Nancy Adams Chow
Guest’s Name: Peter Chow
Traveled From: St. Louis, MO
Favorite Hobby: Music
Robert Anderson
Traveling From: Manchester, Missouri
Favorite Hobby: Tennis, Deep sea fishing
Favorite Teacher: Ms. Imogene Clayton
High School Memory: As a senior I made a dreaded English teacher stop ranting and take a step backwards (if only for a second) after I blurted out in the middle of her ranting about not looking up words “peripety means role reversal”. Then, on finals day I wrecked her yearly class evil surprise by reminding members of the class that on the first day of the year she told us we needed to memorize, for her final, a poem we found beautiful. I reminded members of the class of this the morning of the final, and many in the class quickly memorized the short poem “Walking by the woods on a snowy evening” by Frost. She was so mad! For once I found her ranting funny because I knew it was because her evil trick had been foiled and “She had had miles to go before she slept.”
Life Story: My wife of 38 years is Barb Bratton Anderson, Southwest class of 1971. Our two sons are both getting married for the first time before next July. I’ve studied mathematics, physics, theoretical electrical engineering, kitchen and bath design, building codes and actuarial science. I’ve taught statistics and science at the college level, worked as an actuary, programmed receiver software for the first production GPS set, created computer algorithms for civil engineering applications, created terrain following radar algorithms, and conceptualized and planned what I believe was the first alternative service offering by a Protestant church. I’ve taken pictures of an annular solar eclipse, two total solar eclipses, a meteor storm, comets and lunar eclipses. Now on most nights you’ll find me playing tennis. I still want to create a digitized wooden mobius strip with three half turns made of wood as an art object. I feel content with my life.
Carol Asher
Traveling From: St. Louis
Favorite Hobby: Art & my grandbaby
Favorite Teacher: Miss Leontone Meyer
Life Story: I worked as a commercial artist/graphic designer, married and had two amazing children, which led to a beautiful granddaughter. After my divorce I am living again in St. Louis, getting ready to retire.
Connie Backues McKinney
Guest’s Name: Mark McKinney
Traveling From: Affton
Favorite Hobby: Bowling
Favorite Teacher: Mrs. Godwin
Mark Baldwin
Traveling From: Texas
Favorite Hobby: Family
Favorite Teacher: Miss Meyer
Life Story: Graduated William Jewell College’74. Married 48 years to college sweetheart Linda. Have a son Andrew and daughter Becca, 4 grands Aiden(10), Axel(8), Addie(5), Landon(1). Worked in the rental car industry for 29 years the 1st 7 years with Enterprise with Stan Mann as my boss for 3 of those years. Still a diehard Cardinal fan and a Texas A&M fan. Retired the last 3 years and enjoying life.
Mary Bante Knight
Guest’s Name: Robert Knight
Traveling From: Madison, Wisconsin
Favorite Hobby: Writing
Favorite Teacher: -Miss Meyer/Mr. Nordstrom
High School Memory: My special memory was being asked to write the class song for graduation. It was fun to write.
Life Story: Upon graduation from Southwest High, I attended Central Methodist College. My roommate was Southwest High friend Laura Meenan. After graduating with a Bachelor of Music degree, I went on to get a master’s degree from Colorado State University and returned to St. Louis to get a Ph.D. in Music Theory from Washington U. While teaching at Lewis University in Chicago, I met my husband Robert Knight and we moved to Eau Claire, Wisconsin where we raised four sons, including twins. While in Wisconsin, I became a development director for the Mayo Clinic Health System. I later became a Foundation director for Harper College and Oakton Community College in Chicago. We lived in Chico, California for five years. Now retired in Madison, Wisconsin, we enjoy being grandparents and I enjoy writing. I just completed and published a novel “Wine and Wildfires.”
John Bauer
Traveling From: Columbia, MO
Favorite Hobby: Hiking, biking, loud music
Favorite Teacher: Miss Greiwe
High School Memory: Watching Mrs. Imogene Clayton grabbing a student out in the hallway to participate in one of her hair raising physics experiments.
Life Story: Started college at the U of Mo in Columbia. After 1 year joined the Coast Guard Reserves. Eventually completed a degree in Wildlife and then Medical Technology. Worked mostly at U of Mo Hospital Pathology. Married in 1984, 2 sons, 1 daughter; 2 recent grand-babies.
Barbara Baxter Chapman
Guest’s Name: Randy Chapman
Traveling From: Seattle
Favorite Hobby: Violin
Favorite Teacher: Mr. Nordman
Life Story: Married my husband in the St Louis area in 1976. We had our son in July 1981. In 1983 my husband was offered a job in Fort Worth, TX and we moved there. Had our daughter in 1984. After 28 years there, I was offered a job in Salt Lake City and moved and lived there for 3 years. In Dec 2014, my husband was offered a job in Seattle and we moved again. I have been a credit manager and my husband was a financial wizard with Microsoft Dynamics GP and a CPA. We both have continued playing violin together both in orchestras and in church, etc.
Gini Bicket Fanter
Guest’s Name: Robert Fanter
Traveling From: St. Louis, MO
Favorite Hobby: Photography
Favorite Teacher: Mr. Byrne
High School Memory: I loved the music and drama program at Southwest, and getting to perform alone and with others at aud sessions, in choir, and while playing principal roles in My Fair Lady, South Pacific and Anything Goes. Looking back, it seemed we had an unbelievable stage with a real velvet curtain and a pretty elaborate backstage area with lots of painted scenery that could be raised and lowered on cue. (I still sometimes have nightmares that I have missed my cue in Anything Goes!) There was always competition for the lead roles, but I love remembering how Miss Meyers would pluck unlikely people from the background and thrust them into starring roles because she could envision that they would be good. Such was the case with Corky, who was a delight as the love-able gangster in Anything Goes, “tweeting like the bluebird”… Could anyone not agree that he was perfect?
Life Story: After high school, attended Wash U Art School, majoring in Graphic Communications; with a friend, launched an annual St. Louis clue hunt that is still going; met my husband when he interviewed me for a job at an advertising agency ( I got the job!); sang in choirs and traveled for work and pleasure, read 100’s of books; had 4 kids ( two of them came at one time!), changed lots of diapers, lost sleep; got my first Apple computer, became a Photoshop guru; designed, folded and addressed many Christmas mailings; watched movies, volunteered, room-mothered, drove carpool, walked 6 different Welsh Terriers, cheered my kids at sports, plays and performances; paid to fix cars my kids wrecked, got ’em through college and onward; ran my own design & advertising business, learned to have a Vegan Thanksgiving so my kids would come; & applied some killer manicures.
Susan Black Eaton
Guest’s Name: David Eaton
Traveling From: We live in STL
Favorite Hobby: birding, gardening, photography, traveling
Favorite Teacher: Mr. Gower
High School Memory: One of my fondest memories was dancing in Anything Goes, senior year. I did the choreography for Reno’s Angels, and that involved teaching some of the girls how to tap dance. At the end of both shows, I got flowers! What fun!
Life Story: Married my HS sweetheart, in a round-about way. Had a 32-yr career as a PT. Two children, one grandson. I’ve visited many countries for bird -watching trips. David and I have also visited many countries together. I am involved in activities at church and I volunteer at the World Bird Sanctuary. I love to garden in my yard or at church.
Roberta (Bobbi) Boebst Blankenship
Traveling From: Smithville, Mo
Favorite Teacher: Miss Slattery
Bobbi Bray Cox
Guest’s Name: John Cox
Traveling From: Marietta, GA
Favorite Hobby: Singing in the church choir
Favorite Teacher: Mrs. Roduit
High School Memory: Singing in Hello Day
Chris Brewer
Guest’s Name: Janet Crase Brewer
Traveling From: Fenton, MO
Favorite Hobby: Hockey
Favorite Teacher: Wallach
Linda Brooks Sherwin
Traveling From: St. Louis
Favorite Hobby: Gardening, landscaping
Favorite Teacher: George Killenberg
Barbara Brown Taylor
Traveling From: St. Louis
Life Story: Surviving the Corona Pandemic, hopefully will be the high lite of my life. All else seems to pale in comparison and yet it takes little effort to stay home for months, eating, reading and wondering when this nightmare will end. I got my BA at Drury University. I took one semester to travel the world on a program, Semester at Sea. The world I experienced then no longer exists as American culture and technology have gone global. Then I felt fearless. Today I fear going to the grocery store. Upon completion of my MSW from St. Louis University, I joined Places For People, running a group home and treatment team, for adults with mental Illness. I have two kids who live in St. Louis and 3 grandchildren. Life continues to be focused on racial and environmental justice.
Joan Brune Woodard
Guest’s Name: James Woodard
Traveling From: Woodland Park, CO
Favorite Hobby: Hiking
Favorite Teacher: Susan Lampros
Life Story: After high school I went to work for Sandia National Laboratories first in California then New Mexico. I met my husband at Sandia, then went to graduate school, and raised two sons. After 36 years at the laboratories, I retired, we moved to Colorado, and now do some volunteer work, and we enjoy traveling, hiking, skiing, and just relaxing.
John Calcaterra
Traveling From: Affton
Favorite Hobby: Volunteer work
High School Memory: During junior to senior year summer I helped change combination locks on the hall lockers. A friend and I used our bicycles for transportation and took advantage of the empty summer hallways to be able to say we rode inside the building.
Life Story: After graduation and because of the encouragement of one of our guidance counselors I attended University of MO-Columbia for a BA in Psychology. Then I began a 30-year career with the State of MO. During my state employment, I also continued my higher education part time earning a BS in Electrical Engineering from Washington University and an MBA from St Louis University. After working various positions with the state, I retired from an Information Technology position, then I worked an IT seasonal position with the US Small Business Administration Office of Disaster Assistance for another 12 years. St Louis has always been home except college time in Columbia, MO, summer work in New Mexico during college, some time in Denver, CO, 2 years in Jefferson City, MO. I am totally retired now and still not sure what I want to be when I grow up; but that keeps life interesting.
John Careklas
Traveling From: Bridgeton
Favorite Hobby: Golf
Favorite Teacher: Mr. Merchant
High School Memory: Participation in Scholar Quiz. We were semester champions but lost in the finals.
Life Story: Graduated from Mizzou and I still go to home football games. I’ve been to many away games in the old Big 12, SEC and bowl games. Taught for 29 years at Ritenour High: Math (mainly geometry), Computer Science and Physics. Since then I have been enjoying retirement.
Michael Carr
Guest’s Name: Kathleen Carr
Traveling From: Springfield MO
Favorite Hobby: Model railroading
Favorite Teacher: Geometry – do not remember his name 🙁
Life Story: After high school, I enrolled at St. Louis College of Pharmacy for their 5-year pharmacy degree. While there, I joined the college’s small choral group. One evening after rehearsing, our group went to Shakey’s Pizza, which landed me a job playing piano there every Friday and Saturday night. Shakey’s is where I met my first (and only) wife, Kathy. We recently celebrated 48 years together. After graduating with a BS in Pharmacy in 1975, we started a family and somehow raised three great children. All 3 are married and have given us lots of grandsons, plus one slightly spoiled granddaughter. Now that we are both retired, we enjoy traveling (especially on trains and cruise ships), our children and grandchildren, a good wine, and our hobbies (model railroading for me; quilting for Kathy). I still play the piano and enjoy a good pizza.
John Carroll
Traveling From: Fenton, MO
Favorite Hobby: bagpiping
Favorite Teacher: Miss Meyer
High School Memory: nothing really special sticks out
Life Story: I’ve done a few things, Achieved a plumbers license, hair cutting license, did a hitch in the Military U.S. Army. I am now 70, and a graduate of 1970. Married/Divorced have a daughter. Play the bagpipes, play Santa Claus at various places to include a shopping mall, and if I am astounded about anything, it’s the fact that over 50 years has gone by.
Anita Chavez Keller
Traveling From: Saint Louis
Favorite Hobby: Cooking
Favorite Teacher: Mrs. Roduit
Life Story: Have one beautiful daughter and 3 grandsons ages 17, 15 and 12. Worked at ADP as a Conversion Coordinator for 25 years.
Michael Clark
Guest’s Name: Sharon Clark
Traveling From: St. Louis
Favorite Hobby: Golf, hunting
Favorite Teacher: Wallach
Life Story: Worked as a union flooring installer and am part owner of Clark Floor Co. Have been married for 46 years. Have 3 children and 6 grandchildren. Like all sports and outdoor activities
Linda Collins Erker
Traveling From: St. Louis
Favorite Hobby: Golf
Life Story: Previously married to Pat Liston (a musician with Mama’s Pride) and had 2 children – daughter and son. Divorced in 2007 after 29 years of marriage. Met my current husband through a golf date and have been enjoying both him and golf ever since. We enjoy golfing, beaches and Southern cuisine as we explore the southern states of MS, AL and FL
Joanne Dafnides Matsakis
Guest’s Name: Elias Matsakis
Traveling From: Glenview, Illinois (Chicago north suburb)
Favorite Hobby: Photography, Music, Theatre, Traveling
Favorite Teacher: Mr. Williams/Biology
High School Memory: My fondest memories were my participation in G.A.A. and SWHS musicals.
Life Story: After high school, while married to my husband of 48 years, I obtained a B.S. in Nursing. I spent 18 years as a surgical nurse. I then served as a nurse consultant for new outpatient medical facilities and as a clinical educator for a medical device manufacturer. For the past 10 years, I have devoted time to the care of my aging parents, in-laws, and to five grandchildren. I developed a passion for photography and have had the opportunity to travel broadly in the U.S.A. and overseas. Living in Chicago since 1974, I remain active in my nursing association (AORN) and the women’s auxilliary of my church. Our three adult children, Nicholas, Christopher, and Antigone are all married, two living in our suburb of Glenview, and the eldest in Redwood City, CA. While they are fully launched in their professions, they are still processing my Southwest H.S. Rifle Club membership!
Dan Decker
Guest’s Name: Susan Decker
Traveling From: St. Louis
Favorite Hobby: Hunting/fishing
Favorite Teacher: Mr. Byrne / Mrs. Ryan
High School Memory: I was lucky to spend 2 years working on the yearbook staff, all with people that had talents way beyond mine. I learned more from that time, (and them) than I did in a lot of regular classes.
Life Story: Spent 45 years as a plumber and 33 years as a volunteer Boy Scout Leader. Still live in the same zip code as when I was a Longhorn. We have 2 sons; one is retired military (Army), and one is also a plumber. I’ve been blessed with a family and career that was more than I deserved, especially my dear wife, Sue, even if she is a Cleveland Dutchman!
Susan Detter Bonner
Guest’s Name: Charles Bonner
Traveling From: Crestwood, MO
Favorite Hobby: Bowling
Favorite Teacher: Warren Gower
Life Story: Married in 1980 and I have step-son, step-daughter and son. Have 3 grandchildren from step son and 2 grand-dogs from son and his wife. Received a Masters in Education in 1974, plus additional hours just shy of doctorate. Retired in 2018 from Missouri School for the Blind having served as Director of Outreach and Missouri’s Federal Deafblind Grant.
Eileen Doyle Crain
Guest’s Name: Randall Crain
Traveling From: South Carolina
Favorite Teacher: Sister Judith
Life Story: Married in 1975, have 2 children, 6 grandchildren. Retired from UPS after 30 years as an Operations Division Manager.
David Eaton
Guest’s Name: Susan Black Eaton
Traveling From: Kirkwood, MO
Favorite Hobby: Electronics
Favorite Teacher: Mr. Gower
High School Memory: Lee Meyer pulled me into Concert Choir because she heard me sing a Beatles song with notes above middle C. ‘A’ period at 8AM!
Life Story: After HS I attended Westminster College and got a BA in chemistry. Went to grad school at the University of Illinois, married my HS sweetheart (Susan Black), got a chemistry PhD, and worked for 30 years at Monsanto Company then retired. We have 2 children and 1 grandson. Looking forward to seeing everyone at reunion weekend!
Joyce Edinger
Traveling From: St. Louis
Favorite Teacher: Mr. Anton
High School Memory: There was that one day during my senior-year psychology class when I was challenged to a game of chess with Mr. Anton, and won (It was near the end of the school year…life was good…)
Life Story: Received a B.A. in psychology and a Master’s in Business Administration from the University of Missouri-St. Louis. Also completed all but the dissertation toward a Ph.D. in psychology at UMSL and authored a number of journal articles in the areas of psychology, management, and library science. Worked at the University of Missouri-St. Louis for over 30 years; latest position was on the faculty as a Division Head in the University Libraries. In retirement, enjoy hacking my way around golf courses and watching Cardinals games from the Champions Club.
Dennis Erfling
Guest’s Name: Melissa Ames Erfling
Traveling From: Springfield, MO
Favorite Hobby: Motorcycle riding, bicycle riding
Favorite Teacher: Mr. Radford
High School Memory: Being involved with Hello Days my senior year.
Life Story: Served in the US army overseas for 3 years. Married to my lovely wife, Melissa for 45 years, 2 very talented children, and 5 awesome grandchildren. One graduating from OU this year and one that dances competitively. Retired for 1 year from Missouri State University, my wife just retired from Mercy Health System, and we plan to travel the country on our Spyder motorcycles.
Mike Espy
Guest’s Name: Susan Jones Espy
Traveling From: Carrollton, TX
Favorite Hobby: Golf
Favorite Teacher: Tucker
Life Story: I married Susan Jones who graduated from Southwest in 1971. We’ve been married for 44 years and live in Carrollton, TX. We have three wonderful children. Michael and his wife Shannon live in Argile, TX, Greg and his wife Brandi and their son Fox, who is 2 live in McKinney, TX and Courtney and her husband Stacy and their boys Everett, who is 4 and Nicholas, who is 2 live in Helena, MT. I’m still working and part owner in an Information Technology company in Plano, TX. Sue is a nurse and just went part time. I’ve never thought about retirement and not sure what I do if I did. Looking forward to seeing everyone.
Steve Feiner
Traveled from: St. Louis, MO
Favorite Teacher: Mr. Gower
High School Memory: Watching Mr. Ashley climb the rope inverted in PE class.
Life Story: Attended UMR. Have Masters degree in Mechanical Engineering. Worked for Colgate, White Rogers & Alumax Foils. Retired early. Have been volunteering for Missouri Botanical Garden for 25 years. Created animation & props for Holiday & Orchid shows. Work with the Cactus & Succulent collection. Hobbies include woodworking, pottery, art glass, photography & my collection of cacti & succulents. Hung up volleyball shoes last year but still playing handball at Francis Park. Also still playing bocce at Milos.
George Ferretti
Guest’s Name: Jeanette Ferretti
Traveling From: Temple, TX
Favorite Hobby: Golf, Hiking
Alan Ecker
Life Story: After graduating from Southwest, I went to the University of Missouri in Columbia for my degree in Accountancy. Afterwards, I joined a public accounting firm in St. Louis, Arthur Young, and earned my CPA. After leaving there in 1979 I went back to school to SLU for my MBA. While both working for Citicorp, Jeanette and I got married in 1982. We moved to Ft. Lauderdale for my job in 1984 after the bank I worked for acquired a bank there. Jeanette has been working for a Miami law firm for 30 years now. We have two daughters who are grown. One is married and the other soon to be. After a few banking jobs during the 90s and 2000s, a job opportunity brought us to Temple, Texas where I have since retired. We get back to St. Louis as often as possible to visit our families and friends.
Craig George
Guest’s Name: Laraine
Traveling From: Eureka, MO
Favorite Hobby: Golf
Favorite Teacher: Miss Meyers
Life Story: Engineering degree from Missouri S&T, career in the petroleum industry mostly in Tulsa and Dallas. Now mostly retired living in Eureka with Laraine, wife of 20 years and mini labradoodle Bailey. Enjoying both sons and their families with 4 grandkids ranging from 5 to 15.
Ron Gielow
Guest’s Name: Barbara Swan Gielow
Traveling From: Springfield, MO
Favorite Hobby:
Favorite Teacher: Miss Griewe
Life Story: College at SW Mo State, now Missouri State U. Then to Kansas City for 10 years. Moved to Springfield in 1985. Briefly lived in Austin, TX from 2017 until 2018. Back in Springfield now. One son living in St L and a daughter near Lake Table Rock. Have lost touch with SW people since passing of Tom Zipf and Craig Scherzer. Look forward to this reunion. Hello Tags anyone?
Wrenae Gilmer
Traveling From: St. Charles, MO
Favorite Hobby: Reading with a glass of wine in my hand..
Favorite Teacher: Mrs. Kinderfather
High School Memory: The tricycle race on the wet track that we lost, because my partner Bruce went for the laugh by turning the trike over in a puddle on the track. We still got a ribbon though….
Life Story: I never made it to France, but I sold wine for a while. I never made it to the Olympics, but I went to the Olympic Trials in St. Louis, got a degree in Phys. Ed. at NMSU, student taught at Southwest, and have had a great time playing sports with friends my whole life. I never made the money I wanted to make, but I made enough. I have been blessed with a wonderful family, partner, and friends that bring me joy and laughter. I met most of my lifelong friends at school and got to play while I was there. I went to 2 high schools, 4 colleges, and an untold number of seminars and now I find the thing that what means the most is always the people I’ve met while I was there. Now if I could only remember their names…..
Richard Grimm
Traveling From: Sunset Hills
Pamella Gronemeyer
Guest’s Name: Stephen Kriegh
Traveling From: Glen Carbon, IL
Favorite Hobby: Political Activism
Favorite Teacher: Mr. Byrnes
High School Memory: We were given a great educational start that allowed us to compete against any private school in the city!
Life Story: Stephen is a retired corporate attorney who worked in acquisitions and divestitures at McDonnell Douglas and Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals. I still am a practicing pathologist for multiple hospitals and gastrointestinal clinics. We have one daughter who is a photographer. We are happy living in Illinois where Stephen has assembled a virtual museum of fossils. We travel within the US. I am active politically in progressive causes. I want the children of today to have the opportunities that we had.
Patty Guarino Gavin
Traveling From: St. Louis
Favorite Hobby: Vacationing
Favorite Teacher: Mrs. Kinderfather
Life Story: Married to my husband, John for 40 years. We have two sons and one grandson. I have been retired for two years and loving it.
Caryn Hasselbring
Traveling From: Orlando, FL
Favorite Hobby: Dog training for obedience competitions
Favorite Teacher: Mr. Gower
Life Story: Attended Washington University – graduated 1974 with degree in Physical Therapy. Worked 4 years at Barnes Hospital while taking additional classes at night. Entered Wash U Medical School 1978. Graduated 1982. Residency at Northwestern in Chicago followed by fellowship in Rheumatology at University of Pittsburgh finishing 1987. Joined a practice with another Wash U graduate in 1987 and have been in practice with her since. Practice has grown and is now a 5 physician practice. Never married but lots of nephews and a niece. Involved in competition dog obedience – have had up to 5 dogs at a time, many rescues. Enjoy gardening, exercising, hiking, volunteer work. Have a 1926 house I have renovated. Always busy!
Mark Herzog
Guest’s Name: Annie Herzog
Traveling From: Houston
Favorite Hobby: Model Railroading
Linda Hibbitts
Guest’s Name: Kevin Miles
Traveling From: Overland, MO
Favorite Hobby: Gardening
Favorite Teacher: Mrs. Newell
High School Memory: Celebrate
“The sun’s shining, Jake,” she said.
I looked doubtfully at the gray, cloud-covered sky…
“It’s shining, see?
I’ve got some sunshine in my hand.
Want some?
I’m going to put it in my pocket.”
So I took some sunshine
And held it in my hands.
Then we laughed
And ran down the halls
Giving sunshine to everybody…
Life Story: Ups and downs. Ins and outs. Marriages and Divorces. Births and Deaths. Struggles and Exultations. Ending up still feeling a lot like me, still trying to discover how to be. Mom, grandma, great-grandma. Twenty years Leader Environmentalists 4-H Club. Twenty years homeschooling kids and grandkids. Over thirty years in Overland, MO. Not the back-to-the-land homestead once dreamed of and embarked upon, but my sanctuary, my oasis of woodsy green in the midst of this would-be “city.” When I first bought this little house nearly twenty-five years ago, I could “feel” the country all around me. I still like to sing. (I still may change keys.) I still enjoy dancing, writing poetry, playing (non-video) games, being out in Nature (swim, hike, tube float), artistically creating. I’ve often felt like I’m still in High School. Not an earth-shatteringly momentous life, but overall a good one. I am, have been, so very blessed.
Patricia Hope Owens
Guest’s Name: Ken Owens
Traveling From: Maryville, IL
Favorite Hobby: -Classic cars /travelling
Favorite Teacher: Mrs. Kinderfather
Life Story: Married to a SW alum for over 50 years, 3 sons & 2 grandchildren. Our career has taken us to Colorado, Texas & Kansas City . After being gone for 23 years, we moved back to the St Louis area & started a business . We enjoy cruising around the country , often with our grandchildren , in our classic Chevy cars. My life has been a wonderful adventure, met a lot of great people & made a lot of good friends along the way.
Deborah Hulsey Miller
Traveling From: Illinois
Life Story: Over the years I enjoyed working as a travel agent, a floral designer, among other jobs. I worked in the US Postal Service 27 years: was a city mail carrier, clerk, assistant to Manager of Post Office Operations, and Postmaster in 3 different Post Offices. Retired in 2012. Presently work as the secretary at our church, and teach children’s church. I was married, have 3 grown kids, 8 grandchildren, and 2 great-grandchildren. Lived in 3 different states, visited about 30 states. Like most people, I have endured some difficult times, but God has always brought me through.
Mike Ide
Traveling From: St. Louis
Favorite Hobby: Tennis, golf
Favorite Teacher: Mrs. Ryan
Steven Jacques
Traveling From: Kansas City
Favorite Hobby: Saving the world for democracy and not being very successful at it
Favorite Teacher: Miss Meyer
High School Memory: It was a wonderful education.
Life Story: Political junkie. Sad story. Read the book, “Advance Man; A Presidential Campaign Adventure.” If you’re not amused I’ll give you your money back.
Randall Jurgensen
Guest’s Name: Ruth Jurgensen
Traveling From: Affton
Favorite Hobby: Photography
Favorite Teacher: Artie Solomon
Life Story: Air Traffic Controller 2 yrs. Instructor in USN Nuclear Power Program, Reactor Operator aboard SSBN 643 – USS George Bancroft – 6 yrs. McDonnell Aircraft Field Service Representative/Instructor/Manager on Avionics systems for F-18, F-15, AV-8B, AH-64, Tomahawk and Harpoon cruise missiles 20yrs. Boeing – Manager of Special Air Combat Simulation program 15yrs. Retired 2015 after 35 years with MD/Boeing.
Robert Koch
Guest’s Name: Rosemary Aubuchon Koch
Traveled From: St. Louis
Beverly Kocot Meyers
Traveled From: St Louis, MO
Favorite Hobby: enjoying activities with grandkids
Favorite Teacher: Mrs Clayton/Prange/Droste
High School Memory: Transferred to SWHS at beginning of Junior year, felt like a freshman when I arrived. I was invited by an old friend to join the Science Club on that first day, and to help after school a few days later with Hello Day decorations. It felt like “home” right away. Worked on a poster using markers with others on the floor of the lobby, and the word “HELLO” except for the yellow “O” stained through onto the floor. As we worked, the rifle team marched through with their gear, and that sure startled me!
Life Story: AA: StLCC programming, 1988. BA Math: UMSL, 1973. Children: 2F 1M.
Divorced: 1993, Glory Hallelujah; Life’s great. Editing/writing: textbook publishers.
Float trips: kayaking. Gardening: small city yard. Happy that I transferred to SWHS. Inspiration: parents, SWHS faculty. Jefferson College: taught 25 years, Math & Science.
Kocots: parents lived to 95; sharp minds. Love: 8 grandkids 5F 3M. Masters in 1975 (Math), 1998 (MAT Science). Neighborhood: same home for 45 years, 1.5 mi SW of SW
Occupation: taught HS & College: math, chemistry, physics, computer, teacher prep.
PhD: almost; life got complicated. Quote from HS: Find a job you love, and you’ll never work a day in your life. Retired 2017: now adjunct. SWHS 1970: 50 years ago, really?
Travel: many state/national/international conferences, presentations. University adjunct: SEMO (past). Volunteer teaching: Poland, 2001.Work: taught about 2 dozen different courses. X: Less is better, when grading papers.
Yoga: YMCA Silver Sneakers!
Zero chronic health issues.
Kay Koerner Gullett
Traveled From: The Villages, FL
Favorite Hobby: scalloping, reading
Favorite Teacher: Mrs. Kinderfather
High School Memory:Toward the end of our senior year, I skipped one class. Yes, of course I got caught. The principal scared me to death, but fortunately for me, did not call my parents. I didn’t do it again!
Life Summary: After a first career working for lawyers and also having three children, I taught high school business classes for 23 years and retired in 2008. Retirement is wonderful!!… and after several years of visiting friends in FL, then snow birding for several years between FL and St. Louis, we finally moved full time to The Villages. We miss the kids and grandkids, but we make it back frequently–just not in the winter.
William Laskowsky
Guest’s Name: Virginia Nelgner Laskowsky
Traveling From: Defiance, MO
Favorite Hobby: Astronomy
Favorite Teacher: Syd Tucker
High School Memory: One story is not enough. Here goes. One: Principal Young smoking through his coiled fist with his cigarette holder inserted between his ring finger and his pinky. Guess what color his hand was? Two: Trying to understand a single word of algebra teacher Mr. McLeroy. Three: Guzzling quart size root beers from A&W on Kingshighway between morning and afternoon football practice. Four: Running indoor track through the second floor hallways with ninety degree corners. Five: Watching Ms. Davies twirl her Cruella DeVille white hair streak in Senior A.
Life Story: My journey to knowing less than what I think I know began humbly at Southwest High. Although degrees in Architecture and Environmental Design later were attained, the real knowledge came from work at various architectural and design firms, curiously culminating in a commercial real estate career, planning mixed use and large scale city development. Married to my beloved wife of 35 years, Ginny, we also have two children, Michael and Sara, with two grandchildren (and another on the way in November). I now trudge toward retirement knowing even less but with greater certainty. My main occupation lately has been offsetting the unrelenting force of gravity. I look forward to seeing old faces and friends and I hope I can recognize a few to reminisce and catch up on the last half century.
Susan Leonard Lehne
Traveling From: Granite City
Favorite Hobby: Reading
Jan Maichel
Traveling From: St. Louis
Joseph Manser
Guest’s Name: Janet Embree
Traveling From: St. Louis
Favorite Hobby: Being outdoors
High School Memory: Busch
Brenda Mast Kuberski
Traveling From: Granite City
Favorite Hobby: Reading
Favorite Teacher: Mr. Ashley
Newton McCoy
Guest’s Name: Mary Davidson
Traveling From: West edge of Forest Park
Favorite Teacher: Mrs. Ryan
Life Story: Went to WU Law School. Working as lawyer for more than 40 years now. Married. Two great kids, one great grand-daughter. Lived across from Tower Grove Park, across from Reservoir Park, and in Forest Park Southeast (now the fashionable Grove). Last 30 years living a block from the Amoco sign and Hi Pointe theater. Now working in St. Louis City government.
John Mickley
Guest’s Name: Vicki Mickley
Traveling From: Oregon
Favorite Hobby: Riding Motorcycles
Favorite Teacher: Mr. Nordman
Life Story: Married to the love of my life for 28yrs. Currently have 9 grandchildren and 1 great granddaughter. Retired and built our “forever” home on 5 acres in beautiful Central Oregon.
Susan Mitchell Shollar
Traveling From: Oakville
Favorite Hobby: Swimming & fishing in our pond
Favorite Teacher: Mr. Gower
High School Memory: My favorite high school memory was graduation day. Roberta (Boebst) Blankenship made me go to the 10 year reunion and now she’s making me go to the 50th. It’s worth it to have her come visit from her home near Kansas City.
Life Story: We celebrated our 40th wedding anniversary last July and have two children. No grandchildren yet. We have some property up near Kirksville where we like to spend our time.
Sue Mizera
Guest’s Name: James Risch
Traveling From: Geneva, Switzerland
David Moore
Guest’s Name: Brigid Moore
Traveling From: St. Louis
Favorite Hobby: Building fine furniture
Favorite Teacher: Mrs. Lampros
Life Story: I married my college sweetheart, Kathy Bowdon. I have three sons and seven grandchildren with twins due soon. I lost Kathy to cancer in 2007 after 32 years of marriage. I met Brigid Shea in 2011 and we married in 2015 adding her daughter and son to the family. I spent my professional career of 45 years with the same company, Tarlton Corporation, a St. Louis-based construction manager and general contractor. I retired as the finance executive in 2013 but I continue to maintain a working relationship with the company. Brigid and I enjoy traveling. One of my sons is a furniture maker and I enjoy working in his shop helping him and working on my own fine furniture projects.
Michelle Moroni Pozzo
Guest’s Name: John Pozzo
Traveling From: St. Louis
Favorite Hobby: Spending time with family and our grand kiddos
Favorite Teacher: Mrs. Bullock – she was strict but I learned a lot!
High School Memory: Loved the GAA activities after school. Met many wonderful friends and had a great time. Really enjoyed being on the inter-school volleyball team all four years and facing some great teams. The special auds and school musicals were always great entertainment- so many talented kids!
Life Story: Married my high school sweetheart and best friend and have been very happy for over 45 years. We have a wonderful son and daughter and 2 most precious grand kiddos. We were happy to stay in Saint Louis to raise our family while being close to our family and friends. Have a very happy and fulfilling life and wonder where all the years have gone! Experienced God’s great blessings in our lives with His healing and strength as we faced various challenges throughout our life’s journey. Appreciate each day and loving it!
Les Nappier
Guest’s Name: JoAnn Vitale Nappier
Traveling From: Oakville
Favorite Hobby: Traveling
Favorite Teacher: Mr. Graham
Life Story: Married 50 years to my high school sweetheart. We have 2 children, 6 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. Have a BS Mechanical Engineering degree from the University of Missouri at Rolla and an MBA from Washington University. Worked for the same parent/holding corporation – initially Nooter Corporation and now CIC Group for 40 years. Achieved titles of VP – Plant Manager, VP Operations and President of various subsidiaries within the corporation. We love traveling with our immediate family to Disney World, on Disney Cruises, to Hawaii (Aulani – Disney property), Adventures by Disney (Italy, Danube River Cruise, etc.) via Disney Vacation Club. Plus, through the years, we have traveled to almost all the states in the USA, many countries around the world and many cruises (our Holy Land cruise was very special to us).
David Nerviani
Traveling From: St. Louis
Favorite Hobby: Sports, reading
Favorite Teacher: Miss DeGrand
Life Story: Married to Renee for 37 years, four sons, David, James, Michael, & Daniel, three grandchildren. Employed with Rawlings Sporting Goods.
Leslie Noakes Mann
Guest’s Name: Stan Mann
Traveling From: Chatham, Ma.
Favorite Hobby: Tennis (Leslie); Golf (Stan)
Life Story: Graduated from college: Leslie UMSL and Stan SIU Carbondale on a baseball scholarship. I went on to teach Special Ed. and Stan was drafted by the N.Y. Mets. Married in 1976. Moved to Dallas, Tx with Enterprise Rent a Car and lived there for 5 years. Moved back to St. Louis in 1984. After 5 years and 3 kids, we moved to the Boston Area in 1989 and have been here ever since. Spend our time between Chatham, Ma. and Naples, Fl. We have 5 grandsons now and are retired.
Bert Nollmann
Guest’s Name: Marg Young Nollmann
Traveling From: St. Louis
Favorite Hobby: Golf
Terry O’Connell
Guest’s Name: Patti Smith
Traveling From: Kirkwood
Favorite Hobby: -playing with my grandkids, fishing, being retired
Favorite Teacher: Mr. Ashley
High School Memory: Senior year when the lettermen played the faculty in the annual basketball game and we won for the first time–that was wonderful.
Life Story: Career in sales, wife, kids, grandkids, doesn’t get any better than that.
Julie Otto
Traveling From: St. Louis
Favorite Hobby: Cycling
Favorite Teacher: Mrs. Ryan
High School Memory: When Tom Zipf & other Zulus got the Christmas tree for the Chorus room. They were going to “take” one from Ted Drews, but instead they cut down an evergreen from Francis Park. Miss Leontone said “isn’t this amazing, there is still a bird’s nest in here after traveling all those miles.”
Life Story: College, Work, Retirement.
Pam Paffett Mitchell
Guest’s Name: Alan Mitchell
Traveling From: South St. Louis
Favorite Hobby: Painting dog portraits
Favorite Teacher: Mr. Gower
High School Memory: My favorite memory — riding on a motorcycle the night of the prom. Back then, to a nascent hippie, prom was SO bourgeois. My then-boyfriend (name withheld) and I listened to a bunch of Bob Dylan songs, and in all our blue jean jacket glory, rode around the neighborhood, ate chili dogs and egg & onion sandwiches at the Courtesy Diner on Chippewa, and declared it a far superior experience to Senior Prom.
Life Story: Life after High School: Got two degrees in Art, graduated with no idea what to do with either degree, worked in hospital and child care, got married to a musician, got divorced from a musician, found my lifelong passion of social work, went to SLU for Masters in Social Work (& was blessed to work for 30+ yrs doing what I loved), married a Southern California transplant, told him I was never leaving South St. Louis and they would probably carry us out of our zip code 63110 in pine boxes, so he stayed and taught high school for St Louis Public Schools for 30+ yrs. We have two wonderful sons David and Deontay — one still living with us, and the other 8 blocks away. We usually have 4 dogs in our household — my motto is we don’t find them, they find us. Life is good!
Anita Personett Cole
Guest’s Name: David Cole
Traveling From: Florissant
Favorite Hobby: Art
Favorite Teacher: All of Them
Steve Pesek
Guest’s Name: Robin Dalton Pesek
Traveling From: St Augustine, Florida
Favorite Hobby: Golf
Favorite Teacher: Miss Gunther
High School Memory: Had Mr. Graham for gym in grade school. First day of gym class sophomore year, he asked if I was still the pansy I was in grade school in front of the entire class! I earned my green shorts in his class that year. Guess not!
Life Story: Retired to St. Augustine, FL, in early 2013 after working for the Federal Reserve Bank System for 39 years, where I last worked for the Federal Reserve Bank of New York in Banking Supervision during the financial crisis. I got bored being retired, and landed a new job in May 2014 with AIG’s Legal & Regulatory Group in New York city. That was fun, but decided to try retirement again as-of November 1, 2015. Have a son working in IT for Edward Jones, a son who retired from the Marines after 21 years and is now a special agent for the FBI, and a daughter working for Boeing Defense in St. Louis. All three are married, and all three have two children. Now into golf, tennis and bike riding. With some periodic karaoke and trivia.
Diane Puricelli OHern
Traveling From: Des Peres
Favorite Hobby: Water Aerobics and Travel
Life Story: Married five years, he passed. One daughter. Married ten years later, another daughter. Still married 31 years. Two grandkids. Worked in different aspects of food service till retirement. Turns out I’m a pretty good cook! Love to travel.
Jerry Rapert
Guest’s Name: Tobie Rapert Smith
Traveling From: Stockton, CA
Favorite Hobby: RVing
High School Memory: I hardly remember high school. 50 years is a long time ago.
Life Story: -After graduation I joined the Navy. After a Westpac Viet Nam tour I entered Hospital Corpsman school San Diego. Transfer to Great Lakes, finished 4-years. During that I learned about the Physician Assistant profession. Returned to St. Louis, worked at Barnes Hospital in cardiology. Was accepted into the Physician Assistant Program at St. Louis University. Graduated in 1979. Worked student health at Missouri State Warrensburg. Spent 3 years practicing rural medicine in Kansas before traveling to Stockton Ca. where I’ve been practicing urgent care, family medicine for the last 37 years. Married high school sweetheart Dawn Gottel, had 2 beautiful girls, divorced, too young. My second 20 years, too crazy and now third, just right. Between 2rd and 3rd lived on my boat for 6 years. Enjoyed boating now RVing and traveling which I plan to do more in the next few years, after winding down my practice.
Randi Reed Weber
Guest’s Name: Keith Weber
Traveling From: St. Louis
Favorite Hobby: Aquatics
Favorite Teacher: Mr. Gower
High School Memory: Favorite memories include fun lunch times with Charlotte Coble, Linda Gelner, Mary Beth DeWitt, & Barb Brown. There was lots of humor at the table. Cafeteria spaghetti & jumbo rolls were lunch favorites. Also enjoyed math classes with Mr. Gower & Ms. Prange. I remember Mr. Gower’s black book & how he’d daily record if you had your homework or not. Also remember those awful blue gym suits with snaps & elastic leg bands & struggling to climb to the top of the ceiling pole in Ms. Kinderfather’s PE class.
Life Story: When 19, my father died. I met Keith on a blind date when visiting relatives in Detroit. Keith (originally from PA) & I have been married for 43 years & live in the STL area. We’re both Wash U grads & have 2 daughters in Denver. Oldest, Lindsay is an environmentalist, & youngest, Kelly is a special Ed. high school teacher. Neither are married. No grandchildren yet. Keith is a partner of a local commercial marine consulting firm. My early career took me to P&G in Cincinnati & then to Monsanto in STL, but I eventually left to care for our daughters & my mom. I’ve served 20 years on Town & Country’s Ways & Means Commission. I enjoy aquatics & indoor rowing which helps work off Culver’s burgers & ice cream, plus Bissinger’s chocolates.
Art Reel
Traveling From: St. Louis
Favorite Hobby: Golf
Favorite Teacher: Robert Nordman
High School Memory: Music dept. is probably what kept me in school.
Life Story: Went to SEMO on a music scholarship but only lasted 2 years. Too much fun and not enough studying. Became a roadie for a rock and roll band for about 7 years and then took a job with the STL Dept. of Streets. Ran the maintenance section paving streets and retired 6 years ago as the superintendent.
Mike Rieck
Traveling From: St. Louis
Favorite Hobby: Fishing
Favorite Teacher: Ms. Sargent
Janet Riemann Curtis
Traveling From: St. Louis
Life Story: -Married in 1978, had a son and daughter and also have 5 grandchildren. And have been retired for the past 7 years.
Jim Rumbolo
Traveling From: StL
Favorite Hobby: Golf
Favorite Teacher: Ms. Griewe
High School Memory: The day the auditorium caught on fire and we were let out of school early. Since we didn’t know what snow days were at that time we didn’t get out early or have days off !
Life Story: I was married for 12 years, divorced and have a lovely daughter. I spent over 40 years working in the automobile business and still work part time in the same to keep busy. Believe it or not a person can’t play golf every day!
Maggie Sale George
Traveling From: Tulsa, OK
Life Story: I was married to Craig George (also SW 1970) for 24 years, we have one son Matt George who is an attorney in an IT company and have one amazing 6 yr old grandson, Owen George. I lived in Texas for many years where I received my veterinary degree and have lived in Tulsa Ok for the last 30 years. I am still a full time veterinarian in a small animal practice. Life is good
Judith Schaeffer
Traveling From: Webster Groves
Crystal Schaffer Niehoff
Guest’s Name: Michael Niehoff
Traveling From: St. Charles, MO
Favorite Hobby: I collect lambs.
Favorite Teacher: Robert Vogel
High School Memory: Really enjoyed my Senior trip to Washington, DC. First time riding in an airplane-Frontier Airlines.
Life Story: I met and married a great Lutheran guy who had a sailboat. We had a 5 year sailing courtship. He turned me into a Parrot Head. We had two children, Zachary and Christopher who are in Heaven now. We look forward to our reunion with them. I deliver Meals On Wheels, and my husband and I have been renovating our 100 year old home for the last 32 years. I love reading Lutheran theology – it’s Grace through Faith in Jesus Christ.
Charles Schaller
Guest’s Name: Bobbie Schaller
Traveling From: Eureka, MO
Favorite Hobby: Fishing
Favorite Teacher: Mr. Rex Brown
Life Story: Graduated from- UMSL with BA in Administration of Justice (1/75). Married 7/76 and will celebrate 44th anniversary this year. Built a log home and moved to Eureka, MO in 3/81. Adopted our son (Erik) born 1/1984. Retired after 28 years from St. Louis County Police Department 2/08. Retired after 10 1/2 years from Eureka Police Department 1/19. Enjoying retirement!
Paulette Schmitz Turnbough
Traveling From: Live right here in St. Louis
Life Story: Graduated on June 10 – started working for SWBT on June 15. Retired from Bell 30 yrs later at the age of 48. Married in 1973 – had 2 children (daughter born in 1974 and a son born in 1979). Divorced in 1993. I work part-time at Adriana’s (a deli on The Hill) and I also work part-time at an estate sale company. When I’m not working, I’m doing what all retirees do – ABSOLUTELY NOTHING or DOING WHATEVER WE WANT. I enjoy going out with my life-long friends and taking trips with my sisters. Life has been good – I have enjoyed the good times and I have survived the bumps in the road. Well, that’s the “Reader Digest ” version of what has been going on in my life for the last 50 years. Looking forward to the reunion and making more great memories.
Christine Schutz
Traveled From: Saint Louis
Favorite Hobby: Hiking
Life Story: I graduated with a BA from UMSL, traveled around the US, lived in Yellowstone Park, moved to Illinois for graduate school in Clinical Psychology, graduated with an MA and worked in Illinois then moved back to MO to work in mental health. I met my husband and we eventually married, spent time in the FLA Keys. I went back to school and pursued a PHD in applied psychology. I worked in business and mental health private practice and taught at universities. After divorcing in 2000, I traveled to Nepal for trekking and found an orphaned, sick girl in the mountains, and started a nonprofit that provides education, healthcare and housing for underprivileged children in Nepal. I travel there frequently and fundraise here for the organization. Love my work and grateful for an amazing life.
E Brice Shearburn
Traveling From: North Carolina
Favorite Hobby: Work
Favorite Teacher: Leontyne Price, Mr Gower
Life Story: Three girls aged 13, 11, 7. Aspirational end of life age 103.5. Procrastination and just poor planning
Nancy Sinn O’Reilly
Guest’s Name: John T. O’Reilly
Traveling From: St. Louis, MO
Favorite Hobby: Traveling
Favorite Teacher: Mr. Gladstone
High School Memory: Janyce Dunn and I attended morning classes at Harris Teachers College and afternoon classes at Southwest during our senior year. I drove and after our morning classes were over, we’d stop and have lunch with my mom. There was even time to watch a soap opera with Mom…she called them her “stories.” We loved our schedules and earning college credits for free. However, our biggest regret that year was MISSING the fire excitement at Southwest…50 years later, we still talk about not being there!!!
Life Story: I’m happily married to my wonderful husband for over 43 years, retired from NCR for 6 years and now happily working as an usher for the STL Cardinals. I had 3 children. I lost my daughter, Jenny, nearly 8 years ago, to leukemia a few hours before her 33rd birthday and my son, Chris, to suicide 2 years ago, just after he turned 47. I grieve for them everyday, but learned that life goes on. Chris left behind 3 daughters and my greatest joy comes from being their grandma. My husband runs marathons to raise funds for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and I’m happy to be his loudest cheerleader and #1 fan! My daughter, Amanda, and her husband live in Hawaii near Hilo where they both teach school. Their Christmas trips back here and my month long visits are my favorite times of the year!
Larry Sinn
Guest’s Name: Elizabeth Bronson Sinn
Traveling From: Upper Marlboro, MD
Patti Stetson Weakly
Guest’s Name: John Weakly
Traveling From: Ste. Genevieve, MO
Favorite Hobby: decorating my home
High School Memory: -This really isn’t a story — I looked forward to ice skating at Steinberg’s on Friday or Saturday evenings. Also have memories of going to basketball and football games. Part of my Southwest memories include my being part of a sorority and all the good times spent with my sorority sisters. Great memories – you bet!
Life Story: I was married to Richard Boatman in February, 1984. In 2001 Richard was diagnosed with head and neck cancer; he lost his battle in August, 2005.
John and I met through e-Harmony the summer of 2007; married on 3/06/2010. I moved to Decatur, IL (John’s home) and worked through February, 2017 – the day I’d been waiting for since I entered the work force! John and I bought a house in Ste. Genevieve, MO moving there October, 2017. We remodeled the house from top to bottom making it our home. My sister, Kathy, lives within walking distance from me – which is great!
Retirement is everything I hoped it would be. John and I have a dog, Sadie, and a cat, Flowie. We love our home, our furry children and each other. We feel fortunate to have found each other and blessed with a great life!
Hugh Stone
Guest’s Name: Robin Dane Stone
Traveling From: Dayton NV
Favorite Hobby: Playing poker
Favorite Teacher: Several
High School Memory: Hugh talked about working on the year book and taking many pictures.
Life Story: Hugh Stone was a news junkie. All viewpoints were watched and digested and when before it was only those close in earshot who heard the thoughts he had and his trying to understand why our world was in turmoil, he found Facebook. In his soft spoken manner he could draw anyone out. Gently encouraging them to share their thoughts on the world and on politics and when friends told him they had had enough and they didn’t want to talk about these subjects, he found other topics to discuss.
We traveled the harder road. Interracial and interfaith issues were confronted. We carved a path that opened many doors for our son. After all the struggles of Los Angeles and the Bay Area, in 2013 we chose to slow down our lives by moving to Dayton NV. Hugh Stone III 10/15/54-07/07/19. -Submitted by Robin Stone
Karen Swallow Kissel
Guest’s Name: Steve Kissel
Traveling From: St. Louis
Favorite Hobby: Travel
Favorite Teacher: C.S. Lewis
High School Memory: High school memories include:
• Partying on the weekends to the sounds of Motown
• Talking with friends on the Esplanade before school and at lunch
• Wearing dresses every day and testing Southwest High School rules on number of inches from bottom of hem to top of knee
• C.S. Lewis’ scary English class
• Mr. Merchant’s Calculus class where he could not answer our questions
• Mr. Gower, who many years later I faced as a high school parent discussing my son’s lack of effort on homework assignments
Life Story: I graduated from Mizzou with a B.A. in Mathematics in 1974. My first job was with McDonnell Douglas on Space Shuttle maneuvers in Houston and on F15 propulsion in St. Louis. For the next 33 years, I worked at Southwestern Bell / AT&T in software development for service ordering, billing, and payments until retiring in 2012.
I met my husband Steve at Mizzou on a blind date in 1972. We were married on April 1, 1977. Steve worked as construction manager for Macy’s until retiring in 2008. Our son Jeff (40) lives in St. Charles, is married, and has 1-year-old and 3-year-old sons. Our daughter Lauren (35) lives outside Chicago and is married. I enjoy traveling, especially visiting national parks. I scan old photos and document my family history. I walk, swim, read, garden, and work on our 100-year-old house. Most of all, I love spending time with my grandsons.
Carla Sykes Tocco
Guest’s Name: Bill Peck
Traveling From: Ellisville, MO
Favorite Hobby: Walking, reading
Favorite Teacher: Mr. Monachesi
High School Memory: I just remember the meetings in the auditorium. Mr Monachesi singing, Hello day tags, etc
Life Story: Was married to Tony Tocco for 35 years, and we have 5 girls. He passed away in 2009.
Camryn Terry Wingbermuehle
Traveling From: I’m local!
Favorite Hobby: Needlework and cheering on our St. Louis Blues
Favorite Teacher: Mrs. Lynn
Life Story: In 2011 after nearly 40 years at Monsanto, I hung up the phone, unplugged the computer and officially retired – and I’m Ioving it. I’m married to a wonderful man, doing a lot of travelling and just enjoying life.
Laura Thompson Fischer
Traveling From: Wildwood, MO
Favorite Hobby: Hockey
Delana Thomsen
Traveling From: New York City
Favorite Hobby: Gardening, crochet
Favorite Teacher: Morrisey
High School Memory: Much of my SWHS life is a blur, but my most vivid memory is the discovery that I had been “mistracked” for my first 3 years of HS. I was all Track 2 except for Math. In my senior year I was put in Ms. Morrissey’s English class. It was as if my mind was awakened to the possibilities of use: the essays, the literature, the memorization of Shakespeare and Chaucer of which I can still recite at parties to this day. It was a very validating and inspiring journey for my final year in HS. I will be forever grateful.
Life Story: BM & MM in Music. Moved to NYC for my Master’s study and stayed. Worked at Juilliard, Aspen Music Festival, piano Faculty at Manhattan School of Music Precollege Division since 1978. Concertizing pianist and teacher since 1976. Master Classes given in Italy, Iceland and Bulgaria. On Piano Faculties at Clazz International Music Festival in Italy, MSM, Hoff-Barthelson Music School, and formerly InterHarmony International Music Festival in Italy. That’s my “resume”. Other: my dear husband of 12 years Paul Stebbins, bassoonist, died 5 years ago. My 98-year old Mama moved to NYC to live with me and my sweet dachshund Jaki and tuxedo cat FrostiFreyr 2 years ago. All in all life is blessed and good, although I could used a little more fun in my life other than working all the time.
Kathy Tsevis Makos
Guest’s Name: Pete Makos
Traveling From: St. Louis
Favorite Hobby: Cooking
Favorite Teacher: Mrs. Washington
High School Memory: My favorite memory at SWH was in Mrs. Washington’s biology class. We were assigned to dissect an earthworm, and I was not looking forward to it. I chose a boy for a lab partner: he would do the dissecting, and I would do the diagramming and labeling of the parts. As I sat there, legs crossed and working diligently, I felt something on the top of my foot. I looked down and saw a dead, smelly worm lying across my foot. Naturally, I screamed at the top of my lungs and kicked my leg up which flung that worm high in the air and onto someone behind me. Luckily, Mrs. Washington liked me, and I didn’t get in trouble. At least the class had a good laugh!
Life Story: -After graduating SWHS, I attended Saint Louis University where I majored in English and Secondary Education. I married my husband, Pete Makos, right after graduation, and instead of teaching, my family helped us buy a restaurant in Collinsville, IL, since my family was in the restaurant business. We also operated a cafeteria in downtown St. Louis for a few years. After we were blessed with two daughters, we decided to leave the businesses. Pete started his own importing business, and I began my career in education: eight years as a substitute teacher and after earning my middle school certification and Masters in Education, I taught 6th grade language arts at Sperreng Middle School in Lindbergh District for thirteen years and 7th grade for seven years until I retired in 2018. Since then we have enjoyed traveling and spoiling our three granddaughters.
Steve Vasterling
Traveling From: Kirkwood, MO
Favorite Hobby: Walking
Favorite Teacher: Hank Tepe, and Mrs. Ryan
Life Story: Went in the air force after high school, worked in hospitals for 45 years. got married in 1990. Wife passed away in 2015. Retired in 2016 and have been trying to enjoy life.
Bruce Vierheller
Traveling From: San Diego, CA
Favorite Hobby: Gardening, swimming
Favorite Teacher: Mr. Ashley
High School Memory: Trike races, Washington DC trip, the stomping male cheerleaders
Life Story: Was a critical care Registered Nurse in St. Louis for a year, hitchhiked across the US for 6 months and ended up in San Diego in 1976. Worked as a set medic/medical technical advisor from 1978-1985 at 20th Century Fox, MGM, CBS, Disney & Paramount. Worked at UCSD in the ED, heart catheter lab, supervision and did research/procedures in pain management. Married in 1991 with one daughter. Since retirement in 2018, renovated our home, traveled (until Covid) and presently volunteering.
Sally Watson Rasmussen
Traveling From: Omaha, NE
Favorite Hobby: Needlework
Favorite Teacher: Miss Prange, Mr. Gower
High School Memory: I was decent with math and enjoyed it. However, my arithmetic skills were seriously lacking (still are). Miss Prange told me, “Sally, your formulae are correct, everything follows in perfect order. But, Sally… 2 + 2 is 4!”
Life Story: Married, divorced; married, widowed. Birthed one child, stepmother to two others (now deceased). Two grandchildren from my child, 4 step-grandchildren from stepchildren. Retired in 2018 – and enjoying it mightily!
Deb Welborn Curtis
Guest’s Name: Bob Curtis
Traveling From: Barnhart, Missouri
Favorite Hobby: Singing, Genealogy, Gardening, Crafting, Politics
Favorite Teacher: Martha Ryan
High School Memory: -I was the one who recommended the name ’70 Shenanigans for our Senior Show. Much to my dismay, I did not make Concert Choir until my senior year, but auditioned in college and was selected to be in the SIU-E Concert Chorale my entire University career. That choir toured Europe twice, competed internationally and sang at JFK Performing Arts Center in ’74…..I always auditioned as a soprano in high school, but made choir in university as an alto! Being rejected for 3 years in high school made me more determined to try in college. That rejection was a blessing in disguise. I always enjoyed when the choir alums returned to sing the Hallelujah Chorus at Southwest at Christmas! I was on the Rifle Team at Southwest and was a Sharpshooter. It was then that I joined the NRA. I bet you didn’t know that they were recruiting us at Southwest!
Life Story: I received a BS Business Administration from SIU-E and married Dr. Bob Curtis, also from St. Louis, in 1979. Bob is a pastor and we have been married for more than 40 years. I worked for Southwestern Bell Telephone as a Communications Consultant until 1983 and became a stay home Mom when Jennifer was born. In 1986 we had a son, Joel. Jennifer has given us two GRANDS, Brooks and Belle. Joel has given us two GRANDS, Beckett and Isla. My life has been full of volunteerism in church and community. I am a passionate singer, genealogist, gardener and crafter. I also enjoy the study of history, the Constitution and stay politically engaged. Bob and I have recently built a new home in Barnhart, Missouri and we plan to spend our retirement years back home! We are blessed with health and I am working to keep it that way!
Bill Wendell
Traveling From: Kirkwood
Favorite Hobby: Golf
Favorite Teacher: Ms. Grewe
High School Memory: The day that Ms Grewe denied being Miss America in 1957 but did admit “1957 was a very good year for me.”
Life Story: Mizzou. Married/Divorced/Married with 2 great kids. Same sales job for 46 years/ready to hang it up. Life has been GREAT!
Patty Whitby Yndo
Traveling From: Salem, MO
Favorite Hobby: Travel
Favorite Teacher: Mr. Killenberg
Life Story: Moved to San Antonio, TX in the early 80’s. Spent about 35 years there & got an education, a divorce and a new husband. Worked as an operating room R.N. for 30 years. Was widowed & retired in 2017. Moved home to MO last year to be near family. Plan to travel as long as I can. I hate MO winters!
Rodric Widger
Guest’s Name: Laveen Martin Widger
Traveling From: Springfield, MO
Favorite Hobby: Reading
Favorite Teacher: Can’t think of one. Ms. Charlotte Lewis was memorable but not fun.
High School Memory: I was stopped by police for making an improper left turn at Vandeventer and Tower Grove on my way home from graduation ceremony at Kiel. That was the beginning of a lifetime of occasional roadside acquaintances with law enforcement officers.
Life Story: I fumbled my way through HS without achieving academic excellence or other distinction. I went on to attend Westminster College in Fulton, MO, where I met my wife. We graduated, got married, and began my ROTC active duty obligation in Army Infantry branch in 1974. We moved and completed assignments in Georgia, New Hampshire, and Panama Canal Zone. In 1980 I left active duty and I started law school at UMo- Columbia with two children in diapers. After graduation and bar exam in 1983, I joined a firm where my work involved representation of rural electric cooperatives in all parts of Missouri. I retired at end of 2017. Our children, grandchildren, and church life have been the principal focus of our activities. In retirement we enjoy RV travel to remote places where we can read books, drink coffee, and watch beautiful sunsets.
Louise Wiedermann
Guest’s Name: Wayne Palisch
Traveling From: St. Louis
Favorite Hobby: Bicycling, hiking, dancing, volleyball
Favorite Teacher: Mr. Lewis
High School Memory: -Senior year I signed up for first quarter of marching band, but I did not play a band instrument. So at the football games and parades, I carried an oboe but faked playing it.
Life Story: -I have two grown children, two granddaughters, and I am in a relationship. My career has been in Technology, working in corporate for 25 years, and then starting my own consulting company. Still doing that today. I enjoy visiting National Parks and hiking. I still love sports and play volleyball or bicycle when it’s possible. About 20 years ago, started taking dance lessons, so that became a hobby – swing dance, square dance, and my favorite ballroom dance – the waltz. Enjoying all of it.
Vernon Wirth
Traveling From: Windermere Florida
Favorite Hobby: Traveling
Favorite Teacher: Mr. Tucker
Life Story: FBI DC; STL County Police; Marriott Hotels in Atl, StL, VA, DC and Md. Marketing for Dave and Busters Atl. Marketing Busch Gardens and Seaworld in Florida.
Michael Wirthlin
Traveling From: Affton
Favorite Hobby: Guitar
Favorite Teacher: Mr. Tepe
Life Story: After graduation, I tended bar, started a business, got married, had 2 kids, got sober, got divorced, shut down my business, got a job with a lot of travel, stayed there for 28 years and retired. At 44 years of age I started running and doing triathlons, marathons and ultra marathons. Still going.
Gale Wolff
Guest’s Name: Linda Range Wolff
Traveling From: Fenton
Favorite Hobby: Golf
John Yeager
Guest’s Name: Karen Yeager
Traveling From: 4 blocks away
Favorite Teacher: Kent Forrest
Life Story: Married, 3 children, 2 grandsons. Bachelors degree from Cornell College and Masters from SIU-E. Retired from Anheuser-Busch and again from RSM US LLP.
Gary Zeller
Guest’s Name: Karen Zeller
Traveling From: L A ( Lower Affton)