2002 Spring

SOUTH IDGH SCHOOL HALL OF FAME - 2001

A banquet was held at Anthony's Restaurant on October 18, 2001 to honor new inductees into the SHS
Hall of Fame.

This year an individual and a company were named to the Community Hall of Fame:

.,....--~-"""'...,. Jerry Porterfield - Ten years ago Mr. Porterfield began a career with the fledgling SHS
Alumni Association which, according to· Executive Director Dick Gulizia, took the asso-
ciation out of the dark ages and into the computer age. He developed the software and the

".,...., =~- programming which keeps track 0[20,432 alumni and entered many of the names himself.
Not content to rest on his laurels, ·this retired Air Force Colonel recently became the

,t:?%~~\ Treasurer of the Alumni Association Board and he paid dues to do this. An Alumni Asso-

• /4;'":f'2.i;~'~. ciation board member recently wrote that "Jerry Porterfield has shown a selflessness and

.Q 'e" ' ·_.1I1f.\~\1 , 1 dedication which seldom is seen in toda~'s society."

US Bank - One of SHS's earliest Adopt-A-School partners, the US Bank continues to promote success
among SHS students. According to Principal Jerry Bartee, "US Bank has been supportive of SHS and its
students in more ways than by just providing scholarships - that would be an easy activity." In the more

than 15 years since the partnership began, US Bank has demonstrated a concern for South's student body

by supporting educational initiatives, sponsoring an annual student art show, providing assistance to needy
students and providing internship programs for students and staff. Representing our Adopt-A-School Part-
ner were Mr. Pat Corrigan, Executive Vice President for Commercial Banking and Adopt-A-School Co-
ordinator Ms. Delores Terwey.

Hall of Fame members inducted were:

Jim Hartung-1978 - A two-time Olympian, Hartung helped the 1984 U. S. gymnastics squad to the gold
medal. It marked the only time in Olympic history that the U. S. men have claimed the team gold medal. A
record-setting 22-time NCAA All-American and seven-time NCAA Champion as a Husker, Hartung won
National Collegiate all-around titles in 1980 and 1981. As a freshman in 1979, Hartung led the Nebraska
Cornhuskers Squad to its first National Championship. For more than 13 years Jim has been a coach of the
National Gymnastics Team and is currently a gymnastics judge with international credentials serving in
such prestigious events as the Goodwill Games and the World Collegiate Championships. Indeed, as we
honor Jim at the banquet, he is judging an international event in Asia. Congratulations to Mr. Jim Hartung.

Robert Campos - Bob Campos was the President of Campos Construction until retiring last year. He is
now serving as Community Liaison and Safety Manager for Jacobs Facilities, Inc. and is overseeing their
work on several schools under the Omaha Public Schools bond issue renovation plan. Bob left SHS at the
age of 15 when he lied about his age to get in the United States Coast Guard in 1954. He spent almost 20
years in the construction trade learning the business before starting Campos Construction with $500 and a
dream. Today, it is one of the nation's leading minority-owned businesses and one of Omaha's Fastest
Growing Companies. Mr. Campos has led his company through the renovation of such National Land-
marks as the homes of Presidents Harry Truman, Herbert Hoover and Abraham Lincoln and the construc-

,(fio" ojF'iiii;e7:':;;iiiiiiiiedoIIPage2j .

Hall ofFaille Continlled Page 2) of Electrical and Electronic En- conservationist . on a Cass
gineers. He is also a Trustee of County farm, Mr. Stelling has
tion of the Gerald R. Ford Con- the Herbert Hoover Presidential led an extraordinary life. He
servation Center in Omaha. Mr. Library. Dr. Melsa was on a dropped out of Washington
Campos is the recipient of many fund-raising tour of Silicon Val- University in St. Louis to enter
prestigious awards for his com- ley and was unable to attend the the Korean conflict. Following
munity and charitable work in- banquet, but Mr. Bob Anderson his service, he completed his
cluding The University of Ne- accepted the award for him. baccalaureate degree at Iowa
braska at Omaha Order of the State and followed that with a
Tower and the Omaha Educa- Gladis Coleman Ross-Class Fellowship at Yale University
tion Association School Bell of 1943 - Mrs. Ross spent most before joining Bankers Trust of
Award. He has served as a Di- of her adult career in service to New York. In 1965, Mr. Stel-
rector of the Greater Omaha the children and families of ling started a 22-year career
Chamber of Commerce, the Omaha as the Director of the with General Motors beginning
United Way of the Midlands, North Christ Child Center. For as a management trainee and
the Omaha Community Founda- 39 years Mrs. Ross was an em- continued with service in Lima,
tion, the Omaha Police Founda- ployee of the Christ Child Soci- Peru as Acting General Man-
tion and the Boy Scouts of ety where she nurtured literally ager, in Tokyo as a member of
America. thousands of children, always Isuzu's Board of Directors, and
encouraging them to achieve in Bangkok as Managing Direc-
James L. Melsa-Class of their best. Mrs. Ross has also tor of the Bang Chan Assembly
1956 - Dr. Melsa is the Dean of spent countless hours volunteer- Company. He finally returned
the College of Engineering and ing for such organizations as the to Detroit to oversee the finan-
Professor of Electrical and NAACP, the Action and Fact cial management of GM's larg-
Computer Engineering at Iowa Neighborhood Association and est division, the Engineering
State University in Ames, Iowa. the Allen Chapel AME Church. and Manufacturing Services
He was a finalist this past spring While in high school Mrs. Ross Staff, with a budget of $1 bil-
for the position of President of accomplished the impossible--in lion and a staff of 5,000. He
Iowa State. He is the author or her four years she had perfect ended his General Motors ca-
contributor of 12 books on elec- attendance and no tardies. She reer as manager of the GMIEDS
trical engineering and computer credits her parents who always Integration program. Morton
technology and has written encouraged their children to be then became active in Ne-
more than 100 journal articles. honest and to do their best--a braska's conservation movement
He has been a professor of engi- philosophy she has shared with through work with the Wa-
neering at the University of thousands of children. She has chiska Audubon Society of
Arizona, Southern Methodist been named the Outstanding Southeast Nebraska, the Lin-
University and Notre Dame. 4-H Leader of the Year and rec- colnlLancaster County Ecologi-
Dr. Melsa has been a consultant ognized by the Nebraska Arts cal Advisory Committee, the
at the Los Alamos Scientific Council for leadership in the Nebraska Sustainable Agricul-
Laboratory and Vice President arts. While retired from the ture Society and as the president
of Strategic Quality for Tellabs, Christ Child Society, Mrs. Ross of the Nebraska Audubon
Inc. He currently serves as a continues to mold the lives of Council. In his spare time Mr.
consultant for Hy-Vee and the children at Lothrop Magnet Stelling has sung with the
Pella Corporation. Listed in the School. Abendmusik Chorus of Lincoln,
WHO'S WHO Registry Sterling the Omaha Symphonic Chorus
Edition, James Melsa is the Morton Stelling-Class of and Nebraska Choral Arts Soci-
holder of the IEEE Third Mil- 1949 - From Marine Corps jet ety, and currently sings with the
lennium Medal, Iowa State IM- fighter pilot in Korea, to New Seattle Symphony Chorale.
PACT Award and has been York banker, to General Motors
named a Fellow of the Institute executive around the world, to (Contilllled 011 Page 3)

(Colllilllled Page 3) the haze of nostalgia, emerged a

COACH MICKEY picture of a brotherhood that has
SPARANO'S
already stood the test of time...
"BROTHERHOOD"
by Paul Limas the Coach Sparano Brother-

A few drinks and hood. These men had shared
.George
the sweat, toil, team victories
"Dumpy"
.Wright could be and personal loss together as a Mickey Sparano & Cheryl Wild
the Master of
Ceremonies for band of brothers. There re- THE SOUTH HIGH
anybody. He SCHOOL ALUMNI
proved this re- mains a pride in each other and
cently at a party held at Cheryl ASSOCIATION
Sparano Wild's house on Sep- of the group. None of us could FOUNDATION
tember 22, 2001 to honor
Coach Sparano. The house ever duplicate those feats on our The SHS Alumni Association
was packed with former athletes has formed a 501(c)(3) Foun-
who were coached by Sparano.. own. It could only be the result dation. The new Foundation
Also included were friends of was chartered by the Secretary
Mickey's from his wrestling of the genius and love brought of State of Nebraska on Janu-
years. The great and near-great ary 19, 2001 and became ac-
gathered to renew old. ~riend­ to the wrestling room and fields tive January 2002. The Foun-
ships. From my pOSItion, I dation will accept contribu-
couldn't see everyone present of play by Coach Sparano. tions, gifts, grants, devises,
nor did I know everyone. Bob stocks, bonds or bequests of
Fitzsimmons, Paul Stoysich The only negative of the eve- real or personal property, or
and Nick Chiburis were repre-
sentative of his earlier teams. ning was the absence of de- dbaottih~nsf,rompartinnedrisvhiidpusa, lsa,ssfoocuina--
Mel Masek, Richard Brown,
Jack Philby, George Wright, ceased teammates Jim Hoff- tions, governmental bodie~ or
Eugene Jones, Jim Fuxa, John public or private corporatIOns
DeGeorge, Jack Benedict, man, Richard Newville, Loren to be held as an Endowment
Fred Colanino and Gary Kir- Fund the income therefore to
win (the "Spider" who could Crayne, Bill La Feria, Clinton be utilized solely for enriching
easily make heavyweight now) the educational opportunities
wrestled on the later teams. Meehan and Bill Pickering. of Omaha SHS students and
Ron Taylor, Jack Kiscoan and for scholarships and grants to
Ed Hubbard were representing The evening ended with no one graduating students or gradu-
football and basketball. Amaz- ates of SHS for the purpose of
ingly, BeeBee Hodges even being thrown into the swim- attending an accredited col-
represented his elementary lege, vocational or technical
school teams. ming pool and a bunch of old, school. The income from such
funds unless otherwise di-
As the evening progressed and ' tfaht~ bald-headed men reliving rected by the terms of the gifts
various speakers shared memo- glory of their youth and the or grant, shall be general~y
ries and feelings, something be- utilized for such purposes 10
came evident to me. Through "Coach Mickey Sparano accordance with a proportion-
ate formula between scholar-
Brotherhood. " ships, grants and educa~ional
opportunities as set forth 10 the
Bob Fitzsimmons, Coach Bylaws.
Sparano & Nick Chiburis
(Conlilllled 011 Page 4)
Richard Brown & George Wright

(Con/inl/ed Page 4) Riha were unopposed and extended growth and challenges. . Let us

NEBRASKA'S their terms for another two years by . hear from you so we can know
HOMECOM-
acclamation. how we can best serve you.

INGQUEEN We are proud to look back at our Respectfully submitted,
Report by Kelli Association's lO-year history and Judi Limas, Secretary
Vomacka - 2001 realize that we have donated more

We reported in than $80,000 In scholarships (not A GREAT DAY FOR THE
the last Tooter including separate alumni scholar- GREATEST GENERATION
ships), have supported the teachers
that Kelli
Vomacka was representing Ne- and administration at SHS through Three men who left school early
braska in America's Homecom- teacher grants totaling more than to serve in the military received
ing Queen Competition at Dis- $16,000, have donated more than honorary diplomas decades later
neyland last July and askedfor $8,000 to the After-Prom Party to . from SHS. SHS Principal Jerry
keep kids safe, have developed a Bartee awarded honorary diplo-
a follow up report:
mas on November 17, 2001 to
"My experience at the 21 st An- lhoanvge-raenstgaeblpislahnedforat·hFeoAunsdsoactiioantiotn~ Tom Marchese, age 71, Joseph C.

nual Nationals was unbeliev- ensure continuity, and have donated Hanus, age 77, · and Jack E.
able. Not only will I continue a first-class sports complex to the Langle, age 75, all of whom at-
to benefit from the leadership school and the South Omaha com- tended SHS but never finished be-
skills I acquired while preparing munity. We set the dates for the cause they joined the military.
for and attending the contest, 2002 BowlIng . Tournament and Marchese served in the Navy from
but I will always be thankful for Spaghetti Dinner (March 16); and 1947-1953 during the Korean
everything the Association gave are discussing the Night of the War. Both Hanus and Langle
to me. Thanks to all my won- Packers event and the Fall Dance, served from 1943 to 1946, during
derful sponsors who supported as well as other possible events. · World War II. Hanus served in
me and enabled me to sell the . We will mail approximately 19,000 the Army infantry and Langle was
most ads in the history of the copies of this TOOTER edition.
in the Navy. This was a home-

competition. I received the coming for the men who returned

Public Relations Award, a tro- Reminder - check for news from to South to receive their honorary

phy which included a college fellow classmates and school diplomas.

scholarship. I also received a events at SHS' web page www.

special Leadership Award. ops.org/south. Congratulations and thank you to

Thank you to all who supported We need your help in two special these and to all Veterans who
me, including the SHS Alumni areas: (1) Tell us if you have have served and are serving our
Association!" moved so we do not have to pay country!
to be notified of your new address
BOARD REPORT after we mail the next Tooter to A DAY IN NEW YORK
you; (2) We need your active mem- AFTER 9-11-01
Your Board of Di- bership in the association, including
. rectors held two funds and any time you can spare to by Betty Volenec - 1965
.' meetings since our help with our many fund-raising
last report and, and other activities. We can sure When I was in Grand Central Sta-
"wow" the activities that have use your help. Again, we are work- tion yesterday afternoon at rush
taken place! A Fall Clean-up ing hard and feel we have made a hour heading outbound myself,
was held at Collin Field to help great deal of progress, but know office workers were in their usual
clean up vegetation and plant there is much work to do yet and hurry racing for their trains, no
items. Board members Judy many goals to meet. We appreciate doubt some heading to the burbs
Tesar, Jackie Casper, Kate your input, support and encourage- for rosh hashanah services, as was
Dosenovich, Steve Lee, Dave ment and look forward to continued I. Near a 42nd Street entrance
Cisar, Judi Limas, George into Grand Central was a very
Reid, Dean Rezac, and Vic
(Continued 01/ Page 5)

(Day ill Nell' York Colllilllled Page 5) broadcast on KIOS, the public gram, superintendents through-
radio station of the Omaha Pub- out Nebraska wanted Team-
large bulletin board display of lic Schools. The program is de- Mates in their schools. In 1997,
home computer-printed photos signed to showcase the findings Lincoln Public Schools spon-
of loved ones missing from the of SHS students as well as teach- sored a TeamMates Mentoring
World Trade Center tragedy... ers Gary Kastrick and Dean Program and now TeamMates is
along with tear-off telephone Flyr, who have been collecting in 43 communities throughout
numbers. for contacting the sur- Omaha stories and artifacts for Nebraska. In Metro Omaha,
viving loved ones. As each the past two years. Called there are TeamMates mentoring
rushing, preoccupied commuter "Project OMAHA," the stories programs in Bellevue, Millard,
began approaching the two- and artifacts are displayed in an Omaha, Papillion-LaVista,
sided, Icing bulletin board, each old computer lab in the basement Plattsmouth, Ralston and .
and every one stopped in front of ofSHS. Westside.
the photo display and took a si-
lent moment to· give respect to - "What we found in this project Although the program began
the photos,...of people they did- was that the people who really with football players, most of
n't know, but for whom they felt didn't think their lives were the TeamMates mentors now
an enormous amount of compas- worth studying were the most are professional men and
sion. Many people extended fascinating people," said Kas- women who have full-time jobs.
their hand and touched the dis- trick, who hosts the new radio In some cases, their employers
playas if reaching out to sym- program. The program will fea- give them time off to mentor; in
bolically touch all those miss- ture interviews with Omaha resi- other situations, they adjust
ing...and show how touched dents and students' work. The their schedule by using their
they, themselves, were by this students collected stories from lunch hour to mentor.
tragedy. No longer was rushing people and, in some cases, wrote
for their train important. No fictionalized accounts of real Mentors are matched with a stu-
longer was anything else impor- history. For example, one stu- dent and asked to spend one
tant. They stopped their per- dent wrote about a trolley acci- class period a week with a stu-
sonal clock and took a moment dent at 24th and Q Streets that dent for one school year. The
to give respect to total strangers killed a woman. The student time that mentors spend with
who unwittingly gave their lives. wrote it from the perspective of their students is not formalized.
a man who learned from the ra- Mentors and students·talk about
STUDENT-COLLECTED dio that his loved one had died. their families, play board
STORIES OF OMAHANS The show is broadcast at 11 :30 games, share hobbies, discuss
A.M. Thursdays on 91.5 FM. problems, set goals and work on
ARE SET TO AIR homework together. The im-
These stories (Excerpt from the OW-H.) portant thing is that the mentors
probably didn't build a relationship of caring
make it into the his- WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE and trust. After the relationship
tory books. They A TEAMMATE? has been established; most stu-
tell of the Omaha dents begin making positive
stockyards worker Tom and Nancy Osborne started changes in their lives.
the TeamMates Mentoring Pro-
Gary Kastick who once deco- gram in 1991 with 22 football In the Metro Omaha area, they
rated the cattle players from the University of are hoping to recruit another
Nebraska at Lincoln who were 250 mentors before the end of
pens at Christmas time, and the matched with middle school stu- the school year. They hope
woman who survived the 1930 dents in Lincoln who were at that some graduates of South
roller coaster crash that killed risk of dropping out of school. High School will agree to be-
four at Krug Park, now known as Twenty of the 22 students gradu- come mentors. They have
Gallagher Park ated and 18 went to college. Be-
cause of the success of the pro- (TeamMales COlllinlled Page 6)
The stories will be shared Thurs-
days on a new program being

(Teammales Conlinued Page 6) Third Prize of them helped with all of these
mailings, some with one.
. needs for mentors at SHS as $500 Buyer/ Whatever they did, each person
well as at the other schools in is greatly appreciated for all the
Metro Omaha. . Seller: Betty help. We could not complete
these projects in a timely man-
To become a mentor, a volun- Nowaczyk Bar- ner without their assistance.
teer must be 21 years or older, Thank you all!
fill out an application blank and rett:.. 1961 of
submit three references. A Pat Janda Quinn
child abuse/neglect and criminal b ~.'p . " .~ Omaha. Haumptman-1951; Carolyn
background check is done on ..:... ' - . . ' ft Janda Placzek-1956; Pat and
each mentor. Mentors also at- Carol's mother, Mrs. Janda;
tend a two-hour training ses- Betty Barrett receiving check from Dick Gulizia, Bernadette Janda Blais-1959,
sion. The entire screening and Executive Director of AJumni Association. visiting from Seattle, WA; Rita
training process generally takes Miller Stodolka-1956; Joe
about 6 weeks. Jerry Bartee, SHS Prin- Pecha-1938; Virginia Erca
cipal and John Krayne- Bogatz Pecha-1940; and
If you have any questions at all, ski, Alumni Associa- Elizabeth (Dolly) Guy-1960;
to volunteer, or to request addi- tion President drawing Andrea (Candy) Fahey Rezac-
tional information, please call winning tickets. 1963; Julie Riha Diehm-1966;
Tom Miller - Omaha Public Mary Ann Riha Moore-1957;
Schools TeamMates Coordi- We wish to thank all of you Jackie Mengler Dower-1961;
nator at 557-2737. who participated in the win/ Colonel Jerry Porterfield; and
win lottery. We sold 36,237 David and Theresa Gulizia.
WinlWin Lottery Winners! tickets allowing a profit of
$21,765. We would also like to thank
First Price $2,500 - Buyer: Pat Dean-1958 and Emil
Kathleen Johanek Jaudzemis 2001 MEMBERSHIP DRIVE Radik-1951 for collecting golf
of Ashland. balls and donating them to the
First Prize $2,500 - Seller: The membership drive of 2001 SHS Golf Teams. Thanks'!
Mary Jarosik Johanek-1938 was also a success with 2,088
of Omaha. members donating $51,536 to A special thank you also goes
the Alumni Association III to Steve Andersen-1989 and
Mary Jarosik 2001. J ason Calek-1989 for the super
Johanek-1938 job they did running their first
sold her Special thanks to all .who golf tournament for the SHSAA
daughter donated extra money for on July 29, 2001 at Shoreline
Kathleen Jo- gifts, the scholarship fund Golf Course in Carter Lake,
han e k and postage in addition to Iowa. These young men had
Jaudzemis the their memberships, especially 136 golfers, 12 hole sponsors
winning ticket Suellen Dice who donated the and gave $1,000 in prizes.
seller portion of her prize to Great job guys!
Second Prize $1,000 - Buyer: the SHS Alumni Association.
Suellen Dice-1967 of Kansas FEATURED
City, MO. THANK YOU, THANK BOARD MEMBER
YOU, THANK YOU PA UL KRACHER
(Thank you Suel- CLASS OF 1961
len for donating On behalf of the SHS Alumni
the seller portion Association Board of Directors (Continued on Page 7)
to the SHS and members, we would like to
Alumni Associa- take this opportunity to thank
tion!) the following individuals who
have helped with Alumni Asso-
SueIIen Dice cIatIOn mailings in recent
months. These individuals have
helped with Tooters, member-
ship mailings, thank you letters,
and the win/win lottery. Some

(Continued Page 7) 2000. holds the Maryland State record
1931-Ida Strazdas Shilen Hoe- of 132 medals by the age of 86.
IN MEMORIAM fer of Santa Barbara, CA died 1932-Emily Kostal Soukup of
April 8, 2000. Omaha died December 15,
Love, Lives On 1931-Richard Stranglen of 2000.
Omaha. 1933-Alex N. Cubrich of
By Amanda Bradley 1931-Helen Hrbek Wais of Omaha died August 2, 2001.
Leesburg, FL died April 5, 1933-Edna Svacina Kubin of
Those we love are never really 1999. . Morristown, NJ died July 23,
lost to us---we feel them in so 1931-Ann Papek Volenec of 2000 from cardiovascular dis-
many special ways--- ease. She was married to Emil
through friends they always aOmaha died 7-19-01 from com- Kubin for 65 years.
cared about and dreams they left 1933-Erwin Welch of Florida.
behind, in beauty that they added plications of stroke. She com- He moved to Florida after retir-
to our days ... pleted high school in three years ing from University Hospital as
In words of wisdom we still to graduate with her older a maintenance supervisor.
carry with us and memories that brother, Frank Papek-1931 . 1934-Mary Ellen Lotspeich
never will be gone... She was preceded in death by Curran of Omaha died May
Those we love are never really her brother Frank and younger 2001.
lost to us--- For everywhere their brother, Joseph (Red) Papek, 1934-George H. Grimm of
special love lives on. Jr-1935. She is survived by her Omaha.
************************** daughters: Joanne Volenec 1934-George Hladik of Omaha.
1924-Frank Halda of Omaha. McLean-1959 of Omaha; Betty 1934-Edward "Shorty" Mo-
1927-George Covalciuc of Volenec-1965 of New York ravec of Omaha died in the
Omaha died August 1999. City; son Richard Volenec- summer of 2001. He served in
1927-Catherine Hanson Peter- 1962 and daughter-in-law De- the Navy and was an Omaha
sen of Omaha died February nise Lombardo Volenec of Firefighter for 33 years. He was
1999. Omaha. Ann worked at inducted into the Nebraska
1929-Sister Mary Ignatius Kilpatrick's/Younker's Depart- Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2000
Kowal of Shrewsbury, MO died ment Store and then at Metro- and the South High Alumni
October 30, 2001 of complica- politan Utilities District, from Packer Sports Greats in 2001 .
tions from a stroke. Sister Igna- where she retired. Nothing 1934-Gloria Schoessler Shirey
tius was a member of the Fran- meant more to her than her fam- of Spokane, WA.
ciscan Sisters of Our Lady of ily. She leaves the wonderful 1935-Bernard Finnerty of
Perpetual Help. She devoted her legacy of her sense of humor LaMirada, CA. He died June 5,
life to Catholic education first as and zest for life 2000 of a heart attack. He was a
a teacher, then as a school ad- 1932-Dorothy Olsen Arm- Golden Glove Champion and
ministrator. Over her 64-year strong of Omaha died January was married to Therese Krig-
career, she taught in Illinois, 7,2001. baum Finnerty:. 1936, for 59
Missouri, Louisiana and Ne- 1932-Frances Perhall of Santa years.
braska. She retired from St. Ber- Monica, CA. 1935-Louise Ira Jensen of
nadette in 1997 at the age of 85, 1932-Helen Silvus Pollard of Omaha died November 12,
when she moved to her order's Redding, CA died February 27, 2001. She retired as an em-
retirement residence in Missouri. 2001. ployee ofKresge/K-Mart.
1932-William J. Schlichtig of 1935-Regina Hannigan Killeen
(Excerpt from the OW-H 11-8-01) Hyattsville, MD died January of Omaha died June 27, 2001.
18, 2001. He retired from the 1935-John Regner of Omaha.
1929-Anne Kotlarz Pelnar of US Navy Bureau of Aeronautics 1935-George Serlet of Omaha
Omaha died May 7, 1999. as a Marine Engineer. He com-
1930-Ralph Buehler of Omaha. peted in the Maryland Senior (Deaths Continued on page 8)
1931-Laura Koutsky Dichsen Olympics for over 20 years and
of O'Fallon, IL.
1931-Rosaline Janousek Haller
of Omaha died November 9,

(Deaths COl/ti/llied Page Eight) Minneapolis, MN after a stint Nowicki of Omaha died Septem-

died June 26, 2000 of conges- with the Coast Guard during ber 14,2001.
tive heart failure.
1935-Edward Stephens of WWII. He retired in 1982 after 1940-Ann Hamtak Ratkovec of
Omaha.
1936-Anna Sevek Hruza of 43 years of service with the Omaha died April 16, 2001 in Las ,
Omaha died November 2000.
1936-Joseph Tourek of Omaha Minneapolis Star Tribune. He Vegas, NV while traveling with
died August 23, 2001. He was
part owner of Tourek Engraving was involved in many civic and her husband of 57 'li years, Virgil
in South Omaha. He also
played tenor saxophone in a church groups. Ratkovec-1945.
polka band.
1937-Irene Tritten Bowen of 1938-George Hervert of EI 1940-Darrel Smith of LaVista,
Omaha.
1937-Thomas Fahey of Omaha Cerrito, CA graduated from the NE died November 23,2000.
died October 2001.
1937-Colonel Richard For- University of Nebraska with a 1940-Thelma Porter Stephens of
man of Bellevue. He was a re-
tired Air Force pilot and flying degree in civil engineering. He Omaha.
was his love.
1937-Josephine Ourada served in WWII and attended 1941-VernelleMastalir Rea of
Hlasek of Oxnard, CA.
1937-John 'Kaczmarek of MIT. He worked for the US Bellevue, NE died April 18, 2001 .
Omaha died August 2, 2001.
He retired from Union Pacific Corps of Engineers and was a 1941-Robert Seward of Aurora
Railroad.
1937-Carl James Morello of partner in the engineering firm CO. '
Omaha died September 3,2001.
He received many wrestling of Woodward, Clyde and Asso- 1941-Julia Kratochvil Simon of
medals while at SHS.
1937-Robert Norton of Omaha ciates. Katy, TX died December 23
died February 23, 2001. He
was married to Frances Jen- 1938-Marie Mleziva Kostka of 2000. '
sen-1941, for 55 years.
1937-Lowell Sheets of Dublin Omaha died February 24,2001. 1942-Donald Copenhaver of
OH. '
1938-William Monnier of Ox- Omaha died 1999.
1937-Stanley Skripsky of
Omaha died August 25,2001. nard, CA. 1942-RosemaryKerscher Hrbek
1937-Jean King Soya of
Tempe, AZ died May 16,2001. 1938-Lois Brown Romano of of Omaha died September 1,
1937-Wesley Thornton of
Washington, NE. Omaha died May 26,2001. 2000. While at SHS, she was on
1938-Vernon Bernth of
Omaha died November 2001. 1938-Bill Welch of Des the Journalism Staff and was a
1938-Walter Christensen of
Gulf Breeze, FL died May 3, Moines, IA. He owned his own May Fete Candidate.
200 I, He was born in Omaha
but spent most of his life in tile company. 1942-Richard Kucirek of San

1938-Ethel LaBorde Wise of Francisco, CA.

Freeport, IL died May 17,2001. 1942-Earl Ritchey of Omaha.

1939-I1ene Svoboda Donahue 1942-Joseph Saniuk was a Lt.

of Tucson, AZ died March 31 Commander in the Navy. He lost

2001. ' his life when a Navy blimp cap-

1939-Marie Vach Leutzinger sized in the ocean.

of Omaha. 1942-Evelyn Smith Schuster of

1939-James Rodis, Sr. of Ft. Wayne, IN died September 15,

Omaha. 2001.

1939-Nora Dragoun 1942-George Vandenberg of

Snodgrass of Osceola, NE died Omaha died February 9,2001. He

September 10,2001. was survived by his wife, Cath-

1939-Norma Kulisek White of erine Ourada-1942.

Pensacola, FL died July 29, 1943-Milton Grobeck of Dan-

2001. She retired from Mutual ville, CA.

of Omaha. 1943-Billiey Marvin of Ralston,

1940-Bette Anne Mertz Bow- NE died February 9, 2001. Bil-

ers of Eugene, OR. Iiey served with the Seabees in the

1940-Lars Holm of Bellevue South Pacific during World War
NE. ' II. He was very active in the

1940-Francis McLane of American Legion and was ap-

Omaha. pointed to be the American Le-

1940-Ann Cameron Johnson

(Deaths COl/til/lied 01/ Page 9)

(Deaths COli/iI/lied Page 9) died August 2, 2000. He was Vegas, NY died October
married to Ellen Hamilton 2001.
gion Representative to the Tho- Greene, 1945. 1950-Gene Vanis of Lake-
mas Fitzgerald Nebraska Veter- 1946-Richard "Da.ve" Moore wood, CA died August 2001.
ans Home in Omaha and served of Williamsport, IN died Octo- 1951-Ronald Gernandt of
for four years until his health ber 29, 2001 and served in the Fresno, CA died November
forced him to retire. He was U.S. Navy in Alaska 1959- 2001.
married to Louise Schlichtig- 1968. He was a teacher in the 1951-Edward · Hazuka . of
1940, for 54 years. Metropolitan School District of Omaha died February 18,
1943-Ann Kuzela Saniuk of Warren County, Indiana from 2001 of cancer. He was a
Omaha. 1976-1992. government meat inspector
1943-Joseph Francis Saniuk 1947-Joan Anderson Carstens for 24 plus years. He loved to
of Omaha was manager of the of Omaha died April 19, 2001 fish and spend time with his
South Omaha Stock Exchange from ovarian cancer. family.
and Stock Yards. 1947-Mildred Marinkovich 1951-Ray Janicek of Omaha
1944-Robert Felthauser of Horton of Omaha died July died early October 2001.
Bennington, NE. 2001. 1951-Catherine Vanslow
1944-Virginia Lenhard Heil of 1947-Donald J. Schuster of Onracek of Bellevue, NE
Palmetta~ FL died July 9, 2001 Omaha died March 17,2001. died Fall of2001.
from cancer. 1947-David Smith of Bellevue, 1951-Don Siegel of Omaha
1944-William Krejci of Omaha NE died July 9, 2001. His wife died late-September 2001.
died August 30, 2001. was Barbara Polzin Smith- 1952-Bill Chapman of
1944-Frank Riha of Omaha 1948. Omaha died July 2001.
died October 31, 2001 of com- 1948-James P. Hines of 1952-Helen Eddy Clem of
plications after a heart attack. Omaha died January 8, 2001. LaVista, NE died September
Mr. Riha was a successful He was owner/operator of Jim 2001. She retired after 30
Omaha businessman, World Hines Electric for the past 25 years with Western Electric
War II Navy Veteran and a tire- years. and US West. She was co-
less volunteer who championed 1948-Suzanne Holloway Rox- owner of Cliffs Coffee Cup.
his South Omaha roots. We bury of Omaha. 1952-James Hrubsky of
thank him for continued support 1949-Josephine Ranallo Golla Bellevue, NE died August 8,
of the Alumni Association and of Omaha. 2000 .
his attendance at many of the 1949-Robert Kennedy of 1952-Harvie . Ludlo of
functions. Hamilton, NJ died September Omaha died December 2,
1945-Phyllis Hastings 21, 2001 of a sudden heart at- 2001. He retired from Beef
Carnahan of Omaha died July tack. America in 1994.
3,2001. 1949-Stanley Koubsky of 1952-Dwane Sopcich of
1945-Mary Palma Juarez of Omaha died late November Omaha died March 5, 1998.
Omaha died October 6,2001. 2001. He retired as a Fire Cap- He had a heart transplant on
1945-Donald Sharp of Omaha tain in the Omaha Fire Depart- December 25, 1988 and did
died August 2001 and worked ment. very well until he had a stroke
for Mutual Benefit Life Insur- 1949-Erwin Monasmith of and his kidneys failed. His
ance for more than 40 years. He Carter Lake, IA died July 24, wife of many years was Vir-
was also a principal in the firm 2001. ginia Talman Sopcich-1954.
of Sharp, Anderson, Arena and 1950-Delores Pavlik Fields of 1953-Dolores Smith Lawver
Cumes, Inc. Omaha died mid-August 2001. of Ralston.
1946-Jerome Duponcheel of 1950-Janice Bishop Ho of 1953-Raymond Morrissey.
Omaha. Omaha died mid-July 2001. 1953-Rebecca Gomez Swan-
1946-Jack Greene of Omaha 1950-Walter E. Smith of Las
(Deaths COl/lil/ued 01/ page 10)

(Dealhs COlllilllled Page Tell) 1960-Donna Filipowski his plane crashed during a recon
White of Omaha died August mISSIOn. He had always
son of Redwood City, CA died 7, 2001. Donna is survived by dreamed of being a pilot.
December 2000. She loved her husband, Lew and children, 1967-Ron Holoubek.
.class reunions and her family Ann White Summers and hus- 1967-Salvatore (Sam) Knott of
will mISS her stories of , old band Martin Summers; sons, Jacksonville, FL.
friends and g.ood times m Joseph White from Omaha and 1967-Dave Nebel died .of a
Omaha. . J.ohn White from Colorad.o stroke.
1955-Shirley Claxton Hender- Springs; grandchildren, Zach- 1967-Mary Carol Mandl Pet-
son Of Omaha. ary, Lauren and Ashley Sum- sche of Omaha died November
1956-Peter Devaney of Belle- mers; mother Mary Filipowski, 1,2001.
vue, NE died .November 29, sister, Geraldine Petersen, from 1967-Patricia Coulter Thomas
2000. He was Douglas County Spokane, WA, brothers, Den- of Clarinda, IA.
Deputy Sheriff. nis Filipowski from Spokane, 1967-Bob Valasek died of a
1956-Sherleen Chance Reilly WA and Jack Filipowski and heart attack.
of Omaha. wife Colleen from Sand Point, 1967-Ronnie Wright.
1956-Faye KIoch Sadofsky of ID. Donna was best remem- 1970-Paul Davidson of Omaha
Omaha. bered for her love .of dance and died May 23, 2001.
1957-Judy Kavan of Panama for being a part of the SHS 1973-Rudy James Dvorak of
City, FL. Marching Band. After gradu- Omaha died in the fall of 2001 .
1957-Jean Sempek Nowicki of ating from the University of He loved music especially polka
Omaha died Oct.ober 22, 2001. Omaha, Donna became an ele- music which he wrote and com-
1957-Beatrice Zendejas Soto mentary school teacher. She posed. He could play most any
of Omaha. married Lew White on August instrument except the violin.
1957-Rita ·Monzu Spenceri of 12, 1967 and dedicated herself He hosted "The South 0 Polka
Omaha. to raising their three very fine Show" on the radio in the late ,
1957-Patricia Wade of Min- children and becoming a lov- 1980s and early 1990s.
.neapolis, MN. ing grandmother. We miss you 1975-Charles Wees of Omaha
1957-Jim Walpus Sr., of Donna, as you were so much a died January 2001. As.an.artist,
Omaha died August 2001 . part of. our .lives and of our he was known .as "Wuck ·
1958-Dan Johnson of Omaha cherished memones of " the Cheese. " He was very talented .
died late October 2001 . He was past. and made his living as an artist
a .longtime member of Heart- for awhile. .He created a. brick
land Myasthenia Gravis Support 1961-Donna Nosek Neneman~ SClJlptl,lfe that covers a whole
Group. 1963-Gerd ' Reimer ' of wall ofthe Comhusker Hotel in
1958-Terry L. Kennedy, Sr., Gresham, Oreg.on died Decem- Lincoln. There is also one of
died July 2001. He was skilled ber 13, 2000 of hmg disease. his sculptures ,at ,the Field Club
in carpentry and mechanics. He He was a car enthusiast and Elementary School in Omaha.
worked at 'Campbell Soup Co. owned · a Corvette ' which ' won The following poem · was writ-
and ConAgra, Inc. as a line me- many trophies. ten by one of Chuck's friends
chanic... He very much enjoyed 1964-Leann Weaver Kelly of for the funeral : ."Sir Charles --
growing vegetables .on his 13 Ralston, NE died June 16, To most of us he was an artist
acres .of land. 2001 of a brain aneurysm. and a man. Each one of us
1959-Phil AparoofOmaha. 1965-Terry A. Harvat ofWa- knew he had a special plan, to
1960-Kay Louise White Bar- terloo,NE died November 16, teach what he could while he
moy of Cumberland, MD died 2000 of a malignant brain tu-
September 12,2001., . mor. • ' .' 1
1960-Rosaline Recoy Mefford 1967-Fred Bishop.
of McAlester, OK. 1967-Hal B. Griffin was an was here, teaching us each les-
Air Force pilot, who died when sons to hold so dear. He was
the richest man on God's green
earth, he lived each day for all it

(Dealhs COlllilllled 0/1 page 11)

(Deaths Continlled Page 11) When you want to complain MEMORIALS
and are down on your luck, just
was worth. He impacted our put a smile on your face, and In Memory of-
think of 01' WUCK"
live. s, each one our own; never From Chuck's Friends Husband, Earl Samples, who
1977-Deborah Ann Nekola
letting his own fears be known. Radik of Omaha died October died July 31, 2001, from wife
l3, 2001. She was a long-time
He always spoke of our Lord, volunteer and employee of As- Marian Almquist Samples-
sumption Church and School,
and of heaven above, the whole Volleyball Coach, President of 1941.
the Home and School Associa-
time filling our hearts with His tion at Assumption. Husband Doug Potter-1958,
Josephine (JoAnn) Pawlusiak
love. He was the first to light a Kastrick of Omaha died Au- who died January l3, 1999,
gust 3, 2001. Josephine is the
candle when a crisis hit, and if mother of SHS Teacher and from wife Jacqueline Kingsley
Alumni Association Board
you tried to leave him out, he'd Member, Gary Kastrick. Potter-1960.
Mary Turnovsky Riha of
deal you a fit. He never ques- Omaha died June 2001. Mary Wife Lois Bertolini Schaetzle-
is the mother of Alumni Asso-
tioned God nor His ways, not ciation Board Member Vic 1952 from husband Stanley
Riha. Many of her other chil-
even on the worst of his days. dren are actively involved with Schaetzle-1952.
the Alumni Association. .
God knew he was special, so a Mother Ima Jean Nielsen, from
APOLOGIES .
. message to all, He took away daughter, Kathy Nielsen-1967.
We would like to express oUi'
his eyes, the man still wouldn't deepest apologies to the follow~ Mike Mandich from Richard

fall . There's still beauty in this iug people yvh,o were.incorrectly Benak, Sr.-1957.

world, much to our surprise, lis~ed as decease~ ' in ' the last Mike Mandich from Vic Riha-
Tooter: .
wouldn't you know who could 1961 and Beverly Forman
197~-Ma..y 'Hillis Meschede of
see it, the man with no eyes. His Riha-1964.
Omaha is alive and well. So
talent is unending, as all of us sorryfor our error! Marvin · Holubar-1952 from

know. Most of his talent never 1988:"Mary' Vandorston classmate Martha Moore

did he show. He was an artist at forSwirczek is also alive and well. Mayer-1952. ,

. life, no picture can say it all. Please forgive us this misun- Walter Christensen-1938 from
derstanding. .
Through all of his trials, he his wife Mrs. Walter Chris-
1923-Marie Madsen of Omaha
never would crawl. 59 Chevys has died; however, she was nQt tensen.
Marie Swinarski ' Madsen.
were the ,love of his life, I'm Again, we apologize for this Frank Riha-1944 . from Vic
mistake.
.surprised he didn't have one for Riha-1961 and Beverly For-

a wife. He made -timeless sculp- . man Riha-l964~ · .

. tures .for the .world to. see, he Brother Joseph Pelnar-1971,

showed us ' how beautiful his · who died March 21, 1998, from

world could be. He said ·it sister JoAnne Pelnar Smith-

wouldn't do any good if he had 1961.

complained. Everything hap- Mothh Ann Kotlarz Pelnar-

pens for a reason, his views re- 1929, who died May 7; 1999,

mained. . Chuck might .~otbe from daughter JoAnne ·Pelnar

with us, but he'll ne.ver be gone, Smith-1961~

as the lessons he taught each of Donna Filipowski White-1960

us, still linger on. He walked from classmate ~ren Richter

through his life with a smile on Svoboda-1960.

hIS 'face, even'though his sched- Donna Filipowski White-1960

ule had such it rapid pace. We from .classmate Jeanie Ku bovy

once joked that he had a mile of Porterfield-1960. ..

scars', it won't-compa.r.e, to this Kay W.hite Barm9y-1960 from
,
classmate Jeanie Kubovy
loss of ours. His courage un-
Porterfield-1960.
matched, more than I'll ever
Rosaline Recoy Mefferd-1960
know, he now teaches in heaven
from classmate Jeanie Kubovy
where we all knew he'd go.

(Memorials Continued on page 12)

(Memorials COl/til/lied Page 12) Thanks to all of these individu- athletes attending were: Tom
als for remembering loved ones Moore, Jack Kiscoan, Joe
Porterfield-1960. and friends by donating to the Sousa, Paul Limas, Coach
SHS Alumni Association. Mickey Sparano, Richard
. Classmate, Judy Kavan-1957 Brown, Coach Bo Hazlip,
BUMPING ELBOWS n Melvin Masek, Jack Philby and
from Alan Robertson-1957 and many many others but please
Dear Alumni, forgive me for not remembering
Rosemary Macrander Robert- everyone. Those, who were
Since my last column, I ac- honored as Packer Greats were:
son-1957. quired three more names who Artie Gomez, Ed Moravac,
were Buffett Award recipients Rudy Matulka, Buddy Hunter,
Danny Daneff-1938 from and SHS graduates. They are Stan Schaetzle, Marlin
Jim Eisenhardt-1967; Joann Briscoe, Cedric Hunter, Sandi
family. . Pechous Carlson-1965; and Srb Vampola, Nancy Etter
Ron Garofolo-l967. SHS is so Sweetwood and Howard
Brother Frank Dragoun-1939, proud of all its Buffett winners Sorensen. I know SHS Alumni
and thanks you for your many will agree that SHS has had
from sister Bess Dragoun-1934. hours of hard work in attaining _many "Packer Greats," and
this honor. please know that we are proud of
Wife Joan Andersen Carstens- all of you for representing SHS.
It was nice to see so many You were the best that you could
1947, who died April 19, 2001, South High Alumni attending be and you believed in your-
the picnic this last summer. selves. We had such fine ath-
from husband Bob Carstens. Some of the graduates in atten- letes like the Newville brothers,
dance were Dorothy and Friz Ron Anglim, Don Jaksich, Jim
Mother Ida Shilen Hoefer-1931 Hynek, Jeanne Strasser Ve- Kubovy, Mike Sheehan, Jack
neck-1942 and her husband Monzingo, Mike Fries, Nick
from daughter Kathleen Kelley. Robert-1942; Joan Baughman Costanzo, John DiBaise, Sam
Buras-1947; Louis Driml and DiBaise, Bill Gorgen, Rudy Te-
Jerry Duponcheel-1946 from his wife Vicky Vesty Driml- sar, Don Alexander, Jack Kis-
both 1937; Ruth Hakenholz coan, Richard Fleming and the
Charles Deras-1948. Petersen-1940 and her daughter lists goes on and on. It takes a
Mary Petersen-1957; Mary certain individual to work so
Memorials were received III Cecilia Bandola-1935; Marie very hard for what you believe
memory of: Honeycutt-1955; Joyce Conk- in and to be part of a team, re-
• Donald Emmet Christie died lin-1958; Dolly Guy-1960; Vic gardless if you win or lose.
and Beverly Forman Riha, Thank you to all the SHS Ath-
1960. Julie Riha Diehm; Candy letes for being a part of our lives
• Muriel Ethel Christie died Fahey and Dean Rezac-1963; at SHS and for making us so
Scott and Sandie Knudsen, very proud of our school.
2001. Judi Clark Limas-1961 and
Memorials were also received in Paul Limas-1960, Emil Special thank you to Ronda
honor of: Mudra-1960, John and Brandel Bernady-1976 for do- .
• Vincent Eugene Christie of Loretta Gomez-1942. The day nating several commencement
was a lot of fun. programs for the years 1937-38-
Casper, WY. 42-43 and 1962 to the SHS
• Janice Elizabeth Christie The Packer Sport's Great An- Alumni Archives. It was kind
nual Dinner was a great success
Kynett of Mesa, AZ. held in September. Some of the (BIIII/pil/g Elbows II COl/til/lied 01/ Page 13)
• Warren Frank Christie of

Omaha, NE.
• Harold "Dow" Christie of

Reseda, CA.
• All the Christie family and

all who graduated from SHS
and prospered above and be-
yond expectations.

Memorials were received from
the following people in honor of
Mary Riha:
Betty Ann Pierce; Chester and
Doris Holland; Joann Hrabik;
Kae Pavlik; Dean Winther and
Evelyn Woodard Winther-
1972; Paul Kracher-1961 and
Sharon Kracher; Riha Family
Farms.

(Bllmping ElbolVs II Conlinlled Page J3) except for some arthritis. My hus- Omaha Packers." Thank you!

band, Dick Cowdery died in 1996. 1935-Florence Thomas Walsh
of Omaha was May Queen,
and thoughtful of you, Ronda to We were married 62 years. I still 1935.

remember the Alumni. live in the home we built over 40 1938-Betty
Fitch Liv-
. We have some happy news of years ago. It sounds like SHS is ers of
classmates no longer on the lost still the great school it was 70 ,,~ Oceanside,
list: Ann Root-1981; Janice years ago. Incidentally, my sister, CA and her
Szalewski Dernier-1958; Robert Lucille (Jones) Huntzinger- . husband,
Bialy-1951, Helen Oliver Richt- 1922, is still living in Portland, '.~ Lawrence
1955 and Dolores Bialy Oregon. She is 97 and although
Svoboda-1959. crippled up a bit, her mind is celebrated
sharp as a tack. Keep up the good their 60th wedding anniversary
on June 18, 2001. They live in
Congratulations to the following work!" Thanks, Esther! Ocean Hills Country Club. Con-
gratulations!
SHS Hall of Fame alumni, who 1931-Betty Hannigan Stack-
were inducted in October 2001 at a house of Omaha, wrote: "Dear 1940-Frances Borowiak
banquet held at Anthony's Restau- Dr. Gulizia, It is always good to
rant: James Melsa, Jim Hartung,
hear about South High... even af-
Gladis Coleman Ross, Morton ter 70 years since graduation in Cheich of Mayfield Heights, OH
Stelling and Robert Campos. Dec. 1931. Because of our ages, writes that she seldom sees any-

Also Jerry Porterfield and US Harry and I have not attended any thing in the Tooter about other
Bank were inducted into the SHS recent alumni activities. Also, be- 1940 graduates. Where are you?

Community Hall of Fame at the cause we live in the Ponca Hills
banquet. Thank you for being
who you are, and once again for ' area, it is a long drive to South 1940-Bill Erftmier of Colorado
being so much a part of our lives. Omaha these days. You have
been doing a most commendable Springs, CO sent this photo of

his childhood home at 6620 Sun-

I will close for now. job in serving as Executive Direc- shine Drive, which is across the

Susie South tor of the Alumni Association. street from the Alumni Associa-
The Tooter brings me news of
tion Office. He wrote of how

C ! :l u m N o tv people with whom I attended SHS few
and about others I have known
~~· houses
1928-Ray Kopke of Phoenix, AZ over the years. 'May you continue the r e
wrote how much he appreciates in this valuable role for many
~ were in

the work that goes into each more years. Thank you." the

Alumni Tooter as he was Editor 1935-"Dow" Harold Christie of area at

of an Omaha Transportation Club .Reseda, CA wrote in a letter ad- t hat

Bulletin 1945-48. Although al- dressed to John Krayneski, time. Thanks for the informa-

most 90, he gets around with a President: "Dear Sir: Thank you tion, Bill. We will keep it in our

walker and has weekly lunch vis- for giving me the opportunity to archives.

its with his two sisters, Sophie support your fine organization. If 1943-Richard Horak of Sandy,
UT is a retired Air Force Lt. Col.
Kopke Shopen-1926 and Elsie I win, please give the prize to the He is the recipient of the Gover-
nor's Award in the Arts of Utah.
Kopke Stanek-1928. Thanks for Alumni Association. In honor of

the kind words, Ray. my friend, former Principal, Ralph

1931-Esther Jones Cowdery of M. Marrs, a gentleman with a fine 1945-Bess Tesnohlider Smith
Los Alamitos, CA wrote: "I enjoy intellect, wedded to an excellent of Bellevue, NE. Bess has been
your newsletters very .much al- character, I give this check in the a free-lance proofreader for court
though I guess there aren't many amount of $100.00 as a salute to reporters for more than 30 years.
of the class of 31 left. I am one of SHS for a job well done.over the
the lucky ones. My health is good years of educating all of the South Thanksforajob well done, Bess!

(AlllmNoles COlllilllled 011 Page 14)

(A lulIINotes Continued Page 14) wrote: "I really enjoy receiv- number of Alumni you have
ing the Tooter. 1 have never as members in the Alumni
1946-Howard Sowl and been able to attend a class re- organization. Congratula-
Dorothy Wild Sowl, 1946 cele- union for one reason or an- tions also on the establish-
brated their 50th wedding anni- other. It's nice to hear what is ment of an archive depicting
versary on March 30th at a fam- going on and also from the the historical aspects and cul-
ily gathering at the Venice Inn. alums. Keep up the good tures of South Omaha. It is
They originally met at Cross- work." Thank you! with such dignity that you
town Roller Rink and again six are recognizing those who
months later at Ak-Sar-Ben ice- 1955-Richard Fleming of worked to establish the meat-
skating rink. Howard retired Omaha wrote: "Please find at- packing and other related
from US West after 35 years of tached my check of $100.00 businesses; thereby, creating
service: Howard is President of for a single life membership in an economy that benefited
the Board and does volunteer the Association. 1 graduated not only the South Omaha
work at the Bohemian Ceme- from SHS in 1955 and have a area, but the' entire city and
tery. lot of good memories of the state. The people of South
school, my teachers, and my Omaha have long practiced a
1951-Dorothy Orchard classmates. While 1 wasn't strong work ethic in order to
Kittleman of Tucson, AZ much of an athlete, sitting on provide for their families and
wrote: "My 50th reunion this the bench most of the time for to establish a community.
last August was wonderful! My the basketball team and being a Their varied backgrounds
husband and 1 both attended. slow quarter miler and hurdler and cultures made it a
Don Begley and his committee on the track team, 1 have found "melting pot," as SHS was
did a bang-up job in planning it. that lessons learned in those often referred to, and made it
1 was particularly impressed extra-curricular activities were a very interesting place to
with the tour of SHS. What a also important in my life. 1 live. As seniors, several of
change from when 1 was there. have retired after 30 years with us were asked to create a dis-
It is a grand facility for learning the United States Postal Ser- play in the main hall show-
for students in this technology- vice. 1 have been married for case depicting the various na-
oriented 21 st century." 44 years and have four children tionalities that were repre-
and seven grandchildren. Digi- sented at SHS. 1 remember
1951-Pat Janda Quinn tal photography of just about counting over 30 and arrang-
Hauptman of Bellevue, NE. any subject and posting the im- ing books and flags of coun-
Pat receives an Alumni Asso- ages on the internet has be- tries to show this informa-
ciation "Tip of the Hat" for come an enjoyable family tion. Many years later, while
yolunteer service above and be- hobby during retirement. 1 in- attending an educational con-
yond the call. Pat has dedicated vite you all to take a look at ference in New York City, I
many hours stuffing and label- our images at www.dickielee. visited the United Nations
ing envelopes, labeling and com. 1 also' would love to get and saw a similar display
sorting Alumni Tooters, and e-mail from any classmates showing the countries work-
hand addressing thank you let- that might remember me at: ing with a UNICEF project.
ters, and for being an overall [email protected]. " As a student at SHS, 1 didn't
support for Sue at the office. realize that we were our own
Thanks very much, Pat, for 1955-Phyllis Troudt "little United Nations" and 1
everything! Sandstedt of Greeley, CO am forever grateful for hav-
wrote: "To Dick Gulizia and ing the opportunity to grow
1953-Patricia Larsen Nege- the Officers of the SHS and learn in such an atmos-
man of Pelican Rapids, MN Alumni Association: Con-
gratulations on the successful (Alu1I1Notes Continued on page 15)

(AllIlIINoles COlllilllled Page 15) The Hope Center. She is in That's the kind of person she is.
charge of the Wednesday night My family and I love and honor
phere. Congratulations on your kitchen crew, helping feed about Mrs. Sokolsky as teacher, men-
·continued efforts to increase the 100 kids a day. She also started tor and friend. God bless her in
number of scholarships available a greeting card club to teach the a well-deserved retire-
to the students who are graduat- kids to use poetry and write ment." (Excerpt from the OW-H.)
ing. A suggestion for even more notes of encouragement to
·moneys, would be to ask, via friends and loved ones. They 1967-Paul Jaksich of Spring-
"The Tooter" for a .small dona- said that "God sent Billie to field, NE would like to announce
.tion from . each member. Just Hope, and her love and home- that his wife, Rejean Bogatz
one dollar or five dollars from cooked meals bless the kids." Jaksich is a candidate for Sarpy
everyone would make such a dif- Congratulations, Billie and keep County Clerk of District Court.
ference in the lives of 'our' stu- up the good work! Her parents are Louis Bogatz
dents. Enclosed, please find my_ Sr.-1940, who died in December
scholarship contribution plus 1965-Janet Marie McArdle 1990, and Virginia Erca Bogatz
$20.00 for my subscription to Stough of Fayette, AL has writ- Pecha-1940. Rejean brings 11
the newsletter." Thank you! ten a book, a spiritual, non- years of experience from the
fiction short story, to be released District Court and Juvenile
1960-Ginny Nelson .and Joe in December 2001. To con- Court Offices in Sarpy County.
Herek-1959 of Omaha, NE cele- gratulate her or get more info on She is excited to serve as a Pub-
brated their 40th wedding anni- the book, write to her at: 1845 lic Official, promising to protect
versary in August 2001. They tax dollars while bringing in new
have four children: Raymond, Gordo Road S. w., Fayette, AL vitality and leadership, uphold-
Stephanie, Scott and Jill. Con- ing honesty and fairness and re-
gratulations, Ginny and Joe! 35555. Congratulations, Janet! building team spirit in the office.
The SHS Alumni Association Rejean, we wish you luck in your
·wishes you many more happy 1967-Carol Burney Clark of bid for the office of District
wedding anniversaries. Eau Claire, WI wrote the follow- Court Clerk in Sarpy County.
ing note to the Omaha World-
1961-Paul Kracher of Council Herald Public Pulse: "On June 1974-Angie Shuput Pryich of
Bluffs, IA. Paul has been with 1, 2001, Joanne Placek Sokolsky Rock Springs, WY wrote that
the Omaha World-Herald for 37 will retire after 44 years of she "will always feel connected
years. Paul spent three weeks in teaching Spanish at Omaha to SHS and South Omaha no
Germany learning about the new South High School. I remember matter how much it changes!
press. Editors Note: Needless to in junior high hoping she would Thank you for all your efforts
say we all heard a great deal be my teacher because my for the Alumni." Thanks!
about that three-week visit! cousin, six years older than I,
raved about her so much. Mrs. 1977-Sharon Shanahan Parker
1961-Billie Jo Beyette w~s fea- Sokolsky is the reason I took of Camarillo, CA is Sales Direc-
tured in the Fall Edition of The Spanish instead of French. She tor of the Western Region of the
Hope Messenger because of her more than lived up to her reputa- Burton Group.
work with the at-risk children at tion. Thirty years, seven states
and three continents later, I was 1977-Anne Start Walker of
Billie Jo Beyette and two of her City of back at SHS for an open house. Golden, CO is Associate General
Hope kids And there she was, now my Counsel, Office of Legal Ser-
son's teacher! Still vibrant, still vices at the Colorado School of
enthusiastic over connecting Mines.
with her students. And she re-
membered me, after all those 1978-Dave Remington of New
years and hundreds of students. York City, New York watched
But really, I wasn't surprised.
(AllIlIINoles COlllilllled all Page 16)

(A/uII/Notes Continued Page 16) for reunions or just to hang out!" planned for July 19 and 20,
2002. Contact Bev Moravec
in . horror from his mother's 1989-Heather Matol Nohr of Krayneski at 734-6617 or Bob
home in Plattsmouth, NE as the Okinawa, Japan. Heather gradu- Murphy at 558-1694.
World Trade Center tower where ated from the University of Ne- .
he normally works collapsed. braska College of Nursing · and 1967 - No reunion is being
"It's mind-numbing, this whole was commissioned in the U.S. planned for 2002. However,
thing," said Remington, a former Navy. She is currently a lieuten- they would like to have a big
Husker football star who played ant. She loves her job as a labor bash in 2007 for their 40th year.
center. "The loss of life in this is and delivery nurse. She is mar- Volunteers are needed. Coritact
just unbelievable." Remington ried and has four children. She Frank K1usmire at 393-1277 or
is president of the Boomer Esi- is . hoping to visit Omaha soon Colleen Haley at 330-7757.
ason Foundation, which raises and wants to check out all the
money for research and treat- changes at SHS. She thanked 1972 - A 30-year reunion is
ment of cystic fibrosis. The the Alumni for the great newslet- planned for July 20, 2002 at
Foundation's offices were on the ters and asked us to keep them Sokol Hall South Omaha. Con-
101 sl floor of the first tower hit coming. Thanks, Heather! tact Robin K1usmire at 738-
by an airplane Tuesday and the 1510 or Jonnathan Coleman at
second tower to collapse. Rem- 1997-Patrice Brown of Arling- 397-7733 .
ington was scheduled to speak ton, TX graduated from SMU in
Thursday 9-13 at a banquet for Dallas this summer and is cur- 1977 - A 25-year reunion is
his alma mater, Omaha SHS. rently teaching at Vallena High planned for July 27, 2002 at the
Earlier Thursday, the city was School in Dallas. Disabled Veterans Hall . Contact
planning to rename L Street Debby Moody Contreras at
from 24th Street to 20th Street in REUNIONS 2002 339-7428.
his honor. The ceremony to re-
name the street has been post- The following individuals have 1982 - No information at time of
poned. Remington said all three contacted us regarding reunions print.
of his co-workers at the Founda- for 2002. If you are a member
tion were accounted for. of one of these classes and have 1987 - No information at time of
not yet heard from the reunion print.
(Excerpt from the OW-H.) committee, please contact them
at area code 402 as listed below: 1992 - A 10-year reunion is be-
1988-Ma ria Eliza beth ing planned. Contact Mike
Walinski of Omaha is a gradu- 1947 - A 55-year reunion is McIntosh at 614-4341, Amy
ate Assistant at the Resource planned for September 21, 2002 Rezac at 490-6889 or Debbie
Center for Issues in Special Edu- at Oak Hills Country Club. Con- Kirby at 734-3205.
cation at Drake University in tact Jean .Harder Volcek at
Des Moines, Iowa. She is work- 235-2839 or Joy Walton Waite The 1963 class is looking for
ing on a master's degree in at 731-6195. volunteers to help with a 40-year
teaching and hoping to return to class reunion in 2003. If inter-
SHS as a teacher. Update: 1952 - A 50,.year reunion is ested in helping, please contact
Maria is student teaching at SHS planned for August 23 and 24, Andrea (Candy) Fahey Rezac
this semester. 2002. Contact Jerry Korisko at at 733-6788.
291-8463 or Delores (Dee)
1989-Tara Miller Donohue of Himmelsen Holubar at 733- 50-YEAR REUNION
Omaha and husband, Mike are 3795 . CLASS OF 1951
currently owners of Donohue's
Pub at 32nd and "L" Street. 1957 - A 45-year reunion is The Class of 1951 had a grand
Come enjoy the "South Omaha planned for June 28 and 29, two-day celebration of our 50-
bar with a downtown feel." Tara 2002. Contact Rich Benak at year Reunion on August 10 and
and Mike "invite all SHS alums 731-2745. 11, 2001 with classmates coming

1962 - A 40-year reunion IS (Reunions Continued all page 17)

(Rellnions Continlled Page 17) the committee. Special Ac- lovic, Ron Cardella, Lucille (Wolfe)
knowledgment was made of Vet- Gregg, Pat (Janda) Hauptman, Marlene
from near and far to see long- erans and Special Service Per- (Bailey) Jamrog, Shirley (Mudra) and
time friends and get reaquainted. sonnel and the story of our South Max Johnson, Donna (Untiedt) Kram-
Omaha Hero Babe Gomez was beck, Donna (Kralik) McDonnell, Con-
The kick off on Friday night was told. nie (Lowrey) McDonell, Dorothy
a social gathering at Joe Ba- (Earnest) Pesek, Ray Sena and John
nanas, a well known fun spot A special 50th Stacey.
near Omaha's famous Old Mar- Reunion Book
ket with over 160 people in at- was given to 45-YEAR REUNION
tendance. Saturday morning everyone along CLASS OF 1956
found us once again gathering at with a Gold
our old stomping grounds to see Souvenir dol- The 1956 class reunion was held
what has happened to our SHS. lar. The 55- on September 21 , 2001 at Park
Coffee, iced tea, lemonade, and page book Inn Regency Lodge. There were
cookies to get the 140 classmates listed all class- 136 attendees including left to
started was followed by a brief- mates who were located and the right Bob Fitzsimmons, Nick
ing in the fancy new auditorium highlights of their lives since Chiburis and Ray Wilson (front
by Mr. Jim Eisenhardt and graduation. (There is a limited row), and Leonard Savage, Joe
Mrs. Joyce Michnick. They supply still available for $10 Alyga, Pete Sorich, Don
were well equipped to answer all each by contacting Don Begley- Marquez and Charles Hem-
our questions on changes that 3530 So. 102 St. Omaha, NE. bertt (back row).
have been made over the last 50 68124 or E-Mail to don-
years, and then on to the school [email protected].) The evening Sandra Swisher Nieto and
tour. I am sure many freshman ended with door prizes and danc- Carmen Sena Schmahl greet
get lost the first days of class in ing to the music of Dan Cher- 1956 classmates at front table.
a very much enlarged and im- veny Band playing those old
proved school. Are they up to songs of days gone by, along Thank you Class of 1956 for
date? Yes they are, with com- with good old polkas. your $500 scholarship donation
puters every place we looked. to the Alumni Association!
And we were all pleased and im- A good weekend was enjoyed by
pressed with teacher Mr. Gal! all and the committee enjoyed (Continlled on page 18)
Kastrick's Project Omaha. It IS the opportunity to put your reun-
a living classroom recording the ion together. With the small
history of SHS and South amount of remaining funds the
Omaha and the student histori- committee directed that contri-
ans producing study material for butions be made to Project
children's books. Omaha, SHS Alumni Associa-
tion, Special Centennial Scholar-
On Saturday night over 200 peo- ship, and a brick at the H.~.
ple gathered at The Ge~an Smith Sports Complex - all m
American Club where we dmed the name of the Class of 1951 .
on choice Omaha steaks and fine
wine. Don Begley served as Your Reunion Committee.
Master of Ceremonies and took
us all down memory lane of the All of the committee members
days gone by in South Omaha. are shown in the picture below.
A skit written and directed by
Ray Sena (memories of four Don Begley, Beverly (Price)
years at SHS) was presented by Bidrowski, Mary Lou (Stanesic) Cav-

(Colllilllled Page /8) 40-YEAR REUNION - CLASS OF

The Class of 1961 reunion activities included a Friday night casual picnic Chairman Jackie Schultz Casper and
at Zupan's Hill Haven, a Saturday morning tour of the school, and a Sat- Mary Berry Murphy
urday night dinner/dance at Harvey's Casino. All had a great time thanks
to reunion committee chair, Jackie Schultz Casper, and committee
members Dick Gulizia, Ginny Bohaty Vomacka, Judi Clark Limas,
Vic Riha, Janet Crofford Katz, John Krayneski, Paul Kracher, Judy
Jensen Tesar, Mary Berry Murphy, Jim Leonard, John DeGeorge,
Janie Ishii Palmer, Lois Groves Ernce and Jackie Mengler Dower.
The Class of 1961 will donate a $1,000 scholarship through the Alumni

aAssociation to deserving graduate next May. If you'd like to join the

fun planning of our 45- year reunion, please contact any ofthe committee
members listed.

FALL DANCE 2001-
A good time was had by all

Thanks Ticket Sellers Left photo Scott
Knudsen, Paul and
Sharon Kracher and
Candy Fahey Rezac

Right photo Dean
Winther & Jackie
Mengler Dower

A LAUGH - OR WORDS TO LIVE BY?

God grant me the senility to forget the people I never liked, the good fortune to run into the ones that I do,
and the eyesight to tell the difference. Now that I'm 'older' (but refuse to grow up), here's what I've discov-
ered: 1. I started out with nothing, and I still have most of it. 2. My wild oats have turned into prunes and
All Bran. 3. I finally got my head together, now my body is falling apart. 4. Funny, I don't remember be-
ing absent minded.. . 5. Funny, I don't remember being absent minded... 6. If all is not lost, where is it?
7. I wish the buck stopped here, I sure could use a few... 8. It is hard to make a comeback when you
haven't been anywhere. 9. God, it's not hard to meet expenses.. . they're everywhere. 10. The only differ-
ence between a rut and a grave is the depth. 11. These days, I spend a lot of time thinking about the hereaf-
ter. .. I go somewhere to get something and then wonder what I'm there after.

SEVENTH ANNUAL

SPAGHETTI DINNER

SATURDAY MARCH 16TH, 2002

4:30 p.m. 8:00 p.m.

SOKOL HALL SOUTH OMAHA
21st and "U" Street

TICKETS $6.00 PER PERSON

Sponsored by:
SOUTH HIGH ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

$6.00 Price includes: Spaghetti & sauce, BASKETS, BOXES, and BAGS of SPECIAL ITEMS
sausage, salad, bread, dessert
and coffee or tea. will be raffled off tIuoughout the evening
TICKETS $1 each or 6 tickets for $5
SPAGHETTI SAUCE MADE & DONATED
by SONS OF ITALY Items MAY include: Let's clean, Easter, Just for him, her, or the baby,
For the cook, Outdoor fun, For the gardener, Office
SAUSAGE ALSO MADE BY on the go, A fun night at home, and many, many more.
SONS OF ITALY
CARRY OUTS AVAILABLE
beer, pop and other drinks available at the bar
TICKETS CAN BE PURCHASED:

AT THE DOOR OR CALL the ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
OFFICE AT 738- 9493 FOR MORE INFORMATION

7th ANNUAL

BOWLING SHOOTOUT

BEFORE THE SPAGHETTI DINNER

MARCH 16th, 2002

Sponsored by: LEOPARD LANES
Omaha South High Alumni Association BELLEVUE, NE

ALL PRIZE MONEY CHECK ONE:

BASED ON NUMBER OF BOWLERS $15.00 Novice Bowlers without averages or

2 SESSIONS Fun Bowlers with average --- Division Prizes

151 Session check in 1Q:30 a.m. start 11 :00 a.m. _ _ $20.00 Pro Bowlers with averages (70% of 200 for
2nd Session check in 1:30 p.m. start 2:00 p.m.
TIMES WILL BE ASSIGNED BUT IF YOU HAVE A PREFERENCE WE averages) -- Division prizes

WILL TRY TO ACCOMMODATE YOUR WISHES -- MARK BELOW SESSION PREFERENCE EARLY LATE NO PROMISESI

ALL PROCEEDS TO SOUTH HIGH SCHOLARSHIP FUND NO LANE CHANGES ONCE ASSIGNMENTS ARE MADE!!
Entry Deadline March lst, 2002 NO REFUNDS!!!
NAME ADDRESS CITY SfATE ZIP PHONE AVERAGE

COMPLETE THE ABOVE INFORMATION AND MAIL WITH CHECK TO: S.H.S.A.A. -
clo South High Alwnni Associlllion Office 6613 SWlShine Drive Omaha, NE 68107
or call the office Ill' (402) 738 - 9493 for morc informa1ion

2002 Calendar of Events

March 16, 2002 - Bowling Tournament at Leopard Lanes, Bellevue (see flyer enclosed).
March 16,2002 - Spaghetti Dinner, Sokol Hall South Omaha (see flyer enclosed).
. April 13, 2002 - Board of Directors Meeting, Room 254, SHS at 9:30 AM. All alumni welcome.
May 6, 2002 - South High School Honors Convocation, SHS Theatre, 7:00 P.M., All alumni

welcome and encouraged to attend.
. July 13,2002 - Board of Directors Meeting, Room 254, SHS, 9:30 AM. All alumni welcome.

July 27, 2002 - SHS Alumni Association Golf Tournament, Shoreline Golf Course, Carter Lake, IA. .
Details and Flyer to follow. For info contact Steve Andersen 731-6359.

October 12, 2002 - Board of Directors Meeting, Room 254, SHS, 9:30 AM. All alumni welcome.

DO YOU REMEMBER **********************
THE UNDERWOOD
SISTERS? Editorial Board

Alice Underwood Torwit- Dick Gulizia
Metcalf-1956 of Marana, AZ Sue Smith
& Margaret Underwood Judi Limas
Rathgeber-1959 of Livonia,
MI Jerry Porterfield
Jeannie Porterfield

**********************

ALUMNI TOOTER Non-Profit Org.
SOUTH illGH 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

TillS IS YOUR TOOTER

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED