State College where he is major- ka where she is majoring in Accounting. ing in Computer Information Systems.

Annikka Klement is the female alternate for Nathan Kovar is the male alternate for the 2015 Alumni Scholarship. She is the the 2015 Alumni Scholarship. He is the daughter of Marvin and Jenifer Klement of son of Mark ’85 and Julie Kovar of David Ulysses. Annikka is attending Wayne State City. Nathan is attending Nebraska College where she will be working towards a Wesleyan University, Lincoln majoring in degree in Physical Therapy. Exercise Science. P a g e 6 Aquinas alumni News In memory of...

John James Vasa died March David City. He graduated past member of Immaculate church. He was a member of 26, 2015, after living a long and from Aquinas Catholic High Conception Church, Ulysses, Presentation Parish, Knights of full life. John was born in Arthur School in 1970. He farmed Holy Spirit Parish in North Columbus, and the Bellwood Le- County, Neb., May 3, 1921, the for most of his life, and on Platte and a current member gion. first child of John E. Vasa and June 17, 1978, he was united of St. Stephen the Martyr in Frank is survived by his wife: Marie (Sibal) Vasa. in marriage to Barb Trouba, Omaha where he was active- Eleanor; daughters: Sue (Michael) John attended a one-room in Dwight, at Assumption ly involved in the Knights of Lilly, of Ceresco, Nancy (Jamie) school in Arthur County for Catholic Church. Ben was a Columbus,. where he enjoyed Pearson, of Blair, and Mary eight years, then attended and member of the Knights of working the annual Lenten (Wayne) Ringer, of Lincoln. graduated from Dwight As- Columbus, S.S. Peter & Paul fish frys. Barbara J. Brandhorst, 71, of sumption School in Dwight, Parish Board in Abie, and the Surviving is his wife, David City, passed Neb in 1936. He was drafted Linwood Township. He ran a Kathryn, children and grand- away July 1, 2015, at into the Army in 1942 and dairy farm for 15 years, and children: Amy Gannon and the University of served in Europe with the 99th Ben's Repair for 21 years. Kevin Warren,(Anica, and Nebraska Medical Infantry Battalion. He received Ben loved to repair all things, Thomasina) of Ulysses; Jack Center, in Omaha. the Purple Heart and the Bronze and to spend time outdoors, and Krysia(Julia, Lucy and Barbara was born Star. and with his grandchildren. Ian), and Mark and Megan April 16, 1944 to Joseph and After being discharged from the He is survived by his mother: Gannon both of Omaha. One Clara(Puetz) Meysenburg in Da- Army, he resumed farming in Marcella Divis; wife of 36 sister: Mary Margaret(Jerry) vid City, Nebraska. She graduat- Ogallala, Neb. John married years: Barb Divis; sons: An- Brown of Omaha. ed from Aquinas High School in Lillian Johnson Rasmussen in drew (Jennifer) Divis, of Da- Tom was preceded in death 1962. 1952. They moved to Longmont vid City, David (Valerie) by his parents. She was a Social Service Director, in 1962 and then to Holyoke in Divis, of Appleton, and Dan- Frank "Shorty" Eller, 86, of and worked at David Place, St. 1965. iel (Jacy Schwartz) Divis, of David City, Joseph's Villa, and had clients at John was dedicated to giving David City; brothers: Dwaine passed away Region V. Barbara retired in back to his community and held Divis, Bernie (DelAnn) Divis; June 4, 2015 at 2010. offices with the Holyoke School sisters: Jan Thomas, Teresa the Butler Coun- She was a member of the Ladies Board, Colorado State Ground (Tim) McMeen; 6 grandchil- ty Health Care Guild at Redeemer Lutheran Water Commission, Frenchman dren; and numerous nieces Center in David City. Church, the David City Red Hat Groundwater Management Dis- and nephews. Frank was born February 25, Club, Ladies BUNCO Card Club, trict, the Western Sugar Beet Thomas W. Gannon, 68, of 1929 on the farm near Bell- and was on bowling leagues. She Growers Association, the Parish Omaha, formerly wood, to Frank and Mary was an avid Husker Fan. Council at St. Patrick’s Catholic of North Platte (Delahamet) Eller. He at- She is survived by her mother: Church and the 99th Infantry and Ulysses, died tended Marietta School Clara Meysenburg; husband: Division Association. John en- peacefully at his and graduated in 1947. Mark Brandhorst; son: Randy joyed reading, traveling and home on Satur- After high school, he farmed Vavra, of Bellwood; daughter: spending time with friends and day, May 16, 2015, after liv- with his dad until joining the Re'Nee (Pete) Palensky, of family. ing with cancer for nine United States Marine Corps, Schuyler; siblings: Mary Jo Novak, John is survived by his wife, years. and served during the Kore- of David City, Betty (Jerry) Vota- Lillian; stepdaughter, Carissa Thomas W. Gannon was born an War from August 14, va, of Columbus, Bev Hain, of Da- Hill and husband Marc of Wichi- on June 28, 1946, at David 1951, to August 13, 1953. On vid City, Michael (Leslie) Meysen- ta Falls, Texas; sons, Ken and City, Nebraska, to Leonard P. November 27, 1965, Frank burg, of Lagrange, WY, Carol wife Nancy of Monmouth, Ore., and Margaret(Brym)Gannon. was united in marriage to (Hugh) Johnson, of Omaha, Pat Mike and wife Peggy of He graduated from Aqui- Eleanor McDonald at St. Pat- (Carol) Meysenburg, of David Winamac, Ind., Pat and wife nas High School in 1964. rick's Catholic Church in City, and Donna (Barry) Waller, of Danette of Holyoke, and Phil He entered the Nebraska Council Bluffs. Three daugh- Papillion. and wife Susie of Holyoke; National Guard in 1965 and ters were born to this union. Larry Meysenburg, 67, formerly daughter, Lisa and husband Ken was active until 1973. Tom He grew up on the farm, of David City, passed away July 2 of Helena, Mont.; 17 grandchil- married Kathryn Carlson on where he has lived his entire in Baton Rouge, Loui- dren; and 10 great- April 5, 1975, at Concord, life. Frank farmed and raised siana. Larry was born grandchildren. Nebraska. Three children cattle with his dad and on August 9, 1947, to Benedict "Ben" Divis, were born to this union. brother, Alfred. He enjoyed Alfred and Grace 63, of Abie, passed Tom was honored as Farmer all sports, especially Aquinas Meysenburg. away at his home on of the Year from the Jaycees and Nebraska Huskers Larry attended St. April 16, 2015. Ben Farm and Ranch. He coached events. Frank liked attending Mary’s Elementary Divis was born January baseball, played tennis and his grandkids' events, and School and graduated from Aqui- 13, 1952 to James and enjoyed spending time with was very proud of his time in nas High School in 1965. He Marcella (Kozisek) Divis, in friends and family. He was a the service, and of his attended Allegheny College in Volume 41 No. 1 P a g e 7

In memory of...

Meadville, PA and lived and Agnes Vanis. He graduated past and ultimately with his and raised him as their own worked in Boston, MA for 10 from Marietta High cancer and death. son. Family meant everything years before moving to Oma- School. On March 2, 1957, he Mike Jarvis is survived by his to her and her love, concern, ha and receiving his Master’s married Marjorie Wonder- children, Michaela Butler of care and compassion will be degree from the University of check at Presentation Catho- West Union, Iowa and Joshua truly missed. Nebraska at Omaha. He was lic Church in Marietta. They Jarvis of Arizona; his mother, Survivors: Husband, Vic, sons, awarded a grant to study at lived in David City for 20 Betty (Coufal) Didier of Lin- Kurt(Shelly) Palik of Brainard Louisiana State University years and then moved to Ris- coln; his father, Douglas Jarvis and Jeff(Lori)Palik of David and work as a graduate assis- ing City. Marion was a truck of Montague, Mich.; his broth- City, daughter, Diane(Phil) tant. In 1993, he contracted driver and "shade tree" me- ers, Marty Jarvis of Lincoln, Swinscoe of Lincoln, 10 grand- Legionnaires disease. He sub- chanic. He loved tinkering in and Monte Jarvis of Portland, children: Michael and Joseph sequently suffered a stroke his shop, reading western Ore.; his sisters, Crystal Swinscoe, Joshua, Kaleb, Bran- which left him disabled and books, watching westerns on (Didier) Shriner of Lincoln and don, Brittney, Jordan and Kait- unable to continue his career. TV and following the Denver Wendy Jarvis Stephens of Pine- lyn Palik, Kennen, and Parker At the time of his death, he Broncos. Marion is survived hurst, N.C. Robinson. was residing at St. Clare Man- by his wife, Marjorie of Rising Carol K. Palik, 70, of David brother: Gene(Linda)Reisdorff or in Baton Rouge. City, one son, Randy(Susan) City died of Denver, CO, sister: Judy(Ken) Survivors include his brother, Vanis of Elgin, three daugh- Thursday, Kerkman of Lincoln, NE. Bill, and sister-in-law, Mariel; ters;Dianna Robertson, David August 27, Msgr. Raymond Hain, a retired nieces, Kristin Petty (Matt), City, Connie(Ron) Foltz, Co- 2015 at her priest of the Diocese and Kara Connolly; and grand lumbus and Brenda(Mike) residence. of Lincoln and nieces, Lauren and Paige Pet- Gates of Shelby, two sis- Carol was founder of Aquinas ty and Grace and Ella Connol- ters;Wilma(Jerry) born on Octo- High School, died ly. Dewispelare, Octavia and ber 18, 1944 to John and Agnes Aug. 2, 2015. He Larry was preceded in death Dorothy(Kenny) DeWispelare (Mannlein)Reisdorff at Gothen- was 91. Msgr. Ray- by his parents. His sister, of David City. burg, Nebraska. She was in the mond Hain grew up Mary Ann, passed away Au- Michael E. Jarvis, 53, Butner, first class to graduate from in rural Butler County and at- gust 3, 2015. N.C., formerly of the new Aquinas High School tended Assumption High Clara Agnes (Bartek) Karp- David City, died in 1962. She married Victor School in Dwight. He was or- isek, 85, of Lincoln, passed from cancer on Palik on June 22, 1963, at St. dained in 1948 and served par- away on July 10, 2015. Born Wednesday, July Mary's Catholic Church in Da- ishes in Elmwood, Hastings (St. in Loma to Ralph and Christi- 15, 2015 in But- vid City. Four children were Cecilia), Lincoln (Sacred Heart na Bartek on January 21, ner. Mike was born to this union. and St. Thomas Aquinas New- 1930. She graduated from born on February Carol's main focus was God man Center), Manley, McCook Dwight Assumption in 20, 1962 to Betty and Douglas and family. She always made (St. Patrick, St. Ann and Sacred 1948. She married Thomas Jarvis at Offutt Air Force Base sure her family had what they Heart), Tecumseh, Plattsmouth Karpisek on June 21,1949. in Omaha. He attended St. needed, no matter the sacrifice. and St. Mary. Clara was a member of Saint Mary’s Elementary School Carol helped Vic as bookkeeper In the 1950s, Msgr. Hain was Patrick's Catholic Church and graduated from Aquinas at his IGA store. After they sold vice rector for student person- since 1956. She was also a High School in 1980. Mike the store, she also worked in nel at the Catholic University of member of the Altar Society. entered the United States bookkeeping at various jobs, America in Washington, D.C. He Retired from Goodyear Tire Army in 1980 and served till including the Butler County was recalled to Lincoln in 1959 and Rubber after 31 years of 1983. He was stationed in Courthouse and Filter Care. to organize the new Aquinas service. Survivors include Fort Sill, Okla. and in Germa- Carol was also very involved in High School, in David City. sons and daughters-in-law ny. Mike received a B.S. in the community . She was on During Vatican II, Msgr. Hain Galin Karpisek and Joyce Criminal Justice from the Uni- the Friends of the Library was invited to attend the fourth Fledderman of Omaha; Rick versity of Nebraska at Omaha Board, Young Homemaker session as an observer, some- and Deanna Karpisek and in 1994. Mike dominated in Extension Club, Red Hat Socie- thing he called “just a great Kevin Karpisek of Lincoln. high school athletics and will ty, St. Mary's PCCW, and Bible experience.” Marion B. Vanis, 80, of Ris- be remembered for his fierce study group. She enjoyed sew- He was also a chaplain ing City, died play in football and his many ing, quilting, reading, crochet- (reservist) with the U.S. Navy, Saturday, August tournament championships in ing, baseball, especially attend- served the diocese as assistant 22, 2015, at Da- wrestling. Mike was passion- ing baseball games when her chancellor, was assistant chap- vid Place in Da- ate about life and at times his grandchildren were involved. lain at St. Elizabeth Hospital, vid City. Marion over-zealousness got the best She enjoyed taking walks with and was a spiritual director at was born July 30, of him. In the end, Mike chan- family and friends. St. Gregory the Great Seminary 1935, in Dwight, neled his passions into a deep After the sudden loss of her in Seward. Nebraska, to William and Christian faith, helping others son, Brian, in 2001, she and Vic Msgr. Hain is survived by one while making peace with his took in Brian's son, Brandon sister and one brother; nieces and nephews. P a g e 8 Aquinas alumni News Aquinas Summer Reunions

50 year reunion

1st Row: Ron Sypal, Steve Oborny, Tom Morgan, Arthur Augustin, Don Hilger. 2nd Row: Jane (Birkel) Gibson, Judy (Demuth) Dey, Lucille (Masek) Bennett, Linda (Shorney) Conn, Shirley (Stevens) Kroesing, Constance (Samek) Almgren, Sr. Frances (Joan) Pytlik, Roger Nekl 3rd Row: Patricia (Depauw)Chloupek, Doris (Rerucha) Jensen, Mary (Gannon) Brown, Mary Ann (Eller) Nelson, Judy (Wilson) Hastings, Mary Ann (Geiger) Marik, (Hidden) Judy (Martin) Ekeler, Patricia (Siffring) Wangler, Don Bougger 4th Row: Gary Puetz, Ron Steiner, Jim Homan, Janet (Lux) Ekeler, Concepcion (Diaz) Morgan, Dolores (Zegers) Cast, Dorothy (Chmelka) Juranek, Delores (Shonka) Stuhr, Kathleen (Kerr) Scholl, Sandra (Brannen) Mahoney, Rosemary (Janak) Hladky, Judy (Kozisek) Puetz 5th Row: William Krondak, Robert Cockson, Roger Helgoth, Ed Kouma, Gary Helman, Jerry Litjen, Ronald Zegers, William Kosch Not Pictured: Susan (Dolezal) Stanley

40 year reunion

The Aquinas class of 1975 gathered on July 18 for their 40th reunion. The evening began with mass at 4pm at the Aquinas chapel, followed by a tour of the school given by Deb Svec. A social and dinner followed at the Bellwood Auditorium. Front row: Caroline (Divis) Forstrom, Mary Lou (Hottovy) Goggins, Donna (Podraza) Soukup, Sharon (Bratetic) Aldrich, Luann (Moravec) Zastrow, JuLee (Kuhnel) Kallenbach, Kathy(Novak) Pohl, Sue (Armstrong) Kovar. 2nd row: Joe Smith, Janelle (Bartunek) Marsh, Cindy (Nickolite) Coan, Patty (Ebel) Dolezal,Terry Hottovy, Tom Pohl, Dave Dehner, John Kula, Denny Kallenbach 3rd Row: Rick Aerts, Al Hiemer, Steve Stara, Tim Adamy, Kent Longnecker, Tim Hilger, Joe Hain, Doug Rom- shek, Jack Nickolite, Shorty Hilger Back Row: Greg Fiala, Phil Bader, Tom Eller, Steve Benesch, Beth (Hiller) Svoboda. Not pictured but present:Ken Meister Volume 41 No. 1 P a g e 9 Aquinas Summer Reunions

30 year reunion

Front row: Neil Lyons, Tarita Hottovy Krafka, Janet Hain Bohaty, Sue Eller Lilly, Scott Andel, Jim Hain, John Yindrick Back row: Pat Phillips, Randy Vavrina, Kenny Janicek, Mark Kovar, Cary Lyons, Kevin Lawson, Monte Jarvis

25 year reunion

First row: Connie Juranek Petersen, Merrily Kyander Schmid, Mary Terrell Miller, Lori Klein Morbach, Chad Rezac, Jim Mor- bach, Cori Meysenburg Martin, and Kris Pohl Roper. Back row: Andy Romshek, Eric Stara, Julie Oborny Rezac, Jerry Kabou- rek, Terry Kriz, Mary Beth Lyons Hornung, Jodi Anderson Lakin, Jessie Hilger, Amy Yindrick Nakos, and Galen Meysenburg. P a g e 1 0 Aquinas alumni News

20 year reunion

Front Row (l to r): Denise (Pflum) Eddy, Sara (Lyons) Semin, Matias Goñe, Sheila (Cihal) Douglas, Kim (Fichtl) Snyder, Jay Pelan, Renee (Kobza) Zwick. Second Row (l to r): Wendy Kriz, Jill (Vidlak) Hill, Jenny (Rerucha) Siefkes, Matt Miratsky, Mary Beth (Polivka) Hoien, Curt Helgoth, Alicia (Kucera) Theilen, Rose (Plasek) Robotham. Third Row (l to r):Andy Hough, Nick Kobza, Trevor Kinnett, Justin Semin, Brad Forney. Fourth Row (l to r): Kevin Andel, Jeff Jakub, Chris Shipley, Jamie Yindrick, Eric Matulka, Don Polacek.

15 year reunion

Mark Polacek, Heath Fiala, Jill (Stewart) Truksa, Kasey (Osborn) Kuhlman, Lee Meysenburg, Ryan Andel, Aaron Krafka, Annika (Romshek) Krafka, Ken Wellman, Brad Meysenburg, Benjamin Forney, Heather (Hein) Oltmer, David Divis, Michelle ( Cihal) Andel

5 year reunion

Back Row: Mick Zegers, Alex Comte, Tanner Kahler, Zach Smith, Evan Kovar, Lee Sabata, Kelby Vandenberg, Brian Prigge. Front Row: Mary Masur, Erin Maguire, Jenna Ber- inger, Morgan Smith, Shanna Hilger, Cassi Amsler, David Oborny Volume 41 No. 1 P a g e 1 1

Butler County Catholic Schools Summer Reunions

1937: Clara Puetz Meysenburg—1944: Richard Meysenburg— 1947: Leo Meysenburg, Adolph Stastny—1948: Gerald DeWispelare, Marietta Demuth Ricke—1950: Wilma Vanis DeWispelare—1952: Harlen Lyons, Delphine Sedlacek Stephanek, Marietta High School Alumni celebrated Bill Kozisek—1953: James Meysenburg, Richard Rerucha, Barb their Quinquennial reunion on Saturday, Reisdorff Dehner, Marion Vanis, JoAnn Steiner Kovar—1954: Don August 15, 2015 at the Presentation Birkel, Norbert Meysenburg, Pat Rerucha Lyons, Rose Labenz Parish Hall. There were 85 alumni at- Jarosz—1955: Victor Meysenburg, Jean Birkel Pokorny—1956: Don Semin, Leander Rerucha, Michael Demuth—1957: Mary Ann tending the celebration. Since the aver- Oldest Marietta alumni Voboril Ratkovic, Leon Janovy—1958: Bill Andel, Marland No- age age of Marietta alumni is getting attending, Clara Puetz older, it was decided to reunite every Meysenburg ‘37 vacek—1959: Michael Budler, Leo Juranek, Robert Schmit—1960: three years from now on. Mick Demuth Bernard Hain, Robert Reznicek, Jerome Ronkar, Tom Hiller, Betty ‘56 was elected vice president and Betty Janovy Schmit—1961: Joe Scholz, Ken Kolezal, Jim Kobza, Dave Janovy Schmit ‘60 was elected treasurer. Beringer, Marion Pavel Bukasky, Margaret Yindrick From, Liz Budler Jim Kobza ‘61 moves up to president Ashton and Don Semin ‘56 will be secretary for James Meysenburg ‘55 came the furthest, the next reunion all the way from Essex, MD!

The Dwight Assumption Class of 1960 got together on July 25 at the Legion Hall during the Dwight Czech Festival. The Class of 1960 celebrated their 55 year reunion.

Aquinas & St. Mary’s working on Strategic Plan

continue throughout the Strategic Plan- final plan will be presented to the par- Faculty and Staff from Aquinas and St. ning process to those who aren’t on ents, alumni and benefactors. Mary’s formed a development team this the team a chance to contribute. past summer to come up with strengths The development team that met this and weaknesses of the school system Applications were taken to fill six summer felt there were a few issues that could be addressed by a Strategic spots on a Strategic Planning team that that needed to be dealt with right away Planning Team. The areas of focus already includes faculty and staff. Sev- including developing a new website for include: Spiritual Ministry, Finance & eral applications were received and the the schools. Work on that has already Development, Academic Programs, ones chosen will now begin the Strate- begun and the new website will go live Enrollment Enhancement and Alumni gic Planning process which will take in December. Alumni will be a part of and Benefactor Relationships. A public place from September to December. this website. You will also be able to forum was held in September to share Many of the new team members are make donations through the website. with parents and benefactors what had alumni of Aquinas. It is hoped that by been done so far. These forums will Catholic Schools Week in January, a Non-Profit Org Aquinas Alumni News U.S. Postage P.O. Box 149 PAID David City, NE. David City, NE. 68632 Permit 30

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

E-mails have become more important than ever You are cordially when staying in touch with a class regarding class invited to attend the news. Whether it is a request for prayers for a All Souls Day Mass classmate or planning a reunion, having your email Monday, November 2, 2015 address is the best way to go. 8:10 a.m., Aquinas Gym PLEASE send us your email address to: for the deceased Alumni, [email protected] Faculty, Staff and Students of Aquinas Catholic Schools

November 15 & 16 Local alumni will be calling you to ask for pledges to the annual The Annual Aquinas Alumni Alumni Phone-a-thon. This year’s appeal will go to the KOTA Fund (Keeping Our Tuition Affordable). This fund helps to bridge the gap between Parish Assessments and Student Tuition. The alumni phone-a-thon is the primary benefactor for this particular Fund. We appreciate the support of our alumni and look forward to visiting with you in November!