eCrusaderChronicles_SpringSummer2018

A Publication of the CATHOLIC MEMORIAL HIGH SCHOOL Alumni Community blu 293 yelo 116

Crusader SPRING/SUMMER 2018
Chronicles

faithinCcAlRuIsTAivSeInNeOsMs NIBUS respect

Memorialexcellence

trusPt ROFESSIONALISM

IN this ISSUE

Alumni Class Notes
A Monument to the

Ultimate Sacrifice
Retirement Profile: Sue Ruf
Caritas Fund
Congrats, Class of 2018

Events Calendar

CELEBRATIONS & EVENTS REUNIONS
SEPTEMBER 12, 2018 AUGUST 25, 2018
Community Service Fair Class of 1978 - 40-Year Reunion
SEPTEMBER 28, 2018 SEPTEMBER 16, 2018
2018 Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 1958 - 60-Year Reunion
Homecoming Football Game NOVEMBER 23, 2018
5th Quarter Alumni Social Class of 1983 - 35-Year Reunion
OCTOBER 21, 2018 JUNE 21-23, 2019
Prospective Family Open House Class of 1969 - 50-Year Reunion
NOVEMBER 21, 2018 DATE TBD
Crusader Day of Service Alumni Project Class of 1988 - 30-Year Reunion
NOVEMBER 27, 2018 Class of 1979 - 40-Year Reunion
#GivingTuesday Class of 1973 - 45-Year Reunion
DECEMBER 22, 2018
Alumni Basketball Tournament (2)
MARCH 2, 2019
38th Annual Crusader Auction
MAY 10, 2019
Celebrating Lives of Service Mass &
Luncheon
JUNE 10, 2019
31st Annual Crusader Golf Outing

(1) (3)

Catholic Memorial Alumni celebrated two stellar reunions on June 23, 2018. The Class of 1972
celebrated 46 years at Minooka Park (1) and the Class of 1998 celebrated 20 years with a tour
of Catholic Memorial High School (2) and beer tasting at MobCraft Brewery in Milwaukee! (3)

2 For updates and complete information on Catholic Memorial events, please visit www.catholicmemorial.net.

TM A LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT

2018-2019 CMH BOARD OF DIRECTORS Hello from Catholic Memorial!

Michael Grubich, Chair We hope you have enjoyed a fun-filled summer. In this issue
Ann Marie Wick ‘88, Immediate Past Chair of the Crusader Chronicles Alumni Magazine, Crusader
Mark Mirsberger, Treasurer pride is clear. In our school, we honor the servicemen for
Kelly Cleary-Rebholz, Secretary whom we are named, and we study their individual stories.
Rev. Mark Brandl Their commitment to service and their legacy lives on
Larry Brown through our faculty, staff and students. For example, you
Patrick Dragani may recall last March 14 when our students “Led in Faith”
Marcy Hinkes Dunlap ‘76 in recognition of the tragedy in Parkland, Florida. Instead of
Carlos Garces walking out, our students stepped up in numerous ways –
William Henk through community service and in prayer.
Very Rev. Dan Janasik ’97
Glenn Kormanik While we are honored to serve as a living memorial, we also
John Paul Marchan ’98 wanted to do more. We wanted to find a way to recognize
Susan Nelson, Archdiocesan Representative those in our community serving now. This spring we
Eric Oechsner proudly announced the creation of a new scholarship fund
Shawn Reilly ‘79 at Catholic Memorial; the Eagle Award - Military Service
Christopher Rosecky ’88 Scholarship for Military families. Any student in grades 9-12
Mark Tomchek ’89 with an immediate family member (mother, father, brother
Marlo Vasquez or sister) who has served in the armed forces or is serving
Rev. Tony Zimmer can apply for a $1,000 renewable scholarship to CMH. We
understand the price families pay in service to our country.
2018-2019 ADMINISTRATION This recognition of that service is a small token of our
immense appreciation. For more details about this
Donna Bembenek, President scholarship, please visit the Tuition & Tuition Assistance
Laura Anderson, Principal page of the CMH website.
Steve Plechaty ‘74, Dean of Students
Dawn Keller, Director of Finance Thank you for your continued support of our amazing
school. We are excited for a new school year to begin.
and Business Administration Please visit any time and always keep in touch. We
Lori Holly, Director of Advancement appreciate hearing from you.
Julie Lindahl ‘91, Admissions Manager
Matt Bergan ‘02, Director of Athletics Peace to you always,
Claire Hoffmeyer, Director of Campus Ministry
Fr. John Gibson, Chaplain Our Lady of Memorial, pray for us!

Contact the Development Office to help stop Donna Bembenek
duplicate and undeliverable mail by updating your President
address. Your help is appreciated.
Printed by Crossmark Graphics
For information about making a donation, setting
up a scholarship, sponsoring an event or attending
an upcoming alumni event, please contact the
Development Office at 262-542-7102.

www.crossmarkgraphicsinc.com Michael Popke ‘86
www.twolakesmedia.com

601 E College Ave. Waukesha, WI 53186 | 262-542-7102 3
www.catholicmemorial.net | [email protected]

Alumni Class Notes

LARISSA MENDOZA ’15 was chosen as a NATHAN CRAFT ’11 is serving as Policy ERIC SEITZ ’04 and his wife
Amber welcomed their first
recipient of the Modern Advisor for the Office of Governor Scott child, Dominic, into the
world on Dec. 17, 2017.
Languages and Literatures Walker after serving as the Friends of
NICOLE NELSON CERDA
Award at Carroll University’s Scott Walker Press Secretary. ’03 does service work with Operation
Chemo Comfort. OCC provides
College of Arts and Sciences JOHN SCHMITT ’11 received his Master emotional and physical support to
Awards Banquet on April of Science in Mental Health Counseling individuals going through chemotherapy.
13, 2018. degree from Minnesota State University Since 2016, they have delivered more
than 6,000 handcrafted chemo caps to
KAITLIN TROKAN ‘14 was selected for a Mankato, graduating class of 2018. cancer patients.
Photo: Nicole is on
highly competitive J. William Fulbright Congratulations! the left. Watch the
TMJ4 segment: goo.gl/
Foreign Scholarship award to the Slovak LAUREN WIMMER ’09 earned her MFA X92A9p
Republic to teach English next academic in Dramatic Writing from Carnegie
year after graduating from UW- Mellon University in May 2018. Her play, MEGAN DAY ‘02 founded Simply
Milwaukee with a Bachelor’s in English “Divorce Party,” premiered in NYC in Irresistible Catering and Daylee Public
Education this May. 2017. Another play will premiere in New House in Waukesha. She was featured in
the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel on July
ELSA APARNIEKS ’13 will be joining the York in June 2018. Lauren earned her 6, 2018. Read the article: goo.gl/
hSGWb8
CMH faculty full-time undergraduate degree from Sarah
JOHN MUCHKA ‘01 started a non-profit
teaching math and the Lawrence College in Bronxville, NY in organization, Pharm to Tables, that
unites pharmacy professionals with the
Project Lead the Way 2013 and graduated from Second City’s focused mission of helping end the
hunger crisis in our local communities.
Computer Science Conservatory and Writing Programs
DAN O’LEARY ’00 was honored by the
Essentials course next (Chicago) where she also performed. Greater Oak Brook Chamber of
Commerce with the Under 40 Leadership
year. Elsa has been a CASSIE MCMURRY SAMZ ’08 Recognition Award. Dan was honored for
long-term Spanish sub his work as the Managing Director of the
for the past semester at CMH. and her husband Nathaniel Oak Brook Polo Club.
welcomed daughter, Adelyn
KELLI PIATT ’13 married Eric Smoker on Kay, on May 15, 2018. She

July 14, 2018 at St. Mary’s in Waukesha. joins big brother, Calvin.

CMH alumni stood up in the wedding ANNE WIMMER ’07 works for her
party Kady Jones ’13 (sitting right), Ellen family’s Milwaukee real estate company,
Moyer ’13 (next to Kelli), and Benjamin Wimmer Communities, as an in-house
Piatt ’17 (sitting left). attorney. She earned her undergraduate

degree from Fordham University, Lincoln

Center, New York, NY in 2011 and a law

degree from Marquette University in

2014.

AMANDA AVILA ’05 MARIA PUZACH PANNO ’99 runs
Infinite Warrior, a boutique that offers
and her partner Marcus unique, hand-crafted jewelry pieces in
Rivera welcomed a Milwaukee. See her featured in this
daughter Mariana on video: goo.gl/i1fn17
March 20, 2018.

TELL US YOUR NEWS UPDATE YOUR INFO ALUMNI CONTACT

Keep us posted on the exciting Keeping your alumni information Daniel Polaski ’08
things happening in your life! up-to-date means you get the most Alumni Relations Coordinator
Job changes, engagements, recent publications, invitations, and [email protected]
weddings, anniversaries, news from your alma mater. Contact 262-290-4608
accomplishments...anything information is not shared or published
you’re proud of! Send news and without your consent. To update your
photos to: info, go to the alumni section of the
[email protected]. CMH website and fill out the form.
4

In Memoriam

BRYON RIESCH ’97 received the March 2018 - July 2018 Richard Lindemann, grandfather of Nicholas
Marquette University Alumni Spirit of ’11, Ryan ’13 and Kaitlyn ’17 Zingsheim
Marquette Award on April 28, 2018. We prayerfully remember all those in the
Catholic Memorial community who have Andy Lundquist ’59
ANNE M KERN ’90 was named Dean passed away.
for Global Strategy and International Gerald “Jerry” Luther, father of Jeff Luther ’76
Programs at Purchase College, State Walter Bembenek, father of Tim Bembenek ’86;
University of New York. father-in-law of CMH president Donna Joanne Daiker McCaffery ’61, wife of Patrick
Bembenek; grandfather of Lindsay Bembenek McCaffery ’61; mother of Joseph ’84 and Patrick
JASON KERSTEIN ’88 opened Blue’s Bednar ’07 and Scott Bembenek ’13 ’89 McCaffery and Amy McCaffery Foszpanczyk
Egg restaurant in Shorewood, WI in ’93; mother-in-law of Shannon Taylor McCaffery
May 2018. Barbara Mueller Bishop ’62 ’93; sister of the late William ’62, Jon ’65 and
Don ’69 Daiker; sister-in-law of Grace Donahue
JIM ROMAGNA ’88 is being Judith Ruch Brierton ’60, sister of Darlene Ruch Daiker ’66; cousin of Dennis ’62 and Tim ’64
inducted into the Loras College 2018 Schmitz ’62; sister-in-law of the late William Williams; aunt of Carly Daiker Davis ’94,
Hall of Fame on Sept. 28th for being Schmitz ’61 Kristopher Daiker ’97 and Kelley Kleczewski ’01;
one of the most prolific running grandmother of Hannah ’12, Alice ’21 and Jack
backs in Loras Robert Casper, brother of Philip ’68 and ’21 McCaffery
history. Vincent ’72 Casper
Congratulations, Susan Michalek, sister of Mary Baenen, CMH
Jim! Neil Coakley, grandfather of Carly Brunclik, faculty member
CMH faculty member
JIM CASEY ’81 was elected as a Richard “Dick” Moore, gradfather of Austin ’05,
Fellow of the American Bar Kay Ann Koenig Cottone ’58, wife of Sam Rachel ’06, Rebecca ’09 and Bridget ’13 Moore;
Foundation. Cottone ’58; sister of the late Kent Koenig ’53 grandfather-in-law of Rachel Berghouse Moore
and Kurt Koenig ’64; sister-in-law of the late ’05
PEGGY SEEGERS-BRAUN ‘79 was Thomas Cottone ’61, Jim Cottone ‘69 and Cathy
named the Wisconsin Athletic Hoeft Cottone ’70; aunt of Karl Koenig ’85, Larry Norton, husband of Carol Sheedy Norton
Directors Association “District 7 George Koenig ’87, Liesl Nelson ’88 and Karen ’64; brother-in-law of Sally Sheedy Hanson ‘67
Athletic Director of the Year” at Schubert ‘93
WADA’s spring caucus in 2017 and Edween Reagh, grandmother of Sara Twitchell
then named the “State Athletic Todd Craft, father of Nathan ’11 and Lauren ’13 Mertz ’10
Director of the Year” at the Wisconsin
Athletic Directors Association Nov. Donald Czech, father-in-law of Jeff Mrochinski, James Rozanske ’68
2017 Conference. She is currently the CMH faculty member; grandfather of Catherine
President of the Wisconsin Athletic ’17 and Paul ’20 Mrochinski Robert “Bob” Ruekert ’67, brother of John
Directors Association – only the 3rd Ruekert ’63 and the late William Ruekert ’66
female President in the 52 years of Karen Buckley Daering ’76, sister of David ’72
the organization. and Michael ’89 Buckley Jude Sheridan, sister of the late Mary Hartz
Cross ‘53 and Jeff Hartz ‘62
JOHN KASCHT ’79, caricature artist, Elizabeth “Betty” Gaffney, mother of Thomas
was the featured artist for the ’75, Ann LaMarche ’77, Bridget Johnson ’79, Ron Six ’61, brother of Thomas Six ’55 and
celebration of the reopening/ Patricia Landgraf ’80, and Shailia Gaffney ’88; Victoria Six Fernau ’69
renovation of the Waukesha County grandmother of Alex ’13 and Maureen ’16
Museum on June 2, 2018. His exhibit, LaMarche, Gabrielle ’16, Owen ’18 and Sophie Fr. Gregory A Staab, brother of Anne Staab,
MAKING FACES, will be in Waukesha ’20 Rusch CMH faculty member
through September.
Karl Gier ‘54, brother of Fred Gier ‘59 and the Eula F Tapp, grandmother of Colton ’16 and
SUE NANTELL LINDL, CHRIS late Mary Neder ‘61; uncle of Karen ‘82, Ann Mitchell ’18 Tapp
MARTINIAK and BRUCE LINDL from ‘83, Pat ‘85, Ed ‘86, Jo ‘88, and Martha ‘92
the CLASS OF 1965 at their class’s Neder; great-uncle of Meghan Neder ‘16 Sara Guidinger Tesch ’85, sister of Nancy
annual golf meeting and DeLorme ’72, Carol McCulloch ’74, Bob
event in San Thomas Golner ‘69, brother of Patricia Wand Guidinger ’75, Rose Nelson ’78, Peggy Moreno
Francisco on ’66, Barbara Collins ’67, and David Golner ‘70; ’80, and Dan Guidinger ’83; aunt of David ’98,
May 4, 2018. brother-in-law of David Wand ‘66; uncle of Mike Jeffrey ’99, Daniel ’02 and Michael ’04 DeLorme
Wand ’03
Robert Wallis, husband of Mary Jo ‘54;
Geraldine Dana Hausch ’54, sister of the late brother-in-law of the late Edward Vandenberg
Donald Dana ’57 and Collette Dana Engerson ‘59; grandfather of Elizabeth ‘08 and
’66 Christopher ‘10 Siepmann

Mark Immekus, father of Mike Immekus ’16 Katherine L Young, mother-in-law of Christine
Bohrer Young ’77; grandmother of Lauren Saddy
Herb Kaiser, father of Mary Lou Sharpe ’77, ’03, Dayton ’08 and Austin ’17 Young;
Kathy Yoss ’78 and Vickie Donohue ’83 grandmother-in-law of Natalie Walsh Young ’08

William Klingler ’61, brother of Sharon Wright Please notify CMH of the death of any alumni by
’59 and Kathy Pallen ’65
emailing [email protected]. We
Denotes memorials donated to CMH per family’s request.
apologize for any errors or omissions that 5
occur in this In Memoriam section.

A MONUMENT TO THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE

When Archbishop Moses E. Kiley turned his THE ORIGINAL 23 SERVICEMEN Angelus E. Wise, Pvt., 1942
shovel at the groundbreaking of the first Valentine P. Farkas, Pvt., 1942
Catholic high school in Waukesha in 1948, he Thomas J. Jaquest, Pvt., 1942
declared that Catholic Memorial High School Charles R. Brust, Pvt., 1942
will go down in history as a school “whose Everett G. Kelso, Ensign, 1942
aim is to answer the questions which youth is Michael J. Puhl, Staff Sgt., 1943
constantly turning over in his mind: ‘Where Robert K. Stark, Pvt., 1943
did I come from?’ ‘What am I here for?’ ‘Why Harry L. Kruck, Jr., 2nd Lt., 1943
should I restrain my baser appetites and live Valentino A. Brazzale, Sgt., 1943
an upright life?’ This school will give answers. Giles Lunenschloss, Pvt., 1944
We come from God, we are destined to Alvan C. Ade, Pvt., 1944
spend only a few years among the things of Harry Sewnig, Lt., 1944
earth in the service of God, and then we Robert H. Petry, 2nd Lt., 1944
return to Him Who sent us here.” William O. Weber, PFC, 1944
Joseph M. Kowalski, Sgt., 1944
In 1949, Catholic Memorial High School was John G. Murdock, Seaman 2nd Class, 1944
dedicated in memory of twenty-three Robert McGuire, Pvt., 1945
members of St. Joseph’s Parish in Waukesha George A. Martin, Petty Officer, 1945
who gave their lives for their country in John Roswell Bacon, Marine Medic, 1945
World War II. It could be said that Archbishop Leonard J. Meola, Pvt., 1945
Kiley had the servicemen listed to the right in Frederick J. Patrinos, Sgt., 1945
mind when he spoke those words. Stephen Prelozni, Staff Sgt., 1945
William S. Malone, 1st Lt., 1945
In the years following, the dedication of the
school was extended to include all students
and graduates of Catholic Memorial High
School who have died in service to their
country. Since the school’s inception, six
more men have been added to the Honor
Roll. Their profiles can be found on the
following pages.

The family of the late Bobby Warns ’99 participated in the dedication
and blessing of the new Memorial Wall following the Celebrating

Lives of Service Mass on May 11, 2018. See page 9 for Bobby’s story.
6 Left to right: Bob Warns, Katie Warns Riesch ’98 and Bridget Warns

DAVID J FRISCHMANN

Marine Lance Corporal

As a member of the CMH Class of 1962, David was a wrestler all four
years and a letterman for three of those seasons.

The era of the Vietnam War was a tumultuous time for America
and for American young people. But, David Frischmann did
not flee from his duties. Instead of waiting to be drafted,
he volunteered for service in the U. S. Marine Corps.

Viet Cong action in South Vietnam would take
David’s life on February 1, 1967 - just a few
months before his younger sister, Patricia,
would graduate from CMH. He was 22 years
old. He would be the first Catholic Memorial graduate to
make the ultimate sacrifice in service to country and
thus became the 24th name on the CMH Honor Roll.

In a letter to his parents, his captain wrote,

“David was one of the finest Marines I have
ever known. His exemplary conduct, leadership,
and singular determination to do every job well
were qualities that all of us respected.”

We are his monument to his GEORGE J CARR
examples of conduct,
leadership, and his Army Specialist
determination to do every
job well. When George was at CMH he was a very involved
student. He helped raise money for international Church
Lord, give us the wisdom to never missions, was involved in Campus Ministry, drama and
forget the reasons we are band. He was a member of Holy Apostles Parish in New
Berlin.
Catholic Memorial High School.
Our Lady of Memorial, Considered a gentle soul, George dutifully responded to
pray for us! the draft while in college. Specialist Carr would be
Amen. awarded the Bronze Star for heroic and meritorious
service.
*Information on all servicemen
compiled by Fr. Paul Hartmann ’84 On May 29, 1967, he would give his life offering Caritas
in Omnibus. According to the military record, George
was using his off-duty time to help provide clean water
and farming irrigation to a Vietnamese village. He lost his
life working to secure an area of unexploded ordinance.

We are his monument to commitment to Caritas in
Omnibus.

7

CRAIG SULLIVAN One of six children from
St. Joe’s, Wauwatosa, he
Navy First played football, wrestling,
Lieutenant track and was a member
of National Honor Society.
CORNELIS He graduated in 1978 and
‘KEES’ VAN went to Purdue for ROTC.
DER STERREN
At the height of the Cold
Army Corporal War between the US and
the Soviet Union, Craig
flew missions to track
Soviet nuclear submarines
in the Mediterranean Sea.
On October 21, 1986,
Craig’s plane, with three
crewmates, was lost at sea. The plane,
nor his body, were ever found.

Kees (“Case”) was 9 years old when his family emigrated to the United States
from Holland. According to his older brother, they spoke no English when they
arrived. Kees, in particular, was often teased and bullied for his thick accent and
his difficulties in school.

Kees played some sports at CMH but devoted more time to rebuilding a used
motorcycle he bought with money from part-time and odd jobs. Kees is recalled
as having been outgoing and a bit of a daredevil.

Even though America was not its most welcoming to Kees, when he was

19 he did not wait to be drafted. He enlisted in the Army, eventually

being assigned to the vaunted 101st Airborne Division. RICHARD WARNER

Since Kees and his brother were both in the military at the Marine Lance Corporal
same time, as the only sons of their family, only one of

them had to go to a war zone. Kees, the daredevil, Rich is remembered for being something of a
volunteered first. jokester among his friends, yet quiet most of the

He would be in Vietnam only three months time. At CMH he quickly became active on the

when his family was informed that Kees was wrestling team.

MIA. A week later, his body would be While Rich was not at CMH for all of high school, his
found. He was declared to have died father and siblings are graduates and he
on September 13, 1968 at the will always be a member of the CMH
age of 20. family.

We are his monument to At the time of his passing, Rich was
citizenship, service, described as having been an energetic
and sacrifice. high school student who dreamed of

being a Marine and even enlisted before

graduation or the terrorist attacks of

September 11, 2001. He entered the

Marines shortly after high school out of

8 a sense of obligation because his

In the yearbook, Craig’s senior quote is THE COL. MARY
JO MacGREGOR
“There are three rules to success: set yourself ’81, USMC AWARD
a goal, strive for it, and never quit.” FOR MERITORIOUS
SERVICE
In 2012, when his father died, Craig’s
name was added to that headstone The Col. Mary Jo MacGregor ‘81,
so that the family would have a USMC Award for Meritorious
place to visit and remember. Service was established upon the
occasion of her retirement in 2011
We are a monument to by the Joan and John MacGregor
those who defend family: CMH alumni John ’78, Julie
our freedoms. ’79, Bill ’82, and their mom, Joan,
a retired CMH music teacher. The
ROBERT P award has been given annually,
WARNS II since 2012, to a member of the
senior class in honor of Mary Jo’s
Marine Corporal service to her country and her
faithful support for the mission of
Bobby Warns, CMH ‘99 was 23 when he was killed by a land mine in Babil her alma mater.
Province, Iraq. He was remembered by family and friends as a spirited Considerations in choosing the
young man who died before he could start his most exciting mission - recipient include pride in the
parenthood. Assurances were given that day that Bobby would watch over legacy of service and sacrifice,
his yet to be born son or daughter. respect and dedication to the best
interests of those served,
On November 17, 2004, Warns was laid to rest at St. Joe’s Cemetery. A inclusiveness and excellence in
capacity crowd of more than 1,000, including Gov. Doyle, attended the service, and Caritas in Omnibus.
funeral at St. Mary’s Parish, followed by a military burial and a Marine gun Nominations were accepted by
salute. A Marine officer read a declaration awarding Corporal Warns the and the recipient was chosen by
Purple Heart. Children lined the street to wave American flags as the the staff and faculty of Catholic
procession headed toward the cemetery. Memorial. Col. MacGregor
currently resides in Texas. The 2018
Friends say Warns was an adventurer who joined the Marines at age award and scholarship recipient is
18, almost immediately after graduating high school.
Hannah Smith ’18
In correspondence home, Bobby repeatedly offered family
reassurances, showing concern for their comfort rather 9
than his own. A letter to his parents, which was
received after his death, closed with a note asking
God to “watch over my family.”

We are his monument to commitment to
school, family, and country.

grandparents and other
family members had served in
the military.

Lance Corporal Warner would give his
life on December 13, 2004 when he and a
fellow Wisconsin Marine fell victim to an
improvised explosive device in Babil Province, Iraq.

We are the monument to his examples of honor to family
and duty to country.

Leaving a Legacy of Love CARITAS

SUE EXNER RUF ’69 FUND

At age 66, Sue Exner Ruf said she could her to fill a part-time opening as a Supporting students and
families when in need
have continued working in Catholic learning resource specialist in Catholic
The Caritas Fund was formed in 2018
Memorial’s Academic Resource Center Memorial’s ARC. The ARC is housed in to help Catholic Memorial High School
students with school-related expenses
(ARC) until she turned 90. Instead, she the space formerly occupied by the other than tuition. While the Caritas
Fund is in its infancy, the vision is to
felt the need to spend more time with school’s library and is dedicated to grow its resources and provide greater
support to our students and their
her three young granddaughters, and providing student support in all families that need financial support.

her parents, who still live in the same subjects. CMH recognizes both a responsibility
and an opportunity to help more
Waukesha home in which Ruf grew up. “I have mastered algebra and geometry families with basic needs. The cost of
meals while in school, textbooks,
As a CMH alumna (Class of ’69) and better in this job than I ever did when I supplies, athletics fees and gear, field
trips and other extracurricular activities
alumni parent (Margaret ’98), Ruf says was a student at CMH,” Ruf laughed, puts additional strain on families, and
can preclude students from learning,
leaving the school at this point in her life referring to the countless times she participating and belonging.

was not an easy decision to make. helped students in math and other “High school is about academics as well
as the other experiences available to
“Never in a million years did I think I’d subjects. “I committed to Bob for two students,” said Julie Lindahl ‘91,
be back at Catholic Memorial, so don’t years and stayed for seven. It’s hard to Admissions Manager for Catholic
say you can’t go home again,” Ruf said walk away when there are kids that need Memorial. “There is so much research
about a month after her final day at help.” that says that access to these ‘extra’
things are actually a vital key to
CMH. “I loved that job, and it was very Now that Ruf has finally retired (for students’ success.”

challenging for me to leave. But there good this time, she says), the former Initially, administrators identified a need
for lunch support and partnered with
are no do-overs. I don’t want to miss the teacher’s plans also include participating parents to provide lunches to students
who needed them. That effort led to
time I have left to spend with my in book clubs, antiquing and “maybe the establishment of the Caritas Fund
because there was a greater need than
parents.” cleaning the garage.” She lives in just lunch.

“Never in a million years did I think I’d be Pewaukee and “Involved students feel more
plans to remain connected to their school and its
people,” said Sue Ruf ’69, recently
back at Catholic Memorial, so don’t say you involved with retired CMH Academic Resource
can’t go home again,” Ruf said. CMH. Late last Center Specialist. “They are more
year, she and familiar with the resources the school
provides and they report higher levels
her family of satisfaction with their high school
experience.”
In many ways, Ruf’s work at Catholic contributed the initial donations to the
Memorial was a logical extension of the Caritas Fund — a new source of financial With more than 50 clubs and activities
38 years she spent in in the School support created to help students and for students to be involved in, CMH’s
District of Waukesha, many of them as families pay for such non-tuition goal is to have 100% of students
an English teacher at Waukesha North expenses as meals, textbooks and participate in at least one extra-
High School. She also has been involved extracurricular activities. (See related curricular activity or service project.
in educational programs at Waukesha story in sidebar.)
Alumni can donate to the Caritas
County Technical College, Carroll When asked to compare CMH in the Fund by clicking “Donate” on the
CMH website and mentioning the
University, and other area facilities and late 1960s to the school today, Ruf cited Caritas Fund in the comment section
of the donation form.
organizations. the absence of nuns. “There’s not one

After she retired in 2011, former CMH nun to be seen now,” Ruf said. “But
principal Bob Hall — one of Ruf’s former education is education, and Catholic
students at Waukesha North — asked Memorial is still excellent at providing
that. It’s a great place to grow up.”

Mrs. Ruf is described as “simply one of the Article by Michael Popke ’86
most caring and talented teachers.” A former
collegue of hers said “For decades you have
inspired students to be the best they can be in
the classroom, in social situations, and in their
communities. You never gave up on anyone.”
You will be missed, Mrs. Ruf!

10

10

Congratulations, Class of 2018

Alverno College Kevin Miller St. Norbert College University of St. Thomas Alexandra Rebholz
Morgan Rebholz
Kathryn Resch Brianna Papenthien Brianna Nevins Catherine Dowling Katherine Reitz
Dylan Perry Hunter Wieczorek Laura Hirsch Joshua Rowinski
American University Miranda Singson Dylan Schubbe
St. Olaf College The University of Tampa
Zehao (Steven) Jin Kelsey Taugher Benjamin Wedeward
Abby Wass Jenelle Rolli Peter Braun Nicholas Wilkie
Benedictine College UW-Milwaukee
Jessica Lincoln Miami University-Oxford Trinity Christian College UW-Eau Claire Ryan Buckley
Alexander Collins Autumn Bergemann Phillip Long III Andrew Herrera
Butler University Rachel Schulze Paul Jacobson
Elise Strackbein Milwaukee Area Tech. College United States Army Edmond Kayiwa
Meg Huenink UW-La Crosse Brianna Wolfe
Carthage College Connor Relford Grace Alesci UW-Oshkosh
Jacob Gronowski Milwaukee Firefighters Leah Fynaardt Natalie Kopenski
Academy United States Marine Corps/ Joseph Hartlaub UW-Platteville
Central Washington University Bethel College Amery Klohn Troy Humpal
Qidong (William) Liu Natalia Halcomb Christian Soper Paiton Kujawa
Jacob Olejnik UW-Stevens Point
Clarke University Milwaukee Institute United States Naval Academy Samuel Piette Grace Gundrum
Tatum Brim of Art and Design Isaac Barta Owen Rusch
Kirstin Amundson Josie Schrubbe Julia Karls
Dominic Coello Madison Black Nicole Stanislawski UW-Washington County
New York University Michael Naze Michelle Worden
Colorado School of Mines Zichun (Jerry) Su Brooke Waldvogel
Allison Kormanik University of California-Berkeley UW-Madison UW-Waukesha
Northern Michigan University So Woon (Lainy) Cho Josephine Beres Lily Danegelis
Colorado State University Hannah Smith Camille Branick
Isaac Gromacki University of Dayton Nathaniel Dominguez
Jacob Holt The Ohio State University Maureen Dusing Zachary Davis Edwin Fabela
Lilianna Berg Carly Delforge
Concordia University The University of Iowa Madelyn Donnelly UW-Whitewater
Taylor Doro Lauren Engelking Mitchell Teuteberg Andrew Doyle Anthony Alesci
Rachel Warner Rebecca Drescher Nolan Boyce
Drake University Purdue University Matthew English
Kayla Olstinske Samantha Armour University of Isabel Fernandez Kailee Buss
Emily Calewarts
Dominican University Vincent Haight Massachusetts-Amherst Chad Goetz Brendan Christiansen
Joshur Mazzone Chenyang (Kevin) Huang Kathleen Hirsch Ryan Erickson
Quinnipiac University Derek Krismer
Entering the Workforce Allison Koenig University of Miami Kaylen Leverenz Daniel Finn
Richard Bertram Madison Landry Xiaoqian (Selina) Lyu Anne Klepp-Schoepke
Regis University Nicolas Marchán
Entrepreneurship Grace Alexander University of Madeline Morris (1st Honors) Tyler Kocour
Lauren Mudlaff Samuel Kohler
Marketing & eCommerce Kate Hawkins Minnesota-Twin Cities Anastasia Nowakowski Jackson McCarthey
William Crain (2nd Honors) Caitlyn Pasbrig
Alexander Ross Santa Monica College Ava Padilla Mitchell Tapp
Katherine Potrzebowski Viterbo University
Fashion Institute of Design Feng (Betty) Yin Matthew Beardsley
University of Nebraska Abigail Hanaway
& Merchandising-Los Angeles St. Catherine University-St. Paul at Lincoln Valparaiso University
Yuhao (Peter) Liu Benjamin Nimz
Sydney Brandt Weiming (Ray) Yu Washington University

Indiana University Saint Louis University University of Rochester in St. Louis
at Bloomington Lance Judan Kelly Aspinwall Michael Ginn (Salutatorian)
Caroline Clementi Waukesha Co. Tech. College
Samuel Kramer (Valedictorian) University of San Francisco Drake Pawlak
Emily Mirsberger PanYin (Grace) Zhou Miranda Prahl Benjamin Chrisien
Iowa Western Hunter Pritzlaff Anthony Sellhausen
Community College
Alexander Trunec
Jacob Kaiser Western Illinois University

Minnesota Magicians Michael Lemke
Winona State University
Jr. Hockey
Colin Stein Casey Makinen
Wisconsin Lutheran College
Loyola University-Chicago
Elizabeth Dedrick Abigail Vavra
Michael Ogren Xavier University

Luther College Josette Smith
Kathryn Evans
11
Madison Area Tech. College
Spencer Kamp

Marquette University Following the call to serve, three students from the Class of 2018 were admitted into
Caitlin Alba the United States Naval Academy and three more are serving in the U.S. Army,
U.S. Marine Corps and the Milwaukee Firefighters Academy.
Thomas Burns
Drew Donnelly
Harold Gatto
Scott Harford
Anna Hocum

Tyler Mark
Kayla McQuestion
Elizabeth Mikelonis

In total, the CMH Class of 2018 was awarded $16.9 million in college scholarships.

Crusaderblu293 yelo116 Pre-Sorted First Class
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SPRING/SUMMER 2018 Permit No. 589
Waukesha, WI
Catholic Memorial High School
601 East College Avenue
Waukesha, WI 53186

Tom Bray ’84, TJ Bray ’10, Drew North ’11 and Randy North ’84 at the 30th Annual Crusader Golf Outing on June 11, 2018.

CongoCrnarthuuisslaahdtioeolrneGs-intoo-lofBnOoeubatitVntigtha!ele ’83

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