George Sanford Obituary

George Douglas Sanford, age 75, of Zimmerman, Minnesota, went to live with his Savior, our Lord on August 6, 2024.  George was born on August 8, 1948 in Princeton, Minnesota to Douglas Clayton Sanford and Ruth Evelyn (George) Sanford.

He graduated from Princeton High School in 1966.  He then attended college first at St. Cloud State, and later transferred to the University of Minnesota, obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Business degree.

He was 1st Lieutenant for the United States Army.  He served from February 13, 1967 to May 31, 1970, during the Vietnam War.

George worked at many different jobs, but in 1978, went to work for Ziegler Construction, then later became part owner, and worked there for 26+ years.  Upon his initial retirement in 2003, he and his wife, Diane, started a construction/land development company and continued working together for many years.

George loved deeply and completely.  Family was everything to him.  He made sure he took care of them and had a special relationship with each of them.  George was also a true and loyal friend.  Once you were his friend, you were his to help.

George loved sports and he was very good at any sport he decided to play.  He played Baseball, Softball, Basketball, Pool/Billiards, Trap Shooting, Racquetball, and Golf, where he was a Member of the Elk River Golf Course.  George was also an avid hunter.  He enjoyed his yearly deer hunting weekends with the hunters in the family.  He enjoyed playing Texas Hold’em any chance he got.  Also, a lot of card games and chess were played over the years with his Grandchildren.

Most important of all is that George loved his Lord.  He relied heavily on his Savior to help him through his struggles with cancer until the very end.

George is survived by his wife Diane of 26 years; children, Michelle Donner, Jennifer (Rob) Bartlett, and Michael (Jackie) Sanford; step children, Heather (John) Sjoblom and Meghan (Vince Swenson) Berglove; 14 grandchildren; 7 great grandchildren; his brother, Carl (Kathy) Sanford; sister, Pam (Rick) Frauendienst; and brother-in-law, Dick Sproessig; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents, sister Caroline (Sanford) Sproessig, other relatives and special friends.

Visitation will be held Thursday, August 29, 2024, from 12:00 – 2:00 p.m., at the Elk River United Methodist Church, 1304 Main St NW, Elk River, Minnesota, with the service immediately following at 2:00 p.m.  The reception will be held from 3:30 – 7:00 p.m. at Rockwoods Event Center, 9100 Quaday Ave NE, Otsego, Minnesota.

George's wife, Diane, has posted this on the Caring Bridge website this week:

Tuesday, August 6, 2024
Today (8-6-24) at 11:38 a.m. George lost his fight with cancer. He is now with his savior, so in the end he really was the one to win. ✝️

We wouldn’t have gotten through this without all the prayers and support we have received. Our prayers may not have been answered as we hoped, and yet now he is cancer free! 

My heart is empty right now, and I know there are many Bible verses of encouragement for a time like this. Nothing sounds quite right for the loss that I am feeling, but I will continue to trust in the Lord to lead me in the coming days.

Saturday, August 10, 2024
Thank you all so much for the caring messages, prayers, support and love. I will update George’s Caring Bridge site one more time with his Obituary early next week. But for now I wanted to get out the details of his Funeral, as so many have reached out asking for details.

Funeral: August 29, 2024
Location: Elk River United Methodist Church 
1304 Main Street
Elk River, Minnesota 55330
(763)441-2750

Times: 12:00-2:00 pm - Visitation at Church
2:00 pm - Funeral Service at Church

Celebration of George’s Life will follow, 3:30-7:00pm at:Rockwoods Grill
9100 Quaday Avenue NE
Otsego, Minnesota 55330
(763)441-6322

✝️🧡

I miss George. I always valued his friendship, his gentle way, and I really enjoyed working with him on our 50 year class reunion in 2016.
R.I.P. George. You were one of the good ones!

Our Classmate George Sanford passed away on Tuesday August 6th. The funeral will be Thursday August 29th at the Elk River Methodist Church, 1304 Main Street, in Elk River. 

Visitation 12:00-2:00 PM at the Church

Service begining at 2:00 PM at the Church

A Celebration of George's Life will be held following the Service begining a 3:30 PM at Rockwoods. Rockwood's address is 9100 Quaday Ave. NE in Ostego.

I had the opportunity to renew my friendship with George when we both were on our classes 50 year reunion committee. George was the head of the committee. George was a take charge type of individual and he could get the job done, those two qualities were appreciated a great deal by the other committee members.

R.I.P. George

From wife, Diane, on Caring Bridge July 15, 2024:

"George got out of the hospital on July 2nd. July 4th saw him on a plane to Las Vegas (with his personal nurse … me) to complete his final wish on his bucket list. We arrived home again on July 9th. 

Unfortunately George is back in the hospital again. He had a hard time Friday night, in a lot of pain again and starting to be confused. Saturday morning he was worse to the point that he went by ambulance to Fairview Princeton Hospital. He has a couple of different infections going on, was dehydrated, had gained a lot of water weight again and had started sleeping all the time. Late afternoon his blood pressure started to drop. They had no rooms in ICU there and because of the level of nursing care he needed he was then transferred to Fairview St. John’s. Yesterday he spent the day in ICU, but his blood pressure has been in the acceptable range since he has been there. Late afternoon they transferred him to a regular room. 

I talked to him this morning and he said he is still tired today but the pain is gone. They continue to administer antibiotics for the infection and Lasix to remove the excess water weight again.

Not sure how long this hospital stay will be. Thank you all for continued support and prayers. 

Psalm 121

1) I lift up my eyes to the hills - where  does my help come from? 

2) My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth."

— Posted by Mike Heymer

First, George it is amazing to me what some people will do too avoid being in charge of our 60 year reunion. I am certain I will see you at future committee meetings.

Second, to Classmates, all ships at sea and ports of call, all friends and strangers, this a Test of our Class CEBS, repeat this is only a Test. Be assured that in the event of a real emergency I will not be wasting any time posting out on ClassQuest.

The email notification that should be going out to all registered Classmates when a new post is made are not going out.

If you receive a email notification of this posting please let me or Mike Heymer know. My cell is 763 226-9581 and Mike's cell is 612 868-9872. You can also let us know with a post on Tiger Tales

Thanks in advance your your help.

Al

I've been having a little trouble with our website so this is a test. If you receive it, note the post about George please, and feel free to make your own posts.

My first post didn't result in email notifications, so I'm posting again, hoping that this post will result in email notifications to all about George. See the post below this.

Send your thoughts to our great friend, George Sanford as he struggles with his health — here, and/or on Caring Bridge at https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/georgesanford
Hang in there, George!!                       -- Mike Heymer

Miss Decker, one of our first grade teachers turned 100 and, by all appearances, looks as though she'll outlive us all! She also attended our 50 year class reunion, as many of you know who were there.

I am sorry to hear of the passing of Frank. We were neighbors almost all through school. I spent lots of time at their house, his sister and I were very good friends. I'm feeling real bad I can't be there Thursday.  I'm going out of town Wednesday through Saturday.  

Sending my condolenses to the entire family. 

Kathy French

Another classmate has passed away. From the Williams Dingmann funeral home website:
Frank M. Kosloski, age 74 of Princeton, MN, passed away on September 22, 2022, at his home. A Gathering of Family and Friends will be Thursday, September 29, 2022, from 4:00-8:00 PM at Williams Dingmann Funeral Home, Princeton. A private family burial will be at a later date.

Feel free to post remembrances of Frank here. It's a great way to share among ourselves.

Hello Classmates, I am a member of Quilts of Valor which is an organization that makes quilts for the Military and Veterans that have served during wartimes. I would love to hear from any and all of you that have served and the dates of service and the branch of service that you were with. I then can request a quilt in your name and then it would be presented to you with Honors. Please feel free to contact me. We would love to present you individually or as a group which ever you prefer.
Look forward to hear from you. Carol Prescott Daudt. (763) 312-0818    c.daudt@yahoo.com

GATHERING
There has been discussion that we're overdue for a get-together. Covid threw a wrench into the plans of most everyone, and we're no exception. The thought is to have a gathering sometime next summer or fall on a date of our choosing. We are thinking we would just pick some restaurant in Princeton and classmates who show up can order off the menu and get their own drinks at the bar. It's premature to pick a venue at this time; we'll wait until we are closer to the time we'd like to gather. Last time, we met outdoors at Mark Park and, of course, that's an option, too. We have plenty of time to think about it!

OVERLOOKED
Al reports that we missed including Judy Landin in our 50-year memory book. She does appear in the 20 year reunion photo on our Flicker auxiliary photo pages. Our apologies for the oversight!

I am sorry for your loss.  He was the same age as my Mom.  She is still living in her own home just outside of Princeton.  My sister and I help her out at lunch and evenings; eating with her and playing cribbage or scrabble  with her.  I am sure you enjoyed many days with your dad.  It's wonderful to have that much time with our parents.  Karen (Thompson) Baker

Dad passed away peacefully less than 24 hours into hospice care last Friday. I was the last to see him. He had a very successful and full life. Services are this coming Sunday. Here's the obituary:

Rae James “Jim” Heymer, Jr., age 97 of Princeton, MN passed away on December 10, 2021, at Mercy Hospital, Coon Rapids, MN. A Funeral Service for Jim will be held at 2:00 PM on Sunday, December 19, 2021, at the Freshwaters United Methodist Church in Princeton with Pastor Kevin Fox officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be in Oak Knoll Cemetery at a later date. 

Jim was born August 26, 1924, to Rae James, Sr. and Wilma (Larson) Heymer in Minneapolis, MN. An only child, he grew up in Minneapolis, living near Lake Nokomis. In the years following his graduation from Roosevelt High School in 1942, he attended the University of Minnesota, majoring in electrical engineering and served in the U.S. Army during World War Two, stationed in Europe. 

Jim married Mary Anne Fisch on June 25, 1947, in Worthington, MN. The couple lived in Minneapolis for a short time prior to moving to Princeton in 1949, where they began and built their turkey farm. Over time, Red Bridge Farms Inc. was created with the addition of each new turkey barn and land purchase. In order to feed all the turkeys, a feed mill was added, in turn becoming a market for local corn growers. 

In addition to serving as president of the Minnesota Turkey Growers Association, Jim was active in civic groups such as the Boy Scouts, Masonic Lodge, and Rotary Club. As a father to four sons, family was important to him, and family gatherings were treasured. Jim and Mary Anne traveled extensively, to Europe several times, to Australia, New Zealand, the South Pacific, and the Caribbean. He was a successful and respected business person and a fair-minded individual who will be greatly missed by family, friends, and business associates. 

Jim is survived by sons, Mike (Cole) Heymer, Terry (Kay Orr) Heymer, Scott (Lennea) Heymer, Greg (Mitzi Mellott) Heymer; grandchildren, Ben, Katie, Becky, Brian, Nick and Ashley (Derek and Carly); and four great-grandchildren, Greta, Lukas, Soren, and Davin. Jim was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Anne; an infant daughter; and parents, Rae and Wilma Heymer. 

Memorials are preferred to the Freshwaters United Methodist Church in Princeton. For those unable to attend, the services will also be livestreamed at the Freshwater’s United Methodist Church Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/FreshwatersMN.           — Mike Heymer

Sorry to read about the death of our classmate Judy. I remember Judy from PHS as always having a smile on her face, albeit an "impish smile". I am happy to know that she enjoyed her life wherever she found herself. She definitely would have been "the hostest with the mostest!" Rest in peace, Judy.

OBITUARY: Born to Victor and Emma Turek on September 3,1947, as Judith Ann Turek in Norfolk, Nebraska. The family first moved to California when she was a child but then moved to Princeton, Minnesota, when Judy was a teen. Judy married Carl Nelson and had two children, Karla and Shayne, and then remarried Levi Wilcox and had twin boys, Jered and Justin (Justin tragically died during birth).

Judy was a hard working go getter. She worked her way up to manager at the Criterion in St. Paul until she started her own business, Judy’s Central Bar in NE Minneapolis. She then purchased Willow Point Resort in Forest Lake in 1983 where she enjoyed the lake life and was very successful. All of Judy’s kids have worked alongside Mom at some point in her 20 years at “Willow,” which was known for its lakeside location, fine dining and fun parties. Judy was a vibrant, gregarious, life of the party woman who always went the extra mile to make sure everyone was having a good time.

Judy retired and moved to Melbourne, Florida, where she met Phil Malecki. They enjoyed time together and partying with friends, especially at Mugg’s, until Phil passed in 2012.

Judy lived alone until her health starting declining. Her wonderful neighbors helped her, and then her children alternated taking care of her until her son Jered and daughter-in-law Amber made the selfless decision to move to Florida to care for Judy full time. The last year of Judy’s life was spent being loved on and cared for by them until the last day. She was home.

Judy was preceded in death by her parents, Victor and Emma Turek, her brother Tim Turek, her sister Priscilla Kuhn, and her son Justin Wilcox.

She is survived by her children, Karla Nelson Wolf of Clear Lake, MN; Shayne Nelson of St. Paul, MN; and Jered (Amber) Wilcox of Bradenton, FL; her Sister Lorraine (Jerry) of Colusa, CA; her grandchildren: Kaja, Steffen, Nicolaj, Christian, Joel and Skyler; and two great-grandchildren: Heimdal and Eigil.

Judy will be remembered for her fun spirit, living her life with no regrets, and being the life of the party wherever she went. She will be deeply missed.  A Celebration of Life Party will be held for her at Jack and Jim’s in Duelm, MN Friday the 15th of October at 3pm.

NOTE: All of us can post on our website. I just want you to be aware of a glitch where, when you're posting, it doesn't seem like it's being activated, or you get an error message — but what my experience is that it really is working, and it does get posted. So, just try one time, and if it doesn't appear as a posted item here on the class website, try again, but when I was trying to post this item, I ended up posting the same thing 3 times because it didn't seem like it was working. As an administrator to this website, I was able to go in and delete the other two posts so that we now have just the one. 

Apart from that, I'll say I miss Judy's spirit.  Mike Heymer

I thought we could use some humor

Carolyn Braun, age 72 of Princeton, MN, passed away peacefully on October 2, 2020, at the M Health Fairview University of Minnesota Medical Center, Minneapolis. Visitation will be held from 4:00 – 8:00 PM on Tuesday, October 6, 2020, at Williams Dingmann Funeral Home in Princeton, with a private family Celebration of Life at 10:30 AM on Wednesday, October 7, 2020. Interment will be held at Oak Knoll Cemetery in Princeton immediately after the service. 

Carolyn Louise Olene was born to Galen and Shirley (Fadden) Olene on January 25, 1948, in Princeton. She attended Princeton schools and graduated with honors in 1966. Carolyn married Jim Braun on September 3, 1966, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Princeton. After first settling in Mankato and Princeton, they moved to Greenbush Township in 1970 and have lived there since. 

Carolyn began her post-secondary education at the age of 37 at St. Cloud State University, St. Cloud. She graduated summa cum laude in 1990 with a degree in Local and Urban Affairs/Community Studies. Carolyn was a St. Cloud State University Outstanding Student Honoree for 1990-1991, the only non-traditional student to be awarded the honor, a member of Phi Kappa Phi, and the recipient of the 1990 Award for Excellence in Leadership for making significant contributions to the university. She would return to the university to teach as an associate professor in Local and Urban Planning early in her career. Carolyn then attended the Humphrey Institute at the University of Minnesota on a full-tuition scholarship. She graduated summa cum laude with a Master of Urban and Regional Planning in 1993. 

Local and Urban Planning was Carolyn’s passion, and she spent over thirty years in community land use planning as a professional and citizen planner, primarily as the Planning Director for the City of Anoka. She was the President and Vice President of the Minnesota Chapter of the American Planning Association for 14 years and in 2015 was awarded their Lifetime Achievement Award. 

A kind and gentle person with a great sense of humor, she was an inspiration to everyone who knew her. Carolyn was a seeker of knowledge and there was never a time when she was not researching something. She was a genealogist and an avid historian who loved the history of things and places. She loved taking long drives in the car with family or friends, listening to music, photographing architecture, nature, and her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was an avid writer, with two books in process she hoped to publish someday. She loved spending time with her craft group, knitting, knitting, and more knitting. She was a great friend with a big heart and a listening ear. She was respected by everyone who knew her. She will be forever missed. 

Carolyn is survived by her husband, Jim, Princeton; daughter, Lisa Braun (Brock) Dubbels, Walnut Creek, CA; sons, James, Jr. “Bill” and girlfriend, Jennifer Dahler, Milaca, Keith (Michelle) Braun, Princeton, and Barry (Jennifer) Braun, Silver Bay; daughter-in-law, Kristine VantHof, Milaca; 12 grandchildren, Jackson (Madeline) Braun, Raina Braun, Remy Braun, Ollie Braun, Liam Dubbels, Rowan Dubbels, Selena Henderson, Madison Braun, Hannah Braun, Alexandra Braun, Brandee (Jacob) Moe, and Chaz Tschida (Jennifer Martin); three great-grandchildren, Lena Whitney, Carleigh Tschida, and Jamison Moe; brothers, Kevin (Sue), Rick (Theresa), and Ron Olene; sister, Valerie; sisters-in-law, Darlene Bohlken, Dorothy (Don) Westphal, and Margaret Braun; brother-in-law, Ronald Braun; and her beloved dog, Millie. She also served as a mother figure to many who needed one in various stages of life. 

She was preceded in death by her daughters, Renee and Jodi.

You will be missed.

I am grateful for all of Carolyn's work on the 50th!  I love the picture of Carolyn with Angel 👼 wings!  Now she has the real thing!  Thanks for keeping  us all informed  along her journey!  God bless Carolyn's family! 💕Clarice "Corky"

I came across a photo that sums up Carolyn's spirit. After raising 5 kids, she attended college in her forties. Who does that??

She was game for anything and willing to help anyone. An indefatiguable spirit willing to take on "just one more" task (one after another!), she was a part of many of our lives.

May she ride wild into her new home! 

On October 2,the Class of '66 lost a very classy and inspirational lady. Carolyn Olene Braun was that lady. From practicing her angelic skills at a young age as in the previously posted picture to now having been awarded her official wings for a life well lived , Carolyn has touched many lives in a positive way. Rest in peace , dear classmate.

I'm still having trouble with Classquest deleting posts we've made. I'm working with them to determine the problem. Some posts display; some don't. Some display, and then later they disappear. Classquest says that "can't happen" yet it is has been happening for a couple of weeks now. I hope to resolve this soon so we can reliably communicate here on our website.

In the meantime, I would encourage you to continue to attempt to post. In doing so, it will help isolate the problem, I think. If it's something more than a line or two, you may want to copy it to some other part of your computer for safekeeping in case Classquest deletes your post, in which case it can be attempted again soon after in hopes that the problem will be fixed so we won't have to make extraordinary efforts just to be heard on our own website. And, I have made a copy of this post and saved it in case it, too, is deleted and I have to repost it later. 

Problems of this sort couldn't come at a worse time, since we're trying to deal with Carolyn's passing. My big concern is to get the word out that Carolyn's visitation is in Princeton tomorrow, Tuesday, 10/6 from 4-8pm. See the post below from her children. An obituary has not as yet been posted anywhere. 

Hello All, Arrangements for Carolyn are as follows:

Visitation: Tuesday 10/6 (4 pm to 8 pm) at Williams Dingmann Funeral Home in Princeton.  Address is 205 South Rum River Drive.

Funeral for the family: Wednesday 10/7 (10:30 am) at Bethany Lutheran Church in Princeton. 

Burial will be at Oak Knoll Cemetary in Princeton immediately after the service. (Est. 12:00 pm).

Thank you to everyone for all your kind comments and memories of Carolyn. It has been very appreciated.

Jim, Bill, Lisa, Keith, and Barry

Glad to hear things are improving. Prayers are still coming for a complete recovery.

Glad to hear that you are feeling better.  Get well soon.

From son, Bill: "Update! Several days ago, mom's lungs filled with blood and she could not breathe on her own. At that point they had to insert a breathing tube, suction tube, and feeding tube. They made her "comfortable" so she would rest while they tried to get her lungs drained and stopped the bleeding. So, she took a nap for a few days until the goal was achieved and today they removed the suction and breathing tube. She awoke and said "I'm not dead yet!' which shows that she is still fighting. They do have her on Oxygen like she has been for quite awhile to assist with her breathing. Her ultimate goal is still to get back home. Keep your fingers crossed!"

Mike Heymer 

Sorry to hear you are not feeling well. Prayer for a quick and complete recovery. 🙏🙏

I am so sorry to hear about your health issues.  Stay strong and we will be looking forward to the good news that you are home and well. 😍

This morning we all received notification that there are new posts on this Tiger Tales page by several of our classmates, including Karen and Clarice -- but they are still "not there." The notification doesn't mention Ron's "also not there" post; I have no idea why.

So, just to be clear, the Classquest server dropped the ball on posts from 3 of our classmates yesterday (Karen, Clarice, and Ron) and I don't know why, but they are still "not there" despite the email notification that you received that they are there. As I mentioned previously, everyt seems to be working just fine again, as witnessed by the several subsequent posts, including Vangie's just a moment ago. Carry on!

You are in my prayers.

Vangie (Obedoza) Cooper

I saw a post on Facebook a moment ago from Carolyn's son. Because it's Facebook, I can't find it again to get the exact words he used, but I believe what he said is that Carolyn is in her second week at the U. of M. hospital and not doing well. She's not able to respond to messages sent to her, apparently. 

The other thing I have to report is that our class website has been having some issues — and I hope they get fixed soon! My original post about Carolyn (below) was delayed by almost a week due to the system being overloaded with a high volume of traffic (not ours, Classquest just needs to improve the capacity of their servers). I filed a problem report and they responded that they were really busy.

Well, right now, I have encountered another problem. As administrator of the website, I have to authenticate that the messages that appear on our class website are, in fact, genuinely from individuals in our class. That's why we have the intermediate step of having each post authenticated by someone in the class so that just anyone off the street can't post on our website.

There were three posts made today that I authenticated. They were from Ron Whitcomb, Karen (Thompson) Baker, and Clarice (there's only one Clarice!) and I routinely authenticated them. Now, where each of you typed in your "get well" messages to Carolyn, there are "empty" boxes on the website's administration page. What you typed in is gone, and the "Yes" button that I clicked on has reverted to "No" for the authentication designation itself. So, I don't know what's going on with the site but, as I type this, Nancy's message DID get through routinely just now right after I authenticated it. Something happened for a few hours and now it seems to be OK.

So, the system seems to be working again, and there's no telling what caused the problem. I can open another "problem ticket" with the website managers but that doesn't actually help recover the sentiments of the three classmates trying to express concern for Carolyn. My advice, since it seems to be working again, might be to simply try to post again, if you'd like. Otherwise, Carolyn, please know that Ron, Karen, and Clarice sent their best and want you to recover soon.

Mike Heymer

Sending you wishes for a speedy recovery.   Nancy 

hope all is going well

Hang in there girl, get well soon!

Sending positive thoughts and prayers for a speedy recovery.

Dear Carolyn, I just wanted to add my best wishes for a healthy return home soon. Stay strong girl.

Your monumental character and strength as well as the love of your many family members and friends will see you through. Get well soon.

Martha

You are where you are supposed to be...get Well!  

Karen Baker

I spoke to classmate Carolyn by phone today. She's currently hospitalized (about 10 days now) with a number of issues, but in good spirits. She has posted on Facebook a couple of times, so I'll just relay what she posted there for those who haven't heard.

First from Fairview Hospital in Princeton: "Hello Family & Friends, I'm currently on another vacation at Fairview in Princeton with numerous health issues! Not really where i want to be, but necessary to get back to health and return home! I'll keep you posted as to my progress!"

A later post is from where she is currently, at the U. of M. hospital, St. Paul, saying that they are looking at "heart, lung, kidney, and more. A lot to do."

Get well, Carolyn!!

— Mike Heymer

Happy Easter all, stay safe and healthy!

Happy Easter Everyone and have a Blessed Day.

This is the beginning of a new normal.  We will get through this. 

Interested in Princeton history? This site is dedicated to memories of Princeton - past and present. It has a photo album for the Class of '66. You would relate to many of the posts - and it's a fun way to pass time during the Cov-19 sheltering in place. (I am one of the moderators.) There are over 2000 members who have joined within the past few weeks. And - I've connected with folks that I had lost track of. Just ask to join. Very easy. Just JOIN the site (at the top of the page, just under the header pictures). In the meantime, Happy Easter!

Click here, or go to https://www.facebook.com/groups/Princeton.Memories/

When you get to the page, click the blue box that says "Join Group" — Mike Heymer

Very well said Martha. It is a difficult time for all us, but we will make it through this.  Stay safe everyone and Happy . God Bless!!

As I write this it is Good Friday the saddest day in the life of the Christian Church. In less than two days it will be Easter Sunday the happiest time in the life of the Christian Church. I mention this because this year as we are all aware our view of the world is rather dim and we are in survival mode wondering how this pandemic will end and perhaps if this will ever end. It is in times like this that we need to remind ourselves to look around for the good and beautiful things and to above all look up. We will survive this pandemic and have another chance to make things better. Happy Easter and may you all be blessed !

Martha

SUMMER PIGNIK

A few of our classmates were saying we should have another summer picnic. Would anyone else like to do that this summer? Perhaps at the Mark Park picnic area again, but we're open to suggestions.

55 YEAR CLASS REUNION

Not a big deal like our 50 year reunion, but something more than a picnic — sometime next year (2021). Probably dinner somewhere. Your thoughts?

FRANK'S WIFE PASSED AWAY

Another PHS graduate, Frank Kosloski's wife, Charlene (Kobbervig) Kosloski passed away February 28. Service March 9.

Pete (Jacobs) will be buried at Fort Snelling on November 22, 2019. 

His celebration of life gathering will be on November 23, 2019 at 3 pm at the Princeton VFW. 

Thanks to Tim Metcalf for donating to help in maintaining our website. 

It is much appreciated. 

I just finished reading an article about the history and importance of remembering Veterans on Veterans Day. A quote from the article states that, "Today, fewer than 0.5% of the U.S. population currently serve, and just over 7% have ever served. That means a relative handful of Americans have carried the load for the rest of us." With that said, the PHS Class of 1966 can be extremely proud of the fact that 47 of our classmates served their country. That is a whopping 38% !!! I would like to say, "Thank You for your service." I would also like to acknowledge our most recent loss, Pete Jacobs. Rest in peace, Pete.

Thanks to Tom Ossell for your support in helping to continue maintenance of our class website into the future! 

We are saddened to learn of Pete’s death. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends as they celebrate Pete’s life and mourn his loss. Thank you for posting the information submitted by the local VFW.

I am sorry to hear of Pete's death also

Sorry to hear of Pete's passing. 

This information was posted on the Facebook Page for V. F. W. Post 806 in Princeton. 

With sadness the Post has just confirmed that a long time friend and charter member has passed, Pete Jacobs 10/28/2019. He will be missed by many and his brothers and sisters in arms at VFW Post 806. I saw him a couple of weeks ago at the VA, he was in good spirits and enjoyed all the cards I brought from the Post. I will post his arrangement as soon as I know. Our thoughts are with his daughter Jessica and grandson Logan. RIP Soldier, thank you for your service to this great nation and your continued service to your VFW Post 806, Princeton, MN.
Respectfully,
David Good
Commander VFW Post 806

Several of our classmates have stepped up to contribute to the maintenance of our class website. Thanks go to Jean (Bartz) Jackson, Duane Gates, Ken Anderson, and Evangeline (Obedoza) Cooper. You rock!!!

Anytime anyone needs to part with all those coins that fall between the cushions while watching Wheel Of Fortune, just click the Donations button at left and put it to good use! We'll keep the website going as long as .... well, as long as WE'RE going!!

Memorial Services will be at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, February 12, 2019, at the Williams Dingmann Funeral Home in Princeton, MN, for Steven C. Robideau, age 70, who passed away on February 5, 2019, at the Fairview Northland Hospital in Princeton. Visitation will be from 5:00 - 8:00 PM on Monday, February 11, 2019, at the funeral home and one hour prior to services on Tuesday. Burial will be on Friday, June 21 at 11:00 AM in Oak Knoll Cemetery, Princeton.  

Steven C. Robideau was born June 21, 1948, in Princeton, MN, to Daniel and Gladys Robideau. He served in the Air Force from 1967-1973 as a jet engine mechanic for six years. Steve met Janet Autey in 1971, and they were united in marriage in 1973 by a Justice of the Peace. They lived in Minneapolis, and had two children, Raymond in 1974 and Roger in 1975. Steve and Janet were married for seven years. In 1980, Steve met Donna Sjoquist at the VFW. They lived in Princeton, and had two children, Catricia in 1984 and Cory in 1986. He and Donna were together for 13 years.

Steve worked at Honeywell in Golden Valley and New Brighton as a lead supervisor making ammunition for over 30 years. He retired from there at the age of 55. Steve enjoyed working on small engines and cars. He also enjoyed deer, squirrel, and rabbit hunting and fishing. Steve would save the squirrel tails and put them on the long car antennas back in the day. He enjoyed planting a big vegetable garden in his back yard each year. Steve loved his cats, Spinsky, Oscar, and Sneakers and spoiled them so much. 

Steven is survived by his children, Raymond Robideau of Stillwater, Roger (Sherry) Robideau of New Castle, IN, Catricia (Dave) Sturges of Princeton, and Cory Robideau of Minnetonka; grandchildren, Corey, David, Brendon, Cheyenne, Chase, Dawson, and Desirae; and many relatives and friends, especially close friend, Clarence Reiman. 

On a recent vacation in St Pete, got to see Suzanne Priebe Onstine and Steve Weidawich. mssp?

I hope everyone is surviving winter. I'm sure some are warmer than others. 

Shown are thank you's I received from the local VFW and American Legion for donations made by our class as a result of our Independence Day Steve Nelson memorial drive.

Dr. Norman Metcalf, father of classmate Tim Metcalf, passed away peacefully on Monday, December 17, 2018, in Edina, MN. He was 95 years old, and was the family physician for many — if not most — of us growing up in Princeton. Memorial Services will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday, January 5, 2019, at Freshwaters United Methodist Church, Princeton, MN. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Pastor Kevin Fox will officiate. A luncheon will follow the service. Norman would have appreciated gifts to Doctors Without Borders or World Vision in lieu of flowers. A full obituary will follow.

Well, gang, today's the day! It was fifty years ago today we joined the real world! We graduated from PHS on May 31, 1966. Interestingly enough, it was also a Tuesday. At "Reunion Central" we're marking the occasion with a twist on one of The Beatles all time great songs.

Click on "Welcome" in the menu at upper left, turn up the volume, and follow along with a few new lyrics. I hope we'll see you all in September -- and that you won't miss the "See You In September" song playing on our Welcome page for a while!

Traveling the furthest to attend the picnic was well worth it. Seventeen hearty classmates and a few dedicated spouses enjoyed a beautiful day and lots of conversation. Those not in the group picture were Bob Dahle, Jennie Jensen, Carolyn Olene, Mary Beth Peterson, Carol Prescott, and John Taylor. I sure learned a lot about all the fun I missed in high school by listening to Pete Thronson.

Thanks, Judy Olson, for your comment in your email today pointing out that I hadn't posted anything about our recent class summer picnic. And reminding me, too, that — for many of us — the only way of knowing what's going on with the class is through our website. 

The summer picnic enjoyed fantastic weather, and there were perhaps 20 or so of us who turned out for the event. This group photo was taken after some classmates had already left, so shame on us for being a bit slow on the draw getting a group picture done earlier in the afternoon. It was a great opportunity to visit without the time constraints of a formal event. The really big prize for having traveled the furthest for the event went to Martha (once again, no cash value).

After, comments ranged from "we should do this again in the winter" to "we could probably just do this every two years" so my money is on an annual event, right here at Mark Park, sometime in the summer.    — Mike Heymer

A good time was had by all, swapping stories and revealing long-ago secrets (the ones we remember anyway — and don't matter any more!). 

And here's the faithful few who carried the torch for our class this day. What a well dressed bunch!

 The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Moving Wall, one of three touring the country, made its appearance at the Princeton Fairgrounds July 4-6, during the course of our Class of '66 summer picnic. It was well attended and a reminder of the cost of war, and to a class member of ours: Steve Nelson.

If you've been looking for that perfect place to wear your official PHS Class of '66 commemorative T-shirt, look no further than our class picnic coming up this Friday! Sure, for a moment, ladies, you were thinking of blowing away your classmates with that little Givenchy outfit you picked up in Paris this spring. And, guys, yeah, I know. You were gonna go all Tom Ford or Ralph Lauren for our little event, but think about it, folks. What could be more coveted than the limited edition PHS '66 souvenir T-shirt? Right? And when would it be more appropriate than at a July picnic?

No longer for sale, and inching higher in value by the day on all the collectables market exchanges, this July afternoon affords us the perfect opportunity for — shall we say it now? — YES! A GROUP PICTURE OF ALL THE COOL KIDS WEARING THEIR OFFICIAL CLASS T-SHIRT THAT DAY! You know it has to happen some day and — well — if not now, when???

So, be like George. Be there or be square, Friday July 6 at Mark Park in Princeton — and if you've got 'em, wear 'em. The rest of the cool kids will be! (And if you still have your name tag from our 50 year class reunion, bring it!)

For more details on the picnic and the traveling Vietnam Memorial Wall, scroll below. See you there!

It is Friday the 6th at Mark Park.  

The set up for the Vietnam Moving Wall is in process at the Mille Lacs County Fairgrounds.  It is open from noon Wednesday thru Friday at 6 p.m.  It is really being a great tribute by the City of Princeton, the American Legions of several communities as well as Princeton and VFWs also, & many Civic Organizations & Vendors.  

If you still have your name tags from our 50 year class reunion, bring 'em. For the same reason we needed them two years ago, name tags are a good idea for our upcoming picnic, this coming Saturday. As we get older, we — well — we change, don't we? Yeesh! Anyway, that's life, right? And, especially if someone didn't see us at our 50th, they'll need all the help they can get to see who we are. Anyway, bring the name tag if you have it — spouses/guests too — and that'll help everyone.

If you don't have it, don't sweat it. Maybe somebody can bring some blank stick-on tags to make your own tag once we get to the picnic. You know, the ones that say "Hello, I'm..." at the top.

For details of the picnic, see below. See you there!

In less than 2 weeks, the Princeton High School Class of 1966 will hold their annual gathering at Mark Park in beautiful, downtown Princeton, Minnesota — center of the known universe for over 150 years! We have reserved the Lions Club Veteran’s Shelter, the one you see in the photo in a posting below. As you can see from the photo, it’s always sunny at Mark Park. As you can also see, there are picnic tables and grills available, but it might be a good idea to throw lawn chairs into your vehicle, and perhaps bring a blanket to sit on. And bring a picnic lunch — we’re all on our own for food and beverages, though someone said we’ll have some charcoal on hand so you probably don’t need to bring any.

Pause today to honor those who gave everything to give us our freedom. And, check your calendar to see if you're able to attend The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Moving Wall. One of three touring the country, it will be at the Princeton Fairgrounds July 4-6, and the closing ceremony for the event is 6 pm Friday, July 6th, the day of our class picnic. So you will want to stop in at The Moving Wall sometime during the day of our picnic (or in the days before), and perhaps attend the 6 pm closing ceremony after our gathering at Mark Park. There is no charge to attend.

Your classmates also have plans of making a class donation to the VFW and/or American Legion in Steve Nelson’s name. Funds donated here are used to support veterans. As you know, Steve was killed in action in Vietnam. Contributions can be made by credit card on our class website or by sending checks snail mail. Click on “Donations” at left on this website for details.

The three day schedule for The Moving Wall includes:

Wednesday, July 4: Opening ceremony at Noon

The Wall will then remain continuously open until 6:00 pm, Friday the 6th

As you can see from my real transaction (above), I'm pleased to announce that, as of today, Classquest is once again able to accept credit card payments. What happened was the company that they had worked with for the last 15 years suddenly stopped supporting the software platform that they've used. Classquest quickly updated to their new platform, but the process all took some time. So if, like me, you've wanted to contribute to making a class donation to the VFW and/or American Legion in Steve Nelson’s name, here's an easy way to do it. Funds donated here are used to support veterans. As you know, Steve was killed in action in Vietnam. Contributions can be made by credit card on our class website or by sending checks snail mail. Click on “Donations” at left on this website for details.

One of three touring the country, The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Moving Wall will be at the Princeton Fairgrounds July 4-6, and the closing ceremony for the event is 6 pm Friday, July 6th, the day of our class picnic. So you will want to stop in at The Moving Wall sometime during the day of our picnic (or in the days before), and perhaps attend the 6 pm closing ceremony after our gathering at Mark Park. There is no charge to attend.

The three day schedule for The Moving Wall includes:

Wednesday, July 4: Opening ceremony at Noon

The Wall will then remain continuously open until 6:00 pm, Friday the 6th

— Mike Heymer

Thanks for the well wishes. It is day 2 of being home ... and I am a little bit surprised how weak I am - so, I guess I will be resting some more. They warned me that it would take a little bit to come back from this one since I have been sick for 3 months with other things - I get one thing fixed and another pops up. I'm hoping this is the end and I will be running around soon - well, maybe just walking around. 

Again, thanks!! I appreciate your thoughts!!!!! 

Jerry Peterson, age 81, of Princeton, MN, passed away unexpectedly on January 25, 2018.

Why do we have a picture of a car? Because most all of us knew Jerry best as our driver training instructor, and Al D. says that this car was the car that was used. It's all a blur to me, but I'll take his word for it. I remember having him as a social studies teacher, too. Not Al, Jerry.

Jerry was born on July 14, 1936 in Braham, MN. He graduated from Augsburg College in 1958. He taught social studies, drivers training, and physical education at Princeton High School from 1959-1990. In addition to teaching, he loved coaching football, wrestling and track.

There is a current photo of Jerry on the obit page at https://www.hometownsource.com/union_times/obituaries/jerome-jp-peterson/article_3d7b4bd6-1884-57f9-a03b-f6d25a54b545.html

As an aside, the only thing I remember about learning to drive was the behind-the-wheel exam in Cambridge. My birthday is at the end of December, and I took the test in January. Why the examiner chose to shout "Quick stop!" while I was driving on a city street with glare ice with cars on each side I will never have any idea whatsoever. What was he thinking? Fortunately, I didn't crash into a car on either side of the street, but it took me about 100 feet to stop. I guess that was the acid test. I've never forgotten it.

Aside #2: Carolyn gave me a Facetime call from her hospital bed about an hour ago. She looks to be in good spirits, but is quite concerned about the prognosis. The only apparent indication of condition is the oxygen tube. She's now hoping to be discharged tomorrow (Monday). Go Carolyn!        — Mike Heymer

Have a speedy recovery — sending prayers your way.

Sorry to hear you are not feeling well. Prayers for your speedy and full recovery.

Thinking of you and hoping you get back to your energetic self soon. After all, that huge yarn stash awaits your creativity and Jim needs his dining partner.

Please get well soon.   I heard this year's flu is nasty and double pneumonia, wow!  You really do things big!  Karen Baker

Wish Carolyn (Olene) Braun a speedy recovery as she does some time in the Princeton Fairview Hospital. With her permission, we're letting you know how she's doing and that she expects to be there at least till Sunday. She reports she has double pneumonia with heart and lung issues, and recently battled the flu. The photo is from a Facebook posting she did yesterday — the view from her bed. Get well, Carolyn!!

Join us Friday, July 6th for the PHS Class of ’66 Summer Picnic. It will be held at Mark Park in Princeton, and we have reserved the Lions Club Veteran’s Shelter, the one you see in the photo above. As you can see from the photo, it’s always sunny at Mark Park. As you can also see, there are picnic tables and grills available, but it might be a good idea to throw lawn chairs into your vehicle, and perhaps bring a blanket to sit on. And bring a picnic lunch — we’re all on our own for food and beverages. We’ll have some charcoal on hand so you probably don’t need to bring any.

The main time period set up for our gathering is Noon to 3:00 pm, but we have the shelter for the whole day, and it is expected that many of us will linger well into the afternoon or evening, finding opportunity in this setting to spend more time with our classmates than at most reunions. There is no charge to attend, and no reservations are required. Just show up! Please join us!

Your classmates also have plans of making a class donation to the VFW and/or American Legion in Steve Nelson’s name. Funds donated here are used to support veterans. As you know, Steve was killed in action in Vietnam. Contributions can be made by credit card on our class website or by sending checks snail mail. Click on “Donations” at left on this website for details.

The three day schedule for The Moving Wall includes:

Wednesday, July 4: Opening ceremony at Noon

The Wall will then remain continuously open until 6:00 pm, Friday the 6th

Thank you Carolyn. I also wish health and happiness to you and all our classmates but especially for you. I hope that our class can get together this summer for an informal picnic as Mike had proposed.

Wishing you all health and happiness for 2018!

Here's wishing us all the best, in this best time of the year!

If you're interested in getting your own copy of our 50 year class reunion Saturday Night Program — and haven't as yet — there's a little time left. In one week, the subscription to the website that offers it as a free download to you expires and there are no plans to renew it.

As you know — from the note below (and the "Reunion Video" page at left) — the video is available in two different ways. Knowing some folks will be interested in keeping their own copy of the video, this download link is available so you can watch it anytime on your computer, portable devices, or TV without future need to access the internet. And knowing some will be interested in just streaming it off the internet, the video is available for streaming on YouTube. See the Reunion Video page at left for more details. 

Only the download link will expire. The You Tube video will remain available indefinitely. The last day to download the video is October 24.

Nancy (Edson) Tomlinson had the right idea. In her Tiger Tales post regarding Arnie Dahle's tribute in Alexandria, she mentioned she was going to stop in at the Princeton Train Depot Museum to look at at our Class of '66 50 Year Class Reunion Memory Book. Not having ordered one herself, she was eager to page through it.

Alas, it was nowhere to be found. The volunteer staff at the depot had misplaced it and she wasn't able to see it before returning to Virginia. We're pleased to announce the staff has now located the book and they have "trained" themselves to keep it shelved next to our PHS Class of '66 Yearbook and future visitors should have no trouble finding it.

So, we're now able to say — with reasonable certainty — if you didn't order a Memory Book, you can stop in at the old train depot and page through it there. Enjoy!

For an interesting read regarding the depot's grand opening 114 years ago, click here.

It’s coming! A total eclipse of the sun — something that hasn’t cut clear across the United States since 1918. It’s a big deal, and Cole and I will be joining millions traveling to the centerline (the umbra) of its travel. We're driving a few hours down the I-35 super slab to Kansas City to see it. Cole's sister lives there and we’ll also be able to have a visit with her as well as see the National World War I museum there.

If you miss this one, there is another one in 2024, but after that, you have to wait until 2045 for the next one. We've selected a site by the Missouri River a bit east of Kansas City, where it shouldn't be crowded. It is expected to be one of the greatest (brief) migrations in human history. It is expected that more people will be seeing this solar eclipse than ever before.

It should be great to see it become totally dark at 1:11PM for a couple of minutes. If you're not doing anything flashy, you can make the quick trip southward into Missouri Monday, August 21 to see the eclipse totality. In Minnesota, you'll still see most of the eclipse — about 75% or so, depending on where you are in the state.

And, if you're not familiar with this chapter of Minnesota history, you can Google "Chief Hole-In-The-Day" to learn more about the Ojibwa (Chippewa) chief whose son, Chief Hole-In-The-Day II was assassinated in 1868 during leadership struggles complicated by advancing white settlement. The elder chief received his name because he was born during or near in time to a solar eclipse around 1800.

Yes, it will be like a hole in the day, gradually becoming dark (like a strange sunset) over the span of time of more than one hour, totality lasting about 2.5 minutes, and then slowly becoming light again over the next hour. Flowers close, birds go to sleep, the temps drop 10 degrees or more — and we will be in awe! Eclipse info here.              

                                                                                                   Mike Heymer

My son, his children and I happened to be in Alex yesterday to spend the day with my daughter and her two children at Lake Miltona so we took the opportunity to have lunch at Doolittle's.  We had a lovely meal and saw the historical photos of Mr. Dahle (back row, second from left).  Thanks Mike for posting this info. It made the day even more special.

I'll be going to the Princeton Depot today to look at the Memory Book (since I neglected to order one).  As has been said already, a big THANKS to all classmates involved in the reunion, great website, and memory book publication. See y'all at the next one :)

Thank you for the nice article on dad and his service in WWII.  His generation was the greatest generation.  They, men and women, put their lives and dreams on hold to combat the Axis forces in WWII.  All veterans deserve our gratitude, no matter what war or conflict.  So veterans, thank you.

An interesting note, one of the medals dad received was for a "strategic low level bombing mission" to destroy the Mitsubishi plant in Japan.  We've come a long way, from bombing to getting a car loan. Anyway, thanks again for the kind words.

Mike, thank you for your hard work on the book, well done. Also, thank you for all the people that worked on planning etc. for the 50 year reunion (I would try to list them but I know I would accidently leave someone out).  I had a great time and am looking forward to the 60 year reunion, or next one — whatever occurs first. 

Again thanks, and if you are in the Forest Lake area on your travels, stop in.   Bob            

Here, on the occasion of our 10th wedding anniversary, Cole and I discovered the source of the Mississippi River. We couldn't be more pleased with our effort as now many other people are able to follow in behind us, also happy to know it's source. You can see them in the background reveling in the discovery, happy to finally know where that mighty river begins.

We commissioned and erected this monument to commemorate the achievement, which we generously claim for all humankind. A good day's work, but now begins a year-long preparation to ascertain the source of the mighty Rum River, long shrouded in mystery and legend. We'll be staffing up, provisioning, and studying ancient maps to zero in on this task. Join the kickstarter funding program to be a part of this amazing effort, only partially sponsored by the National Geographic Society.

                                                                                                  Mike Heymer

One of the stops on my recent trip around the state of Minnesota was Alexandria. Despite the fact that I've been to all 50 states and nearly 30 countries, I'd never been to "Alec" as the locals call it. The first evening there, Cole and I had dinner at a Doolittles restaurant. As is my custom when I'm in a restaurant with a lot of photos on the wall, I took a stroll around the room to see what merited display. To my surprise, I found an amazing photo collage featuring someone I knew; someone we all knew growing up in the Princeton school system: Arnold Dahle! 

Doolittle's is a restaurant themed to aircraft and, with the name Doolittle, there is more than a strong reference to World War 2. Even though I stayed at his house a time or two on sleepovers with Bob, I never had a clue as to his wartime involvement. Bob, you and all the others in your family were pretty modest about your dad's service, and it is to everyone's credit that he participated with such committment and risk in the supreme effort defining "The Greatest Generation": World War 2.

The Distinguished Flying Cross is awarded to military air personnel who distinguish themselves in support of operations by "heroism or extraordinary achievement while participating in an aerial flight." I think they didn't give these out to everyone who stepped into an airplane, and I think all those bombing runs over Japan easily qualifies for the award, especially when you bring your crew back safely every time. As a part of the 9th Bomb Group piloting 29 B-29 bomber missions, I think Arnie must have considered "9" to be his lucky number!

The white spots on the photo are reflections off the glass in the framed photo. In addition to this, there are photos of Bob's mom and dad with Arnie in his military uniform, a photo of Arnie with his bomber crew, and a photo of a B-29. If you're in the area, stop in to catch up on our shared history. His story? Just another example of the quiet service performed by our parents' generation. I had no idea. If you didn't either, now you do. 

My only regret is that I never got the opportunity to tell him "thanks, we needed you to do that, and we needed you back here with us after the war." While I can think of a few negative things about a principal or two during all our years in Princeton schools, I don't have anything but positive memories of Arnold Dahle as our school superintendent all those years. So, because of that, I'll have to say a second time "thanks for your service."                                                                                           

                                                                                                  Mike Heymer

My wife, Cole, and I took a couple of weeks to explore a few places in north central MN I hadn't been to before. One of the stops along the way was a brief visit with Morris Webb in Bemidji. He is the state baseball commissioner for the Babe Ruth league. As a result, summers are a busy time for him. While we had lunch at his son's restaurant there (Qdoba, pictured), he fielded several phone calls from others around the state who coordinate this summertime league.

I took the opportunity to ask him about something I had been wondering about: How or when did he pick up the handle he goes by these days? Moe. I asked "Unless I missed something, I don't think you went by 'Moe' in high school, did you?" He said "No, I got it here at Bemidji State, and I was a part of a group of friends whose nicknames included the names of the other Three Stooges, 'Larry' and 'Curly'".

So — mystery solved — the name stuck, and we can call him "Moe" and know where it came from. Turn around to see if it's him if you hear "Oh, a wise guy, eh?" or "Nyuk, nyuk, nyuk!"

Soitenly.                                                                                    Mike Heymer

What a fabulous class reunion and now I have a book of the great memories.  Thanks to Mike Heymer, George Sanford and all others that put in the valued effort for the reunion and now this great book.  I read the whole thing immediately.  We truly lived in a great time.  Love and best wishes to all of you.

Well, OK, maybe that's a little exaggeration ... but today Carolyn did drop off a copy of our new Class of '66 50 Year Reunion Memory Book with the Mille Lacs County Historical Society, located at the old train depot in Princeton.

Our donation will be available for anyone visiting there who wants to know more about the life and times of our distinguished class.

No, it's true we didn't have any Warren Buffets or Robert Redfords or Billie Jean Kings or Goldie Hawns in our class but WE know who we are, right? And now, others will know, too.

The big moment has arrived! All you "outlanders" will be receiving your PHS Class of '66 50 Year Reunion Memory Books in a day or three. Those who live near Princeton received their books at our recent book release party but for those of you live a distance away, we are happy to say the last of them are being mailed out today. Expect a handsome bubble mailer showing up in your mailbox soon.

This represents the last official function of the 50 Year Reunion Committee, and it closes out all aspects of the two year effort that went into bringing you our big class reunion.

What will continue into the indefinite future will be this website. Most likely we'll continue it for a few years at least — or as long as we feel as though we're getting something out of it. We see it as a touchstone that can continue to serve as our gathering spot to share news of our classmates as well as any class-related activities, such as informal periodic gatherings of our class.

We finished the reunion event with a little money in the bank, but to continue with the website into the future, we'll need period donations to keep it alive. If you're feeling flush, you can click on the "Donations" section at left at any time and drop in your grocery money so we can keep connecting with one another over time.

As to the informal periodic gatherings mentioned above, we've noticed that a lot of other classes from various schools have picked up on holding informal yearly gatherings following their big 50 year reunion. We may do the same and, if we do, we'll be sure to spread the word here on Tiger Tales to let you know where and when we'll do it.

For now, if you're expecting a Memory Book in the mail, be like Charlie Brown and go stand by your mailbox. It'll come ... but probably while you're on bathroom break, right?

That's it for the moment. Feel free to add your two cents worth here with your own Tiger Tales posting at any time. That's what it's here for; it's our message board to one another. Clicking on the orange "Add a message" button at the top of this page gets you started.

Kindergarten was before the concussion so I also remember a couple things.  I also had kindergarten at Congo church. We had round tables to sit at, 5 or 6 per table.  We sat on little wooden chairs.  On one of the first days a cute girl who sat beside me went to sit down, I pulled the chair back and she went to the floor.  To the corner I went.  My mother was a school teacher, although not in Princeton and she and Mrs. Marklund were friends.  Not good for me.

I remember going to kindergarten there, too. I was kind of like you: the only person I remember knowing there was Jimmie Edmonds who I knew thru some cousins. I sprained an arm falling out of a tree at home and had to deal with a sling for a while. Do you remember the teacher taking us for a walk down the street to the Old School?

Thank you, Mike, for your major contribution to our very successful 50 year class reunion. Your professionalism has truly been the crowning glory of this memorable event. I can't wait to receive my personal copy of "the book".

Synergy Trilogy

For those who live in the general Princeton area and were able to attend our book release party, the final chapter of our 50 Year Reunion events was written at The Finish Line (appropriately named!) on Sunday. Nearly two dozen classmates turned out on a blustery, cold day to warm up to the congeniality served up in our 50 Year Reunion Memory Book. 

For those of you who live out of state, the books will be winging their way to you this week. For those of you who live in the general area of Princeton — but weren't able to attend our party — you can pick up your copies from Phil G. at the VFW Club in Princeton in the next week or so.

What's the secret thing? After reviewing the book for the umpteenth time before it went to press, Mike H. and Al D. let one error get by them. See if you can find it; it is a misspelling. The first one to find it and report the error to us back here at Reunion Central gets a really big prize! Heymer discovered it as he was unpacking the shipment and later told Al and Phil G. about it, so they are excluded from the contest. The rest of you: put on your Sherlock Holmes hat and get to it! Don't make us have to give you a clue a week from now to get this sorted out!! You can email Mike H. or click on "Contact Us" at left to leave a message.

Those of you who ordered a copy of our PHS Class of '66 Memory Book have already received an email saying it is done, printed, and shipped. Heymer is camping on his front lawn, waiting for the UPS driver. Send sandwiches and footie PJs. Now what? Well, it's a great excuse for a party, of course! 

All your buds will be there, and we can page through the book, enjoy an adult beverage, and join in conversation with all the classmates we didn’t have time to mingle with at our September reunion. So many classmates, so little time!

Join us at The Finish Line (party room), on the south edge of Princeton whether you ordered a book or not. We’re gathering at 4:00 PM this Sunday, April 30. This event represents the last gathering related to our big Five-Oh reunion celebration. See you there!

The photo? Oh! Well, it said "Book Release Party" so I picked it. No, there's no dress code. Yes, you can wear lace ... or even leather, but you don't have to. But maybe ... isn't it about time you experimented with purple hair? Bandoliers are completely optional, however, but very "in" this season. Yes, it's No Smoking, too. What? You don't pick out the first Google search photo you see for this sort of thing?

To accommodate last-minute requests, we're extending the order date one more day! The last chance to place your order for the very cool PHS 50 Year Reunion Memory Book will be Thursday, April 13 at 5:00 PM.

Just today, I received the one-of proof book from our New Jersey publisher for our review before placing the quantity order — and it's everything I'd hoped it would be. 150 pages of full color thrills and spills of all our reunion events, and some old-time history besides: our past reunions, Princeton history, and how we were "back in the day" with old elementary school photos. We REALLY looked good then!

If you haven't ordered your keepsake memory book, there's still time. Go to the Products page at left and place your order. For further details, read the previous post (below).  — Mike Heymer

        FINAL WEEK!

Most of you reading this have ordered your PHS Class of '66 Memory Book. At long last, it is done! In fact, if you ordered a book — or a CD of the book — you have already received the digital copy by email (sent out yesterday). It consists of 3 pdfs and is, in every respect, the exact same thing as the printed book itself. It is 148 pages, filled with memorable photos of our big 50 year reunion plus previous reunions and a comprehensive survey of virtually all the classmates we ever went to school with. It is full color with over 500 photos and other artwork. It is laid out in "coffee table art book" style, being slightly oversized (at 12" wide by 9" high) and horizontal format.

The very last chance to order a book — if you haven't already — is 2:00 PM this coming Wednesday, April 12, and there will never be another opportunity to order more; it is too cost prohibitive to order just a few at a later date. 

Books will be delivered by about the end of this month, so the big day is coming soon!

If you haven't ordered your keepsake memory book, there's still time. Go to the Products page at left and place your order.  You'll be glad you did! For those of you who did order a book, go stand by your mailbox.

For those of you who ordered a CD of the book, the files contained on the CD have already been sent to you, so you may not need the actual CD (in which case you've made a $5 donation to the class reunion slush fund!), but if you do, in fact, want a CD, we're not going to welsh on the deal; just let us know you really would like to have the CD and one will be sent out to you. Bear in mind, what the CD contains is what you already have: files for your computer; there's nothing that will show properly on any TV set through a DVD player. These are computer files.

If you ordered a CD (and now, of course, you already have the files on your hard drive) and would like to convert your $5 investment into a printed book, we now have an option on our Products page (at left) that upgrades your CD order to a printed book order ("Memory Book Conversion"). It simply provides a way to send another $16 our way to adjust the difference between the $5 CD and the $21 book. Make it happen! It will look great on your coffee table — but order now!

Design work on the PHS Class of '66 Memory Book will be completed by this weekend. It is 140 pages, filled with memorable photos of our big 50 year reunion plus previous reunions and a comprehensive survey of virtually all the classmates we ever went to school with.

Books will be delivered in a matter of a few weeks and, to keep you interested in what took place last September, we've put up a couple more of our group photos for you to see on our auxilliary web site for larger photos, Flickr. Find the Veterans pic and the Country Kids pic at REUNIONS at the bottom of the page. Click on the photo to expand it.

Stay tuned! And, if you haven't ordered your keepsake memory book, there's still time. Go to the Products page at left and place your order.  You'll be glad you did!

Be like Lois! Make a note to order your very own PHS Class of '66 Memory Book, now in its final phase of development. Over 100 pages right now, it is headed for 130+ pages, filled with memorable photos of our big 50th reunion plus previous reunions and a comprehensive survey of virtually all the classmates we ever went to school with.

Books will be delivered in a matter of a few weeks and, to keep you interested in what took place last September, we've put up a couple more of our group photos for you to see on our auxilliary web site for larger photos, Flickr. Find the Town Kids pic and the K-12 pic at REUNIONS at the bottom of the page. Click on the photo to expand it.

Stay tuned! And, if you haven't ordered your keepsake memory book, there's still time. Go to the Products page at left and place your order.  You'll be glad you did!

George Sanford was seen in Florida yesterday, sporting an official Class of '66 50th Reunion T-shirt. He is seen pictured here with his wife, Diane, only moments before being accosted for his autograph, beset by requests for photos taken alongside him and his T-shirt, as well as general fawning over his association with PHS '66. Papparazzi were in attendance making a nuisance of themselves as usual, but all reports are that George handled it with his usual aplomb and calm demeanor. The crowd thinned out and died down only after the happy couple retreated to the exclusive confines of the A-List nightclub where George was guest-hosting a celebrity wet T-shirt night.

If you're traveling, take along your very own '66 T-shirt like George. And, like George and Sue Carol, take a pic and send it in to Mike H. or Carolyn and we'll get you posted here. (As you can see, you don't have to have a good story — only a location. We'll make up the rest. We have readership goals you know!) So far, we're spanning the globe with our PHS T-shirt travels — from Anoka to Florida! Will Iowa be next?

The Minions have been scurrying about lately dotting i's, crossing t's, and filling in the blanks. Sure, it's true we'd get more out of them if we could only just get their attention long enough to focus on their task, but they're a flighty bunch. Anyway, they've completed many pages, and there's only not-too-many pages left to go. Books will be delivered sometime in March. Cue applause.

To keep you interested in what took place last September, they've put up one of our group photos for you to see. Find it at REUNIONS at the bottom of the page. Click on the photo to expand it.

Stay tuned! And, if you haven't ordered your keepsake memory book, there's still time. Go to the Products page at left and place your order. It will be over 100 full color pages of the most fun old people can have sitting down.

I just saw this in the Union-Times Newspaper from January 22, 2017. It was in Luther Dorr's column, February 2, 1972.

"Darlene McMinn of Princeton completed the 500 mile Winnipeg to St. Paul snowmobile race."

Wishing everyone a Happy, Healthy and Fun 2017!!

I want to take this opportunity to wish all my classmates a very Merry Christmas — and also to give you some idea about the progress of our class reunion Memory Book. The truth is, apart from the initial development of format which I presented to the Memory Book Committee two months ago, I haven't had time to work on it.

The good news is that I have a couple of solid weeks I'll be able to devote to the project right after Christmas. I should be able to present the first draft to the committee some time in January, and I believe we will be able to receive delivery of the books while we're still in hibernation this winter. 

Oh, is that a picture of me working on the book project? Yeah, but I gotta admit I've lost a little muscle tone since that picture was taken.

May all my classmates have a Merry Christmas and a very Happy 2017.

Since Ron and I lived in the same direction from the Junior High School and he lived across the street from my friend Mary Ellen we would on occasion walk home together. He often would flash that winning smile and occasionally Mary Ellen and I could get him to blush. Rest in Peace Ron for you have earned your rest. 

OUR PHS MEMORY BOOK NOW IN DESIGN PHASE!
Our big 50th reunion is done; we all had a great time! About 2/3 of our living classmates attended — all in all, a pretty good turnout! Many photos were taken at our events, and soon they'll find their way into our long-promised Memory Book. Designed to be somewhere in the neighborhood of 100 pages — all full color — we'll show off our photos, learn a little more about ourselves by way of the bios submitted to our reunion website, and even trot out a few photos of prior reunions (we were young once, you know!) and dredge up some town history and school history. The Minions have begun work on the book and it will be distributed in a couple of months or so (you've waited 50 years, what's a couple more months??).

Some of you have not submitted current biographies (what you've been up to for the last half century) and we'd like to hear from you! Don't make us dig back to our 40th or 25th reunion books for outdated bios! Just so you know, we will, actually, unless we hear from you in the next few weeks (as The National Inquirer puts it "Inquiring Minds Need To Know!"). So please, if you haven't as yet added to our Life Stories section (at left) with your own story, do it today before you don't do it tomorrow. 

I mentioned that we have photos from our reunion events, but that's only partially true. We actually only have pics from the Friday night event, the Saturday night event, and the Sunday brunch. We have nothing from the golf event nor the town tour. So, if you have any shots from these events, please pass them along to us, either by posting them on this website in the new section at left entitled "Reunion Photos Upload" or emailing them to me or dropping them off to one of the book committee members (see the Reunion Photos page for more details).

We are still taking orders for the Memory Book, and we will for at least a month or so. If you haven't ordered a book (or CD version) you can still do so on the Products page at left. You'll be glad you did!

Special notice to classmates who were not able to attend the reunion: Ordering this book is a great way to "be there" without having to invent a time travel machine! Think of the cost savings!    — Mike Heymer

Good news, groovy guys and groovy gals! Now YOU can compete with Sue Carol and "Show us your Underalls!" Oh, no .... off on the wrong track again. Anyway, if you missed out on the first round of orders on the Official PHS Class of '66 T-shirts, here's your chance to play on the elite team. We will be taking orders until November 30 for a second round of must-have, best-in-class T-shirts.

It's a perfect gift idea for that special someone who you know would really appreciate it! OK, we know that's you, but you're special, right? So, place your order by clicking on Products at left, and select your size. This time, all T-shirts are $20 regardless of size. If you're in the local area, we can get the T-shirt to you without additional charge, but if you're further than a donkey can go in a day, you'll have a $7 shipping and handling fee. 

Finally — get the respect you've always wanted walking down the street! And while you're walking, you're thinking "Ahhhh.... I have a P-town T-shirt and you don't!!!!" Don't miss this bliss!

It's not Mt. Rushmore, and it's not the Grand Canyon — but it's also not Coon Rapids. Oh wait, I don't know that — it could be Coon Rapids — but, hey, it's somewhere!! And the Official PHS Class of '66 T-shirt is there, too! 

Overall, this is a lot better than the "Show Us Your Underalls" call to this crowd a couple of weeks ago, right? Keep it up, gang! Get that PHS T-shirt out in circulation! May this be the first of many! 

Actually, when you send in your photo or post it yourself, include the location if it's not obvious from the photo. This is Sue Carol at a car club road tour stop. PHS rules!!

Back at Reunion Central, the little minions are still busy doing this and that. Alternately, sometimes they busy themselves doing that and this. Know this; they're just always busy. One of the things they've done is to put "now" photos on some of our classmates on our website. They got them from the photography done at our recent reunion.

For now, they've just added photos of the classmates who previously had no current photo (or very small photos) posted on our "Classmates" page. At some point, they'll update most all of our current photos to those taken at our reunion.

If your name is Dennis, Dick, Evangeline, Judy, Tom, Sue, Linda, Lois, Marsha, Geri, Danny, or Margie, you'll find new pics of yourself on the Classmates page at left. Aren't you glad you smiled? 

For those who attended our recent class reunion, you remember the poster displayed describing the proposal for an amphitheater located right behind the restaurant in which we held our reunion. You may also remember this area as where the high school football games were held when we were in grade school.

The Riverside Park Amphitheater is a "big idea" for Princeton, and it's development will mean a lot to the community. It is a worthy cause and it supports the town we all grew up in. If you're able to help with its creation, please consider making a donation by first making contact with our classmate Martha Sommer's sister, Carol, at caossell@gmail.com

The reunion was a big success! My husband and I had such a good time. He had a great time golfing and really enjoyed meeting Miss Decker and many of you. We are still enjoying it as we recall special moments and conversations of our big weekend away. Anyway, thanks to the committee for donating so much time and effort into a meaningful and fun event. We hated to see it end and are glad for this website to reconnect with those we did not get to visit with. All my life I have been homesick for Princeton!

Oh, wait! That was something different, wasn't it? Anyway, here's what all you super cool PHS alums can do now that you have your very own PHS Class of '66 50th Reunion T-shirt — and that is to take a selfie of you by some landmark somewhere (anywhere in the world) and send it back here to the website gremlins and we'll get it posted. Or, you can post it yourself, either here in Tiger Tales or one of our Photos pages. Now that's super cool turned up to 11, don't you think? The first one to do it gets a really big prize!

What you see pictured is the very first of these "You Were There" shots. Really — that's one of our classmates, and she's really wearing a PHS T-shirt, and, and, the Easter Bunny is real, and, and....

What a great time I had at the reunion. I only regret I didn't get a chance to sit down with as many people as I would have liked.  Kudos to the organizers and all the committee and workers for doing such a great job!

For those who attended our reunion, you'll recall an award or two given out to our fellow classmates. The Saturday night program awarded certificates for various acheivements, and lifetime milestones to many.

The names of all our award winners have now been posted on our website. To see them, click on our "Reunion Awards" page at left. There's a few "milestone" events that this reporter doesn't recall, so maybe you can help if your memory is better than his. And, if we've missed someone's name among the awards given, please let us know by clicking the "Contact Us" page at left and sending an email.

Thank you to all the reunion organizers!  All your hard work paid off!  My husband, Joe and I thoroughly enjoyed ourselves!  I was impressed with the good turn out of classmates.  What a great class.  I wish I would have known more people better in high school.  I had a 'late start'  moving to Princeton in 9th grade.  The weekend went too fast!  Thanks again to everyone.  

Editor's note: The gremlins behind the curtain couldn't help but match up her posting with another look at those Authentic '66 Steady Sweaters. Nice job, you two!

Over the course of the next couple of months, the worker bees in the PHS Reunion Jive Hive will turn their attention to creating our PHS Class of '66 Memory Book. Be patient! First, we'll take a little time off, then we'll take our time putting it together! We got a lot of great shots and — as a preview — here's one of them. Boys will be boys!

If you had your camera or phone at one of our events and have a shot or two or three you think we might consider for inclusion in our book — or just to post here on our website — send it in, and we'll add it to the mix. The easiest way to do that is to click on the "Photos-Reunion" page at left and then click the orange "Add a photo" button. We'd like to see what you saw!

We'll include a few others in the days and weeks to follow. Stay tuned! (George and Mike are just now catching their breath!)

Thank you! Thank You! Thank You! for a wonderful reunion. The committee did a great job. It was wonderful to see so many classmates. I was thoroughly hoarse and exhausted by the time I left Princeton.  

The party may be over, but our socializing is not! We have our website to keep us in touch with one another, and we'll continue it as far into the future as we're interested in having it. By all accounts, we all had a good time at our recent 50th high school class reunion. With a free bar, maybe some of us remember more of it than others!

Speaking of remembering and passing along your thoughts and memories, feel free to click the orange "Add a Message" button on this page of our website to pass along your comments about our reunion by making your very own Tiger Tales posting. You don't have to include a visual; it can be text only. Whatever helps you communicate your thoughts. This Tiger Tales page is our message board and anyone can add to it. It's purpose is basically to pass along a message to the rest of us.

If you have something that you'd call a "story," perhaps the place for that sort of thing would be our "Stories" section at left. Same thing there: Just click the orange "Add a Story" button and share a story with all of us. There were lots of very interesting stories that came out at our reunion and if you think others would enjoy it, pass it along. Again, you may post a visual of some sort here, too. Whatever helps tell the story.

This reporter will help start the process by adding my own story in "Stories."

Whether you're signed up for this event or not, you are very welcome to join the rest of us classmates at The Friendly Buffalo Restaurant (formerly Steven's Restaurant) on the main drag at 7:00 PM tonight.

This is an informal affair — just talking with your PHS Class of '66 classmates, catching up on 50 years of living! No charge.

Note: the photo posted here showing us partying has been "Photoshopped" to take about 30 years off. But you get the idea... (we can still party, right?)

When you arrive at your first class reunion event, you will be issued your very own, personal name tag. You'll know it's yours because your picture is on it! Don't worry, the photo is from the BW era (Before Wrinkles). 

You only get one name tag, and you'll need to bring it to any subsequent reunion events you'll be attending, especially our big Saturday night program. Most of us don't have our moms to remind us about this as we head out the door anymore, so you're really on your own here!

As pictured, you will have a choice of styles: either clip-on or hanging style.

And, yes, if you're bringing a guest, they get to wear your precious picture, too! That way we know who they belong to! See you then!

Our big event approaches!! We have a lot in store for you Saturday night!

This once-in-a-lifetime event begins at 5:30 PM. Please try to arrive at that time, as we have a lot to do! There is visiting, dinner, our program and, importantly, photography! We have a professional photographer hired to document our affair — everything from individual shots of us, to group photos and candid shots.

The most important photography may be the various group shots. We plan to start shooting groups at 6:00 PM. Don't be left out of your military service group picture, or the country schoolers picture, or the all-classmates photo, etc.

See you then! Remember — mom always made sure you ate breakfast, got dressed, and had your teeth brushed in time to make it to school when the bell rang. Do her proud!!

Yesterday, we observed the 15th anniversary of the worst attack on American soil ever. Today, let's look at one of the many follow-up stories to this tragedy. Look closely at the number of commercial aircraft at the Gander, Newfoundland airport on September 11, 2001. This is a town of about 10,000, and nearly that many transatlantic passengers were stranded here for several days, forced down by the terrorist attacks in America that day.

How the kind and generous people of Newfoundland opened their hearts and their homes to these stranded passengers is a story in itself, but the reaction of the passengers aboard at least one flight was another. They managed to double down on Gander's generosity with their own brand of kindness. 

To read the story, click here. If reading it doesn't cause your eyes to leak, you may need to roll up your sleeve and check for a pulse. It's nice to be assured once again there are good people everywhere. — Mike Heymer

We all remember where we were on this day 15 years ago. It was a dark day in our nation, and yet, we saw the best of the American spirit rise from the horrors of the terrorist attacks in New York, Pennsylvania and Washington, DC. Some days we are divided through politics or policy, but we are always reminded, especially today, that we stand united as Americans.
 
We will never forget those who were lost on September 11, nor will we forget the heroism shown by first responders and everyday heroes of that day. — Jason Lewis

Our big event is one week from tonight! When you arrive at our Saturday night event, you will each receive the Official PHS Cheat Sheet.

With apologies to a few of our goody two-shoes classmates who never once bent the rules, this is your chance to get an edge on them!

As the sheet says, a number of the funky and fun awards we'll be giving out during our program depend on your response to some aspects of your long, wonderful life — some that you might have to think about for a moment!

Questions like "how far did you travel to the reunion" and "how many grandchildren do you have" could be worked out well in advance. For some of us, a LOT of thought will go into the question of "how many surgeries have you had", etc. I can see you reaching for your file drawer right now.

So, consider this your "heads up" on the "heads up" by getting a head start on your cheat sheet. How perfect! Bringing ready-made answers to your cheat sheet! I guess what you see here is a Pre-Cheat Sheet. Be ready!

Well, it's yours if you ordered one, that is.

Actually, since I apparently have lost the ability to count (with all apologies to Mrs. Oliver), we've ended up with an extra T-Shirt. I just picked these up, and I apparently ordered one more than we received orders for.

It is an XL, and whaddya say we auction that off Saturday night? Or Friday night?

We'll figure it out, but the action starts at The Friendly Buffalo on the Main Drag of Princeton just a week from tonight!

Jeepers! The tension mounts! 

Heck, let's just clean out your whole closet! Since our upcoming reunion events are about the only place in the world you could possible wear your high school class ring without someone asking "Didn't you ever have a life?", now's the time to get it out of your drawer and onto your finger. Maybe your pinky finger if, perhaps, that darn ring has shrunk over time and doesn't quite fit onto the usual finger anymore (things change, right?).

So, that's about it! Find it, bring it, wear it, and bask in the warm glory of youth! This is a non-refundable experience, folks — a one time offer. So don't blow it! Be cool, be PHS, and be '66. You'll be glad you did! 

(OR — "Be Like Al")

Let's be honest. This reporter is just as confused about the title of this posting as he is about this new call for PHS Nut Dishes. We're not sure why, exactly, but it seems like all the guys should try to find their old nut dishes made in shop class and bring them to the reunion. Probably Saturday night, since Friday night is mostly for catching up on conversation with all our old buds. And it would be distracting for you to carry around your nut dish all evening Friday with everyone asking "What's that you're holding?" And you say "It's my nut dish, where's yours?" Better on Saturday night where your nut dish can rest comfortably on your dinner table, or perhaps laid next to the other nut dishes on some display table where everyone can admire them. The nut dishes.

This reporter made one — oh, so long ago — but, sadly, he knows not where it's at. He will make an effort to find it, though. It might be at the folks' place; I don't think it's here in the house with me 'cuz I haven't seen it in well over half a century, but it must still be somewhere because I made it and mom would never throw it out 'cuz I made it and gave it to her. So it still has to be somewhere. Has to be.

Well, that's about it. Not sure if there's a big prize for bringing it. Not sure how many are still around. Not sure you'll remember to bring it. But if I do — and if you do — that would be two of us plus Al Deglmann. So now that makes three nut dishes and — heck — at the very least, this is shaping up to be a group picture!

That's it! At a minimum, this is a group picture! Of NUT DISH MEN! Real men! For this we know: real men have nut dishes. Find yours, and be a man, too!! As with many things, it just doesn't get any better than this.

Over and out. 

One of the "hidden" corners of our reunion website is the location of our survey results. If you've taken our survey (click "Survey" at left if you haven't), you've chimed in on some of the burning questions we oldsters have when we think back on our years at PHS. Maybe you've seen it, and maybe you haven't, but if you scroll down to the bottom of the Survey page, you'll find this link: View the survey results! When you click it, you see what all of us have said in response to our survey questions. It's pretty interesting reading! And interesting enough that some of it is finding its way into our Saturday night presentation, particularly the "getting in trouble" section. Check it out, and see what your classmates remember!

One of the really cool features of our reunion website is the "Where Are They Now?" map. Once you sign in and fill out your profile, you end up as a map pin. See? Finally, there's something absolutely concrete that you can point to and say you've truly accomplished in life: You are represented by a pin on a map. Does it get any better?

Now we can see how far and wide our classmates have spread out across the country! You can also zoom in anywhere for a closer look at where your classmates are located. And, you can switch to Satellite view, click on a classmate's name in the list at right (see my screenshot), and zoom in to their town. Don't try to zoom in too far, though. It's not Google Earth; the reference points are mostly town centers. So, if you've already tried this and the experience has left you scratching your head wondering "Does Mike Pearson live in a tree? Really?" or "Does Tim Metcalf really live in a warehouse? Gosh!" The map pin is close, but not accurate to the location of someone's house.

Note: this page is sometimes quirky and doesn't always activate when you select it. If this happens, try first selecting another menu item at left and then re-try "Where Are They Now?"  If that doesn't work, try closing your browser and reopening or try signing out and then back into our site. The other thing it doesn't do is spring open to reveal ALL of our classmates if some of them live outside "The Lower 48". So, in order to see where Jim Gerth hangs his hat, you have to click the "minus" button to zoom out on the map's view to the point where you see it in this screen shot.

It goes without saying the height of fashion was 1966, right? You don't have to do this unless you once again want to be one of the cool kids, but anyone showing up to the Saturday Night banquet wearing anything from 1966 will be entered into a contest.  Winner is by applause for those wearing genuine penny loafers, a PHS letter jacket, bouffant hairdo, or one of those puffy dresses that go out at a 45 degree angle, etc. You know who you were.  Of course, that Brylcreem look was still working for most of us guys at that time, too. 

We'd ask you to see our "Events" section at left and scroll down to "Authentic '66" for details but really there aren't any. You can go there and look at a bouffant hairdo if you'd like, but really that's about all we got at the moment. Make no mistake, though. This is no half-baked thing. This is real! And, it's YOU! We just know it is!!! 

What the heck? Go for it!! We double dog dare you! You can DO this!

Take a last trip to the schoolhouse and write an essay on some part of your Princeton school experience — or Princeton life in general. If you care to chime in with your two cents worth (in about 500 words or less), tell a tale about something that strikes you as interesting.  It can be funny, sad, dopey, or downright dingey! We're looking for things that might be along the lines of "What Princeton meant to you", or "Favorite school memory", or "Worst day at school ever", or "Best day", etc.

See our "Events" section at left and scroll down to "PHS Essay Contest" for details. Send entries by email to phsmnclassof1966@gmail.com or snail mail to P.O. Box 363, Princeton, MN 55371. Please indicate if it's OK to share your essay with others in our class.

This just in: There's a rumor circulating that Phil Wicktor may write an essay. Mike Heymer heard this from Carolyn Olene, who probably made it up, since when Heymer spoke with Wicktor about it, he could not confirm the story. So Heymer asked Wicktor to fulfill the prophesy and write an essay. He said he'd think about it.

Heymer took that as a firm "yessiree" and so we're all waiting for Wicktor's essay. Now, since the prospect of Phil Wicktor's essay has blossomed into a known fact, is his essay alone going to take the big prize at our Saturday night event? I should hope not! Yes, Phil has slaved over his essay — dotting all those i's and crossing every one of those t's — but he has some real competition, right? 

Yes, I thought so....     You'll feel better if you do.

LAST CHANCE TO ORDER T-SHIRTS!

YOU HAVE 24 HOURS! Our class reunion is just 2 weeks away! If you'd like to be stylin' and smilin' like Angie, you need to get your order in right away for the Official T-Shirt of the PHS Class of '66! Smokin' hot!! (The T-Shirt).

Orders go to our T-shirt vendor September 1. Don't miss out!

The order deadline is end-of-day August 31

Remember, we've made it painless to order! You can order online and pay by credit card. What could be easier?

T-shirts are available, but only by advance order; there won't be any available for sale at the door. Sizes are Adult Small through Adult XXXL and can be ordered by clicking the "PRODUCTS" section at left and scrolling down to the T-Shirts section. If you're able to attend the reunion, select from the group labeled "At Event". If you cannot make it to our big event, select a size from the section below this, labeled "By Mail." You'll have the coolest T-Shirt on the block. Complete details on our Products page. (In the photo posted a few days ago, George is wearing a size XL).

OK, we may not have that bus to ride on, and we may not have that cityscape to look at, and we may not have that scenic ocean vista — but we'll always have Princeton!!! Get updated on all there is to see in our town.

And that's not all!!! At our Saturday evening program, you can compete for a really big prize! The person who can name off the most points on the tour from memory wins the Princeton Water Tower Award.  A handsome certificate will be awarded during the Saturday night program!

Click on the EVENTS section at left and scroll down to the "Princeton Trophy Tour" for details, and to sign up. If you're unsure whether or not you've already done so, first click on the "Attending" section at left to see if you're already signed up for this event. If you'd like to adjust the number attending for your party (1 or 2), please click on "CONTACT US" at left, and send us an email. See you there! You can also check to see a summary listing of all the events you're signed up for by clicking "CLASSMATES" at left, and then scrolling down to find the listing for yourself.

Sorry about that! Back here at Reunion HQ, we just discovered that our credit card payment option has been switched off for a while.

As someone famous once said "It's baaaaack!" 

So, if you've considered ordering a T-shirt or Memory Book, and maybe went through the ordering process only to find you needed to find your check book, write the check, find an envelope, find the address it goes to, and where-in-the-world-are-my-stamps, etc?? All that is soooo 20th century, and there's a cure for it: plastic. 

Any orders placed now for products, or to attend a paid event, have the option of paying by credit card or check. Alas, no bartering with sheep, turnips, or hay bales allowed. We're doing the best we can here.

This is true, but we can join our other classmates for a round of golf Saturday, Sept. 17 at the Princeton Golf Course as part of our class reunion events. If you haven't already signed up for our this event, here's your chance! There's a choice of 18 holes or 9. We will announce tee times later.

You have a chance of golfing with someone good, like our Mr. Sanford, or someone who hasn't golfed in years, like our Mr. Heymer. The suspense is too much to bear, isn't it?

Click on the EVENTS section at left and scroll down to the "PHS Paul Bunyan Golf Open" for details, and to sign up. If you're unsure whether or not you've already done so, first click on the "Attending" section at left to see if you're already signed up for this event. If you'd like to adjust the number attending for your party (1 or 2), please click on "CONTACT US" at left, and send us an email. See you there! You can also check to see a summary listing of all the events you're signed up for by clicking "CLASSMATES" at left, and then scrolling down to find the listing for yourself.

Yesterday, we talked about the golf outing we have planned for those interested in persecuting that little innocent white ball. For them — and for the rest of us, too — there's a Part Two to the golf tournament. Frankly, it's not really even part of the golf tournament. It's a story about your great shot in the tournament. But listen to this! You don't even have to play golf at all! The winner of this event is the one who tells the biggest lie — Paul Bunyan style — about one of their shots on the course. Whoppers of all kinds are welcome!

Tall tales told that evening at the banquet will be judged by applause, and the winner takes home the coveted "Paul Tall One" Award.  So you see, it's an even bigger tall tale if your story about how you got that hole-in-one is a complete fabrication — not being on the course at all that day gives you a leg-up in the story-telling!  All lies welcome Saturday night during our program!

Either sign up for the event to let us know you're planning on telling a whopper, or just surprise us that night. You can submit your tall tale in advance if you'd like. Click on the EVENTS section at left and scroll down to the "PHS Paul Bunyan Golf Open" for details, and to sign up.

Or email it to phsmnclassof1966@gmail.com. Or just "stand and deliver" at our Saturday night program. Three ways to go about it. 

Get ideas on how to weave a Paul Bunyan tall tale by clicking on the "Stories" section listed at left and scroll toward the bottom. With all the honesty in politics these days, hearing a few lies would be such a welcome change of pace, right?

4 WEEKS FROM TODAY!

If you haven't already signed up for our Sunday Morning Brunch, here's your chance! It is Sunday, September 18, and the event will be held in the banquet room of the K-Bob Cafe, and if we have to tell you where this is, you can't come. This event is for our classmates and invited guests, and represents our last chance to visit and mingle with all the classmates you haven't as yet had a chance to catch up with.

No, you won't be served acorns, but you'll be squirrely if you don't join us!

Click on the EVENTS section at left and scroll down to the "Sunday Brunch" for details, and to sign up. If you're unsure whether or not you've already done so, first click on the "Attending" section at left to see if you're already signed up for this event. If you'd like to adjust the number attending for your party (1 or 2), please click on "CONTACT US" at left, and send us an email. See you there! You can also check to see a summary listing of all the events you're signed up for by clicking "CLASSMATES" at left, and then scrolling down to find the listing for yourself.

You will be responsible for any food and beverages you order.

(Artist's rendering of what our Saturday night program will look like if emcees Mike H. and George S. wore bow ties and were movie stars)

4 WEEKS FROM TONIGHT!

If you haven't already signed up for our Saturday Night Main Event, now's the time! It is Saturday, September 17, and the event will be held in the lower level of The Friendly Buffalo (formerly Steven's Restaurant), located on Princeton's main drag. This event is for our classmates and invited guests only. It includes dinner, displays, photography, and our after-dinner program. 

Click on the EVENTS section at left and scroll down to the "Friday Night Dinner & Program" for details, and to sign up. If you're unsure whether or not you've already done so, first click on the "Attending" section at left to see if you're already signed up for this event. If you'd like to adjust the number attending for your party (1 or 2), please click on "CONTACT US" at left, and send us an email. See you there! You can also check to see a summary listing of all the events you're signed up for by clicking "CLASSMATES" at left, and then scrolling down to find the listing for yourself.

There's a pretty slim chance you'll see Brad Pitt, so warm up to the wacky antics of Mike and George (you get what you pay for).

(Artist's rendering of what our Friday night party will look like if we were still young and if we had invited aliens)

4 WEEKS FROM TONIGHT!

If you haven't already signed up for our Friday Night "Meet & Greet" event, now's a good time! It is Friday, September 16, and the event will be held in the lower level of The Friendly Buffalo (formerly Steven's Restaurant), located on Princeton's main drag. This event is not only for our classmates, but for friends, family, teachers, or anyone else who knew us then and would like to spend an evening with us. But, especially, it's our best chance for conversation one-on-one with our other classmates, since the Saturday night event has a lot going on, particularly with dinner, displays, and our program. 

Click on the EVENTS section at left and scroll down to the "Friday Night Meet & Greet" for details, and to sign up. If you're unsure whether or not you've already done so, first click on the "Attending" section at left to see if you're already signed up for this event. If you'd like to adjust the number attending for your party (1 or 2), please click on "CONTACT US" at left, and send us an email. See you there! You can also check to see a summary listing of all the events you're signed up for by clicking "CLASSMATES" at left, and then scrolling down to find the listing for yourself.

(We're still thinking that maybe Jennifer Aniston's schedule might free up at the last minute to attend, but even if it does, she could have car trouble getting there like what happened at our 45th.)

LAST TWO WEEKS TO ORDER T-SHIRTS!

Our class reunion is 4 weeks away! If you'd like to be stylin' and smilin' like George, you need to get your order in right away for the Official T-Shirt of the PHS Class of '66! Smokin' hot!! (The T-Shirt)

The order deadline is August 31

T-shirts are available, but only by advance order; there won't be any available for sale at the door. Sizes are Adult Small through Adult XXXL and can be ordered by clicking the "PRODUCTS" section at left and scrolling down to the T-Shirts section. If you're able to attend the reunion, select from the group labeled "At Event". If you cannot make it to our big event, select a size from the section below this, labeled "By Mail." You'll have the coolest T-Shirt on the block. Complete details on our Products page. (George is wearing a size XL in the photo).

OUT OF TOWNERS: We are exactly one month away from our big reunion!  That's right, only 31 days to go. And, if you haven't as yet made reservations in the area, now's a good time. An NFL exhibition game is being played on the PHS football field that weekend, so accommodations will be tight! If you haven't already read our helpful travel info in our "Princeton Area" section at left, check it out!

EVERYONE ELSE (This is the "second mint"): Even if you're not in need of any travel related info on Princeton, you will get a charge out of reading this section. It's probably the funniest, most entertaining part of our entire reunion website. If you don't get a chuckle out of it, there's an embalmer looking for you!

If you'd like to check your online personal profile, you can easily do so by clicking the blue "My Profile" button at upper right. On the form it brings you to, make note of your "Comments" at top and note your "Then" and "Now" photos. The "Then" photos we'd most like to keep here are our senior pictures, but for those of you who didn't graduate with us, you may have a better "Then" pic from the same time period you'd like to provide. More likely, you have a new "Now" photo you'd like to post.

What follows below the photos are your survey responses. See yesterday's Tiger Tales posting for info on how to work with this. To see your profile, scroll to the bottom of the page and click the orange "Edit My Profile" button. On the Profile page, you can update contact info, change that "Greetings" message (labeled "Website message") if you'd like, enter a new biography (in "Directory bio"), change any of your various preferences, and even post a new "Now" photo of yourself (or "Then" photo -- see above). You can even change your personal password here. The only thing we can't change is our age. Do it while your fingers still work!

Well, no, not literally.... But there's stuff there that might interest the rest of us! If you haven't as yet taken our survey, click first on the "SURVEY" section at left, then scroll to the bottom and click the View the survey results! (or click this link) to see what some of your classmates have shared so far. Then, at upper right, click on the blue "My Profile" button. Scrolling down, you will see the survey questions you have currently answered.

If there are unanswered questions and you now would like to respond, make note of the unanswered questions (or those you'd like to change) and then click once again on the "SURVEY" section in the menu at far left. All the answer fields presented here are re-set to "blank" (unfortunately), so just choose the questions you made note of and leave the others alone. Your previous answers are retained and your new responses are added to your previous set. Please allow up to a couple of weeks for your answers to be consolidated into one listing because that's done manually by the Reunion Minions back here at Reunion HQ.

For those of you who haven't as yet told us a little about your life and times, now's a good time! With our reunion coming up next month, it's really helpful to all of us to know where we've each been in our lives so far. When we finally get face-to-face in September, it's handy to know your classmate spent 3 years in the Peace Corps, 8 years on the White House staff, has lived in 14 countries, cured AIDS, set the world's land speed record for wheelchairs, has 23 grandchildren, and has appeared in 12 feature films. You might not get to all that in a 5 minute conversation that starts out with "Wow, how long has it been?".

By knowing the main things about a person's life before you even get to the reunion helps everyone's conversations get started. OK, if you're like me, you probably didn't become Ambassador to Britain like you thought you might, but everyone's life is interesting in its own way, so help us out a bit and let us know a little of what you've been up to for the last 50 years. Don't worry about wordsmithing; we can help you out with that, too, once it arrives here at Reunion HQ.

Read through a few of our classmates' stories in the LIFE STORIES section — some short, some long — to get an idea of the sort of thing most of us are sharing.

Here's how to do it: Click on the LIFE STORIES section at left, and then click on the orange "Add a story" button. It's great if you can also add another photo of yourself, too. If not, that's OK.

If you've already have a story in our LIFE STORIES section but you'd like to change it or add to it, just send us an email (See "Contact Us" section at left) and we'll get it done.

Yes there is! In fact, with just 36 days to go, now's a good time to check to make sure you're signed up for all the reunion events you'd like to be a part of. Click on the "ATTENDING" section at left and scroll through the various events to see if you're signed up or not. If you forgot to sign up for a certain event — or if we goofed and don't have you listed as yet — now's the time to get it right. I've we've forgotten to include you in the list, let us know. If you have just now decided to take in one of the events, you can make it happen with a few clicks.

To sign up for an event, just click on the "EVENTS" section at left. Read about the various events, and then scroll to the very bottom of the page and click the big, orange "RSVP & Purchase Tickets   CLICK HERE" button. This takes you through the various choices. Keep in mind, we're still looking for folks to submit an essay!! Big prize! Really! Go for it! Enter pain-free by clicking on the "Send a message" blue link in the Essay section of the EVENTS page. It takes you to an email message field. Type it; click it; it's done!

Also, we're hoping someone shows up at one of our events in "Authentic '66" attire. Whether you sign up to do so, or just show up dressed in something we wore in 1966 (surprise us!), we'll be watching for you at our reunion events! So dust off that letter jacket, or get out the saddle shoes, Brylcreem, or even tease your hair into a beehive, and we'll make sure to notice and set you up for a big, big prize! C'mon, let's do it while we still can!

As of a few weeks ago, the South Elementary School we attended from 1955-1958 (Grades 2-4), and then again in 1959-1960 (Grade 6), was demolished to make way for high school athletic field expansion. 

Read about it at http://unioneagle.com/2015/04/28/school-board-raze-south-elementary-school/  (Copy and paste to your browser)

It seems to me that the article is wrong with the dates. It states the school opened in 1954 but we spent 1954/1955 in the old brick school because, well, that was the only school in Princeton at the time!

The new South Elementary School was open for our 1955/1956 year (2nd grade), but that would make the completion date 1955, not 1954 as mentioned in the article. Also, the article mentions an addition put on the building in 1956, but I believe that date was really 1959, since there was no room for us at South Elementary for 1958/1959 (5th grade), but there was for us when the addition was added in time for our 6th grade (1959/1960).

That's my story, and I'm sticking to it! (Your mileage may vary).

Photo credit: Carolyn (Olene) Braun

Hey, groovy guys and groovy gals! Check out new photos that have been posted on our auxiliary website! Alan Deglmann, our resident History Detective, has posted the 1964 and 1965 PHS Homecoming to our Flickr website, where we post all photos that are either large format (including letter sized paper) or group photos. This is because they can be shown much larger on your computer's monitor than can be shown here on our main website.

The newly posted photos are arranged in albums that now also include our Reunion Booklets from our 10th, 20th, 25th, and 40th reunions.

These albums can be accessed through the links (in blue text) provided in our any of our Photos sections (along the left side of this window) or by clicking this direct link: 

FLICKR ALBUMS

To the 41 of the Class of 66, I salute you and thank you for your service. No matter how you count them the percentage is roughly 33% percent if you look at the whole class. If you look at the boys only it is an amazing 59-62 % depending on how you look at the numbers. The Class of 66 should be very proud.

I'm proud of and grateful to these 41 classmates who served and sacrificed!

(Editor's note: There were 110 in our graduating class but the 41 who served included those who attended, but didn't necessarily finish, with our class of 66. Interestingly, there were 61 boys and only 49 girls in our graduating class!)

Memorial Day is a day to honor and remember those who died in the line of duty in service to our country 

From the Princeton High School Class of 1966:

Lance Corporal Stephan J. Nelson, United States Marine Corps
Killed in action near Quang Tri in the Republic of Vietnam

September 7, 1967

The Reunion Committee also acknowledges and thanks each living classmate — and the families of each deceased classmate who served — for providing “Honest and Faithful Service” to our country, the United States of America.

Those who served:

Richard Becker               Army
Ron Bergeson                 Army

John Bergman*              Army

Duane Blank                  Army

Dennis Cook                  Army

Alan Deglmann              Air Force

Mike Deglman                Army

Jim Edmonds                 Navy

Reuben Fordahl*            Army

Duane Gates                  Army National Guard

James Gerth                  Army

Phil Gerth                      Navy

Garry Gray                    Army

Merlin Holland               Army

Jack Holland                  Marines

Pete Jacobs                   Army

Dick Jones                    Army

Frank Kosloski               Army

John Kostanshek           Army

Albert Krona*               Navy

Dennis Leider                Army

Gary Mason                  Army

Dave Meyer                  Army

Dick Miller*                  Army National Guard

Tim O'Donnell               Navy

Mike Pearson                Army

Dennis Rau*                 Navy

George Sanford            Army

Steve Stay*                 Air Force

Bill Steadman*             Air Force

John Taylor                   Navy

Pete Taylor*                  Air Force

Russ Unger                   Marines

Roger Wergin                Navy

Ron Whitcomb              Army

Allan Whiteoak             Air Force

Phil Wicktor                  Army

Jim Winter                    Army

Leeroy Zeroth               Army

Larry Ziebarth              Army

*Deceased

We also thank any other classmates who served but have been omitted here. Please let us know of your service.

Read about Steve Nelson's life and service in IN MEMORY at left