Class of ‘55 Highlights October 2013 Notre Dame Class of '55 SCHOLARS THANK ‘55ERS FOR SUPPORT Colin Babcock, grandson of Eileen and Larry Buckley, Morris Inn Scores Big Time personally thanked 55ers at the Mini-Reunion and At '55 Mini-Reunion Luncheon wrote, “I can’t thank the class of ’55 enough for what this scholarship does for me. The lessened burden on my Yes, the newly-remodeled and expanded Morris Inn family makes my dream of graduating from Notre will knock your socks off. It was a beautiful setting for Dame a reality for us all. Almost three fourths of the our '55 Mini-Reunion luncheon prior to the Temple way through my time here, I think it is safe to say I have game. learned and grown in such a positive way that would not have been possible at any other school.” Attending were Hannah and Bill Kreps, Jacquie and John Dwyer, Hannah and Bill Kreps, Ginny and Max Geno Freeman, grandson of Dick Lange, added, “I want Roesler, George Vosmik, Joan and Jerry Groark, to thank the entire class for your investment in my edu- Eileen and Larry Buckley, Lois and Don Gels, Helen cation. It is truly a great honor for me to represent the and Joe McGlynn, Mary Ann and Jim Weltzien, Joyce great Notre Dame Class of ’55. My late grandfather, and Don Totten, Sandy and Dave Metz along with Richard ‘Dick’ Lange, had a huge influence on me as a son Steve and grandson Sam, Sue and Dick Beeman child. He taught me about the value of hard work and and Sandra and Paul Fullmer. education, which still drives me to this day. I cannot Three generations of Roeslers were at the lunch. Ginny think of a better way to honor him than to represent his and Max were beaming being with their son, Max IV class.” and grandson, Max V, one of our Class of '55/Paul Fullmer Scholars. Max Roesler, V, grandson of our Max Roesler, The Buckleys, of course were delighted to spend time concluded by saying, “Thank you for making it possible with their grandson, Colin Babcock, another one of our for me to continue my education at the University of scholars. Notre Dame. I have enjoyed my time here, and it is only gotten better. I am still studying chemical engineering *Story continues on page 2 and living in Morrissey Manor.”

MINI-REUNION - Enjoying lunch in the Hesburgh-Joyce Room of the newly-remodeled Morris Inn are: Larry Buckley, George Vozmik, Dave Metz, Bill Kreps, Paul Fullmer, Max Roesler, Jerry Groark, Chuck Bennett, Joe McG- lynn, Jim Weltzien, Don Gels and Dick Beeman.

1 Morris Inn Scores Big Time Also attending were '55 Scholars Geno Freeman, grandson of Dick Lange; Dan Smyth, grandson of Bernie Smyth, who was there with his father; as well as Sean Gervais, grandson of Bob Gervais.

Each earned another year of scholarship support and updated us on his life at ND and passed along heartfelt thanks for our donations.

I introduced Bill Kreps' wife, Hannah, who is the mother of ESPN's Hannah Storm and mother-in-law of Dan Hicks, the new NBC voice of ND football. But, I neglected to have Bill, our long time E-Mail Coordina- tor, take a bow, and for that I apologize.

Now that I think about it, guess I also forgot to publicly salute Sandra, who does all the work behind the scenes!

Don't forget to include the Class of '55 Scholarship Fund in your will and remind your family to direct memorials to the Fund when your time comes. Sue and Dick Beeman After my meeting with Michael Riemke in the Financial Aid, office the day before the game, I'm happy to announce that we will have 10 students total receiving our scholarships this year, thanks to your ongoing financial support of the class fund! That's more than $57,000 in scholarship support.

Don't forget, any time you make a donation, even for football tickets, you can direct the money to the class fund. Just attach a note to your check.

Eileen and Larry Buckley

Jacquie and John Dwyer Photos courtesy of Sandra Fullmer 2 ‘55ERS Enjoy Great Hospitality

Jim Weltzien, Don and Lois Gels, and Mary Weltzien

Helen and Joe McGlynn Joan and Jerry Groark

Ginny and Max Roesler, grandson Max Roesler V, and son Max Roesler IV

3 Class of '55 - Paul Fullmer Scholarship

2013/2014 Recipients

Name City State Classi cation Major College Babcock, Colin B. Cavington LA Senior Information Tech. Management Mendoza College of Business Creighton, Tori M. Largo FL Senior American Studies College of Arts and Letters Freeman, Eugene F. Chicago IL Senior Information Tech. Management Mendoza College of Business Gervais, Sean P. Los Angeles CA Junior Civil Engineering School of Engineering Kruse, Marie M. Lansing IA Senior Architecture School of Architecture Roesler, Max A. Fort Wayne IN Junior Chemical Engineering College of Engineering Sievers, Louis B. Dubuque IA Senior Economics College of Arts and Letters Smyth, Daniel J. Custer WI Senior Mechanical Engineering College of Engineering Tribe, Kevin A. Chicago IL Senior American Studies College of Arts and Letters Vangel, Michael T. St. Louis MD Senior American Studies College of Arts and Letters SMALL TURNOUT FOR ND REUNION

Only a handful of us turned out for this year’s Notre Dame Reunion in June, which I’m hoping means that everyone is planning to attend our 60th in 2015. Mary and Jim Hesburgh were most gracious in not only hosting a wonderful cocktail party for the 55ers at their new home in Holy Cross Village, across the highway from ND, but they also set up restaurant reservations for us each night.

SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS -Five grandsons of ‘55ers who are Those registered for the Reunion included Frank Cun- receiving Class of ’55/Paul Fullmer scholarships thanks to the ningham, Joe Balobeck, Arnie Curyn, Frank generosity of our Class, attended the Mini-Reunion before the Orlando, Norb Reiner, Cy Lindemann and Fr. Jack Temple game. Shown (l. to r.) are Geno Freeman, grandson of Keefe. Dick Lange; Paul Fullmer, ’55 Class Secretary; Colin Babcock, grandson of Larry Buckley; Sean Gervais, grandson of Bob Cunningham got a kick out of celebrating his 80th Gervais; Dan Smyth, grandson of Bernie Smyth and Max birthday at a South Bend pub that played the Victory Roesler V, grandson of Max Roesler, III.. March for any special occasion, and an 80th birthday PELLEGRINO STILL GOING STRONG certainly was that! Orlando, a mechanical engineer, specialized in the electric utilities industry. Reiner After graduation, Nick Pellegrino did a stint in the continues his volunteer work for various military and Army and ended up in Germany where he was trained veterans organizations. As always, Reiner brought his as a photographer. “It was a soft job and I can’t imagine tool kit to do odd jobs around the house of Dan Kiska’s enjoying Army life more than this.” widow, Doris. Balobeck is a Pittsburgh architect. SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION Pellegrino then worked in an ad agency after discharge The first step in the process of obtaining a Paul Fullmer/Class of ’55 and produced TV commercials. “Most were in the Scholarship is to file the normal admission paperwork along with the beauty industry so I had a chance to work with the top financial aid statement. If ND determines there is financial need, your grandchild will be considered for the Class Scholarship. models. If you knew their names you would think I was The man to contact at ND for additional scholarship information is; in heaven. Also, I got to travel the US and a good deal MICHAEL RIEMKE, ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR, of the rest of the world.” OFFICE OF STUDENT FINANCIAL SERVICES 115 MAIN BUILDING Now that he is ‘retired,’ Pellegrino is starting a photog- • NOTRE DAME, IN 46556 raphy business in New Jersey. Didn’t think 80 year-olds • PHONE 574 631-6435 • E-MAIL: [email protected] were into ‘startups’, but Nick is showing us the way! 4 FR. MAGIC BIG NEWS OUT WEST STEWART CONTINUES WINTER PROGRAM

After more than four decades as a magician, Fr. Jim Mack Stewart, who has managed the ‘Warm The Chil- Blantz (a.k.a Fr. Magic) had a busy summer out west dren’ program nationally for many years, continues his and was profiled in two newspapers. In the Yuma Sun, outstanding work but is beginning to back off and let “My magic gives something to people. There is so younger people take the reins. Working with local free much suffering and strife and trouble in our world newspapers, Stewart’s program gets coats and shoes today. If I can make you forget your troubles for that for kids who need them during the winter. hour that I entertain you, then it’s worth my time and effort.” Last year 37 classmates contributed to the success of the ‘Warm The children’ program. Donations can be Fr. Jim continued, “Like the lady last night after Mass sent to Stewart at 166 Skunk Misery Road, Higganum, who asked me to bless a ring. When I made that ring CT 06441-4435 vanish, she forgot that her mother was dying. She was filled with wonder and forgot her sorrows, if only for 15TH FLORIDA FLING those 20 seconds.” ATTRACTS 50 CELEBRANTS

While performing in Hollywood’s Magic Castle in The 15th annual Florida Fling was a resounding August, he was profiled in the Los Angeles Weekly, success with 50 classmates and their spouses drinking which quoted him as saying, “I’ve done the same act for and eating at a private club in Ft. Myers. Howie Hart 41 years. I think I’ve got it down.” chaired the event.

Fr. Magic puts on about 70 shows a year these days, but Distinguished historian Jack McMahon researched that isn’t a lot compared to the 200 he did back in the the event and determined that Dr. John Ryan hosted old days. He donates all of his earnings to the Holy the first Fling in 1998 at his condo on Sanibel Island, Cross Missionary program. with about a dozen 55ers in attendance.

At this year’s event, Jim Stevens announced that Art Johnson won the $1,000 prize by predicting the Irish would go 12-0. Reporter Dick Connelly isn’t sure what Art was drinking when he wrote down his prediction, but Stevens assured the winner that his check was ‘in the mail’.

Next year’s Fling will be chaired by Tony Vallace, Jim Costello and Bucky Janssen.

Fling attendees included Sharon and Howie Hart, Carolyn and Dick Connelly, Mary Ann and Bob Haid- inger, Yvonne and Tony Vallace, Linda and Phil Chinn, Gloria and Jim Costello, Frank Lundy, Jean- nette and Owen Sodetz, Carole and Jack McMahon, Sue and Jerry Burns, Marilyn and Chuck Doherty, Barbara and Jim Stevens. 80th BIRTHDAY PARTY -Carroll Dowden (left) had a blast with his brother Pat and Jim Vachris, Nancy and Art Sullivan, Mary Don at his formal 80th birthday party, complete with brandy and Bucky Janssen, Jack Flynn, Joan and Forst and cigars. The party was held at the Tuxedo Club in Tuxedo Brown, Joann and Chuck Bennett, Jack Flynn, Nancy Park, NY where the tux was popularized beginning in 1886. and Marty Gleason, Donna and Phil Collins, Helen Carroll’s wife Eleanor and their children hosted the party for and Don Shanley, Mary and Ron Smith, Marcia and some 30 Dowdens. Carroll added that his tux does not date Bob Fisher and Helen and Pat Sheehan. back to 1886, but it has been amortized to $5 per wearing. Former Athletic Director Dick Rosenthal, ’54, was a 5 special guest. Florida Fling In High Gear

Yvonne and Tony Vallace

Jo Ann and Chuck Bennett

Jim Vachris and Jim Costello

Jim Stevens

Stephanie and Jack Flynn

6 At Naples Country Club

Mary Ann and Bob Haidinger

Art Sullivan

Howie Hart

Photos courtesy of Dick Connelly Jeanette and Owen Sodetzg 7 Don’t Forget Annual Donation! We need an ongoing cash flow to underwrite the multiple Masses we request for deceased classmates and spouses, as well as the production of this newsletter. It costs nearly $2,000 to design, print and mail each issue of this newsletter, so please write a check to support the effort.

CALIFORNIA LUNCH -Edie and Bill Walsh got together to tell old war stories with Kathy and Dick Mueller recently in California where the ‘livin’ is easy.’

ND CRUISERS Joan and jerry Groark (front) and Hannah and Bill Kreps enjoyed a ND cruise this summer and are shown in Split, Croatia.

KLUEGEL’S ATTIC PHOTO - While routing around in the attic, George Kluegel came up with this golden oldie. Can you identify everyone in the room?

PIN-UP GIRL- Dr. John Ryan went one step further with a Stand-Up Girl in his room.

WHERE ARE YOU?

If you lived in Sorin can you find yourself in this great old photo that Frank Maier’s widow, Ginny, found in her old photo file? If you have a couple of gems like this, please pass them along!

8 HANNAH AND BILL KREPS BUSY KEEPING TRACK OF ‘KIDS’

Hannah and Bill Kreps really have to hop these days to keep track of her daughter, ESPN award-winning broadcaster Hannah Storm, and her husband NBC broadcaster Dan Hicks.

They were very proud of Hannah’s documentary of Sheryl Swoopes, the WNBA star who was almost as dominant as Michael Jordan. Hannah’s production of ‘Swoopes’ on ESPN was part of the series, ‘IX’, which dealt with the opportunity for women in sports in the US. Hannah is an ’83 ND grad. They, and millions of BIG SMILE, BIG FISH -Don ‘Czar’ Shanley beams proudly other Irish fans will see and hear Hicks calling Notre with his trophy redfish. Dame games this year on NBC, an important new gig ‘CZAR’ SHANLEY WHIRLING DIRVISH on his resume. He also was lead announcer at the Hard to decide where to start while recapping Don President’s Cup international golf tournament. ‘Czar’ Shanley’s last six months. Before leaving Florida to return to Wisconsin, he caught some monster red fish with his buddies. (See side bar). Upon his return, he continued his shooting competition and often goes 49 out of 50.

Last year while vacationing with the Czar and Dave Metz in Maine, Don came upon a wooden boat school that fascinated him. Not good to fascinate The Czar! So he returned this year with his daughter, her husband and two granddaughters to build a wooden sail boat for the girls in just a week! REUNION CREW- Jim Hesburgh (right) hosted a small crew of ‘55ers on hand for the June Reunion, while the rest of you While all this was going on, Shanley was busy replacing prepped for the 60th in 2015. Shown (l. to r.) are: Cy Linde- his faithful dog, Belle. One of the Czar’s traditions is to name his hunting dogs after legendary Notre Dame VOLUNTEERING??? athletes. So far, he’s owned ‘The Gipper’, ‘Ziggy’, and now If you volunteer regularly, especially if it has been a ‘Muffet’. “I thought seriously about naming her Skylar, long-time gig, we’d like to hear about it. Just send me but since my first dog was named ‘Snuff’ (Snuffy Smith), the details and we’ll try to gather them for use in the I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to start my hunting newsletter and posting on the web site. career with Snuff and end it with Muff. I hope I can still hunt and not just ‘huff and puff.” TOM MAY DOWNSIZING IN SEATTLE Like many in the class, Kathleen and Tom May have sold their home and moved into a smaller condo in Seattle. Last spring, they visited Tom’s brother and sister in Naples, FL and enjoyed the warm weather. They still spend a lot of time working on their boat and playing golf.

Over in Italy, Alma and Frank Tonini celebrated their 53rd anniversary aboard the MSC flagship ‘La Preziosa’. DESERT GOLF -Mary and Emmet Root graciously hosted us in Arizona and Sandra joined them on the golf course. The close-to-home cruise stopped at Naples, Messina, Tunis, Marseilles, Barcelona and Genova. 9 ONE MORE EXCUSE FOR HAVING TO MISS BATTELL GRAND KNIGHT IN HILTON HEAD WHAT I KNOW WILL BE A WONDERFUL EVENT Very active in the Knights of Columbus, Jack Battell Hugh: It was clearly with mixed emotions that I received attended the annual South Carolina state convention your announcement for the 2013 Desert Fling. We have and organized several events in Hilton Head. always looked forward to attending this affair and really enjoyed all the times we were able to attend. But now, He took eight members of the ND club of Hilton Head to after having recovered from my unfortunate couple-of- visit a nearby Veterans facility. While there, they distrib- year experiment with alcohol as a possible remedy for uted Notre Dame tee shirts and socks to the vets. boredom, I now have another commitment which will preclude me from attending this year. Hope the The Hilton Head club had 50 people at the Oklahoma following ‘explanation’ doesn’t bore you too much, but I game and Jack looks forward to spending time with his wanted to provide it because it is a real PRAISE THE son, Jack, who is president of the Rockford club, which LORD occurrence. had a bus full of ND fans in the stands. On the day after I returned home from my 31-day stay at an alcohol recovery center in September of 2011, one of my neighbors who knew what I had gone through told me he wanted to introduce me to a program that his church (Yorba Linda Friends Church) had organized involving mentoring and tutoring elementary school kids in a primarily low income Hispanic neighborhood in Placentia, California. The name of this program is Lot 318 (Love Others In Truth from John 3:18), and it is called an after-school homework club. I immediately fell in love with this program and have been working with these kids ever since. PUBLIC SERVICE AWARD- I know that it was Our Lord who led me to this fantastic While working with McDonnell Douglas, Lynch received the opportunity to help these kids in need. To think that this Distinguished Public Service Award from NASA for "outstand- guy who used to chair NASA Advisory Committees ing technical leadership and advocacy in cooperative would now get much, much more satisfaction from industry/NASA programs that have significantly advanced the helping these kids. Only Our Lord could have arranged state of the art and ensured the relevance of NASA research that. efforts."mann, Frank Cunningham, Paul Fullmer, Frank Orlando, Marty Gleason and Hesburgh. And as an extra bonus, at Christmastime, after the LOT BREHL DISCOVERS SECOND DOME 318 organizers had brought these five girls over to our house to take a ride around the lake on our boat (with “Our famous and beloved Golden Dome at Notre Dame them driving!) to see all the Christmas decorations, they is hundreds of miles from where I reside in an indepen- sat me down and each one of the girls gave me a note dent living facility in the North Hills suburbs of Pitts- they had individually composed telling me how much burgh,” Larry Brehl wrote. McGAHAN TRACKING GRANDCHILDREN “I now have a second, beautiful ‘Golden Dome’ virtually in the front yard of my apartment. It’s a dominant Pat McGahan of Atlanta, who is on the board of St. feature of the new, beautiful and recently-consecrated Joseph’s hospital there, is still talking about the great Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, about a half mile trip to Ireland for last year’s Navy game. While across the away. How about that?!” pond, Pat enjoyed playing golf on some of the great Irish courses. He also attended the Pitt game and got Brehl is not the only resident with ND connections. The BCS tickets for his grandson, who studied at the Univer- mother of an ND alum lives across the hall and there are sity of Bologna for one semester. His granddaughter, a other parents, grandparents or relatives of ND grads, so recent grad, is doing an internship in Chicago at the Art he has others to watch Irish football games with during Conservation Society. Pat keeps in touch with Bill Tice the season. who also lives in the Atlanta area. 10 So the bottom line is that these kids really count on me MAGILL REMINISCES ABOUT BENGAL BOUTS being there on Tuesdays and Thursdays and, I don’t want Still laboring in the classroom as an adjunct business to disappoint them by not showing up. Hence, the reason professor in North Palm Beach, Tiger Tom Magill took for me missing this year’s Desert Fling. Please excuse me. time to reminisce about the Bengal Bouts. Incidentally, Blanca will be in Spain visiting her ailing brother. One of our sons and his wife are taking her. “Some years after graduation, they invited the Warmest regards, ex-palookas back to Nappy’s 45th anniversary and retirement dinner. A great evening! Five years later we Frank Lynch came back for his 50th anniversary and his retirement dinner. When he died, Nappy still had an office in the P.S. Frank, the former ND tennis player, is 50 pounds lighter ACC. He was the ‘Rockne’ of ND boxing and a great man than the NASA photo, thanks to his clean living regimen. to know. Current scheduling for the Bouts is better for We’re proud of you, Frank! the South Bend saloons. We used to fight the finals on St. Patrick’s Day!” Magill concluded.

Tom also keeps in touch with Bob Baudendistel – the Broadway producer, rancher and businessman. Magill and Joe McGlynn, both past presi- dents of the Alumni Associa- tion, attended a VIP conclave over the MSU weekend. I appreciated Tiger writing the ‘Splinters’ column when Sandra and I attended a wed- ding in Canada. Tiger Tom Magill CO-EXISTENCE - Tom Magill who teaches a college credit class at a local After all the speeches were over at the Alumni Board high school, poses in his ND colors with Dr. Joe Lee, conclave, Dolly Duffy, the new head of the Alumni Asso- Assistant Superintendent of the school district who ciation, surprised Tom with a monogrammed birthday once played for the Tide and is all in red. ND and cake to celebrate his 80th. That’s class! Over the week- Alabama are co-existing in Florida where they battle for end, Magill ran into Marty Gleason, Jim Barry now recruits every year. . retired in Florida and Frank Maier’s son, Dan, who intro- duced himself when he saw Magill’s class year on his badge.

ND 80TH - DISTINGUISHED HISTORIAN - At the Past Presidents’ dinner during a recent Alumni Jim Irwin (center) receives the Distinguished Historian Association meeting on campus, Tom Magill was Award of Butler County (Ohio) Historical Society. Jim surprised with this monogrammed cake on his 80th received the honor for excellence in public history and birthday. He celebrated along with another ’55 Past community service. President, Joe McGlynn. 11 SCHAEFERS COORDINATE ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL days that ended up with a trip in a Chicago police paddy DESERT FLING wagon. All arranged as a joke by Mr. O’Donnell. Hilari- ous! Beeman had attended the BCS game with his Angela and Hugh Schaefer continue to produce family. Peters applauded the Schaefers for their hard outstanding Desert Flings for the ’55 and ’56 Classes. work and urged more ‘55ers to plan Desert vacations in 2014. As always, the Desert Fling started with a Memorial Mass by Fr. Joe O’Donnell at Christ of the Desert Chapel Capka arranged a trip to Washington to coincide with in Palm Desert. Fr. Joe’s homily about Pope Benedict’s the Navy game. Kearns has kept in touch with Frank resignation was excellent and reminded us of the Lynch, who had to miss the Fling for a very good reason human side of the Holy Father and how courageous he (see side bar). Jackman claims he has never missed a was to step aside. We also prayed for Sam Sharber, Desert Fling and that it’s a very special occasion to see Frank Burge, Bob Gervais and Bob McAuliffe, regulars old friends. who have died since the last Fling. Rickling told some interesting stories about his hitch Charlie Polnow surprised everyone by stopping by the hiking days from Hamilton, Ohio, to Notre Dame. Walsh Chapel and explaining that he was visiting his son’s reported that Edie is feeling much better after her major family in Palm Springs but promised to join the group medical problems and they are both smiling again. next year. Keavney’s five-and-a-half hour back operation turned out splendidly and he was all smiles. Schaefer went Angela and Hugh hosted the Desert Fling dinner at the back in memory lane to 1966 Renaissance Esmeralda Resort in Indian Wells and when he was working in Tulsa and Notre Dame played Splinters discussed the quarterback situation that was Oklahoma and they had the worst seats in the stadium, facing Coach Brian Kelly (Little did I know that it would but somehow Angela’s photo turned up on the front be BIG news all year!). page of the newspaper the next day.

Those attending from the Class of ’55 were Fr. Joe Clusserath, now enjoying the good life up north in the O’Donnell, Jackie and Denny Conway, Joann and Pat state of Washington, recalled his old days in Ft. Wayne Kearns, Barb and Bill Clusserath, Jean and Mike Jack- and commuting to South Bend. Bronder spent 43 years man, Maureen and Carl Peters, Clara and Bill in Las Vegas before moving to California. Bronder, Sandra and Paul Fullmer, Sue and Dick Beeman, Ellie Fox, Edna Mae and Jim Rickling, Sue and Owen Keavney, Edie and Bill Walsh and Sharon and Dick Capka.

Cy Lindemann had to cancel at the last moment.

Schaefer, Beeman, Kearns and Sandra played golf in the afternoon.

We were in Tucson during February and had a chance to spend a lot of time with the Schaefers and Joann and Jerry Groark. Being able to make the six hour drive with the Schaefers to the Fling was certainly more enjoyable than a solo trip.

During the Fling Fr. Joe mentioned that he had to notify 260 people about the death of a relative during his ten years as police chaplain in Arizona. Coupled with his chaplain’s work in the Navy, there’s no doubt Fr. Joe has had a difficult ministry. Conway told of a thanksgiving Joan and Bob McGrath Dedication visit to Fr. Joe’s home in Chicago during our student 12 Schaefers Run Another ‘Winner’

Angela and Hugh Schaefer

Jackie and Denny Conway

Barbara and Jim Stevens

Fr. Joe O’Donnell

Barbara and Bill Clusserath Ellie Fox with Sandra and Paul Fullmer 13 Desert Fling Always Great Fun

Jean and Mike Jackman

Edna Mea and Jim Rickling with Maureen and Carl Peters

Edie and Bill Walsh

Sharon and Dick Capka

Clara and Bill Bronder

Sue and Owen Keavney Joann and Pat Kearns 14 Photos courtesy of Sandra Fullmer KEARNS HAS QUESTIONS WHEN OBSERVING BIG DAY Jesus Christ, Our Savior. Please Lord, bless each one of Writing from Seal Beach, CA, Pat Kearns has some ques- us. As Fr. Hesburgh prays, Come Holy Spirit,” Kearns tions. “I’m extremely puzzled as to why I have lived to be concluded. 80. My mother died at 49+ and my Dad at 68+. Heredity probably has not been a strong factor. Dick Golob of Sunnyside, WA, wrote, “Now that I am 80, I am actually thankful that I feel the same as at 70. I am “When we talk about lifestyle, it becomes a broad field careful to try to exercise a bit more, but my wife, Barb, of activity; spiritual, mental, physical, social, etc. I have and I are very lucky. Only glad I do not have to pass any been blessed with an early family life that encouraged ND entrance exams today.” and nourished those four fields of activity. Growing up in a large, cohesive family (seven kids and I was the oldest) that stressed religious responsibility with house- hold chores, encouragement for part time jobs and support in athletic activities. I was ready to leave for Notre Dame after high school (I was really blessed with a very rich uncle – my mother was his favorite and he had no children of his own – he provided each of our seven children with a wonderful start in life, four of us graduating from Notre Dame.) Notre Dame reinforced the lifestyle activities I brought with me and pushed me along to the next stages of a good life.

“My early employment in the aerospace industry afforded opportunities to find my wonderful Joann and begin our life journey together. We are still going strong EXPERIENCED TRAVELLERS - after 56 years, four children, six grandchildren and two Pat and Bill McFadden have travelled extensively, but great grandchildren. I also got my MSCE at USC (Ed. really enjoyed their recent tour of the Italian Lake Note: traitor!) and was elected to the Downy Recreation District. The McFaddens have floated down the Danube, and Park District during the same election JFK was trekked through Scotland and strolled through Spanish elected President. ciudades, and they wholeheartedly endorse Notre Dame’s travel program. “I also was able to pass the tests necessary to become both a Registered Mechanical Engineer and Registered FLYNN ARRANGES PARTY AT SHELTONS’ Metallurgical Engineer in the state of California. Master planner Jack Flynn arranged a really neat roof- “In 1966, I left the aerospace industry to work as a civil top party at Carol and George Shelton’s senior engineer, becoming registered in both California and residence in Evanston, IL. We all enjoyed cocktails Montana. I have worked in the broad field of municipal outside, viewing the Chicago skyline. When rainclouds engineering, even up to this day. My work has been my threatened, we went inside to the glass-enclosed party play. room for a lovely buffet dinner. In addition to the Shel- tons and the Flynns, those attending were Trudy and “I have always had the activities – spiritual, mental, Mike Kelly, Cay and Joe Kearney, Liz and Jack Pinter, physical, joyous and social – as an integral part of my life. Lou and Gerry Hillsman, Gail and Jerry Prassas, Joann and our families have served our Catholic com- Joann and Jerry Groark, Lois and Ron Davis, and munity wherever we have lived. All have been involved Sandra and ‘The Scribe’. in school and civic activities and we take time to social- TOURING VINEYARDS - ize with family and friends. While visiting vineyards and wineries in northern California, Joanne and Pat Kearns stopped at his sister’s “I thank God every day for the blessings he bestows on house to help celebrate her birthday. A great week of my family and me. I also pray to Mary, Our Mother, for enjoying the good things in life. help to keep our classmates strong in their love of 15 AT END OF WORLD - ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW- Sue and Owen Keavney are pictured on the southern- Cy Lindemann tells tall tales to fellow architect Joe Balo- most tip of the Continent during their trip around South beck and his wife, Mary. America.

FR. JOE NEEDS OUR PRAYERS SHOOT YOUR AGE CLUB

Taking a page from Pope Francis’ new playbook, Fr. Joe How many of you rabid golfers have shot your age now O’Donnell has asked his classmates for our prayers. that many are turning 80? “I’m going through a tad of my ‘own purgatory’ with I know that Emmet Root accomplished the feat in shortness of breath, and a cough that will not go away. Arizona and Frank Cunningham did it on his home No final diagnosis yet, and I have had a half dozen course in Greensboro, NC. hospital exams. Take your pick: childhood asthma, Valley Fever (dust), World Trade Center crud, Agent Orange, just plain bronchitis or something totally unknown as of yet. It’s been going on for two years, but very intense in last two months. Exhausting, debili- tating… but I’m still here, and still way behind in wishing people happy 80th before my own. God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things that I can and the wisdom to know the difference. One day at a time.”

Our prayers are with you, Fr. Joe.

WINDY CITY SUMMERFEST - Gathering at the infamous Club Lucky in Chicago’s Bucktown in late September, ‘artiste’ Tim Devereux surprised everyone with an OX-idental, an art object he creates from the left-over oxtail bones in Ann’s superb stew. He adds colored crystals for the eyes of his whim- sical animal heads. Seated (l to r), Gerry Hillsman, Jerry Prassas, Jack Flynn, Steve Rebora and Dick Beeman. Standing (l to r), Jack Pinter, Joe Kearney, Dick Burke, John Hester, OX-idental artiste Tim Devereux, Scribe THE OX-IDENTAL Paul Ffullmer, George Riordan and Ron Auer. 16 EIGHTY IN HAITI 6. Dr. Kevin Olenik, our Orthopedic Domer from the class of '79 is continuing to help our girl,Queennie (the Please forgive me, I could not resist the title, since we are child born with bilateral club feet). She is doing well, in the "80" mode and my day was in May, I did not think walking about with a limp due to knee damage over the you guys would mind. years. We made new foot impressions of her, and Kevin First of all, my thanks to my brothers who recently sent and his gang in Maine will be making new shoes f o r checks for the children at St. Francis in Desarmes. And her. now, "the rest of the story:" 7. So much has been done due to the generosity of Our last minute efforts filled 13 military type bags and Domers of '55. I am truly humbled and energized by duffels with school supplies, medical materials, includ- your caring attitudes. To "the three Amigos"; Paul ing ointments, creams, bandages, 4x4's, reading glasses, Fullmer, Bob McGrath, and Bill Kreps, goes my deepest back packs for the kids, two keyboards and one guitar, and most sincere thanks for allowing me to share my just to name some of the items that were donated. At love of Haiti and their wonderful people, with my broth- 3AM, two trucks took our nine stalwarts (17 to 80 yrs ers of '55. young), 13 bags and 9 back packs which contained our GO IRISH!! personal items (i.e. T-shirts, shorts, tooth brush, etc.)to Leo Callaghan Washington, D.C. It is amazing how little we need going to the tropics. We left WDC at 6:40AM and the trip began. (By the way, our own Baltimore based company, Under Armor, donated over 500 pieces of clothing including athletic shirts and shorts for all the kiddos). Delta got us to Port-au-Prince, Haiti, ahead of schedule and we were met by Father Wattson Louis, Pastor of St. Francis. Again, we loaded the trucks for the trek to Desarmes. Roads are slightly better, but dusty, with fewer pot holes. BACK IN HAITI - The blue tarps have thinned out with some new hous- Our Leo Callaghan took time out during his working trip ing construction ready for occupancy on the edge of to Haiti to chat with the Pastor of the local church that PAP. The ride on the trucks is a 3 hour stint with "Drama- his parish is helping, Fr. Wattson Louis. mine" being shared by several of our gang. I make the following observations of our trip: 1 Our three teens showed me that there is truly hope in our future with their caring and working so hard. 2. The Haitian people of the country-side are hope- ful and have great faith. Hopeful in their future and that of their children. 3. Language is a barrier only if we allow it to be. 4. Each visit, whether our first or our 5th, the reality of need, heat and humidity, and lack of sanitation doesn't change. 5. We have exciting plans for the school and campus improvement. We hope to begin a scholarship fund for bright, but destitute students. There are several CAR, BOAT DESIGNER - as we speak. (cost is $200.00 per year for each child) Virgil Exner is internationally famous for his designs of Also, we are estimating the cost of solar power for the automobiles and power boats. Exner retired from Ford cafeteria and portions of the school. Feasibility studies in 1988. During his career he contributed to the design come painfully slow in Haiti. Finally we are looking at the of the Studebaker Lark, Volvo P-1800 S, Renault Cara- possibility of grading and surfacing the "playground" of velle, Ghia Selene II, Fiat 2300 S, Fiat 1500 S, Karmann the school. Ghia 1500, Ford Maverick, Pinto, Thunderbirds, Fiesta, Crown Victoria, Buehler Turbocraft and Riva boats. 17 SUMMER PARTY AT SHELTONS’ - Jack Flynn arranged a great summer outing at Carol and George Shelton’s new senior residence in Evanston. Shown (l to r) are Joe Kearney, Jerry Prassas, Dick cook, Gerry Hillsman, Flynn, Jerry Groark, Jack Pinter, Mike Kelly, Paul Fullmer, Ron Davis and George Shelton. It is awesome to eat and drink up high and be able to scan the city of Chicago’s skyline at the same time.

GALLERY OBJECTS - One of Steve Rebora’s wood sculptures is shown at left, while the picture at right was done by his wife, Joyce. Their work is on display at the Vale Craft Gallery in Chicago. These were part of the ‘For The Birds’ collec- tion.

RING TRACKS DOWN CLASSMATES

In addition to finding obits on deceased classmates, Leon Ring also tracks down those who are on our ‘miss- ing persons’ list.

Recently he tracked down Paul Hartman in Naples, FL, Bill Jackson in Belvedere Tiburon, CA, and Bob Kranzke in New Waverly, TX.

Hartman is a member of the Florida professional engi- neers’ society while Kranzke is a Texas attorney who has been very active in the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.

FOR POSTERITY- HOSTS WITH THE MOST - Another one of Ginny Maier’s recently-located snap- Mary and Jim Hesburgh were most gracious to host a shots with Frank at the right on the couch. Believe that’s lovely cocktail party at their new home in Holy Cross the inimitable T. Gavin King next to him. Can you come Village, across the highway from Notre Dame, to kick off up with the others??? Reunion festivities. 18 KERBY AND MURPHY DISCUSSED Murphy pointed out that one of the high points for him was on July 3rd when there was a reenactment of With all the publicity about the Gettysburg sesquicen- Pickett’s Charge. which began about ten feet from his tennial, much of it provided by John Murphy who lives back porch, which is where it began on July 3, 1863. practically on the site of the Pickett’s Charge Battlefield, several of us brought up the name of Bob Kerby, who CAMPBELL SEEKING EDITOR/PUBLISHER amazed our history classes by drawing detailed battle- field maps and army positions. Fellow history major, Jim “Last month a friend of mine, only 52, died of cancer,” Bergquist, provided some background information on writes Pete Campbell. “Shortly before his death he Kerby. asked me if I would get a book he was writing published. He was concerned that his family would be short of “He also was a very gung-ho Air Force ROTC cadet and funds and hoped that the book would be a money commanded the student troops and consequently maker for them. I let him know that I know nothing served time in the Air Force. He married the daughter of about publishing and declined his request. He was very the ND medieval history professor, James Corbett. Bob demanding as well as pleading and I could not say, NO, ultimately turned pacifist, left the Air Force and studied to a dying friend. He has four children with the oldest a history at Columbia where he got his doctorate. Kerby junior at ND this year and the youngest eight years old.” wrote a dissertation which became a book about a Gen- eral Kirby who commanded forces in the southwest Campbell continued, “He had been very ill for three during the Civil War. He then got a job teaching at ND, years, never written a book and had been posting spiri- where I gather he was a popular teacher. tual writing to a blog. Many people told him he should write a book. He told me that often when he would read “Sometime in there he also became a Melkite rite priest passages of the manuscript he did not recognize the that is a Uniate Rite which is found around the eastern words. He said they were not his; they were God’s. God end of the Mediterranean. They have a married clergy, wanted him to write a book. It is spiritual. I know the which is why he found in them a way to be a priest and manuscript carries powerful messages because I have keep his family. He was at ND for quite a long time, but I read testimonials from some of the readers on his blog gather Bob is now retired. I occasionally hear some- as to how his writing has affected their lives. Do you thing about him from classmate Phil Gleason,” know of any classmates with this skill who would be Bergquist concluded. willing to examine the manuscript and edit it?”

The former Villanova history prof enjoyed a 14-day Pete Campbell can be reached at 919 782-1283 or at cruise through the Panama Canal in March. [email protected]

Murphy reports that the Corby Field Mass on June 22 HARRISON VISITED KING SITE was very special for all Notre Dame people. Alumni Director Dolly Duffy and several staff members accom- While in Atlanta, Larry Harrison visited the Martin Luther panied Fr. Jenkins on the Notre Dame jet that landed King, Jr. National Historic Site. “The many exhibits were about 20 miles to the south of Gettysburg. very moving, especially since I could recall the specific historic events,” Harrison wrote. Later in the ceremonies Murphy was asked to play taps to close an evening field Mass celebrated by Cardinal “One of the exhibits was the International Civil Rights Dolan of New York. The Mass began just as a major Walk Of Fame. Included in the exhibit are many pairs of Blue Gray ‘reenactment’ was ending. “Rather fitting that shoes of notable people who walked and marched for our commemorative field Mass began with the roar of Civil Rights. One was Fr. Ted Hesburgh’s!.” Union and Confederate canon and musket fire just a mile away. The National Park Service has done a great As an engineer, Harrison is interested in numbers and job of planning and managing this event. It was like asked me what the current count is on living and dead having six ND-USC games in one week. It has been classmates. At our 50 Reunion, ND told me that we exciting, but I think the ‘best known small town in officially had 999 grads in our Class. To date, we have America’ is ready to settle down,” Murphy added. lost more than 400, so we are rapidly approaching the halfway mark. Pray for them! And us! 19 QUEENAN CUTTING BACK WORK LOAD SLEUTH LEON RING CONTINUES TO FIND ’55 CLASSMATES “After 51 years in academic medicine, 17 years as Profes- sor and chair of Obstetrics and Gynecology at George- Leon “The Sleuth’ Ring not only tracks down obits on town University (the last 12 as Deputy Editor of Obstet- deceased classmates, but also digs through the com- rics and Gynecology, our professional society journal), I puter to find long-lost classmates. am passing the baton to my younger colleagues,” John Queenan wrote. He found Paul Knute Hartman at 1450 Misty Pines Circle, Apt. 201, Naples, FL 34105. He added, “I owe a debt of gratitude to Mr. Withey at ND who taught me journalism, even though he didn’t think Paul explained to me on the ‘phone he had to drop out as a pre-med I could possibly have any talent. In order to because of financial problems and finished at Carnegie prevent cob webs from forming, I just published a book, Tech. He has been very active in the Florida Professional ‘The Chamberlen’s Secret; How A Century Of women Engineers Society. Were Robbed Of Safe Childbirth,” A native of Bath, ME, Bill Jackson now lives at 19 Penin- Queenan concluded, “I have always read with great sula Road, Belvedere Tiburon, CA 94920. anticipation ‘Splinters From The Pressbox’. Many thanks for your valuable (Editor’s note; are you sure?) insight. I Bob Kranzke, who got his law degree from the Univer- must say how proud I am to be in a class whose mem- sity of Houston, can be reached at 498 Marion Lane, New bers’ caring for each other is evident by the myriad of Waverly, TX 77358. Kranzke has been very active in the prayers offered up.” Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo over the years. GAHL’S FAMILY SPREAD ACROSS COUNTRY Anyone you can’t locate that you want Leon to check Bob Gahl, who retired about 10 years ago as an archi- out? tectural consultant to Intel at their big chip factory in SCHREITMUELLER BACK TO BOOK New Mexico, now is living happily in Euless, TX. Bob and Mary Ann celebrated their 58th in August. About 12 years ago, Tom Schreitmueller starting writ- Their son, Fr. Bob Gahl, Jr., who teaches philosophy at a ing a book about things that he encountered over his pontifical university in Rome, has been in Italy now for lifetime. Tom lived in Germany for several years while about 25 years, returning to the U.S. once a year to visit working for GM and has now visited some 46 states and family. The Gahls have two daughters, 14 grandchildren 51 countries, so it’s also somewhat of a travelogue. and five great grandchildren. When the book is finished, it’s intended to be a ‘time “I had open heart surgery in ‘06 and other surgeries in capsule’ that he plans to send ‘downstream’ to my ’07 during which time I was in the hospital for nearly half descendants to let them know what an ordinary a year and had three near-death experiences,” Gahl person’s life was like way back at the time I lived. It’s wrote. titled, “An Ordinary Life.” Ambrose Seitz, who was at Creighton Prep in Omaha He hopes to also compile a shorter book – a DIYer tenta- with me during my short six-month stint there, tively called, “How to Time-Capsule Your Life’s Story” - celebrated his 80th with his bride of 51 years, Donna, which will describe exactly how and why anyone can and their son and his wife. (and should), easily prepare a time capsule of their life. Joe Stein celebrated his big birthday in Nantucket with Bob McGrath recently got another great brain storm family and grandkids. when he suggested that ‘55ers develop a formalized program to support each other and maintain our intel- South Bend’s John Connaughton wrote that he and lectual vitality in our senior years. Schreitmueller’s Joanne spent a week in Hawaii with their daughter time-capsule book sounds like a perfect addendum. Carrie celebrating his 80th and her 40th! Thanks to John for continuing to light a candle every month for our deceased classmates. 20 THANKS TO BOB McGRATH Jim Weinlander is doing fine at 80, but unfortunately FOR 80TH BIRTHDAY PARADE Marilyn has Alzheimer’s and that has required major adjustments in their household and long-range plan- Kudos to Webmaster Bob McGrath, who has dug deep ning. into his computer files to find our birthday dates and alert everyone to the milestone 80th birthdays. After spending a lot of time cheering for his grandsons’ track team in New Jersey as they won the Indoor Jim Bourme writes that he and Nancie have been National Championship, Bill Richardson is not only doing a lot of travelling like Mary and Pete Ritten. “As a supervising the rebuilding of his house that was matter of fact, Nancie and I met in Paris in the middle severely damaged by hurricane Sandy, but planning a 50s and we have been married since ’58. Bob Arrix is winter family trip to Patagonia in Argentina, part of taking me out to lunch on my birthday, which is such a which would be a four-day mountain hiking jaunt. nice gesture. We will be married 55 years come Septem- SLAVICK DEVELOPED COMMUNICATIONS PLAN ber 20th. We have been blessed with two daughters and four granddaughters.” While working in the chemical industry’s association, John Slavick developed risk management communica- Arix, who was our place kicker at ND, continues to stay in tion plans for managers at every level. Although the great shape, following a rigorous walking regimen and global warming crisis was just being recognized while working with a trainer three days a week. Bob usually he was working, Slavick even then recognized the stays in Florida for three months during the winter and potential dangers to the chemical industry. last year visited a granddaughter, who was studying in Rome. Slavick lives in New York City, but has had his problems with renters at his home in Virginia. The details sound To say that life is hectic in the Arrix household might be good (bad?) enough for the next soap opera. putting it mildly, since 25 family members live no more than five minutes away and the other five live in Dover, Leo Hawk is a member of the Notre Dame Institute For MA. Church Life.

Tom Brand has just completed his first year in Sedona, Bob Moore continues to serve as the accompanist for AZ and is really enjoying that lovely area. He mentioned the Valley Voices in his home state of Pennsylvania and that he recently had spent several weeks on a lake we look forward to having him on the piano again at our outside Minoqua, WI and I had to remind him that my 60th Reunion in 2015. roommate, Tom Dorwin, was from that area and had been part of the first MinoquaBats waterski show. Tom CANCER SUPPORT GROUP replied that the show is still going strong, playing to full READY TO HELP YOU, FAMILY houses three or four nights a week. If you’re ever up in If you or your wife is diagnosed with cancer, please northern Wisconsin, be sure to catch the show. consider contacting one or more members of our ’55 Cancer Support Group. They are ready to help by Jim Weltzein went fishing in scenic Door County in answering your questions and providing directions. Wisconsin this summer, but “got skunked.” He has taken Please pick up the ‘phone and make that call! You’ll be up fly-fishing and likes to go to the Wisconsin driftless glad you did. county near LaCrosse. Jim, maybe you should get some of George Vosmik’s hand-made flies that are guaran- Dr. Joe Swift teed to bring in trophies. at 301 986-8581 Joe Kearney, who provided support for 13 years, Joyce and Steve Rebora are still busy with their art at 847 729-2820 projects, and are spending a lot of time at their Michi- Fred Danner, who has had successful treatment for gan summer home with their kids and grandkids. Hard prostate cancer to believe an active guy like Steve is 80! at 803 802-5653, or January – April, 727 588-7604 John Russo, who has had prostate surgery, at 732 349-6338 Dr. Denny Conway, a concerned physician 21 at 541 747-0495

REMEMBER FOOTBALL POOLS? 4TH GENERATION CHALLENGE CARDINAL HAS FOND MEMORIES BY BRIAN GAFFNEY

After receiving my ‘Splinters Predictions’ for the year Brian Gaffney wonders if anyone else has a 4th genera- Paul ‘Birdman’ Cardinal wrote, “It’s always great to tion Domer? handicap football games. I remember when Ingersoll His granddaughter will be a part of the Class of ’18. His Rand let me loose from its training program in 1955. I father started ND in 1918 and graduated with the Class somehow won the weekly football pool four consecu- of 1922. Brian saw his daughter graduate in ’85 and now tive weeks. looks forward to his granddaughter’s graduation.

“As this tax-free weekly pool surpassed my $395 The Gaffney family legacy spans an amazing 100 years! monthly salary, it truly was a terrific godsend, allowing me to treat my dates handsomely in NYC. Only problem His granddaughter’s ND decision was a real ‘upper’ for was that the operators of the pool then banned me for Gaffney who is suffering from cancer and is in the midst the remainder of the season. A friend then put in a of chemo treatments that have forced him to use sheet for me in his name with the agreement that we portable oxygen. would split the winnings. My mystical luck disappeared and I never won again. So, I am not betting your line.” Before Memorial Day, Gaffney remembered his time in Thailand with the 609th Special Operations Squadron. Cardinal had hoped to win a 75 – 80 tennis tournament He especially prayed for the Squadron members who this year, but between a shot in the eye causing double were killed between April ’68 and April, ’69. vision (now resolved), and current rehab for a sore Achil- les, Paul is on the sidelines for the time being. He had a Jim Porcari wrote, “Currently my daughter has two daughters who are graduates, along with a son who is LEE ‘BUDDY’ CREAN finishing his sophomore year. Ginny’s maternal grandfa- ACTIVE IN NEW ORLEANS ther was John Davis, Class of 1928. If you count me, Class of ’55, I believe that makes it four generations.” When not coordinating our ‘Buddy’ program that connects classmates with those who are ill, Lee Crean is Dick Beeman also has checked in with a four genera- volunteering at the World War II Museum in New tion ND family tree. Orleans which just opened a huge new building that features an actual B-17, B-24, B-25, Corsair, Mustang, TBD Larry Buckley is also working on an ND legacy. So far, and a Douglas Dauntless, all hanging from the ceiling. there have been three Lawrence Campbell Buckleys graduate from Notre Dame - Larry in ’55, his son in ’82 A mock-up and interactive experience of the USS Tang and his grandson in 2011. He added that he didn’t think submarine is on the main floor. Lee says the exhibit is he would be around for the one after that! great fun for WWII buffs like himself, so I expect air museum fanatics like Mike Kelly and Dick Cook to Dick Huether can’t compete with Gaffney’s record, but schedule it soon. he does have his father’s copy of his 1922 Year Book with a graduation write-up on Brian’s father. Crean also chairs the Commission for Racial Reconcilia- tion for the Episcopal Diocese of Louisiana and co-chairs Fr. Joe O’Donnell’s father graduated in 1927, his the United Way’s Safety Net Vision Council. brother in ’52, Fr. Joe in ’55 and ’61, a first cousin’s daugh- ter in ’95, a first cousin’s son in 2009 and a grandniece in Lee and Lynn attended a conference in France at the 2010. Mother House of the Sisters of St. Joseph, the order that sponsors the People Program in New Orleans. Lynn is Pete Campbell is about to become 3rd ‘generationer.’ the Executive Director of the ministry, which is a His granddaughter will be joining the Class of ’17. Her continuing education program for people over 50. Lee and his son Peter, a serious military historian and an expert on D-Day, toured Normandy while Lynn was hard at work. 22 YECKEL TRYING TO CUT BACK ALABAMA – BCS GAME BOARD ACTIVITIES TRIGGERS SIEGER MEMORIES

Like so many other ‘55ers, Don Yeckel has more free The BCS championship game brought back a lot of time in retirement, but somehow it’s hard to keep up memories for Jim Sieger, who remembered ‘way back with activities. He is moving off the board of the La when’ when the Irish and Tide met in the Sugar Bowl Jolla Historical Society after terming off as Treasurer on New Year’s Eve in New Orleans. last year. He is still on the finance committee, but that doesn’t require as many meetings. “It was razor-thin all the way. Finally, it was ND ahead 23-21 late in the fourth quarter. We had a third-and- “I have already been asked to be on two other boards, long deep in our own territory. Alabama had a great “Yeckel writes, “but so far I am firm in my denials. I think field goal kicker, and the final score of 24-23 was loo- at 80 I am entitled to finally really retire.” As an award- ming. But then Tommy Clements hit his tight end for a winning gardener, I think I know where Yeckel spends first down, and we proceeded to run out the clock. many hours After the game there was a big New Year’s Eve cocktail Bob Phillips had his best Mother’s Day celebration party for both teams. Bear Bryant, in the midst of ever, hosting the Phillips clan at the Harvard Club for partaking capaciously in the complimentary ‘cheer’, brunch. grumbled to Ara Parseghian (in what he thought was a low voice) some comments that can’t be repeated at Erney Maher has retired as a pediatrician, but can be this time. reached at 914 Sportsman Neck Rd, Queenstown, MD, 21658. Jim finished his letter, noting that ND alumni offered up novenas for Bryant’s long life because he had sworn he Chuck Meyer has an interesting way to look at life. “So would not die until he had beaten Notre Dame at least far life in this neighborhood is quiet and filled with the once. things that seemingly need attention. Some get done and some await another day, depending on their At least former band member Dave Sheele reports inconvenience rating.” that the ND band trounced the announced million- dollar Alabama band by playing and rolling across the Meyer is still coaching target shooting for kids and RPI field a rocket car with exhaust from the car jets, from students and holding competition matches to test ‘Back to the Future’ their development in this skilled sport. VETERANS… ATTENTION!

Fr. Jack Keefe has moved to Fatima House at Notre Some veterans in our Class may have delayed joining Dame, where he is living in retirement with fellow CSC the VA. If they attempted to join later they may have priests. been refused admittance because they failed to pass a means test that became law years ago. The means test Hannah and Bill Kreps and Jerry and Joann Groark stated if the net worth of an individual exceeded a were on the Notre Dame Jewels of Antiquity cruise in specific dollar amount, they were not eligible for the VA. early summer. Kreps was most impressed with the Ivan Mestrovic Museum and Church in Split, Croatia. A provision of the new Affordable Care Act eliminates this means test. You can now enroll in the VA and enjoy “Incredible. As you probably recall Mestrovic was at the benefits of VA health care. Notre Dame when we were, and died there in 1962. His Pieta is in the ND Basilica. Also, when touring the ruins You can apply On-line at of an ancient city in Albania, we ran across ND archeo- www.Va.gov/healthbenefits/enroll, logical students and recent grads digging there.” or call 877 222-8387 (Vets) to apply by ‘phone.

Bill Dougherty is sky-high because his granddaughter, Hopefully this information will help some ‘55ers. Go Emily McConville, is attending ND this year. Her Irish! 23 Harry Niemann JOHNSON REHABBING Mini-Reunion, but his schedule just got too tight as the AFTER SERIOUS CAR ACCIDENT event neared.

‘55ers are a tough bunch, no question about it. Art Fran and Emmet Root really enjoyed watching the Johnson of Dixon, IL, was in a serious car accident, suffer- USGA Senior Open on their home course – Omaha ing two bruised ribs, two breaks in the ankle and Country Club – in July. Both are still excellent golfers assorted other injuries, but he’s rehabbing in a nursing and have had tournament success before leaving home and hoped to attend the Oklahoma game with Arizona. Fran won the Ladies’ First Flight, beating the Brian Gaffney and family. younger gals with an 81 on the final day. Emmet captained his team to victory in their closing foursome Jac Fitzenz is rehabbing after his June open heart event. The Boomers are pretty impressed with the surgery and is planning to get back on the golf course. Seniors after that double-header win! He’s also the author of “Geezer Village.” McCARTY PLANNING MOVE TO BOSTON A planned meeting with journalism classmate Tom Welly in Dayton was derailed this summer by Tom’s After selling their beautiful home and moving into a knee replacement surgery. His grandson just finished condo in Orleans on the Cape, Marge and Con his freshman year in Sorin. McCarty are looking to move into an independent living facility in the Boston area where they can be After his knee surgery, Frank Lundy had plenty of down closer to their daughters. How would you like to have time to study to renew his Professional Engineer’s your 80th birthday on 9/11 as McCarty had? He exer- license so he can work part-time with his son who is cises regularly and does a solid hour of tough drills taking over their construction business. Frank doesn’t with no stopping. Don’t think many of us can match plan to go to the office every day now that he is 80, “But that! Although Harry Niemann’s hour-long morning it’s better than cleaning out the garage.” workout includes heavy lifting. He can do 110 pounds repeatedly! Always good to talk with Harry, who is very Don Lanspa experienced a TIA at the gym with his wife. faithful in calling ’55 friends. Also had a long pohone Fortunately, the trainer immediately called 911 and chat with Art Sullivan in Flowery Branch, GA, training provided preliminary assistance. After a twelve-mile base for the Atlanta Falcons. He and Nancy are doing ride to the hospital, Don found out that he had to be well. transferred to another one 45 minutes away. But, the doctors told him that the quick emergency treatment Jack Fitzenz is walking half a mile a day to build saved his life. stamina after his stroke, but says everything seems to be going well and he’s back writing ‘geezer chronicles’. Jerry Hughes’ wife Joan, suffered two mini strokes in “I’m going to cut way back on my business. This was August and went to a Kansas City hospital for further God’s message to me, I believe.” tests. Their son Mike was promoted to Senior Vice President for Government Relations for Wells Fargo. From the looks of the pictures he attached, Joe One grandson recently graduated from Iowa and is Baumie is doing a great job in his garden. He has headed to China to teach English at a University and crepe myrtle, zinnias, marigolds and petunias. I’ve seen continue his Chinese study. Don Yekel’s prize-winning rose garden in La Jolla, CA, and we probably have many other ’55 gardeners. Walt Langford is now settled in California after a cross- Maybe we should start a Gardener Club. If you’re country move from Florida. They travelled to Richland, interested, let me know and we’ll put you all in contact. WA, to see a grandson graduate from high school. Gail and Jerry Prassas, who welcomed their first two George Vosmik’s oldest grandson graduated from male grandchildren this summer, headed to Ojai and Vanderbilt with a double major in Bio-Engineering and Santa Barbara to celebrate her birthday and missed the Economics. He is now in Baylor’s medical school. Mini-Reunion.

Dick Golob of Sunnyside, WA, had hoped to attend the Phil Sheridan is making good progress after suffering a stroke while travelling. 24 RIORDAN CELEBRATES 20TH YEAR struggling with major cancer problems. Please keep OF ACTIVE RETIREMENT Maureen in your prayers.

“Hard to believe I’m coming up to 20 years of retire- Pat Haley admits that he finally retired, but claims he is ment,” George Riordan wrote, “but I can honestly say I still busy as trustee of his family trust and owner of Elex, have never regretted a single day of it, thanks much to a private oil and gas company in Colorado. the grounding in life and values I took from my time at ND.” SCHAEFERS ENJOY CRUISE TO ROME

George reports that everything is reasonably good In April, as a reward for planning another great Desert except that Gerry has had some health problems which Fling, Angela and Hugh Schaefer cruised from Ft. have prevented their travelling in recent years. However, Lauderdale to Rome, with stops at Malaga and Carta- the Riordans have plenty of kids and grandkids in the gena, Spain. area of Hinsdale, IL where they live. “The highlight was Rome,” Hugh wrote. “We spent the Dick O’Rourke celebrated his 80th quietly in central entire week and got to visit many historical sights. All California. “If it wasn’t for my annual veggie garden,” this was topped by attending a Papal audience on April O’Rourke wrote, “I’d go nuts. Perhaps I am.” 24. We had tickets through the U.S. Bishop’s office in Rome. We strongly recommend getting audience A man after my own heart, when asked what he does to tickets through this office. The Nuns who run the office celebrate his 80th and retirement, Frank Cleland joked, and that of the North American Seminary were very “Like all Domers, I just sit around and wait for the next helpful. Our seats were less than 50 yards from the edition of Splinters From The Pressbox.” Papal dais. We got some great pictures.

Crediting “All the clean living that I’ve experienced in all “St. Peter’s plaza was filled to overflowing. Later we these years,” George Kluegel still plays tennis and golf heard estimates of 40 to 50 thousand people. Pope twice a week. Ron Davis celebrated his 80th with family Francis is like a rock star. Before he spoke, the Pope in Sand Diego. travelled through the crowd in an open ‘Popemobile’ and stopped to bless babies, the infirm and newly-wed Barb and Bill Muller are sacristans at their church and couples,” Hugh added. get up at 5 a.m. every day to open up and prepare for early Mass, as does Jack Flynn. Any others? Muller has CLARKE EXCITED ABOUT TENNIS PROSPECT had no major health issues since his prostate and kidney cancer have been cleared. He still keeps in touch As the former captain of the ND tennis team, Wally with his old buddy, Lee Crean. Clarke has spent a lot of hours on the tennis courts. Through the years he has damaged his right shoulder, The family planned a joint 80th birthday celebration for so he has put away the racket and concentrated on golf Pat and George Marr, who recently visited their and bike riding. daughter who is doing dialysis nursing on the Navajo Reservation in Arizona. They enjoyed a busy two weeks Wally is also excited about his granddaughter, who is there and toured five National Parks, three Indian Reser- only a sophomore in high school but is already an vations and took the train ride to Silverton, CO. All-American and has colleges calling. Clarke is hoping, of course, that Notre Dame offers a scholarship. He is When responding to 80th birthday greetings, Chuck also delighted to welcome his first great grandson. Collins in New Jersey wrote that he had “given up golf because I found faster ways to embarrass myself.” Bob McGrath reports that Bert Metzger has a family of exceptional soccer players who are making news. Like most of the other birthday boys, Jim Bigelow was very grateful for receiving “so many greetings from Owen Dugan wrote that he had lunch with Mike long-ago treasured classmates.” Jim had a cancer scare O’Toole and that the dedicated golfer plays every day last summer, but is OK now. Currently he and Maureen year ‘round and carries his own bag. Temperature are concerned about their 53 year-old daughter who is extremes don’t seem to bother him. 25 CHICAGOANS TELL SUMMER STORIES Tim Devereux stole the show when he presented ‘OX-idents’ to everyone. Seems one of Ann’s specialties It was a time for golf and fish stories when the Chicago is oxtail stew. Tim, quite the artiste, decided to break up ‘55ers got together in the back room of their beloved the bones into small pieces that somehow look like Club Lucky in Bucktown. Steve Rebora spent a lot of animal heads, and put colored crystals for eyes before time with his grandkids at their Michigan beach house, mounting them on small pieces of wood. Quite a hit! but still found time to continue making his wood sculp- tures that have sold so well in Chicago galleries. Although Jack Pinter considered the summer dull, he did have to deal with six raccoons in his attic! (Better Jack Flynn had an exciting year with trips to Niagara than the 35 found in his Michigan vacation house a Falls, Salt Lake City and Jackson Hole, where he did some couple of years ago!) Jerry Prassas welcomed two fly fishing for the first time, while looking forward to grandchildren but did find time for a vacation in Santa Naples in a few months. A truly dedicated fisherman, Barbara. It was good to see George Riordan again.He Ron Auer was finally closing up his Canadian vacation lives in Hinsdale and is fortunate to have most of his spot. Ron said his daughter lives in Boulder and had family in the area. some water problems, but her neighbors were dealing with mud throughout their homes. SEATTLE MAYS HIT DOUBLE HEADER IN MEXICO John Hester and Ron Davis were preparing to go to the Oklahoma game and were hoping for a repeat of Kathleen and Tom May came up with a fabulous way our ’52 thriller. Not to be! Davis was scheduled for intes- to celebrate their double header (80th and 55th wed- tinal surgery at the Mayo Clinic. ding anniversary). They took the whole family, spouses, friends and the miracle twins who are now six years-old, After explaining that he was late because he pulled to a Puerto Vallarta resort for eight days of R and R. noon switchboard duty, President Dick Burke outlined some interesting travel and noted that he and “Getting them all together in one place for that many Maryjeanne were looking forward to a visit from their days was really something to accomplish. So, we were son and family from Nicaragua. really happy it came off so well,” the Mays wrote.

Dick Beeman got in the ND generation race by explain- Former Scholastic Editor Larry Brehl checked in from ing that his family has four generations and eight total his new retirement digs. “I think I’ll even celebrate with graduates. Beeman was in the midst of a ten thousand one (maybe two) of my now infrequent bourbon Man- mile drive around the country, visiting his children and hattans on the rocks. Actually I feel about ten or more families and attending weddings. years younger than my 80 years. Might be a reaction to the many much older folk (mostly widows) around me With his usual smile, Mike Kelly reminded us all that we here. Or, perhaps the 25 pills/vitamins/supplements I used to make fun of old guys in our neighborhood. swallow daily as prescribed for cardio, Type 2 diabetes, Now, he says, we’re the “old guy down the block.” Kelly gout, anemia and anxiety conditions. (I feel so good thanked everyone for their prayers for his daughter’s six they must be working as desired.) weeks in intensive care. She is gradually getting back on her feet, but could not attend the family reunion in Tony ‘Butch’ Vallace celebrated his 80th with a big Ireland. Another host with deep pockets, Gerry Hills- weekend bash that included 26 family members (six man, reported that he had 38 members of his blended families). He and Yvonne plan to make a couple of ND family up in Wisconsin for a big shindig. games this year and spend the winter in Florida.

Joe Kearney and I urged everyone to visit the Abraham A regular at the Mini-Reunion, Joe Kearney took a pass Lincoln museum in Springfield, which is a world-class this year because he said his 80 year-old legs don’t like institution. Sandra and I had a great time in our capital the steep stadium climb anymore. city thanks to the restaurant recommendations of Don Totten.

26 THANKS TO BOB McGRATH FOR 80TH BIRTHDAY PARADE

Kudos to Webmaster Bob McGrath, who has dug deep into his computer files to find our birthday dates and alert everyone to the milestone 80th birthdays.

Jim Bourme writes that he and Nancie have been doing a lot of travelling like Mary and Pete Ritten. “As a matter of fact, Nancie and I met in Paris in the middle 50s and we have been married since ’58. Bob Arrix is taking me out to lunch on my birthday, which is such a nice gesture. We will be married 55 years come Septem- ber 20th. We have been blessed with two daughters and four granddaughters.”

Arix, who was our place kicker at ND, continues to stay in great shape, following a rigorous walking regimen and working with a trainer three days a week. Bob usually stays in Florida for three months during the winter and last year visited a granddaughter, who was studying in Rome.

To say that life is hectic in the Arrix household might be putting it mildly, since 25 family members live no more than five minutes away and the other five live in Dover, MA.

Tom Brand has just completed his first year in Sedona, AZ and is really enjoying that lovely area. He mentioned that he recently had spent several weeks on a lake outside Minoqua, WI and I had to remind him that my roommate, Tom Dorwin, was from that area and had been part of the first MinoquaBats waterski show. Tom replied that the show is still going strong, playing to full houses three or four nights a week. If you’re ever up in northern Wisconsin, be sure to catch the show.

Jim Weltzein went fishing in scenic Door County in Wisconsin this summer, but “got skunked.” He has taken up fly-fishing and likes to go to the Wisconsin driftless county near LaCrosse. Jim, maybe you should get some of George Vosmik’s hand-made flies that are guaran- teed to bring in trophies.

Joyce and Steve Rebora are still busy with their art projects, and are spending a lot of time at their Michi- gan summer home with their kids and grandkids. Hard to believe an active guy like Steve is 80!

SCHEELES CONTINUE WORLD TRAVEL “scene of Hamlet, which I resolve to re-read as though I were back at St. Xavier high school in Louisville with After a weekend in Gettysburg soaking up Civil War high school/ND classmates Forst Brown, Bill Dough- history, Jeanne and Dave Scheele embarked on a erty, Dan Healy, Joe Henehan and Jack Nicholson 16-day ‘best of Ireland and Scotland’ tour, but they’ll be (and the deceased Carl Bratton and Chester back in time for the big USC game. This spring they Schuler.)” visited Normandy’s WWII beaches. Speaking of high school classmates, Hugh Schaefer Walt Flaherty really enjoyed golf in the cool mountains passed along the newsletter from Gonzaga Prep in of North Carolina, which was a sharp contrast to his Washington, DC, because it had a story on a Petibone, regular courses around Hilton Head. Like many other the grand nephew of John Petibone who was one of smart ’55 golfers, he’s moved up to the senior forward Notre Dame greats. Hugh, Bob Hutchinson, Bill tees to better enjoy the game. Burnett and Dick Callahan were Gonzaga classmates before heading to South Bend. After 45 years Max Roesler still leads the family fishing Old buddies Bob McGrath, Joe McGraw and Charlie trip to Canada. Polnow enjoyed an August vacation with their wives in Santa Barbara, which ain’t a bad place to loaf! “We are enjoying our life in Kentucky – the land of blue grass, race horses and bourbon,” Ed Yohon writes from ‘55ers SHARE THOUGHTS Lexington, “but we take a lot of flak from SEC football ABOUT THEIR 80TH MILESTONE fans.” He is planning on attending the Oklahoma game. Warren ‘Lefty’ Youngstrom of Omaha, wrote, “I feel Don Totten, a former Illinois political insider, was kind great… new knees are 13 years old… golfing four days enough to provide a list of Springfield’s best restaurants a week (game stinks). We enjoy our winters in Palm when we visited the wonderful Abraham Lincoln Desert and summers in Omaha. God has blessed Jackie Museum. If you’re in the Midwest, be sure to put it on and me and our family.” your travel list. Joyce and Don spent two months in Madeira Beach and then headed to Napa Valley in July. Ron Smith checked in from the Twin Cities, “since reach- ing the 80 milestone on St. Patrick’s Day, I have contin- Joyce is holding her own in her battle with breast cancer ued to play tennis on Monday and golf on Tuesday. I and was delighted to welcome their first great grand- recommend walking and other exercise daily to try to child last year. keep in shape. Staying closer to God and family should be a goal every day. Smiling a lot helps others as well as One of our birthday boys, Ed Rhomberg of Bryan, Texas, me accept the normal soreness of age 80.” still holds a grudge against his mother for delivering him on April 1. “Many thanks to my loving mother, who Chicago’s Ron Davis put it quite simply, “How could I couldn’t hold on for a few more hours to spare me a full best serve God and my family in the time I have remain- lifetime of grief.” Suzanne and Ed continue to travel ing.” extensively, although he’s been curtailed somewhat by a heart attack in 2011. They have now visited 96 differ- Wally Guglielmo Bassi, another Chicagoan, has a ent countries during their marriage. different viewpoint. “What is it like to be 80 years old?!!!! Moving one’s bowels is a strenuous and energy- “Had my pace maker replaced recently,” Joe Capka consuming experience. Urinating takes forever and at wrote, “and at the follow-up check the Dr. said ‘good for least 20 to 30 times daily. another eight years.’ I think he meant the pace-maker as One feels pain in parts of the body that you never I’ll be 80 on October 4!” thought existed. Forgetfulness and disorientation is universal. Do not fall for every bone in your body is Another regular international traveler, Carroll Dowden subject to fracture. On the positive side, you are just returned from a two-week Baltic tour, visiting five ENTITLED to do anything you wish within the limits of countries by land and sea. One of the highlights for legality - farting at the dinner table, cussing and swear- Eleanor and Carroll was Kronborg Castle in Denmark, ing, telling the world to bug-off and a host of obnoxious behaviors. We look forward to paradise wherein lies the 27 Fountain of Youth. HAPPY EIGHTY!!!!”

KEARNS HAS QUESTIONS “I thank God every day for the blessings he bestows on WHEN OBSERVING BIG DAY my family and me. I also pray to Mary, Our Mother, for help to keep our classmates strong in their love of Jesus Writing from Seal Beach, CA, Pat Kearns has some ques- Christ, Our Savior. Please Lord, bless each one of us. As tions. “I’m extremely puzzled as to why I have lived to be Fr. Hesburgh prays, Come Holy Spirit,” Kearns concluded. 80. My mother died at 49+ and my Dad at 68+. Heredity probably has not been a strong factor. Dick Golob of Sunnyside, WA, wrote, “Now that I am 80, I am actually thankful that I feel the same as at 70. I am “When we talk about lifestyle, it becomes a broad field careful to try to exercise a bit more, but my wife, Barb, of activity; spiritual, mental, physical, social, etc. I have and I are very lucky. Only glad I do not have to pass any been blessed with an early family life that encouraged ND entrance exams today.” and nourished those four fields of activity. Growing up in a large, cohesive family (seven kids and I was the Hester told a story that was a real ‘grabber’. One of his oldest) that stressed religious responsibility with house- Catholic nieces was jammed into a triple in Farley and hold chores, encouragement for part time jobs and wasn’t too happy, especially when she didn’t make the support in athletic activities. I was ready to leave for choral group. Returning to the room in tears, she was Notre Dame after high school (I was really blessed with consoled by her Muslim roommate who said, “Let’s go a very rich uncle – my mother was his favorite and he down to the Grotto and pray.” Contemporary Notre had no children of his own – he provided each of our Dame! seven children with a wonderful start in life, four of us graduating from Notre Dame.) Notre Dame reinforced Emmet Cassidy who keeps busy serving on several pen- the lifestyle activities I brought with me and pushed me sion boards, missed the luncheon because of a funeral. along to the next stages of a good life. Elaine and Emmet have spent a lot of time at their summer house in Michigan but he’s worried about their “My early employment in the aerospace industry new neighbors, “Since our son and daughter just afforded opportunities to find my wonderful Joann and bought the house next door!” begin our life journey together. We are still going strong after 56 years, four children, six grandchildren and two great grandchildren. I also got my MSCE at USC (Ed. LOCHTEFELDS ENDURE DIFFICULT SUMMER Note: traitor!) and was elected to the Downy Recreation and Park District during the same election JFK was Unfortunately, the powers-that-be decided to give the elected President. man who murdered Elizabeth Lochtefeld, daughter of Judy and John Lochtefeld, another trial. “I also was able to pass the tests necessary to become both a Registered Mechanical Engineer and Registered So the Lochtefeld family had to endure all the details of Metallurgical Engineer in the state of California. the grizzly case again. It took even less time than the 2007 trial as the jury again found the defendant guilty. “In 1966, I left the aerospace industry to work as a civil engineer, becoming registered in both California and Both families attended every day of the trial and inter- Montana. I have worked in the broad field of municipal acted regularly. The Lochtefeld family’s expression of engineering, even up to this day. My work has been my sympathy for the defendant’s family was striking. play. Even the defense attorney noted “I’ve been doing this “I have always had the activities – spiritual, mental, for a long time and very rarely have I had a family like physical, joyous and social – as an integral part of my life. the Lochtefelds. They have given much comfort to my Joann and our families have served our Catholic com- client’s parents.” munity wherever we have lived. All have been involved in school and civic activities and we take time to social- We salute Judy and John for their Christian outreach ize with family and friends. and are so proud to claim them as ’55 members.

28 CALLAHAN ADJUSTING TO ONTARIO HUMBERT STAYS ACTIVE AT ND

After a long stint outside Vancouver, Elaine and Dick Federico Humbert checked in from Panama and Callahan are gradually adjusting to senior high rise reports that he is still very close to Notre Dame as a living outside Toronto. Regardless of where he’s living, member of the Latin American Council and the Ricardo still gets high blood pressure about some of President’s Circle. Humbert spent three years in insur- Notre Dame’s athletic decisions. ance and 15 years in fishing operations (shrimp fishing – boats, freezing plant and exports to the U. S.) “And even though I’ll probably never get to another Notre Dame football game,” Callahan wrote, “I agree Today he continues as chairman of the board of Banco wholeheartedly with you that a Jumbotron would General, a position he has held for the past 39 years. certainly be a kind and welcome gesture for the loyal fans who pack the stadium Saturday after Saturday. If He is now recovering from two surgeries, one at Johns Guelph University in Ontario can – and does already – Hopkins in Baltimore and the second one in Panama, have one, surely Notre Dame can afford one too. Go but he is feeling well. Irish!” Federico has eight children - three boys, all ND grads, Another advocate of instant replay is Dave Metz, who and five daughters, all Saint Mary’s grads. had three generations of his family at the Mini- Reunion. Sandy and Dave celebrated his 80th and One of his old buddies, Don Cavett, immediately wrote their 56th anniversary in the Finger Lakes region of Humbert after getting his address. “Hello, Freddy, how New York. are things? Joan and I will always remember our visit to your home when we were living in Costa Rica. We’ve Jim Rickling was scheduled to play basketball in the talked about it fondly over the years.” Cavett added, Senior Olympics in Cleveland, but several of his 80 “We’ve never had the opportunity to go back to year-old teammates broke down (one died!) the month Panama in all these years, but surely would like to., We before the tournament and they had to drop out. love to watch Mariano Rivera pitch and he is our However, Jim and Edna Mae still made the trip and did connection to your country and we think of you often.” some touring in the area, including the NFL Hall Of Fame. 80TH PROMPTS FARRELL TO TELL LIFE’S STORY Bill Richardson, a former member of the ND track team is mighty proud of his grandson who has just His milestone birthday prompted Dick Farrell to sit received a track scholarship from Oklahoma. Gramd- down and re-cap his life, “Mary Bridget, my teen-age son Zachary Ghizzone was the NJ state indoor cham- sweetheart and a Registered Nurse. Blessed with two pion in the 44m high hurdles, ran anchor on the indoor sons now 58 and 55. Went the corporate route up the national record-setting shuttle hurdle relay team and ladder to senior management. Travelled to all parts of ran third leg on the national 4x200 winning team. His the world with my wife. Had enough of the corporate Union Catholic High School in Scotch Plains won the rat race and retired at 55. My wife and I took our sons national championship, with young Zachary leading and their spouses on an all-expenses paid trip to Hawaii. the way. Bust those buttons, Bill, but I can’t bring My sons enjoyed meeting the late Walt Cabral, ’55, and myself to run the Oklahoma recruiting photo of him family. Bridget and I had visited with Walt a number of you sent after what the Sooners did to us on the times on prior trips to Hawaii. gridiron this year. “Started my own consulting firm and also worked as a Don Hanisch attended the Fatima “The Path To Peace contract consultant with a business and personal friend Conference” in September in Niagara Falls, Ontario. headquartered in Bettendorf, IA. Did well as a consul- Don says you can listen to the most interesting speak- tant and seminar/workshop speaker/trainer as an inde- ers by going to Fatima.org. pendent and with my friend.

29 JOHNSON REHABBING AFTER SERIOUS CAR ACCIDENT

‘55ers are a tough bunch, no question about it. Art Johnson of Dixon, IL, was in a serious car accident, suffer- ing two bruised ribs, two breaks in the ankle and assorted other injuries, but he’s rehabbing in a nursing home and hoped to attend the Oklahoma game with Brian Gaffney and family.

Jac Fitzenz is rehabbing after his June open heart surgery and is planning to get back on the golf course. He’s also the author of “Geezer Village.”

A planned meeting with journalism classmate Tom Welly in Dayton was derailed this summer by Tom’s knee replacement surgery. His grandson just finished his freshman year in Sorin.

After his knee surgery, Frank Lundy had plenty of down time to study to renew his Professional Engineer’s license so he can work part-time with his son who is taking over their construction business. Frank doesn’t plan to go to the office every day now that he is 80, “But it’s better than cleaning out the garage.”

Don Lanspa experienced a TIA at the gym with his wife. Fortunately, the trainer immediately called 911 and provided preliminary assistance. After a twelve-mile ride to the hospital, Don found out that he had to be transferred to another one 45 minutes away. But, the doctors told him that the quick emergency treatment saved his life.

Jerry Hughes’ wife Joan, suffered two mini strokes in August and went to a Kansas City hospital for further tests. Their son Mike was promoted to Senior Vice President for Government Relations for Wells Fargo. One grandson recently graduated from Iowa and is headed to China to teach English at a University and continue his Chinese study.

Walt Langford is now settled in California after a cross- country move from Florida. They travelled to Richland, WA, to see a grandson graduate from high school.

George Vosmik’s oldest grandson graduated from Vanderbilt with a double major in Bio-Engineering and Economics. He is now in Baylor’s medical school.

Dick Golob of Sunnyside, WA, had hoped to attend the

“Mary Bridget developed CMI and Alzheimer’s around 1990 until her passing in 2008. Stay busy now in my NEW NORMAL (life after Bridget). Active in local parish, writing, occasional Alzheimer speaking engagements, travel to visit long-time friends and relatives, etc.”

DISCHER STILL JUGGLING WORK AND PLEASURE

I like the way my former high school classmate, Dave Discher terms our current stage in life - “semi- retirement.” Dave added, “Sally and I are travelling a bit. For example, we had a recent trip to Toronto with medical education and pleasure goals. For my birthday, we planned two family gatherings; one at one of my daughter’s homes near Stanford and the next afte- rnoon to AT&T Park for about 40 of us watching a Giants game.”

Discher recalled the story of his youngest son, who was MEYERS PRESIDES ON NATIONAL DAY doing his daily run four years ago when he suffered a heart attack. “The EMT crew summoned by a passerby Our great story teller, George Meyers, again presided reportedly found no EKG signal, and on the third and over the Luxembourg National Day celebration in final paddle attempt, restored Donald’s heart function. Chicago. He has been a leader in the Luxembourg He was at the Giants game but not the party the day Brotherhood for many, many years and if you like before because he was on police and fire duty in events with great names, how’s this one? - Schober- Sunnyvale, as well as older brother, Dean.” messe Festival. That’s another one of George’s Luxem- bourg activities and I’ve gotten reports that he even The entire Jackman clan gathered to celebrate Mike’s tells his famous Luftansa story before these audiences. 80th. He and Jean attended the ASU game in Dallas and the Stanford game in northern California. John Hobbs was looking forward to returning for the Oklahoma game. John and Jacquie are doing well and Dick Norton celebrated his 80th in Warnerville, NY. enjoying travelling in the west where their children live. They also planned to drive to Dallas for the Arizona After their Mediterranean cruise in June to celebrate State game. Hobbs is getting more active in the local their 53rd anniversary, Alma and Frank Tonini ND club, serving as a director and senior alumni repre- travelled from Italy to Bellingham, WA to visit their sentative. daughter and cruise to Alaska. They enjoyed a breath- taking stop at Glacier National Park and concluded The Purdue game posed a real problem for Tom Welly, with a week-long Rocky Mountaineer train ride from whose oldest granddaughter got married on game day Vancouver to Calgary through the Canadian Rockies. to a guy whose Dad formerly was a starting guard for the Boilermakers. Tom said, “The flow of the game added to the flavor of the reception.” Welly’s rehab after knee surgery was painful because of his arthritis.

Tony ‘Butch’ Vallace is looking forward to another winter season in Naples, FL. He and Yvonne now have 26 grandchildren. Still enjoying the good like in Arizona, Mike Brown does occasional stints as Judge Pro-tem. 30 TREASURED BLANKET- Bill Relph holds a Notre Dame blanket with a long history. There’s a monument in the cemetery at the entrance to the campus to the Coquillards, pioneer South Bend family. Relph’s old fishing buddy, Mauri is a member of that family and at Bill’s 80th birthday presented him with the Blue and Gold stadium blanket that had been in his family for over 60 years. Relph felt honored because Mauri’s mother had taken the blanket to the stadium throughout her life. Here's How To Get To '55 Web Site OBITUARIES 1) Go to your computer and type in: http://ND55.org Tom Galligan 2) Then “Bookmark it” in the usual way. January 9, 2013 Note: In our e-mails to you we will always try to include a line that reads: Go to ND55 Web When you see that, just clicking on it will bring up the site

Remember Deceased Classmates on First Sunday of Each Month! Long-time Ft. Wayne lawyer Tom Galligan died Jan. 9 at Don’t forget to pray for your deceased classmates a local retirement center. about the power of that ’55 prayer network A Chicago native, Galligan received his law degree bombarding heaven with prayers from all around the from De Paul in Chicago and ran his own firm, Galligan world! and Associates.

On the same day, John Connaughton lights a candle at the Grotto for those who have passed away, Galligan was an active member of his local parish and including spouses. the ND Club of Ft. Wayne; Charter board member of Pathways; St. Joseph’s Hospi- tal Foundation; and former member of Big Brother/Big Sisters. 31 John Hamilton wrote to share a few thoughts about John Bogan III Galligan or ‘TJ’ as many called him. “In September of 1951 I met Tom for the first time and both of our April 19, 2013 fathers were railroad men and both mothers were stay-at-home housewives who loved to play bridge. We both love sports and roomed together all four years – BP, Howard, Dillon and Alumni Hall. Every year I would spend two weekends at his Oak Park home. Each fall his Dad took us to a Bears’ game at Wrigley Long-time commercial fisherman John Bogan III Field. Each spring Max Roesler and other s would join passed away April 19 in Brielle, NJ. After spending two us for a weekend Cardinals/Cubs baseball series. and half years as an Air Force officer, he joined the family business, Bogan’s Brielle Basin as a fishing boat “During summer break Tom would visit me in Clinton, captain. Bogan was captain of the Paramount fishing IL and we usually went to the Illinois State Fair in boat for over twenty years. In 1979, he opened Brielle Springfield to see the Indy car races. Bait and Tackle Store along with his sons and daugh- ters for many years. “After graduation, I was assigned to the Naval Air Station in Glenview. In September, 1956, Tom arranged John was preceded in death by his wife, Catherine and for me to have a blind date with Barbara Roeser. He and an infant son. He is survived by four children, nine Kitty joined us on that first date. In May, 1958, Tom was grandchildren and one great grandchild. Best Man at our wedding. My Navy assignments kept us apart for the next 20 years or so, but we kept in touch via ‘phone and Christmas greetings. During our Bill Kilburg class Reunions, starting in 1980, we were able to renew March 10, 2013 our past friendship. Tom was a great friend, a very smart and caring person who loved to laugh and tell stories. He and Kitty were a wonderful and loving couple. I know Kitty’s death in 2008 was a great loss to Tom. May this wonderful friend rest in peace.”fund. Just attach a note to your check. A Florida resident for many years, Bill Kilburg died in Bob McAuliffe hospice in Ft. Myers, FL on March 10 after a long illness. January 23, 2013 A native of Chicago, Kilburg lived for many years in Plantation, FL where he was the president of Gulf Stream Pump and Equipment in Ft. Lauderdale. Kilburg moved to Ft. Myers Beach in 1998.

After serving two years in the Air Force, Kilburg contin- Bob McAuliffe - January 23, 2013 ued as a Captain in the Reserves. Bob McAuliffe died Jan. 23 in a most unusual way. He and Orlean were having dinner with five other couples Kilburg is survived by his wife, Judy, four children and when a piece of meat stuck in his wind pipe and he twelve grandchildren. passed out. The choking trauma and lack of oxygen were the cause of his death. Thirteen of Bill’s ’55 classmates attended the funeral – Chuck Bennett, Jerry Burns, Phil Chinn, Jim Ehret, He is survived by Orlean, five children and twelve Jack Flynn, Howie Hart, Gerry Hillsman, Frank grandchildren. Lundy, Bucky Janssen, Don Shanley, Jim Stevens, Jim Vachris and Tony Vallace. McAuliffe loved his Irish heritage, ND sports, Wednes- day lunch friends, Thursday nights at the club, Jeop- Ehret, who was a classmate of Bill’s all sixteen years, ardy and martinis, according to Orlean. said a few heartfelt remarks at the funeral. 32 SCHEELES CONTINUE WORLD TRAVEL

After a weekend in Gettysburg soaking up Civil War history, Jeanne and Dave Scheele embarked on a 16-day ‘best of Ireland and Scotland’ tour, but they’ll be back in time for the big USC game. This spring they visited Normandy’s WWII beaches.

Walt Flaherty really enjoyed golf in the cool mountains of North Carolina, which was a sharp contrast to his regular courses around Hilton Head. Like many other smart ’55 golfers, he’s moved up to the senior forward tees to better enjoy the game.

After 45 years Max Roesler still leads the family fishing trip to Canada.

“We are enjoying our life in Kentucky – the land of blue grass, race horses and bourbon,” Ed Yohon writes from Lexington, “but we take a lot of flak from SEC football fans.” He is planning on attending the Oklahoma game.

Don Totten, a former Illinois political insider, was kind enough to provide a list of Springfield’s best restaurants when we visited the wonderful Abraham Lincoln Museum. If you’re in the Midwest, be sure to put it on your travel list. Joyce and Don spent two months in Madeira Beach and then headed to Napa Valley in July.

Joyce is holding her own in her battle with breast cancer and was delighted to welcome their first great grand- child last year.

One of our birthday boys, Ed Rhomberg of Bryan, Texas, still holds a grudge against his mother for delivering him on April 1. “Many thanks to my loving mother, who couldn’t hold on for a few more hours to spare me a full lifetime of grief.” Suzanne and Ed continue to travel extensively, although he’s been curtailed somewhat by a heart attack in 2011. They have now visited 96 differ- ent countries during their marriage.

“Had my pace maker replaced recently,” Joe Capka wrote, “and at the follow-up check the Dr. said ‘good for another eight years.’ I think he meant the pace-maker as I’ll be 80 on October 4!”

Another regular international traveler, Carroll Dowden just returned from a two-week Baltic tour, visiting five countries by land and sea. One of the highlights for Eleanor and Carroll was Kronborg Castle in Denmark,

Phil Collins, Jr. Jim Reno April 29, 2013 May 3, 2013

Phil Collins, Jr., of Springfield, IL, died on April 29 in the Another of our proud Marines, Jim Reno died on May 3 city’s Memorial Medical Center. after doctors found that lung cancer had metastasized.

After being in the Navy, Collins served in the Illinois He was given full military honors at Quantico. House of Representatives until 1982. He worked as the Director of Corporate Tax Collection for the Illinois While at ND Reno found time to work at Capital Associ- Department of Revenue for four years and was just ates in South Bend and it prepared him for a long elected to his eighth term on the Illinois Legislative career at the Bank of America in California. He and Retirement Board. Patricia lived in Coronado for many years. The Renos moved to Roanoke, VA after he retired. Collins is survived by his wife, Donna, four children, eight grandchildren and two great grandchildren. He was a Bengal Bouts battler and captured the crown in his division after moving up with two knockouts.

Bob Haidinger, who was Jim’s roommate at ND, recalls Pat McAward that they both signed up for the Marines at the same April 29, 2013 time, so their serial numbers are only one digit apart.

Jim was Bob’s Best Man at his marriage to Mary Ann. Reno married Patricia while both he and Bob were in the OCC. Malcolm ‘Bud’ Koons After heart valve replacement surgery in February and May 18, 2013 post-surgical complications, Pat McAward finally succumbed on April 29.

He passed away at his home in Somers, NY.

After serving as an officer in the Army Corps of Engi- neers, McAward worked 42 years with the same engi- After an extended illness, Malcolm ‘Bud’ Koons passed neering and architectural firm, eventually becoming a away May 18 at Elkhart General Hospital in Indiana. partner. Koons was a CPA and a former owner of Torch Mobil Pat served as a parish councilman, taught CCD and was Home Court in Elkhart for nearly 21 years. In 1986 he an Extraordinary Minister, taking Holy Communion to also helped form Koons and Koons CPAS of Elkhart, a the sick. firm currently being operated by his son, Michael. He was a 50-year member of the St. Vincent de Paul Catho- McAward is survived by his wife Jean, five children and lic Church and was a lifetime KC member. nine grandchildren. Koons is survived by his wife, Mary Ellen, four children, seven grandchildren and thirteen great grandchildren.

33 Sars Ford Knoll was awarded the Vanderburgh County Soil and May 19, 2013 Water Conservation Award in 2007. He is survived by one daughter. Jim Smith - June 3, 2013 Author Jim Smith, who served overseas with the Army in Tokyo, died June 3.

He wrote many copyrighted plays and acted in various Known in Connecticut as ‘The Judge’, Sars Ford was the films. In addition, he worked for a pharmaceutical com- voice of justice in the Bridgeport State Courts. pany.

After a long illness, Sars died on May 19. One of the Smith was a daily communicant and a faithful devotee most popular guys in the class, Sars showed his true of the Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. He also strength of spirit and body working to overcome his enjoyed the tradition of the Christmas Eve tour of the impairment for years since his stroke in 2006. Chicago Basilicas. Mike Hoffman After receiving his law degree from Georgetown, Ford was in private practice until June 6, 2013 he was appointed in 1973 as a Superior Court judge. He became a senior judge in 2003 and was known as a fair but firm jurist, presiding over many serious criminal trials.

An imposing figure on the Bench - picture Sars look- Known for his deeply-held Pro-Life convictions, Mike ing like Mr. Clean in his black robe glaring at a defen- Hoffman was very active for various causes in Ohio for dant – he had young punks shaking in their boots. over 15 years. He died June 6.

“Judge Ford was a lion in the courtroom and a lion for Hoffman served as an active board member of Preg- his beloved city,” Fairfield Mayor Bill Finch said. nancy Center East, a founding board member of both the Ohio Family Alliance and the Way of Love. In addition to the State Superior Court Bench, Ford served on the State Supreme Court. Sars also was head For more than a decade, he volunteered his skills as a of the Judicial Martial Service and chairman of the probation officer for the Hamilton County Courts. He Sentence Review Division. was active in his work for the poor, especially through the Society of St. Vincent de Paul and teaching adult Ford is survived by his wife, Barbara, seven children and literacy. Ray Knoll Hoffman enjoyed a long and successful career with June 3, 2013 IBM, receiving multiple honors and awards. He was proud of his Air Force service, leaving as a Captain.

Mike was convinced that his daily Mass and serving at ND helped him graduate with honors. Growing up on Angela Street, ND was the family parish. Hoffman’s mother became a dorm mother following the death of Evansville, IN lawyer Ray Knoll passed away June 3. her husband. His brother Joe became a Holy Cross priest and taught at ND and headed Admissions at one He was a member of the Evansville Bar Association and time. Indiana State Bar Association, as well as the Evansville Athletic Club and Shiado’s Roundtable. His first wife, Mary Lou, preceded him in death, and 24 years ago married Jane. He leaves six children, seven- teen grandchildren and four great grandchildren. 34 80TH PROMPTS FARRELL TO TELL LIFE’S STORY

His milestone birthday prompted Dick Farrell to sit down and re-cap his life, “Mary Bridget, my teen-age sweetheart and a Registered Nurse. Blessed with two sons now 58 and 55. Went the corporate route up the ladder to senior management. Travelled to all parts of the world with my wife. Had enough of the corporate rat race and retired at 55. My wife and I took our sons and their spouses on an all-expenses paid trip to Hawaii. My sons enjoyed meeting the late Walt Cabral, ’55, and family. Bridget and I had visited with Walt a number of times on prior trips to Hawaii.

“Started my own consulting firm and also worked as a contract consultant with a business and personal friend headquartered in Bettendorf, IA. Did well as a consul- tant and seminar/workshop speaker/trainer as an inde- pendent and with my friend.

Pete Rittenhouse Hodges began his teaching career in the Benton July 10, 2013 Harbor area and in 1962 was appointed a Principal, a historical ‘first’ for African-American educators in Berrien County. Hodges retired in 1966 at age 75, com- After a long illness, Pete Rittenhouse died peacefully at pleting a very fruitful teaching career that spanned 41 home on July 10 in Phoenix. A Chicago native, Ritten- years. house was raised in San Antonio. He is preceded in death by his wife, Arelia, a son and He served as an officer in the Marines and retired as a granddaughter. He is survived by four children, 15 Captain in the Reserves. grandchildren, 24 great grandchildren and two great, After active duty, Rittenhouse enjoyed a 44-year career great grandchildren!!! as a sales representative. Survivors include his wife, Mary, six children and seven- Clarence Hodges was quite a Christian gentleman and teen grandchildren. I was fortunate to have him in several of my classes. Rittenhouse’s memorial Mass was held at the Basilica Hal Willenborg and he was buried at Cedar Grove Cemetery on July 24, 2013 campus. As a final nod to his ND roots, Pete’s funeral luncheon was held in the Oak Room of the South Dining Hall.

Clarence Hodges July 21, 2013 One of the few people who get to retire and live in paradise, Hal Willenborg succumbed after a long illness on July 24 in Hawaii.

Hal’s good friend Elliot Leese wrote, “He fought valiantly against his demons – alcoholism, by-polar Perhaps the most unusual member of the Class of ’55, disorder and brain problems. He did not have a drink Clarence Elijah Hodges died July 21 at 92, one of the for the last 40 years of his life – I think that may have first black graduates of the University. His story is truly been his greatest accomplishment.” inspiring. After his discharge from the Navy, Willenborg earned a Would you believe that Clarence graduated from high law degree, worked for the Defense Department and school in 1940? taught business law at a local college. He is survived by his second wife, Ruth, four children and three grand- Hodges enlisted in the Army and was a cook at Ft. Riley, children. where many of us served at one time or another. After his discharge, he moved his young family to Niles, MI John Heller where he worked at Clark Equipment Company. August 22, 2013

He worked nights and attended classes during the day. After attending a one-room school house across the Little by little, still focused on his goal to graduate, road from his house in rural Illinois, it must have been Hodges managed somehow to balance work, family quite a shock for John Heller to deal with freshman and finances and modeled faith, perseverance, hard year at Notre Dame. After all, there were 13 students in work and integrity in his daily life. Grades 1 – 8 in his school.

Finally, 15 years after he graduated from high school, Heller died August 22 at his home in Bloomington, IL. Hodges received his degree with us in 1955 and then went on to earn a Master’s. 35 Neal Halloran After receiving his mechanical engineering degree, Heller was drafted into the Army and served in the October 3, 2013 Corps of Engineers at Ft. Sam Houston in San Antonio, A member of that great Fenwick contingent from Oak where he met his wife, Barbara. Park, Neal Halloran was in ill health for quite awhile and recently went into a nursing home, where he died on While in Texas, he also pursued a law degree at St. Oct. 3. He is survived by his wife, Babs, three sons, four Mary’s University. grandchildren and one great grandchild. He was preceded in death by a daughter. Following discharge, Heller became an engineer for Phelan Thompson the McLean County Highway Department back home. He was Assistant Superintendent of Highways from October 4, 2013 1965 to 1998 when he retired.

John and his brother Bill had a 50-year partnership farming in the area, in addition to being co-owners of the Fletcher Grain Elevator. Our Aussie classmate, Phelan Thompson died suddenly at his home in Sydney, Australia. ‘Skipper’ was an Heller is survived by his wife, two children and five officer in the Navy after graduation and led a most grandchildren. Russell added, “Jerry is a true Notre interesting life—world traveler, businessman, tennis Dame man. Twelve years ago when my wife gave me a player, family man and a “true gentleman who made retirement party, he and Suzy flew out to participate. I lasting impressions,” according to his friends. asked him what he and another friend were so avidly talking about at the party, he said ‘Our devotion to Our He is survived by his wife, Jill, three sons and four Blessed Mother.’ grandchildren. According to his friend, Dick Norton, the mailing address is 74 Edinburgh Road, Castlecrag NSW, 2068, Australia. Jerry Burns October 3, 2013 Norton contacted Archbishop Charles Brown, son of our Charlie Brown and Papal Nuncio to Ireland, who Long-time Michigan lawyer Jerry Burns died on Oct. 2 immediately e-mailed the family in Australia with his after battling back from heart disease only to learn that condolences and scheduled a Memorial Mass for he was ridden with cancer. Upon graduation, Burns Thompson. was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Air Force, where he served as a jet fighter pilot. Memorial Masses have been offered for our recently deceased at Notre Dame, George Hezdirtz, son of our Upon discharge, Jerry received his law degree from George Hezdirtz and Walt Langford’s daughter, Julie. Michigan and began his legal career with the Saginaw Prosecutor’s Office before entering private practice. In Recent contributors to our Class fund that provides 010 he was honored for 50 years of outstanding legal funding for our Memorial Masses and Newsletter work. include: Frank Cribbs, Bob McGrath, John Hamilton, Bill Kreps, Rita Prevoznik, Owen Dugan, Larry Brehl, Burns is survived by Sue, three boys and four grandchil- Joe Donovan, Al Cowles, Bob Moore, Mike Carroll, dren. Mike O’Toole. Gerry Hillsman, Joe Kearney, Max Roesler, Larry Harrison, Brian Gaffney, Tom Brand, His good friend, Bob Russell, really was shook by John Smith. Don Lanspa. Pat Meyer, Dick Cook, Burns’ death and wrote, “Jerry flew in the Air Force, and Frank Cunningham, Dick Connelley, Jerry Groark, raised three good boys and always has had time to Larry Buckley, Leo Hawk and Dave Metz. chat. Perhaps the most important thing he ever did was quit drinking 30 years ago. He never talked about Checks should be made out to the ND Class of ’55 Fund it, and we never noticed – he just dealt with it.” and mailed to me at 87 Heatherdowns Lane, Galena, IL 61036.Many send in $55 each year.

P.S. Thanks to Sandra for typing these 16,800 words! 36