2002 Fall

VOLUME X ISSUE 2 The Voice ofthe South High School Alumni Association
FALL 2002

SOUTH IDGH SCHOOL HALL OF FAME - 2002

Jim Eisenhardt was the Master of Ceremonies at the 2002 Hall of Fame banquet held June 4 at Anthony's
Restaurant. He introduced the honorees by quoting Harry Emerson Fosdick: "'One must have the adven-
turous daring to accept one-self as a bundle of possibilities and undertake the most interesting game in the
world-making the most of one's best.' Certainly our Hall of Fame honorees have done exactly that-
made the most of their best. Our recipients have made major impacts on our school and our greater com-
munity in education, the arts, business and sports. These individuals represent the best of SHS."

Joanne Wilson Carlson, Class of 1949-Dr. Carlson recently retired as the Chair of the Department of
Education at the College of Saint Mary. Noted nationally and internationally for her work in preadolescent
reading, Dr. Carlson began her 50-year teaching career the fall after her graduation from SHS at the age of
17. She will continue to work with fledging educators as Professor Emeritus at the College of Saint Mary.
The holder of the ConAgra Distinguished Professorship, Dr. Carlson is a member of the Reading Hall of
Fame and was named a Woman Visionary by the YWCA and honored by Ak-Sar-Ben as the Midlands
Outstanding Educator. As the Chair of the Education Department, Dr. Carlson instituted and implemented
several programs which have serviced many of Omaha's poorest minority families including the SMART
program which brought girls from Girls, Inc. to the college every Tuesday and Thursday night to study
math, science and related technologies. She also founded the PALS program in which college students
traveled to some of Omaha's most economically deprived schools to tutor in reading and writing. Dr. Carl-
son is the author of more than a dozen articles and textbooks and has presented at more than three dozen
national and international reading conferences.

Paul Kracher, Class of 1961-Mr. Kracher is the maintenance supervisor at
the Omaha World-Herald responsible for maintaining the presses in the new
World-Herald Freedom Center. He has worked for the OW-H for 38 years.
During the SHS centennial celebrations in 1989, Mr. Kracher had the idea
that the school needed to develop an alumni association. He talked to some
friends and soon became a founding member of the SHS Alumni Association
and a Board Member. Mr. Kracher has chaired committees which have
raised more than $30,000 for scholarships. His support of the work of the
.Alumni Association has provided scholarship assistance to more than three
dozen students so far, and has provided monetary assistance for special edu-
cational projects for classroom teachers. He currently serves as Vice Presi-
dent in charge of Fund Raising and Public Relations for the Alumni Association. Mr. Kracher has also do-
nated his time to the United Way of the Midlands for 15 years as well as serving as a Red Cross volunteer.

J udi Clark Limas, Class of 1961--:-Mrs. Limas is also a founding member of the Alumni Association and
has served as Secretary of the Board of Directors since its inception and as editor of the Alumni Tooter for
ten years. In this capacity she has helped maintain contact with almost 20,000 alumni and kept the records
of the Association. She has also served on the Insurance, By-Laws, and Auditing Committees for the
Association.

(Hall ofFaille COl/IiI/lied all Page 2)

Hall ofFaille Continued Page 2) in Metals Processing .at the which boasts a 200-81-4 record \
Georgia Institute of Technol- and two national champion-
Mrs. Limas is also one of the ·ogy. He has been with the ships. He rebuilt every football \
founding members of the George W. Woodruff School of program he oversaw and turned
Omaha Downtown Chapter of Mechanical Engineering at them into a playoff team. He
the American Business . Georgia Tech since 1983. .He is started his collegiate head-
Women's Association. She has also Vice President of Engineer- coaching career at Adams State
served as President and Secre- ing and founding partner of in 1959 and led the team to the
tary, and has chaired arid 'served Structured ' Alloys, Inc., and a Mineral Water Bowl. In 1963,
on many committees including consultant for Sandia National he became the head coach at
the Membership Committee. Laboratories and the ' Institute North Dakota State; where he
She was honored as the Chap- for Defense Analyses. Dr. .successfully turned the program
ter's ,Woman of the Year, McDowell is the recipient of around from a 0-10 record the
many distinguished awards in year beforetoa 1964 Mineral
Nominee for Top Ten Candi- engineering, teaching and writ- Water Bowl victory. In 1965 he
date Nationally, and Business ing. won his first national champion-
Associate of the Year. Other ship, defeating Grambling in the
honors include being selected as Dr. McDowell is a past winner Pecan Bowl. He then coached
one of five "Employees of the of the Alfred Noble Prize, has at the University of Arizona.for
Year" among 15,000 employees published four books and au- two seasons and led them to the
at Coopers & Lybrand, her pre- thored more than 100 journal 1969 Sun Bowl. After a suc-
vious employer. articles. This Eagle Scout also
finds time to serve First Chris- cessful stint at Western Illinois,
She has served various local tian Church in Atlanta as Trus- Mudra coached Florida State for
charities and organizations in tee and Elder, coach a middle two years before going to East-
fund raising and membership school Science Olympiad Team, ern Illinois, where he won the
campaigns including the Henry coach church league basketball, Division II National Champion-
Doorly Zoo, American Heart and act as a Cub Scout Den ship. Recently his Florida State
Association, Cancer Society, Leader. He currently serves as Team was honored at a half-
Sacred Heart School, Salvation President of the Society of En- time program where Bobby
Army and the Omaha Sym- gineering Science. Bowden acknowledged them as
phony as well as being involved the start of the Florida State dy-
in the Adopt-A-School Pro- Darrell Mudra, Class of 1946- nasty. During Coach Mudra's
gram. Dr. Victory retired from colle- tenure at Northern Iowa, he led
giate football in 1988, bringing them to the semifinals in both
David McDowell, Class ' of an end to a Hall of Fame career 1985 and 1987.
1975-Dr. McDowell is the Re-
gents' Professor and Carter N. (Hall ofFaille Continued on Page 3)
Paden, Jr. Distinguished Chair

(Hall ofFaille COl/tinued Page 3) It is for these collaborative pro- ' our last report and it has been a
jects that Jane is selected as a very busy time. We presented
Not bad for a kid from South member of the Hall of Fame. a certificate of appreciation to
Omaha who got his start coach- At a time When other people Dean Rezac for his volunteer
ing the Phillips Midgets in were selling education in gen- work at the Sports Complex.
1951. But Dr. Mudra is more eral, and SHS specifically, We had a successful Bowling
than a sum of his wins and down the tubes, Ms. Hill devel- Shoot-out and Spaghetti Din-
losses. His coaching philoso- oped the PACE project at SHS. ner, as well as our Golf Tour-
phy became the book "Freedom Students worked with a com- nament. We installed three
in the Huddle." He advocated poser and videographer to cre- new vice presidents to our
listening ,to players and giving ate music videos, which soon Board of Directors: Sandie
them more of a say in play call- became a joint production of Knudsen - responsible for En-
ing and the general direction of "The Daughter of the Regi- tertainment, Paul Kracher -
the team. He did what a true ment'" which became the pro- responsible for fundraising,
educator would do. duction of a student-written ver- ' membership and public rela-
siOli of "Carmen" called "The tions, and Ron Cerone-- re-
Jane Hill, Retiring Executive Final Judgment." This leads us sponsible for website, e-mail
Director of Opera Omaha to the current project - an origi- communications, history and
nal opera written by the students clothing. We sadly said fare-
Ms. Hill holds a Bachelor of entitled "Bloodlines," a contem- well to Principal Jerry Bar-
Fine Arts 'degree from Carne- porary and historical look at im- tee as we congratulated him
gie-Mellon University and a migration in South Omaha, for his promotion to Assistant
Masters Degree in Theater Arts which will be produced at SHS Superintendent of Buildings
from Humboldt State Univer- next spring. All the time Ms. and Grounds for OPS. We
sity. She is orie of the founders Hill was ram-rodding these welcomed the opportunity to
ofthe i'nternationally recognized events, she was acting as a one- ' meet with the incoming Princi-
Dell'Arte School of Physical woman band supporting SHS pal Nancy Faber at our July
Theatre in northern California. programs and students in the meeting. We mailed more
She has serVed as Executive Di- media, with sponsors, and than 19,000 TOOTERS, anq
rector of Opera Omaha since throughout the community. are establishing an advertising
1995. Prior to that she served Over the past few months, Ms. committee to solicit ads for fu-
as its Development Associate, Hill has received the accolades ture TOOTERS to help under-
Public Affairs Director arid of many prestigious groups and write the growing cost of pub-
Managing Director. In addition organizations ' as her tenure in lication. (Note ad samples in
to her 30 years' of experience in Omaha comes to an end. She this publication. Please spon- ,
arts management, she is a play- knows that none of those sor an ad.) , We attended the
wright, actress and direCtor, awards can be any more heart- dedication ofDave Rimington
specializing in coliaborative felt than being selected as a Street, and approved Bess
projects. , member of the SHS Hall of Mandich's proposal to organ-
Fame, ' ize the SHS AA Cookbook
scheduled for sale this fall, as
BOARD well as scheduling a : Packer
REPORT Greats,Sports Banquet this fall
with Darrell Mudra as our ~ey­
You r note speaker. (Hope many of
Board of you will attend this out-:-
Directors standing banquet.) We sched- ,
again held uled a Dance to be held May 9,
tm.wgos msm.eecte-
(Col/til/ued on Page 4)

(COllljllUed Pave 41 JERRY BARTEE-YOU'LL WELCOME
BE MISSED
2003 that is sure to be lots of NANCY FABER
fun. VVe approved the second Congratulations to Jerry Bartee,
annual raffle to be held from Athletic Director for six years and NEW PRINCIPAL OF
September to December, 2002. then Principal at SHS for the past SHS-FALL 2002
VVe nominated and accepted the nine years, for being promoted to
following new Alumni Associa- Assistant Superintendent of Build- VVe welcome Nancy Faber, in-
tion Board members effective ings & Grounds for OPS. He will coming Principal of SHS. More
immediately: Jason Calek- assume his new position this Fall. information regarding her back-
1989, Julie Riba Diebm- Jerry has been a very positive influ- ground will be published in the
1966, and Lori Roberts ence as a member of the Alumni next TOOTER.
Hunter-1966. VVe welcome the - Association Board of Directors dur-
talents and ideas these new ing the past nine years. His many SPORTS GREAT
board members bring to the As- contributions and support of our nu- DAVE RIMINGTON
sociation. If you are interested merous projects and events and his
in serving on the Board, or on a sharp sense of humor will be HONORED
committee, please contact the greatly missed.
office. VVe welcome your par- The Alumni Association presented It's official - a SHS Alumnus
ticipation. Principal Bartee with a p.acker Bull has a street named after him! L
engraved as follows: Street from 20th to 24th Street is
Reminder - check for news from now named DAVB RIMING-
fellow classmates and school "JlIRY M. DIRTII TON STREET, connecting the
events at the SHS web page !OUTIIIIICII PlenR School to its athletic field.
www.ops.org/south or at our Check out the sign next time you
Alumni website this fall www. 1981·!OO! drive through.
omahasouthhighalumni.com. """ RISPIn IND
The street-naming ceremony,
Again, we need your help in IPPltlflITlO" held on 4-12 at 24th and L
telling us if you have moved so noM TIll OMIIII SOUTII Streets, was attended by Dave's
we do not have to pay to be no- mother (who came from Texas),
tified of your new address after 1IICII11UMJlfl Mayor Mike Fahey, City Coun-
we mail the next TOOTER to ItsoaITlO,," cilman Garry Gemandt, the SHS
you. VVe also need your active band, teachers, students, South
membership in the Association, Good luck in your new position, Omaha merchants, and represen-
including funds and any time Mr. Bartee! tatives of the local Cystic Fibro-
you can spare to help with our sis Foundation (which helped
many fund-raising and other ac- push for the dedication). Rim-
tivities. VVe can sure use your ington is the president of the
help. Again, we are working Boomer Esiason Foundation,
hard and feel we have made a which is fighting for a cure for
great deal of progress, but know Cystic Fibrosis.
there is much work to do and
many goals to meet. VVe appre- (Continued Page 5)
ciate your input, support and en-
couragement and look forward
to continued growth and chal-
lenges. Please let us hear from
you.

Respectfully submitted,

:Judi .I!im.a6, Secretary

(Continued Page 5) Since Dave was in Omaha for Jack was born with a fighting spirit,
the ceremony and the Sports which has served him well through-
Mayor Mike Fahey Great Banquet, neither he nor out his lifetime. He spent his first
with Dave Rimington his staff suffered personal injury five years of life in and out of hos-
during the attacks. pitals with an unknown kidney dis-
Mayor Fahey said the street order. When he was 18 months old,
could have been named for Congratulations, Davei We are he lapsed into a coma for six weeks.
Rimington based on his football all so proud ofyoui The doctors said he could not sur-
achievements alone. Dave was vive because he was retaining tre-
a two-time First-Team Aca- Overhead Door Company of Omaha mendous amounts of fluids, .since
demic All-American, was hon- dialysis had not yet been invented.
ored by the NCAA as a top-five OI\llSIOU OF J & R OOOR CO , 11;C Confounding the doctors, he over-
student athlete, and was selected 1722 ROYAL DRIVE came what they had pronounced in-
as a National Football Founda- curable. He grew into a lean, lanky,
tion and College Football Hall PAPILLION. NEBR ASKA 68046 athletic kid who played fo otball,
of Fame scholar athlete. He pole vaulted, swam and wrestled.
said that "..Dave is more than RICK FRANK Sample (4 02) 33 1·0526
that. His character, dedication, Ge neral Manager Ad Fox: (40 2) 33 1·1 732 After he graduated from Omaha
humanitarianism ..are testa- SHS in 1960, he roamed Europe for
ments to him, the Foundation, six months, then worked in a
and all Americans." slaughter-house to payoff his ex-
penses. Drifting to Omaha Univer-
Assistant Principal Chuck sity mid-year, Benedick walked
Walker added that speaking onto the wrestling team. He had no
with people who know Dave, he clear goals other than to meet girls,
learned that Dave has out- have fun with his fraternity broth-
standing personal traits which ers, and wrestle.
have led to his success, such as
his desire to be successful and Class of 1962 touring the beautiful That changed when Nancy Rolle
the best, his untiring work ethic, Omaha South High-July 2002 walked into the student union at OU
his heart, his humility, and his and into his life. He and Nancy
appreciation for his roots. He OUTSTANDING were married in September 1965
asked the students to reflect ALUMNUS after he received his bachelor's de-
upon and embody those charac- gree in sociology and psychology
teristics each time they pass Jack Benedick - 1960 has a BS and he was halfway through his ba-
from Collin field to SHS. in Sociology and Psychology. sic military training.
The street dedication was origi- He is retired from the military
nally scheduled to take place on and serves on the Board of Di- Then the Viet Nam war gave Jack a
September 13, 2001, but was rectors for the U.S. Skiing and clear focus. Enlisted in the Army's
postponed after terrorists Snowboard Association. He College Option Program, after
attacked the World Trade Cen- won a silver medal in the 1984 graduation he signed up for Officer
ter towers in New York City Winter Olympics for the Dis- Candidate School Training, then
where the Foundation officed. abled and two bronze medals in Jump and Infantry School at Fort
the 1986 World Disabled Al- Benning, Georgia. He shipped off
pine Championships. Oh, and to Viet Nam in 1967 assigned to the
did we mention that a land mine 9th Infantry Division in the Meking
blew off his lower limbs in Viet Delta. Between tours he spent 10
Nam? months at home to see his wife and
infant son, predicting he would be

(Continued on Page 6)

Continued Page 6 While competing in the world SPONSOR THE TOOTER-
of skiing, he served as director BUY AN ADVERTISEMENT
injured in his legs. for the US Disabled Ski Team
and simultaneously oversaw If you would like your business
He returned to Viet Nam a rifle the able-bodied US cross- card advertisement to appear in the
company commander in charge country ski team. Throughout next TOOTER, like the sample be-
of more than 100 men. On April the 1980s he served on com- low, please fill out the form below
30, 1968, while leading a group mittees for the US Olympics, and mail it to the alumni office.
of fighters through a stand of International Paralympics and
trees, his grim prediction came the International Ski Federa- 7301 MAIN STREET
true. He stepped up on a dike to tion. He currently serves on RAL STON , NEBR ASKA 661 27
get a better view and it blew him the US Skiing and Snowboard
into the air. His left leg was Association Board. John Krayneskl, Jr.
blown off and right one looked
like ground hamburger. He or- He also mastered scuba diving Sales AcprostlnWtlvc
dered his injured men out first, and despite being told he could
even though they had only super- not pass the physical challenge SPECIAL
ficial wounds, tied tourniquets required, he passed easily. He
around his legs, gave himself a has worked so hard to keep in INTRODUCTORY
shot of morphine and waited - shape, that people are amazed OFFER- $25 PER AD
almost bleeding to death in the when they learn that Jack now
. process. has Parkinson's disease. He TOOTER ADS NEEDED
believes exposure to Agent Or- I want to help underwrite the next
He later found out that the com- ange lead to the diagnosis. He TOOTER issue by
pany had nominated him for the continues his active lifestyle placing an ad as follows:
Distinguished Service Cross - and is an inspiration to all who
posthumously. They didn't know know him. Company/person reserving
it, but he was still alive, con- space___________________
scious and fighting at a MASH Information regarding Jack
hospital. He told the attending was excerpted from a feature Address- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
doctor that he would kill him if article in the UNO Alumni As-
he cut off his knees. He was sociation "Profile" series cele- City/State/Zip_ _ _ _ __
rushed into surgery and given 47 brating UNO's rich graduate
pints of blood. When he awoke, history. Phone- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
both lower legs were gone, but he E-Mail Address----------
still had knees. Two days later, Just as UNO is proud to call
his childhood illness returned to you one of its own, South High Camera ready ad copy enclosed
plague him when he experienced is equally proud to claim you
complete renal failure. Ad- as one of our Outstanding Yes No_, but will be
vances in medicine saved him Alumnus. Congratulations!
and he spent a month on dialysis. mailed (date)

He retired as a major from the Amount enclosed: $25 per ad for
Army in 1978 with awards in- business card size (per your special
cluding the Silver Star, Bronze introductory rate) payable to
Star, Viet Nam Cross of Gal- SHSAA.
lantry, the Legion of Merit, and a
Purple Heart with Oak Leaf Mail to Alumni Office - 6613 Sun-
Cluster. shine Drive - Omaha, NE 68107
Call 738-9493 if questions

(Continued Page 7)

(Continued Page 7) MEMORIALS Many thanks to all of these ·
· individuals for remembering .
THANK YOU FOR In memory of - friends and loved ones by
YOUR DONATIONS! donating to the SHS Alumni ·
Virginia Erca Bogatz Pecha- Association.
We thank the following alumni 1940 who died 4/29102 from
for including donations ranging husband, Joe Pecha-1938 and A WIDOW'S LAMENT
from $25 to $1,000 when they children: CeCe Bogatz-1976;
renewed their memberships this Lou Bogatz-1973; John •"He didn't make ·it," those
year: Bogatz, Ginny Bogatz Tylski,
Regene Bogatz Jaksich. words seem so cold My ·
Sophie Riza - 1951
Ruth Alexander - 1934 Virginia Erca Bogatz Pecha- heart grows heavy, my life is
Frank and Linda 1940 from classmate Josephine
Citta Godown-1940. on hold.
Hermsmeier Babka -1968
Tom Cullinane - 1965 Frances Felinski Moe-1941 Dreams of the future gone, ·
Tom Ruffino - 1964 who died 10/27/01 from daugh-
Adolf Novacek - 1946 ter Patricia Moe. _what will 1 do - 1 cry out to .·
Colleen Haley - 1967
Robert - 1932 and Elsie Frank Riha-1944 from Larry God - "You took my love. ·
Stahmer Anthes - 1934 and Sharon Maupin of Union-
Walter Grene - 1941 ist Printing. •How could you?"
Albert Demkowski - 1955 Family and friends try to com-
Dale Buchanan - 1948 Vernon Hines-1948 who died
Betty Lilley Croft ,- 1940 1126/02 and Gene Hines-1950 fort As they gather around. 1
Dwight Anderson - 1951 who died 2/12/02 from sister,
Milton Faulk - 1937 Maxine Hines Marcum-1943 look at the stone that has been
Sharon Rose Davis - 1964 to her brothers.
Ray Nauslar - 1942 placed in the cold ground.
Christine Cisar Grady - 1981 Charles (Chuck) Wees-1975
John Pacholski - 1962 from his mother, Loretta This can't be true, it must be a '
Judy Meister Stiles - 1961 Wees.
Gene Brantz - 1967 dream. The pain is still there, it
Larry Kenny - 1961 Barbara Yost McKinney-1952
Karen Clark - 1957 who died 4/30102 from class- hurts, it's mean.
Cheryl Sparano Wild - 1968 mate Alice Vodicka Stanek-
Frank Pospishil - 1960 1952 and husband, Frank "Now don't cry," everyone
Mary DeWitt West - 1964 Stanek.
will say. What do they know?
Phyllis Troudt Sandstedt-1955 Margo Collins Garrett-1955
who died 3/01 from sister, Maybe someday.
Jack Benedick - 1960 Susan Collins Gutoshi-1963.
Where do 1 belong? Where is
Also, special thanks to J. K Ted Petriga-1959 from Judith
Hammond for donating $3,000 Henggeler Spohr-1959. my place? Certainly not a
toward the purchase and care of
the drug dog that SHS hopes to Beverly Niederle Dropinski- couple, 1feel a disgrace.
purchase soon. 1960 who died 6/1 0102 from
classmate, Jeanie Kubovy A silence hovers over my .
In future editions, we will again Porterfield-1960.
publish the names of generous in- lonely home. Those nights :
dividuals who give donations in Lanaya Lapham Fleck-1960
addition to renewing their mem- of Omaha who died 3/02 from when 1 realize, my God, I'm all ·
berships. classmate, Jeanie Ku bovy
Porterfield-1960. alone.

1 pray, 1 cry, "Help me, dear

Lord This is too much to '

·bear." "I need you now, Oh

please, if you care

Show me the way, what is in .

store for me? Will 1 ever feel

·whole? Will this pain be set .
free? .

I'll be waiting for Your Will to

be done. Take away my pain, ~

"let me look to the sun." '

, Written by Jackie Jensen No- ,

vak-1952 After the death of '
, her husband, Paul Novak-1950 ~

(Deaths Conti/llied on Page 8)

-",- '- ..~

(Deaths Continued Page Eight) Bellevue, NE. IA. Sister Michaele taught 35
years before serving at St. Mary's
IN MEMORIAM 1933-Josephine Ruth Palais Care Center, St. Bridget's, and
Hasenjager of Omaha, NE died Paxton Manor.
1928-Josephine "Jo" Kersigo 4/10/02.
Goodman of Colorado Springs, 1933-Vlasta Calta Josoff of 1936-Albert Seater of Rich Hill,
CO died 2/16/02. Jo was the Bellevue, NE died 5/02. MO died of cancer.
widow . of golfer Johnny
Goodman. She worked for 1933-Christina Tiwald 1937 - Gertrude "Trudy"
Mutual of Omaha for many Janecek of Omaha. Quaintance Jensen of Omaha.
years and later Occidental Life
Insurance Company in Southern 1933-George Sautter of 1937 Mildred Cecetka
California. Omaha.
Koubsky of Omaha.
1930-Eunice Brummer 1934-Emil Koubskj' of
Kreeger of Omaha. Omaha. 1937 - Betty Jane Schmidt
Kovarik of Omaha.
1930--Leslie Kynett of Mesa, 1934-Abbie Ruth Carlisle
AZ. Murphy of Blair, NE died 1937 - Donald O'Connor of
7/11/01. Omaha.
1931-Steve Baiters a life-long
resident of South Omaha died 1934-William Raymond 1937 - William Schlaifer of Los
1119/02. He was a 43-year em- Velich of Silver Spring, MD Angeles, CA died 8/20/01 of
ployee of Cudahy Packing. died 2/9/02 of cancer. He was leukemia.
assistant director of the Federal
1931-Ludwig Kaiser of Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco 1937-Rudolph Valentic of
Omaha. and Firearms and retired In Omaha.
1973 after a 25-year career.
1931-Sylvia Cerveny Valentic 1938-Harold Paul Brehm of
of Omaha. 1935-Steve Bosiljevac of Riverside, CA died 2/22/02. Har-
Omaha died 10/20/01 of lung old was a pilot and a Lieutenant
1932-Esther Schomer cancer and heart complications. Commander of the U.S. Navy. He
Dohahoo of Elkhorn, NE died was buried at Arlington National
6/27/01. 1935-Ralph Cox died in San Cemetery.
Antonio, TX on 9/14/01 of a
1932-Kenneth Haney of heart attack. He was a long- 1938-Donald Dross of Omaha.
Omaha died 3/27/01. time employee of Eli Lilly.
1938-Marie Pivonka Laitner of
1932-Ethel Rohrer of Omaha 1935-Lucille Trela Kobielski Omaha.
died 2/8/02. of Orono, MN died 10/1/01.
1938-Mildred Mahacek Early of
1932-Cecilia Subject Thomas 1935-Bruce Nownes of Van Wichita, KS died 4/2/02.
of Omaha died 2/20/01. Nuys, CA died 2/02.
1938-James Powers of Council
1933-Francis Anglim of 1935-Walter Schroeder of San Bluffs,IA.
Omaha died 9/11101. Gabriel, CA died 11117/01.
1938-Lorene Crismon Swaney
1933-Ladisa Pacholski Benis 1935-Helen Strupat Stelzer of of Bellevue, NE died early 5/02.
of Omaha. Tampa, FL died 12/28/01.
Helen was a secretary for the 1939-Pat Walsh Lesar of Lake-
1933-Arthur Benson of Elk- Hillsborough County Civil De- wood, CA died 2/4/02 after a
horn, NE died 7/28/01. fense for many years. lengthy illness. Pat was very
proud of being a SHS graduate
1933-Marie Dobrolvny 1935-Jane Lind Williams of and loved class reunions. She was
Bluvas of Omaha died 1120/01. Omaha. very active while at SHS, reading
for Dr. Kuncel, and was named
1933-Frank Franek of Omaha 1936-Sister Mary Michaele Queen of Achievement.
died 7/26/01. McGuire, R.S.M. of Johnston,
(Deaths Contil/ued 01/ Page 9)
1933-Raymond Haney of

(Deaths COlltinued Page 9) Schultz of Omaha. was a long-time general and
thoracic surgeon. He was on
1939-William G. Oliver Jr., of 1942-Dorothy Thies staff at 13 Denver area hospi-
Papillion, NE died 12/17/00. O'Connor of Omaha. tals. He had prestigious medi-
cal posts and received honors.
1939-Theresa Biga Perina of 1942-Ben J. Lombardo ofTi- While at SHS, he was June
Omaha, NE. gard, OR died 5/13/02. class president and Lt. Col. of
ROTC.
1940-Virginia Erca Bogatz 1942-Robert "Bugs" Redden
Pecha of Omaha died 4-29-02. of Council Bluffs, IA died 1945--Dorothy Benes Grieb
Virginia volunteered for the 4/14/02. He was an educator died 6/02.
SHS Alumni Association with and Dean of Students at Iowa
husband Joe and worked many School for the Deaf. He had a 1945-Ray Smolinski of
hours. great passion for baseball, Omaha.
which included a lifetime of
1940-Karlene Kuehner playing and coaching. He 1946-Gwendolyn Kuehner
Aldrup. received many baseball honors Marshall of Omaha.
and was a member of the SHS
1940-Richard Schultz of Alumni Association Packer 1946-Joan Viner Dixson. of
Omaha died 2/1/02. Sports Greats Committee. Truth or Consequences, NM
died 1/11/01.
1940-James Slinkard of San 1942-Pauline Czaplewski
Antonio, TX died 8/01. Tarascio of Kennard, NE. 1946-Arthur Eeman of La
Vista, NE died 12129/01.
1941-Matthew Fabich of 1943-Willard Boggs of Omaha
Omaha. died 9/3/00. Willard was a 1946-Fred Sterba of Omaha.
truck driver and a small fleet
1941-Frances Felinski Moe of owner. He loved to have his 1946-Julius VanSeveren of
Seattle, WA died 10/27/01. wife Alice Kofka Boggs-1949, Bellevue, NE died 6/5/01.
travel with him. They visited
1941-Joseph Velehradsky of all 48 states in the continental 1947-Gertrude Walpus
Bellevue, NE died 11/27/01 . United States. Johnson of Omaha died
Joseph was in the home con- winter 2001.
struction business and retired 1943-Berneyce Davis Peter-
from Omaha Public Power Dis- son of Kelso, WA. 1947-Ellen McGinnis
trict. He was a member of the Monnier of North Platte, NE.
1948 Storz Brewery Nebraska 1943-Edith Parsley Vasile of
State Champion Softball Team. Omaha died 4/2/02. 1947-Anthony Shimkus of
Omaha died 12/01.
1942-Ray Bachman of Elkhart, 1944-Richard Franks of
IN died 2/27/02 at his winter Omaha died spring 2002. 1947-Richard Swiercek of
home in Marco Island, FL of a Omaha.
sudden heart attack. He retired 1944-Dr. Joseph Kovarik of
as a partner and tax specialist at Denver, CO died 1/31/02. He 1947-June Richards Lester
RM.S. McGladrey: He was of Grimes, IA died 3/6/00 of
also a member of the Nebraska lung cancer.
Society of CPAs.
1948-JosephAschenbrenner
1942-Jack Callahan of of Omaha died 7/1/01.
Omaha, Nebraska. Jack is sur-
vived by his wife, Brownie 1948-Vernon Hines of Mid-
Crnkovich Callahan. Jack was land, TX died 1126/02. He
dearly loved by friends and was a geologist.
family who miss him.
1948-Robert Kolar of
1942-Bobbette Kuehner Omaha died ·10117/01 of heart
and diabetic problems.

(Deaths Continued 011 page 10)

(Deaths Continued Page Ten) 4/30/02. was so kind and friendly to eve-
ryone. She was a good class-
1948-Betty Ruckle Place of 1953-Patricia Houlihan Derr mate and friend.
Omaha died 4/2/02. of Columbine Valley, CO died
11/1/01. 1961- Melvin Beal of Ann Ar-
1948--Geraldine Means Sterba bor, MI died 1/25/02 in Oak-
of Omaha. 1953-Joe Kripal of Omaha land, CA.
died 12/21/01 of cancer.
1948-Eugene Wojtkiewicz of 1962-Gretchen Hoffman
Kansas City, MO died 1/9/02. 1953-LaVern .Wegrzyn of Hungerford of Pueblo, CO
Omaha died 2117/02. died 7/17/01 of cancer.
1949-Vilma Shropshire Doo-
ley of Austin, TX died 8/9/00. 1954-William August 1962-Linda Saunders
Jorgensen • of Omaha died in Magnuson of Lowry, MN.
1949-Gilbert Franks of Belle- EI Paso, TX on 2/28/02 of
vue, NE died 2/4/02. brain cancer. 1962-Robert Merwald of
Omaha.
1949-Nannie Fields Metcalf of 1954-Paul Yeshnowski of
Omaha. Omaha. 1962-Don Rookstool of
Everett, WA.
1949-Fred Sacco of Omaha 1955-Margo Collins Garrett
died spring 2002 of cancer and of Omaha'died 3/01. 1964-Mary Jo AndrIa died
liver disease. He was an Omaha spring 2002.
police officer for nine years. He 1955-Phyllis Dibaise ·Mertz
worked at State Farm Insurance of Bellevue, NE died 4/02. 1964-James Blazek of King-
as an agent for 35 years. wood, TX died 4117/02 from
1955-Julianne Cherney injuries sustained in an automo-
1949-Barbara Flipowicz Myers of Gretna, NE died bile accident.
Skradis of Omaha died 8/01 .
1/27/02. 1965-Judy Smith Schwisow of
1957-William KuIper, Jr. of Omaha died late 2000.
195~JoAnn Jensen Cook of Omaha.
Sioux City, IA. 1966-Robert John Leonard of
1958-Laura Milbourn Ray- Papillion, NE died 4/1/02.
195~Gene Hines of Omaha mond of Iowa Park, TX died
died 2/12/02 of cancer. He was 1/31/02. 1969-John Wisnieski of
a teacher and principal at Iowa Omaha died 6/4/01 of spinal
School for the Deaf for 33 1959- Joe Dyrda of Elkhorn, cancer. He received the Out-
years. He was a baseball player NE died 6/00 of cancer. standing Soldier Certificate
and signed on by Dodgers from the Army in November
Branch Rickey for a nine-year 1959-Daniel Masek of Oniaha 1970. He was a Viet Nam vet-
stint. He worked with baseball died 2/1/02 from a brain tumor. eran and worked for Mastercraft
teams at Creighton University, Dan is deeply missed by his Furniture until 1998 and was
Iowa Western and Omaha Uni- family and many friends. self-employed since then.
versity and had many local
pitching prospects. 1959-Theodore "Ted" 197~harles Cox of Bellevue,
Pietryga of Beaver Lake, NE NE.
1950-Rita Eggleston died 5/10/02.
Spaulding of Salisbury, NC 1974-Daniel Galus of Omaha.
died 2/3/02. 196~Lanaya Lapham Fleck
of Omaha died 3/24/02. 1977-Diane "Dee" Loftus of
1951- Walter Kuehner. of Omaha died 1/1/02.
1960-Beverly Niederle
1952-Gerald Hardesty Dropinski of Omaha died 1990- Dana Anderson of
Omaha died 1/5/01. 6/10/02. Beverly and her hus- Omaha
band were actively involved in
1952-Barbara Yost McKin- their parish .of Sts. Peter & ( Colltinlled all page 11)
ney of Bellevue, NE died Paul throughout the years.
Beverly was dearly loved. She

(Continlled Page 11) Jim Leonard-1961 and Ellen Susan Reynolds Brousek-1980
Connor Leonard-1961, Jackie at a community function back in
BUMPING ELBOWS n Mengler-1961, Steve Ander- April of this year. They are
son, Dean and Candi Fahey both married and have lovely
First of all, apologies are in Rezac-1963, Vic Riha-1961 families. Nancy and Susan are
order to Dorothy Wisniski and Beverly Forman Riha- prettier than ever. Both ladies
Hanak and Fred "Fritz" 1964, Alice Kruntorad are very much involved in doing
Hanak both 1942 for misspell- Kubovy-1934 and Mary Alice volunteer work for their respec-
ing their names in my last Kubovy-1961, Ron Cerone- tive parishes. This is just .
column, 1975, Sharon Suydan Daven- another example of SHS grads
port-1967, Paul Jaksich-1967 being the best that they can be
The Alumni Association and wife Regene, John Lynch- in their undertakings.
Annual· Spaghetti Dinner 1956, Dean and Evelyn
brought out many fonner SHS Woodard Winther-1972, In glancing through the South
grads. It was so nice to see Vincent 1961 and JoEllen High Yearbook of 1957, I am
Richard Benak-1957, Dave- Hlavacek Riha-1964, Janice wondering where some of you
1961 and Betty Huxhold, Ken Druskis Riha;.1964, Scott grads are. Where are you
and Jean Dobrovolny Boi- Knudsen-1965 and Sandie Jerry Gould, Jim Yelnek,
court-1956, Bob Frank-1968, Poppen Knudsen-1965, Dick Linda Zoeller, Joyce Paulson,
Barbara Fahey Baker-1959, Gulizia-1961, Ginny Bohaty Carole Weak, Joan Weso-
Carolyn Kripal Kiehn-1958, Vomacka-1961, Linda Sher- lowski, Judy Trobough, Mary
Jeanne Alexander McCann- wood Davenport-1965, John Lou Valencia, Ron Swanson,
1953, Dave Cisar-1978 Krayneski-1961 and Beverly Geraldine Svoboda, .Jean
(congratulations on the birth of Moravec Krayneski-1962, Schwartzlander, Carmen
your little girl, Dave), Frank Janet Crofford Katz-1961, Schneckloth, Gary Ryan,
Newell-1955, Janet Secora Steve Andersen-1989 and Betty Jane Revers, Janice
Kitzman-1958, John and Julie Riha Diehm-1966. I Rose, Paul Rowe, Mike Rami-
Loretta Gomez-1942, Mary know there were more but as of rez, JoAnn Pospishil, Ruth
Kramolisch Jaksich-1942, this date, these are all the gradu- Pinkal, Don Ostronic, Char-
Ann Covrig Churchich-1936, ates that I can remember now. lotte Mears, Marian Meyers,
Georginia Kozel Kiscoan- Anita Marsik, Janet Lilletho-
1933, Mardee Kiscoan The SHS Alumni Hall of Fame rup, Joe Koziol, Joan Ken-
Tomlin-1963, Jack Kiscoan- celebration was a fabulous suc- nedy, JoAnn Jacobs, Roy
1959, Frank Riha-1963, cess seeing such worthy people Gorup, Charlene Dunn, Carol
Jeanne Johnson Mill-1960, being inducted. Once again, .Chance, Gloria Castro,
Lollie Mittermeier Sharpe- Jim Eisenhart did a great job Mary Lou Barrientos, Robert
1960, Nancy Muldowney Pat- in organizing it. Thank you for Barrientos, Clemie Kisicki,
rick-1960, Dolly Guy-1960 and all your hard work, Jim, in mak- Donna Ballou, Theresa Pisti-
her mom, Mrs. Trobek, ing the evening such a memora- llo? I wish I could mention each
George Dasovich-1960, Ed ble event. The following people and every 1957 classmate by
and Joy Gruttemeyer-1960, were inductees and our con- name because we do want to
Barbara Gruttemeyer Jensen- gratulations to them: JoAnne hear from you. The Alumni
1964, Linda Ramirez Nieto- W ilson Ca r Iso n, P a u I Association truly hopes that all
1960, Dorothy Panuska Law- . Kracher, Judi Clark Limas, members of the 1957 class are
ver-1939, Paul Opocensky- David McDowell and Darrell well and healthy. In my next
1956 and his wife, Marilyn Ol- Mudra, and the Community column, I will randomly select
sen Opocensky-1960, Paul and Hall of Fame honor went to another class and names. It
Faye Ryba-1959, Paul-1960 Jane Hill. It was so nice seeing would be so nice to hear from
and Judi Clark Limas-1961, the Reynolds sisters, Nancy all of you to make the newslet-
Reynolds Veys-1976 and
(Continlled on page 12)

(Con/inued Page 12) was their class sponsor and she "My get up and go has not left,
was with them until graduation. yet. I still work three days a
ter even more interesting. Helen celebrated her 96th birth- week as a volunteer at Immanuel
day on 1111102 at her new home Hospital. I am widowed and live
Love, at Harmony Court. She still alone, but have lots of grand and
Susie South enjoys crafts and gardening. great-grandchildren close by."
Thank you for the 1924 class Contact him at: 3614 Martin
Please send us name, address photo given to Gary Kastrick Ave., Omaha, NE 68112.
and telephone number changes, and the Omaha Room at SHS
as well as names and addresses for everyone to enjoy. 1932-Robert Anthes of
of friends, family and class- 1926-William "Bill" Hort of Lincoln, Nebraska was an
mates, who are not currently Omaha is 95 and the oldest liv- Omaha World-Herald Scholar-
receiving the Alumni TOOTER. ing recipe contributor for our ship winner in 1932. He won
Be sure to include class year and upcoming cookbook. (Detalls the 1931 Nebraska High School
maiden name where applicable. and order form elsewhere in this Golf First Flight Championship.
We need this information to keep TOOTER.) We would like to He graduated from UNO in
our database updated. Also, thank Bill for his participation 1937.
please send ALL information, and for his wonderful sense of
changes, clothing orders, mem- humor. 1933-Bessie Dienstbier
.bership · monies, scholarship 1929-Adeline Howley Van- Murcek of Omaha was a pianist
donations, archival contribu-:- Winkle of Walnut Creek, CA and played for the boys choir
tions, inquiries and any other writes that she's still active at She was in at least one musical
correspondence to: 91 lh years young. She's bowl- or play at SHS. She was an
ing in two leagues and perform- executive secretary for different
Dr. Richard Gulizia ing magic. She very much organizations in Omaha through-
SHS Alumni Association Office enjoys her five children, five out her life and credits her
6613 Sunshine Dr grandchildren and one great- success to her typing and short-
Omaha, NE 68107 grandchild. hand classes at SHS.
Or Call 402-738-9493 1930-Pete Leonovicz, Sr. of
Omaha celebrated his 88th birth- 1934-Elsie Stahmer Anthes of
1924-Helen Menshik Moore of day in January 2002. He is Lincoln, NE taught for the
Bellevue wrote that when she wondering if there are any other Omaha Public Schools after
was in 8th grade at Brown Park 1930 graduates in the area who graduating from UNO in 1938. .
elementary, the school was so could contact him. He says,
crowded that the 1937-John Zemunski of La
class was sent to From Left-Dr. Peter F. Vista, NE graduated from Drake
SHS for their last Leonovicz, Jr. and Peter F. University, taught in St. Louis,
semester. She Leoonovicz Sr. (Photo taken MO and now is back in the
feels they were Omaha area. John was a star
probably the oilly Dec. 2000 football player at SHS in the
class to ever 1930s.
graduate twice
from SHS ... 8th 1939-Elaine Dienstbier Eddy
and 12th grades. of Grand Junction, CO wrote
Helen said it was that she has lived in the desert in
quite a surprise to western Colorado for 33 years.
have every lesson She says it's a very beautiful
taught in a different room by a area surrounded by mountains,
different teacher. Miss Abraham up to 10,000' , rock formations,
and wooded areas. They enjoy
wild turkeys, pheasants, rabbits,

(Con/iI/lied on Page 13)

(Alllm Noles Conlinlled Page 13) engaged 'til death do they part, tired from the California Na-

but they may elope. Congratula- tional Guard after 30 years of

coyotes, deer, antelope, mountain tions to you both. service. Marie retired as an Es-

goats and even bobcats. She lives 1941-Fern Miyeno Watanabe of crow Officer in Temecula, CA
25 miles from Utah and two hours Congratulations to both ofyou!
Omaha. Thank you, Mrs. Wata-
from Aspen. Sounds like a great nabe for your most generous do- 1947-A. J. Wichita wrote:
place to live. Thanks for the "Sixty years ago when the Japa-
nation to · help underwrite the

visual trip. Alumni Association Cookbook and nese attacked Pearl Harbor, I

1939-Lydia Bovick Seely of your continuing support of the was a freshman at SBS. As stu-

Kirkland, WA .wrote: "A lot of SHS Alumni Association. (The dents we all worked on salvage

wonderful and exciting years fol- cookbook is now available. See drives for the war effort and I

lowed my time at SHS, but some- information and order form else- worked half days on a school

how my high school years will where in this TOOTER.) . program at Martin Aircraft as a

always be special. I made so 1944-Phyllis Kuehner Zoucha riveter. A recruiter posted a large

many friends-and was inspired of Omaha sent an earlier photo of sign in our rest area about patri-
by so many devoted teachers. the house across the street from otism . and the needs of the
When the TOOTER arrives, I the Alumni Office. The house at Merchant Marine.

read every word and do lots of 6620 Sunshine Drive, which .is There was a desperate need for

happy reminiscing. Thanks for now brick, was built by her father, seamen because of an immense
your efforts." Thanks, Lydia for Walter Kuehner with a wood attack Hitler made on our coast-

your kind words. frame. There were five Kuehner line. A few weeks after Pearl

1939- Phil Sokolof of Omaha children all of whom graduated Harbor, on 1/13/42, Hitler

founder of National Heart Savers from SHS. Thank you! started this special operation

Association has written a book, called 'Paukenschlag' or drum

"Add Years to Your Life! Main- roll. He sent a fleet of subma-

tain or Regain a Healthy Heart." rines to sink our merchant ships

Mr. Sokolof encourages everyone right in our home waters. At the

to eat a heart healthy diet time we had precious few since

Thanks, Phil for all that you do to we were just forced into war the

help us all remain healthy. month before. Within a very

1941-SHS Class of 1941 Reun- short time our country suffered
ion Committee. Thanks to the 3,500 casualties and the loss of
committee for the $250 donation almost 400 ships. This was ap-
to the scholarship fund on behalf proximately a third of the peace-
of the Class of 1941 . The reunion time fleet.

committee has done a wonderful 1945-Lucille Yost Kotera and These vessels were torpedoed

job of putting on reunions for the husband, James of Portland, OR within sight of our beaches from
class for many years. We thank celebrated their 50th anniversary Massachusetts, New Jersey, Vir-

the 1941 class for all they have on 8/23/02. Lucille retired from ginia, Florida and even in the

done for the Alumni Association. Farmers Insurance and United mouth of the Mississippi. Civil-

1941- Warr en Christie of Pacific Insurance of Oregon. John ians on the waterfront beaches
Omaha. Thank you, Warren for retired from Boeing of Portland. could see the sinking ships afire,
the 225 golf balls donated to SHS Congratulations! the fuel tank explosions and life-
last spring. boats threading their way
1946-Marie Seybold Schneider through the oil fires. The loss
1941-Bill Yambor and Donna and Herb "Bud" Schneider-1947 was as severe as that of Pearl
Hackenberg Chenoweth-1948 of Sun City, CA recently cele- Harbor but the information was
became engaged on Christmas brated their 50th anniversary in
Eve 2001 . They have vowed to be Carmel, CA with family. Bud re- (Alw/lNoles Continued on Page 14)

(AlumNotes Continued Page 14) Thanks, for the information, traveling and spending time
with family. He retired from
highly classified and not for Barbara. . the Omaha Fire Department
publication. Perhaps it was 15 years ago.
thought this information might 1949-Richard Bednar of
alarm the public even more and Washington, D.C. is Senior 195O--Carol Young Merrill
give comfort to the enemy. Counsel to the Washington, of Ottumwa, IA wrote: "I
D.C. Office of Crowell and want to say how much 1 en-
It was such a tremendous loss of Moring LLP, where he special- joy the Alumni TOOTER.
trained personnel that the Mari- izes in the practice of public Being gone from Omaha
time Commission began a mas- contract law, suspension and since soon after graduating,
sive recruiting program. As with debarment, and ethics and the TOOTER is the only in-
many mid-westerners, we all compliance. He has over 30 formation .1 get from my
would like to see more water years experience in private and class friends. 1 lost my hus-
than we were accustomed to and government practice as well as band in July, but 1 bet I'm the
going to sea looked attractive. in teaching and writing in the only 1950 graduate with a
That is how I, and thousands of specialty of government con- 17-year old daughter. No!
dry land farmers, became Mer- . tract law. He has authored or To everyone's next question,
chant Seamen. There must be co-authored a number of publi- she was adopted."
many from SHS who responded cations.
as well and it would be nice to 1953-John Stella of Omaha
hear from them." 1949-Richard Lang of Simi gets an Alumni Tip of the
Valley, CA wrote how much Hat for many years of volun-
1948-Barbara Forsberg he enjoyed the Husker fans at teerism and baseball leader-
Bidroski of Omaha wrote that the Rose Bowl 2002. ship. John has been helping
there are eight 1948 graduates young baseball teams
who attend Wheeler Presbyte- These Elvis impersonators/ . throughout South Omaha
rian Church (located behind Husker Fans sang "Don't since 1960. John played pro-
SHS on 23d and "J" Street). fessional ball with the San
She says that the church is full Step on My Red Suede Francisco Giants organiza-
of SHS alums of all ages. To Shoes" to Richard Lang- tion 1958-1959. Since then,
name a few: Betty Wise John has coached at st. Ann
Bader, Bob and Barbara 1949 CYO, SHS, and S.O. Legion
Forsberg Bidroski, Ralph Post #331 until the present.
Godwin, Jeanne Tiffany 1949-Charlie Martinez of He has been honored by
Grice, Gene Hague, Barbara Omaha gave a large box of Nebraska Baseball Coaches
Landrun Sanstedt and golf balls to SHS golf teams. Association; NElWestern IA
husband Richard,-January Thanks, Charlie. Oldtimers Baseball Associa-
Class of 1947, Frank Schulze tion; and Great Navy (State
(who died 3/10/02) and Phillip 1949-Anton "Tony" Mirat- of NE) among others. John
Huning-1949. sky of Omaha wrote that he is also an active member of
and Katherine Lucas Mirat- many local organizations.
Three of the couples have cele- sky-1954 have been married Congratulations and thank
brated their 50th anniversaries 47 years and greatly enjoy you, John for your dedication
. recently: Gene and Irene to the youth ofSouth Omaha.
Hague, January 2001; Richard
and Barbara Sanstedt, June 1955--Gil Dunne of The
2000; Bob and Barbara Villages, FL wrote: "After
Bidroski, July 2001. Congratu- graduation, 1 played semi-pro
lations to all ofthese couples on
their 50 years of marriage. (AllIlIINotes Continlled 011 Page 15)

(AlumNotes Continued Page 15) two children and five super- which she discovered in the
grandchildren, and both Connie Delaware River Valley on the
baseball with the Woodbine and I are involved in golf, bowl- Pennsylvania border.
Whizkids (Iowa) during that ing and numerous activities in
summer. In the fall, I attended our community. I don't get back 1968-Linda Brosnihan Willson
the University of Nebraska on a to Omaha very often, but I have of LaVista, NE is the new
baseball scholarship where I fond memories of SHS and all Nebraska representative for the
subsequently lettered all four my classmates. Go Packers!" American Adoption Congress
years and was chosen captain of (AAC). The AAC's mission is
the team during my senior year. 1959-Sonny Calta of Parker, to educate and advocate honesty,
During the summers, I continued CO. Thank you so much for openness and respect for family
to play semi-pro baseball in sending the poem written in Viet connections in adoption, foster
central and western Nebraska. I Nam in 1965 that was published care, and assisted reproduction.
graduated from UNL with a in the New York Times. We re- She is very active in trying to
teaching degree and coached the gret that we are not able to print pass new legislation promoting
Husker freshman baseball team it at this time due to space re- open records for adoptees and
in 1960. My heart was set on strictions. We will keep it and other fair adoption laws in
flying, however, and through the hope to print at least part of it at Nebraska. If anyone would like
ROTC program, I was commis- a later time. Best wishes! more information on these
sioned a second lieutenant in the issues, please write her at 8141
Air Force and entered pilot train- 1961 - Stefa Naujokaitis S. 69th St., LaVista, NE 68128.
ing in 1961 at Moody AFB in McGlown and family our sym- Linda also graduated this year
Valdosta, GA. I was fortunate to pathy on the death of your from Bellevue University with a
accumulate over 5,000 hours of brother Victor on 3-9-02 BS in Health and Human
fighter time during a 27-year Services Administration.
career, which included tours in 1966 - Mary Linstrom Congratulations, Linda.
Georgia, Texas, Viet Nam, Cirgliano of Mahopac, NY
Arizona, Canada, Korea, Hawaii, wrote: "I wanted to express to 1977-Gary Jeck of Bellevue,
Okinawa and California. In you how very much I enjoy get- NE is a Master Technician and
1966-67, I flew 324 combat ting my newsletter. I really ap- Owner of AMTECH Automotive
missions in Viet Nam in the F-5 preciate all of the hard work the Specialists.
Freedom Fighter jet. I was Alumni Association does. Since
awarded a number of medals, I don't live in Omaha, I can't 1978-Dave Cisar of Valley,
including the Distinguished take advantage of your dinners NE. Dave is on the Alumni As-
Flying Cross, 14 Air Medals and and other events, but I am grate- sociation Board of Directors.
the Vietnamese Cross of ful for my Alumni TOOTER." Dave and his wife, Tina had a
Gallantry. Over the course of Thanks, Mary and many others daughter, Reagan Nichole, born
my career, I was a squadron who wrote in appreciation of on 3/5/02. Congratulations to
commander of eighteen F-15 your TOOTER. all of you. Dave is also the
fighter jets and 300 men and founder of the Screaming Eagles
women, commander of 326th Air 1967-Suellen Dice of Kansas Youth Sports Program. The pro-
Division, responsible for the City, Missouri has lived in K.c. gram, which started in 1998 with
defense of the Hawaiian Islands, since 1978. She owns a small 40 kids and one football team,
and Deputy Director of Inspec- company, importing and repre- now has 300 kids, eight football
tion for the Air Force. senting products from Denmark teams, four basketball teams and
and Germany. She travels fre- three baseball teams.
I retired with the rank of colonel quently to Denmark, volunteers
and moved to Florida where I for a local K.C. health clinic that The program is a Christian or-
reside with my wonderful wife serves the under-served and indi- ganization that monitors grades
of 43 years, Connie. We have gent and is on the board of direc- and enforces a strict conduct pol-
tors of the Kansas City Hospital. icy for coaches and players.
For fun she goes fly fishing,
AlumNotes Continued Page 16)

Continued on Page 16 or John Krayneski (592- Ahirnni President John Krayneski
2850) or the Alumni office presenting Dean Rezac a plaque
Thanks to Dave, and all the for advance reservations. expressing the AA appreciation for
coaches and volunteers for all his work on the Sports Complex
the work they are doing to help • The Eighth Annual Spa-
the young ofOmaha. ghetti . Dinner will be held special storage shed all at
on ' Saturday, March 29, the H.P. Smith Sports Train-
1990-Greg Wilson of Ames, IA 2003 at Sokol Hall South ' ing Facility. The storage
is the Senior Network Adminis- Omaha. Mark your calen- building cost was donated
trator at the Iowa Foundation. dars now. Details in our by Helene Elsasser-1968.
Spring 2003 TOOTER. Thank you Dean, Allen and
1992- John Novak of Omaha is Helene.
developing a website for the • The Eighth Annual Bowl-
SHS Alumni Association. If all ing Shoot-out will also be • The Omaha South High
goes well, the website may be up held on Saturday, March 29, Alumni Association Cook-
and running by the fall of 2002. 2003 at Leopard Lanes in book is now available for
There will be a link established Bellevue prior to the spa- sale at the Alumni Office
to OPS/South High School. ghetti dinner. For more in- thanks to Bess Mandich
Visit your website www. formation or to be placed on and her committee. Please
omahasouthhighalumni.com the bowling information see order form and more
this fall. mailing list, e-mail Veron- details on Page 19 of this
ica Krayneski Uhe at TOOTER newsleter.
NOTES OF INTEREST rfuhe@msn.com or call the
Alumni office at 738-9493. • A 1983 girls class ring was
• The Alumni Association of- All bowlers are welcome. found in a home in Millard.
fice at 6613 Sunshine Drive Complete details in our If you have lost yours,
in Omaha is generally open Spring 2003 TOOTER. please call Robin at 330-
Monday through Friday from 6766 to identify it.
10:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and • A Spring Dance on Friday,
closed Saturday, Sunday and May 9, 2003 at the Millard The Williams Gibbons
holidays. Please call or stop American Legion Hall is 2002 Scholarship - the
in anytime; however, it is being planned by the Alumni Association wishes
wise to call us at 4021738- Alumni Association Enter- to congratulate and thank
9493 before stopping in to be tainment Committee for William Gibbons - 1963 of
sure we haven't stepped out ALL alumni and friends. Portland, OR as his name
for a meeting or other office Dance to the music of the was drawn out of all alumni
business. If we miss your Jimmy B Orchestra. Watch with current paid member-
call, please leave a message for more details in the ships to have a $500 schol-
including your first name, Spring 2003 TOOTER. arship given to a graduating
maiden name if applicable, senior in his name. The
last name, graduation year • Brothers Dean Rezac -
and phone number so we can 1963 and Allen Rezac - (Conlinlled on page 17)
call you back as soon as 1965 received special thanks
possible. Thank you. and recognition from the
Alumni Association for all
• The Packer Sports Great their hard work trimming
annual dinner will be held the trees and bushes at
on September 25 at An- Collin Field; and for the
thony's st 6 p.m. Inductee flag pole, flowers, trees,
Darrell Mudra will be the brick work, and building the
keynote speaker. Contact
Steve Cavlovic (733-3886)

(Continlled Page 17) with a white bull. The cost Sarah Tasich - $1,500 South
is $30 plus postage as is, or High School Alumni Associa-
organization gave the Wil- additional lettering can be tion
liams Gibbons 2002 Schol- added at a cost of $2.00 per
arship to Jacob Bathen. letter. Send orders to the Amanda Laaker - $1,500
Thank you William and all Alumni Association office. South High School Alumni As-
other paid members. At the sociation Scholarship
spaghetti dinner on March
29, 2003 another lucky Lynn Campbell - $500 Joyce
alumnus will have his or her Christiansen Scholarship
name drawn for a 2003
scholarship award. Lindsay Blohn $500

• Alumni News Appreci- Sandstedt Scholarship

ated - the Alumni Associa- Jacob Bathen - $500 William
Gibbons Scholarship
tion TOOTER staff thanks

everyone for informing us Lindsey Heldt - $500 1956
Class Scholarship
of your name and address

changes, AlumNotes, • The Second Annual SHS

deaths, and other informa- Alumni Association

tion about yourself and Raffle will run from

fellow alumni. We regret September 20 to December

we cannot print every article 20, 2002. Tickets will be

and photo in the current available for pick up

issue, but we save items for after September 20 and one

later printing as space book will be mailed to each

permits. Please remember person on our mailing list

that our deadlines for publi- in late September. Watch Daniel Nagy and
Fern Watatanbe
cation are June 10 and De- for this mailing. Thank

cember 10. PLEASE you to everyone who par-

CONTINUE TO SEND IN ticipated in our successful

YOUR STORIES AND fundraiser last year.

PHOTOS, and let us know

if you have moved or CONGRATULATIONS
changed your name, etc. TO OUR 2002 SHS

• Alumni Association SCHOLARSHIP

Website - we'd like to thank WINNERS! Alicia
everyone for inquiring about Gonzalez
an Alumni Association web- Daniel Nagy - $1,000 Wata-
site. We are excited to an- nabe Fine Arts
nounce that an AA website
Alicia Gonzalez - $1,000 Wa-

is currently being devel- tanabe Business Scholarship

oped, and we plan to link it Christina McCloskey
to the SHS website. Our $1,000 Dave Powell Scholar-

Spring 2003 TOOTER ship

will have more information Heather Gohr - $1,000 Sheila Heather Sarah
Gohr Tasich
• SHS Alumni Flag - we are Little Cain Memorial

pleased to announce that we Leticia Ledesma - $1,000
have a SHS Alumni Flag Class of 1961 Scholarship
forsale (pictured below) -
(Continued on Page 18)

WATCH THAT SHS THE PACKER
CAMPUS! GREATS SPORTS

BANQUET

Amanda Lynn There are wonderful changes The following will be in-
Laaker Campbell coming to the SHS campus! ducted into the 2002
Packer Sports Greats
Lindsay Dr. Mary Elizabeth Lomax, SHS , Hall of Fame 9-25-02:
Blohn ' Librarian, has been working with
experts to , develop a plan to 1900-1949 Period
. ,~ re-Iandscape the property around
the SHS building. Dr. Lomax "Carl Buda - Football &
L wrote grant proposals and Baseball
received substantial funding from Peter Yambor - Wrestling
BESS MANDICH & , the Nebraska Forestry Service and , & Baseball
the Omaha World-Herald's , Vern Bernth - Wrestling
, COOKBOOK , Branching Out Program to pay for
COMMITTEE, the removal and replacement of 1950-1992 Period
THANK'YOU! ' the trees.
Bm Vincent - Basketball
Bess Mandich and her wonderful Next year (2002-2003) will begin . Bob Wolfe - Football, Base-
conimittee have done a·, f~mtastic Phase II of the campus improve- , ball & Basketball
ments, ' with the installation of Richard Brown - Wrestling
gathering South Omaha recipes and shrubs, native grasses, wildflower ' & Football
perennials, and bulbs. They will
putting ' together a taste-tempting surround the school with color Coaches Category
throughout the growing season.
cookbook so these ethnic recipes Also, a large SHS"S" is planned Clete Fischer - Football
for Jhe slope south of the flagpole Darrell Mudra'-Football
can be enjoyed by all. . on 24th Street. It will be John Fiaman-Football
constructed of bricJc and will be '
Thank you Bess, Dorothy Honcik easily' visible from ,the sidewalk Special Honoree '
Blankman-194~, Viol~t Pospichal or street. COl:alberry bushes and
Callway-1938, 'Donna Grzebielski gray dogwoods will highlight this "Leonard Hawkins - SHS
Diggins-1982, MaryAnn Spudich uniqu~ feature. ~ Trainer
Divoky, , Elsie Tesarek Downs-
1934, ' VeronicHaney Heflinger- When the trees, ,shrubs and other Packer Great Sports
1938, Betty Stevens Honcik-1948, plants 'are' established ' in the next Teams
Mary Ann Riha , Moore-1957, couple of years, SHS will have
Ladislava Bolek Praan-1942, the most ,beautiful landscape in , 1947 - Metz Legio~ Team
Paula Vranes Prochaska-1957, the OPS District! , 1950 - SHS Baseball
Sylvia Russell Sweeney-1941, and ,1960 - SIlS Baseball
Lillian Pavlik Vesiak-1938. Thanks and congratulations, Dr. ,. 1990 - SHS Basketball
Lomax!
(See order form on next page.) , Let's have a great turnout.
5602 S, 72nd SI. I Darrell Mudra is the key- '
RALSTON, NEBRASKA 66127 ; note speaker.

FRED KRAYNESKI Call Steve Cavlovic 733- ;'
, 3886, John Krayneski
General Manager ' (402) 331-037 : 592-2850 or the ' Alumni
Office 738-9493 for reser-
' vations to be paid III
advance. Thanks.

(Continued on Page 19)

(Continued limn Page 18)

!• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • !•COOK BOOK ORDER FORM.

11-1I~ NAME,______________________________________________~----

• ADDRESS •

• CITY STATE ZIP_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ •

• I WOULD LIKE ____COPiES AT $10 PER COPY (PLUS $3 PER COPY SHIPPING •

• & HANDLING) •

• I ENCLOSE $____• CHECK PAYABLE TO: !

_ SOUTH HIGH SCHOOL ALUMNI ASSOCIATION (SHSAA) 11-
1I~ MAILED TO 6613 SUNSHINE DRIVE-OMAHA, NE 68107

~ (OR COOKBOOKS MAY BE PICKED UP AT THE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION OFFICE AT THE ~
11- ADDRESS ABOVE TO AVOID SHIPPING Be HANDLING COST.) 11-

•• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •••• BUT PLEASE CALL 738-9493 FIRST TO MAKESURE WE ARE THERE! •
Calendar of Events

9-20-02 to 12-20-02 Scholarship Foundation 2nd Annual Lottery Fundraiser

Letter to follow. "

· 9-21-02 & 9-22-02 1947 Class Reunion
Contact Jean Harder Volcek at 402/235-2839

·· 9-25-02 Packer Sports Great Annual Dinner-Anthony's
Contact Steve Cavlovic 733-3886 or Alumni Office
,~, 10-19-02 ALL ARE INVITED TO ATTEND- ADVANCE RESERVATIONS ONLY
'~' 01-11-03
, 03-29-03 SHS Alumni Association Board of Directors Meeting
at SHS Room 254 at 9:30 !l.m. All are welcome to attend
':
SHS Alumni Association Board of Directors Meeting
at SHS Room 254 at 9:30 a.m. All are welcome to attend

SHS Alumni Association 8th Annual Bowling Shoot-Out
and Spaghetti Dinner

, 05-9-03 Spring Dance at Millard American Legion Hall
Jimmy B Orchestra - details in Spring Alumni TOOTER
(Continued 011 Page 20

ALUMNI TOOTER Non-Profit Org.
SOUTH IDGH SCHOOL ALUMNI ASSOCIATION U.S. POSTAGE
0/0 DICK GULIZIA
440 SOUTH 119 STREET PAID
OMAHA, NE 68154
OMAHA,NE >,
(402/330-3954) " PERMIT No. 1652 :

TIDS ~ YOUR TOOTER

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

JOIN US FOR THE HOMECOMING GAME TO Editorial Board I
HONOR OUR 2002 SPORTS PACKER GREATS BY
BRINGING THE COMPLIMENTARY TICKET BELOW Dick Gulizia i
Sue Smith
WITH YOU! ij
r ;lease cut ou; yo~r complime: ta-; ticket (BEL;-W) fur~he Thu~day, -- "
i September 26, 2002 L JII Judi Clark Limas i

;, "NIGHT OF THE PACKERS FOOTBALL GAME" ~ I Jerry Porterfield

Jeannie Kubovy Porterfield

~II -~II-----------" N--I G-H--T-O-F--T-H-E~P-A--C-K-E-R~S-IG--A-M-E-"------------.

TICKET SORRY
Thursday
September 26, 2002-7 p.m. NO AFTER
Omaha SHS us. Millard South PARlV
Football Game WILL BE HELD
Berbquist Stadium
Norris Middle School Our 2002 Packer Sports Greats will
South of Center on 46 Street be introduced at half time

ALUMNI &. FAMILY WELCOME
--------------------------------------------------~