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Kenneth Ebeling (1968) I was a science teacher for 38 years teaching junior and senior high science. I retired in 2006 here in Graettinger after 24 years here. It is hard to believe it has been over 11 years since that time. I have several hobbies to keep me busy. I love to read. I also have interest in photography, astronomy, lapidary, and travel. This past August, my friend and I traveled to Stapleton Neb. to view the eclipse. It was a tremendous experience. I was able to get some decent photos of the eclipse stages through my filtered telescope. I have also been active in our local library and was a commissioner for the Palo Alto County Soil and Water Conservation Board for 12 years. I hope to have many more years to travel and enjoy retirement.

POSTED 11/12/2019

Kathleen (Mathwig) Eiden (1964) I am a retired elementary teacher, mother of three, grandmother of three and married over 41 years to Joe Eiden, also an MSU graduate, who passed away 12 years ago. Joe and I owned a construction business for 40 years in St. James, Minn. Highlights of my college years were singing in choir with Dr. Kittleson and with Dr. Halling's Madrigal Singers. I was on the Alumni Board for seven years and served as Alumni President in 2014-2015. During that time I was privileged to attend numerous events, including ground-breakings, and ribbon-cuttings. I was honored to be selected as Minnesota State University, Mankato's 2017 Volunteer of the Year. Go Mavericks!!

POSTED 11/12/2019

Sandy Backlund (1967) Looking for a former classmate, Mike Hayden...any help here?

POSTED 11/12/2019

Don (Phelan) Phelan (1964) Graduated in December of 64 with major in biology, minors in chemistry and business which served me well. Married Letha Hovinga of Jackson who graduated from the U of Minn. in 1965 (51 years). 13 years at Armour Dial leaving as Group leader Food Research. 20 years at Ore Ida Foods as Manager Formulated products Research and later Project Manager and Senior Food Scientist. Received numerous technical exellence awards from parrent company H.J.Heinz. Spent 2 years consulting in Canada and now retired for 20 years with homes in Coeur d' Alene, Id. and Oro Valley, Az. One son, two daughters, six grandaughters and one great grandson, plus another on the way.

POSTED 05/16/2017

Thomas Rost (1965) After finishing an MA in biology I did two years in the US Army in Okinawa, then did a PhD in plant biology at Iowa State University, then a post-doctoral position at Brookhaven National Laboratory in NY. In 1972 I accepted a position as a professor at the University of California, Davis, CA and retired in 2006. Since that time I have worked in the area of international programs and curriculum development in India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Vietnam, Slovakia and Myanmar. My wife, Ann, and I have three children and six grandchildren.

POSTED 01/19/2017

Jerome (Jerry) Kerns (1960) Following graduation I taught mathematics in Albert Lea for four years. I completed my master's degree in mathematics, thanks to a National Science Foundation grant, before teaching mathematics for seven years in St. Cloud. Mary (Wacholz) and I moved the family (four kids) to Oregon in 1972. I retired in 1993 after spending the final six years as high school assistant principal. Our youngest daughter graduated from Minnesota State Mankato in 1991 and, like Mary, was a cheerleader for the Mavericks. We have enjoyed lots of travel and look fondly on our years in Mankato - all on the original campus, of course.

POSTED 01/19/2017

Sharon (Wehrwein) Boeckman (1962) I graduated in three years attending Mankato during the summer in Elementary Education and a minor in Speech Therapy. I taught first grade two years in Wayzata, seven years in Iowa and seven years in Minnesota. My last two years in Iowa, I coached the 6-8 grades in track. That experience was very memorable and enjoyable. The second year at the school, I began a senior Christmas program where the senior members of our church were invited to a program put on by the primary students in the school. The parents of the students provided cookies and coffee for the gathering. The music teacher rehearsed songs with the students to prepare for the entertainment provided for the seniors. In 1987 we moved to Minnesota. I also began this tradition at the West St. Paul school. When our third child was young and I was not teaching, I began a day care out of our home which I ran for about six years. My husband and I now live in a 55+ condo in Burnsville and have six grandchildren. We enjoy family activities and travel.

POSTED 01/19/2017

Steve Larson (1969) Retired Financial executive living in Scottsdale, AZ, involved in volunteer activities, spending time with three grown children, and traveling from time to time.

POSTED 01/19/2017

Sandra (Glaeser) Chapman (1966) After graduation, my first teaching job was in upstate NY, in West Leyden. I taught general music, which was not what I was trained for, so I came home to MN. I then started teaching in McGrath, MN. There, I directed band and choir. I enjoyed my job and my students! Following McGrath (2 years) I came back to Upper Michigan (U.P.) where my mother and sister lived, since the death of my father. I was then hired by the North Central Schools as band and choral director. Good kids! After 2 years, I married my husband, Eric, in 1974! (42 years this year!) After one year teaching the Holy Name school band, I retired to start our family. Now, I spend time with my music (trumpet), I married my accompanist! We play in church together!

POSTED 08/31/2016

Judith (Carlson) Dellinger (1965) After teaching elementary school for 40 years, Judy retired in 2005. Then she really hit the road of volunteerism! Tutoring 1st & 2nd graders in reading; teaching a music workshop series for 1st graders; lots of church projects-including collecting supplies for school kits for Lutheran World Relief; and participating in The Burbank Arts For All Foundation from its inception ten years ago. In April 2016, Judy was presented with the BAFA Champion For the Arts award. The prestigious award was presented during BAFA's Gala held in The Globe Theatre at Universal Studios. Former students and parents were among the guests for the fund raiser.

POSTED 08/31/2016

Bob Murphy (1969) After graduating I taught Science and Math in Chatfield, Minn., for 6 years. My wife and I then decided to move to the San Francisco Bay Area where I worked as a chemist for 4 years. I then was recruited into the Semiconductor industry in Silicon Valley and worked as an engineer with National Semiconductor for 11 years. During that time I earned an MBA from Santa Clara University. In 1990 I joined two others and formed a company called Apex Services in San Jose providing support to the semiconductor manufacturers. In 1997 we sold this company to Compugraphics and I continued to work for them until my retirement in 2014. I find myself on the golf course a lot these days.

POSTED 08/31/2016

Bob Bernard (1969) After graduation and tour in army; four year employment with Polk County, Iowa County Supervisors, then employed for 32 years managing state judicial systems in Iowa followed by Colorado. Retired early June 2006. Moved to Portland, Oregon, Lived there for 6 years, then traveled around country for two years in a Class A motor home. Been living in Des Moines/Urbandale, Iowa about 5 years. Recently remarried. Healthy and continue volunteering with organizations helping on environment improvement matters such a clean water and air.

POSTED 07/05/2016

Martin Duncan (1967) Novels #6 The Pilot's Mate and #7 Shin'ar, My Love published spring 2016 by CreateSpace.com and Amazon.com. In May I will celebrate 50 years of marriage to Carolynn Lee Swensrud Duncan at a pub in Ireland. After 41 years as a teacher and school superintendent, I served ten years on the St. Peter, MN School Board. Was awarded the Director's Award by MSBA in 2008. Awarded Lifetime Membership in the MASA School Administrators Educational Foundation where I serve on the Board of Directors. Earned my Ed.D. in Educational Administration at Pacific Western University in 2003. Novel #2 Iron Lake Burning is about to be re-issued.

POSTED 06/01/2016

Ronald Solberg (1962) Ron recently authored his second book on America's traveling salesmen, THE SOULFUL SALESMAN-TWO CENTURIES OF HUMOR, STORIES, AND ADVICE. The book is published by the Minneapolis publisher, Two Harbors. Ron paid for college by selling Fuller Brushes door-to-door to southern Minnesota residents.

POSTED 06/01/2016

Darlene (Mayer) Dibble (1960) After graduation and marriage to Ed Dibble (1960), I taught school until our three sons were born. They are now all married and we have seven grandchildren. We have lived in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and warm, sunny almost snowless Texas. When the boys were grown, I went back to college for a master's degree in library science and had a great 18-year career with the Houston Public Library. After retirement Ed and I enjoyed traveling.

POSTED 06/01/2016

Richard Johnson (1963) A Short, Short Story....Having completed 2 years of active duty with the U.S. Navy, and all classroom required credits for an M.S. Degree 1965-1966, I taught high school for a year before departing to travel some of the world. I traveled for one year aboard a sailing yacht across the South Pacific from Tahiti to Cook Islands, Tonga, and the Fiji Islands, then drove a 1939 Ford all over New Zealand for six months, then drove a 1964 Holden all over Australia for six months, and from Perth visited Singapore, Hong Kong, Japan, and Hawaii on my way to Minnesota after two years of travel abroad. A fun education not to be gained from books, and many pleasant memories. Did post-graduate studies at the University of Hawaii using the GI Bill, then married an island girl in Tahiti (a territory of France) to begin a family of four children (two boys & two girls-and now three grandchildren, two girls, one boy). I began work as an accountant for actor Marlon Brando in 1975 at his private island small hotel 30 miles from Tahiti, and continued this position until 1996. I then became a driver in California licensed for big-rig trucks and large charter buses serving numerous gambling casinos, and then became a driver for the Movie & TV Production Studios in Hollywood in year 2000. I retired in 2015 at age 76. It has been a real & fun adventure. My wife of 44 years and I will likely return to our home in Tahiti in the coming year 2017. PS-Our youngest daughter served a tour in Iraq and a tour in Afghanistan, receiving a Bronze Star while there. We are very proud and thankful for her safe return!

POSTED 06/01/2016

Ronald Solberg (1962) After 17 years, retired in 2013 as a social studies teacher in a suburban Chicago school. However, continue to work as a writer, recently authoring my second book -- THE SOULFUL SALESMAN -- TWO CENTURIES OF HUMOR, STORIES, AND ADVICE --documenting the words and ways of America's traveling salesmen. Married fellow MSU grad Norma Dick Solberg in 1962. We have two sons and two granddaughters.

POSTED 06/01/2016

Dwayne Johnson (1960) The U.S. Army was responsible for me moving to Maryland where I met Edie, my bride of 50+ years. We have just become first time grandparents and are readjusting to infants who spend a great deal of time eating, sleeping, crying, and p--ping. Life is good and God has been kind to us both.

POSTED 06/01/2016

Robert Martin (1967) Married in 1974 with three adult children. Served in the Vietnam war. Returned to Asia years later as a missionary for 30 years. Retired. Live in the metro Chicago area. Actively involved in Chinese ministries. In the process of writing a book on experiences in Asia and how they apply to living in our culturally diverse communities in the U.S. Earned a doctorate degree in 2000 in intercultural disciplines.

POSTED 03/17/2016

Michael Falk (1964) Retired in 2011 after a successful career of 44 years with the New York State Division of Parole, arising to the position of Regional Director for the boroughs of Manhattan and the Bronx. In the 70s I was Executive Vice President and Public Relations Director for one of the most powerful unions in state government that facilitated the passage of an Omnibus Parole Act as well as many other legislative acts and employee benefits. I continue to live in NYC with my wife and enjoy traveling along with the variety of entertainment the city has to offer.

POSTED 01/12/2016

MARY (ECKES) FOX (1961) After graduation in 1961, I used my business administration degree in the real estate and property management field, principally condominium management and then legal assistant in a law firm specializing in homeowner association legal needs. My marriage to a Navy career man in 1963 (William) took me to Hawaii, California and Virginia over the first 16 years of our marriage. Thereafter, we settled in the San Diego area and raised our two daughters, both college graduates and now happily married. We have four grandchildren. I retired in 2001. Following Bill's 2005 retirement, we embarked on many road trips throughout this beautiful country. This was culminated by an Alaskan cruise in August 2014, our best trip of all. In 2013 we moved from California's high cost of living and congestion to Sun City West, AZ, a Del Webb retirement community. We regretted not making this move sooner. Bill lost his battle with bile duct cancer (connected directly to his Vietnam service) on July 1st of this year. I am content and adjusting to life on my own, and plan to continue making my home in this wonderful, stress free city for the foreseeable future.

POSTED 12/07/2015

Robert Gunderson (1961) After graduating with a German major and math and science minors, I taught in St. James, MN for three years. Wanting to improve my spoken German, I applied to teach military defendants. The army sent me to Okinawa! I did have the opportunity, however, to see the far east. After one year I transferred to Wiesbaden, Germany where I taught for 5 years, got married, and became a father. After Germany I taught for 27 years in East Greenbush, NY, once again becoming a father. I call this son the domestic and the other the import! The older son is an MD and lives in Charlottesville, VA; the younger has a Phd in astrophysics and lives in Bern, Switzerland.

POSTED 12/04/2015

Larry Tollefson (1964) Larry (64) and Rosanne (65) We celebrated our 50th anniversary this summer with family and friends. We are retired from teaching and live at the lake in Aitkin, MN.

POSTED 11/16/2015

Fred Netz (1966) Student taught at Circle Pines, Mn and got a job there, met my wife there and after teaching one year was drafted in the Army. Taught for 32 years in St. Peter, MN, ran a 200+ acre farm, Helped to start the Minnesota Valley Uniserv, showed Appaloosa Horses from '69-2001, retired from teaching that year, Oshawa Township Supervisor (3 years and one year as Clerk, showed POAs from 2002 - current. Currently live in Hermosa, SD with my wife of 47 years and enjoying being President of the Senior Citizens and Chaplin for the American Legion.

POSTED 11/16/2015

Roberta (Goltz) Steenlage (1963) After graduation from MSC I taught in Britt, IA, for 2 years, then in Haverstraw-Stony Point, NY. Bob and I were married after he graduated from West Point. He was posted to TX, GA, NJ and then to Vietnam. He made it back safely, which was not true for all his classmates as 1 out of 20 were killed. Bob resigned from the Army and went on to teach and coach wrestling. He was Iowa's first 4 time state wrestling champion in high school and All-American in college, so wrestling was a good choice for him. He is now sell-employed with a great nutrition company. We have 8 children, Eric, an orthopedic surgeon; Keith, attorney for John Deere; Sarah, a veterinarian; Esther, a media specialist at U of MN; Tim, John & Barak, owners of Anchor Builders of MN; and Ella, office manager for Eric's office in Atlanta. My sister Karen Iverson, who also graduated from Mankato, and I have done quite a bit of traveling, and plan to continue making these meaningful trips in the future. Would love to see more class notes from the class of 1963.

POSTED 11/16/2015

Michael felix (1969) I split my time between my home on northern Minnesota and my house in NM. I worked on land development. I have written seven books of fiction. See them on Amazon. Ciao!

POSTED 11/16/2015

Gayle F. Schraml (1965) Gayle either graduated in 64 or 65 from Minnesota State University. He passed away on March 2, 2014, in Wauconda, Ill., at our home, of pancreatic cancer. His wife of 47 yrs, Sandra Schraml

POSTED 05/29/2014

Jerry Rae (Avis) King (1965) On July 6, 2013, we held the 50th reunion of the USO touring cast of "Guys and Dolls." The cast was thrilled with the reunion—we are just as close as we were 50 years ago. The only complaint I heard was that it was too brief. Those who attended the event are are pictured here include (back row, left to right) Dan Udvig, Ron Schimbeno, Greg Rindfleisch, Duane Harves, Clayton Wolf, Leigh Heilman, Bob Koger, Vic DePicciotto, John Svedja and Mike Chial; (front row, left to right) Kenya Broden Ostermeier, Ann Ranstead Kendrick, Jerry Rae Avis King, Sally Hauschild Rindfleisch, Sally Pendergast Hjelle and Sue Chesser Harves Guys & Dolls 50th 001

POSTED 05/21/2014

Shirley (Schwichtenberg) Gettings (1968) Shirley Schwichtenberg Gettings was honored for her many years of volunteerism by the City of Lompoc, California. A bay laurel tree was planted in Recognition Grove in Beattie Park with a plaque recognizing her volunteerism and dedication to helping make Lompoc an even better community in which to live. A city proclamation was presented to her by the mayor and city council members on Arbor Day last spring, 2012. Shirley taught business subjects at Lompoc High School for more than 35 years and is now retired, and volunteering even more. Through her efforts Lompoc Valley earned national recognition in the nationwide America In Bloom program. Lompoc is located on the beautiful Central Coast of California near Vandenberg Air Force Base,where many missiles are launched each year.

POSTED 08/07/2012

Roger Goettsch (1961) Retirement can be fun and exciting. I have a 'new job' writing a colunm for the local paper and Mary and I will celebrate our 3rd anniversary Feb. 14th. Life is GOOD!

POSTED 08/06/2012

Don Kamps (1965) Mason City, Ia, is a Partnership Coordinator for the University of Iowa, located at North Iowa Area Community College, where he works with students transferring to the University and coordinates on-line degrees locally.

POSTED 04/20/2012

Mavis (Menk) Zwiefel (1964) Kenley Zwiefel(1965) and I have been married for 47 yrs. We have 8 children and 17 grandchildren.. After many years of teaching, we have retired and are now corrections officers at the Palo Alto Co Jail in Emmetsburg, Iowa. Ken and I have built a new house on our acreage near Fenton, Iowa. We enjoy our grandchildren immensely and try to keep up with all their activities. Old Main and the music dept were especially important to us. Remembering the huge new computer that took up several rooms and submitting cards to register for our classes stood out in our minds. Also remembering friends and acquaintances who went to the Peace Corps when they finished college. Mr. Tiede and the marching band and Dr. Kittleson and the choir were our treasured times in college.

POSTED 01/12/2012

Edward Srsen (1963) Doris and I have been married for 45 years. We are both retired and living in Sun City, AZ. We enjoy our summers in Minnesota and still maintain a home in Minnesota. We take advantage of some of the alumni events, such as the winery tour and the Twins games. I continue to see an old college friend every year as we visit Minnesota's Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness together. I have many fond memories of my years at MSU.

POSTED 01/11/2012