Walking with Purpose, Walking with Purpose

Transcription

Walking with Purpose, Walking with Purpose
Spring 2016
Walking with Purpose,
AN UPDATE ON THE
GCA ALUMNAE ASOCIATION
Written by Sister Katherine DuVal, SSND - Facilitator of Think Tank meetings
Many of you may recall that a group of Alumnae met October 30-31, 2015 as a
Think Tank and asked me to accompany them as facilitator. The purpose of the
meeting was to share insights, opinions and questions regarding the future of the
GCA Alumnae Association. The outcome of that meeting was shared in an “Urgent
Status Update” sent November 2015 to all GCA Alumnae and staff.
As indicated in the update, the
members of the Think Tank
recommended to the Executive
Board, that a three/five - year plan be
developed which outlines:
1) current and future procedures for
running the Association;
2) possible changes in the scope of
the Association’s services;
3) specific criteria to determine
when and how decisions about the
Association’s future existence will be
made.
Walking with Purpose continues on page 2.
Think Tank Members
Standing: Sister Arlene Hodapp ’48, Nora Keenan ’62, Sister Katherine DuVal (facilitator), Jeanne Osdoba Kelly ’75, Mona James Will ’73
Sitting: Sister Patricia Frost ’51, Sister Joanna Illg ’50, Sister Marion Welter ’50, Barbara Kelly Traxler ’80
T H I N K
T H I N K
T H I N K
T H I N K
T H I N K
T A N K
ReEchoes • Spring 2016 • 1
T H I N K
T H I N K
T H I N K
Walking with Purpose
Most members of the Think Tank
(Mona Will, Sr. Joanna Illg, SSND,
Nora Keenan, Sr. Marion Welter,
SSND, Sr. Pat Frost, SSND, Jeanne
Kelly and Barb Traxler) and I met again
December 14-15, 2015 to review the
status of the activities of the Association
and work on a three/five - year plan.
(Sr. Arlene Hodapp, SSND participated
in the October meeting but, because
of illness, did not participate in the
December meeting.)
Both from survey results and informal
conversations over the years with many
Alumnae and SSND, it is clear that
the relationships among yourselves and
the School Sisters of Notre Dame are
of significant value and most desire
to maintain them in some fashion
for many years to come. Particularly,
Homecoming and Re-Echoes assist in
maintaining these important and longlasting friendships.
However, it is also clear that the
Alumnae, as a group, is aging, the
number of volunteers diminishing and
women willing to serve as Executive
Board members and perform other
forms of service are very scarce.
Extensive dialogue at the December
meeting revealed again how much the
current Executive Board members
(Mona Will, Nora Keenan and Sr.
Joanna) are doing as volunteers to keep
the Association meeting its purpose to
“unite in closer union and friendship
the former students and faculty of
GCA …”
Dialogue led the group to recommend
to the Executive Board that an
immediate search for a Coordinator of
the Association begin with the goal that
a person (GCA graduate or former staff
member of GCA) be hired by March
2016. They also suggested that Mona
Will serve as Interim Coordinator
until the new Coordinator can assume
responsibilities.
2 • ReEchoes • Spring 2016
T H I N K
T H I N K
T A N K
continued from page 1
The group also made the following recommendations:
S An SSND be appointed as liaison to the Association;
S Sister Marion Welter, SSND, be the coordinator of the interview
process;
S Strengthen relationship between SSND Office of Mission
Advancement and the GCA Alumnae Association;
S A committee be formed to work on Homecoming preparation;
S The new Coordinator oversees developing a plan to assess the
future of the organization based on predetermined criteria and
evaluation;
S At the April 2016 Homecoming, solicit volunteers to serve on
the Executive Board as Secretary (currently, there is no one in
that position) and Treasurer (Sr. Joanna Illg’s term expired in
2014. However, she has been serving as Treasurer until another
is appointed). Mona Will’s term as President and Nora Keenan’s
term as Vice-President expire in 2017 so volunteers will be needed
at that time;
S Sisters Patricia Frost and Marion Welter, and Barb Traxler and
Jeanne Kelly serve in an advisory capacity for the new Coordinator
as long as needed.
In summary, your Alumnae Association
is strong and has the potential to
meet its goals for years to come. Your
officers are dedicated women who
realize the value of an association
committed to continuing friendships
with one another and the School
Sisters of Notre Dame. However, this
can only happen with your volunteer
efforts, your interest and your financial
contributions which will enable your
association to function smoothly and
meet its goals. Given the technology
that is available at this time in our
history, you can live across the country
and still volunteer time and energy to
work on small projects – furthermore,
you could be the secretary of the
Alumnae Association!
Sisters Marie Smith ’56 (left) and Cerella
Baumgartner (right) together with Sister Katherine
DuVal treated members of the Think Tank to
a gourmet meal, topped off with Sister Katherine’s
homemade pies!
Please contact your officers today and ask how you can help.
Contact information can be found on the Homecoming registration page 19.
C O M M I T M E N T -
A
life of
service
Alumnae Award Recipient
Mary Ann Siebenand Kramer ’50
The connection to Our Lady of Good
Counsel in Mary Ann’s life extends
from her attendance at GCA to her
work in the Council of Catholic
Women (CCW) because Our Lady of
Good Counsel is the patroness of the
organization and a prayer in her honor
is recited at CCW gatherings. (See
page 4 for the prayer.) Mary Ann was an
active participant in parish, diocesan,
provincial, and national rings of CCW.
She served on the National Board
of the National Council of Catholic
Women (NCCW) as Province Director,
2nd Vice President, and was elected
National President in 1987. A major
achievement during her term was the
development of a mission statement
which is still in use today: “NCCW
acts through its membership to support,
empower and educate all Catholic
women in spirituality, leadership and
service. NCCW programs respond
with Gospel values to the needs of the
Church and society in the modern
world.”
After graduating as the salutatorian
from GCA, Mary Ann attended the
College of St. Scholastica in Duluth
and majored in Elementary Education.
She taught at Sacred Heart School
in Robinsdale, and in Lamberton,
both in Minnesota. When her parish
school, Our Lady of Victory, in Lucan,
“I show up!”
This was Sister Helen Marie
Plourde’s ’54 response when
she was asked why she has
been recognized as a leader.
Mary Ann Siebenand
Kramer ’50 has also “shown
up” when answering the call
to leadership.
Our 2016 Good Counsel
Alumnae Award recipients
have committed their lives to
the well-being of others.
Christ commands us to love
others as we would love
ourselves.
Meet two of our alumnae
who have exemplified the
highest and best traditions of
Good Counsel Academy.
Minnesota, was no longer able to be
staffed by religious sisters, Mary Ann
became one of the first lay persons to
become principal of a Catholic school
in her diocese, New Ulm, MN. It
started out as a temporary summer
responsibility of “being the keeper of
the keys and sorter of the mail” and
became a 30-year commitment to a
faith-filled education, working with
supportive pastors and committed
families. She also taught religious
education to elementary, junior high,
and senior high classes.
In recognition of her distinguished
service to the New Ulm Diocese
through her work on the New Ulm
Pastoral Council and to the Catholic
Church, Mary Ann received two
Bishop Medals and the Pro Ecclesia
et Pontifice (Latin: For Church and
Pope), also known as the “Cross of
Honour”. It is the highest medal that
can be awarded to the laity by the
Pope and hers was given by Pope John
Paul. She also considers her role as
wife, mother, and grandmother to
be a significant honor. Mary Ann
married Richard Kramer in 1958; they
have four daughters, four sons and 19
grandchildren.
Mary Ann was nominated for this
award by her sister-in-law, Alice Kramer
Thull ’52. In her nomination form,
Alice stated that “The challenge will
be to list the myriad activities to which
Mary Ann has contributed over the
years.” Alice’s list included many
volunteer activities that Mary Ann had
not mentioned in her own summary
of her volunteer work. It extends
far beyond her considerable church
volunteer activities. She coordinates
the Christmas gifts for an adult home
and leads a group of ladies called
the “Red Hat Granny Readers” who
entertain young children in libraries
A life of service continues on page 4.
ReEchoes • Spring 2016 • 3
C O M M I T M E N T A life of service
continued from page 3.
and classrooms and the elderly in nursing homes and retirement homes. Mary Ann
has also guided members of Girl Scouts and 4-H. She is active in the Lucan Booster
Club and chairs the luncheon stand for its annual Pretzel Days in June and is a
salesperson for the Calendar project. She is a member of Lucan’s American Legion
Auxiliary and has held office in the Auxiliary. Mary Ann also belongs to the Lucan
Area Historical Society.
Mary Ann credits her parents for encouraging her to try her wings but always being
there to support her. She also acknowledges the many women she met during her
work in CCW who challenged, inspired, supported, and befriended her through
the years as well as her local friends who have always been there for her with extra
hands, time and listening ears. Her immediate family has also surrounded her with
love and support.
A goal of the Council of Catholic Women is to encourage women in leadership and
in service to Christ, His church and society. Because Mary Ann has exemplified this
leadership and service throughout her life and she is now receiving the Our Lady of
Good Counsel Alumnae Award, it seems fitting to end with the prayer to the
patroness of the CCW, Our Lady of Good Counsel...
Prayer to Our Lady of Good Counsel
O Lord of heavenly wisdom who has given us your own
Mother Mary to be our guide and counselor in this our life,
grant that in all things we may have the grace to seek her
maternal instruction and to profit by it in humility and love.
O Mother of Good Counsel, Patroness of the National
Council of Catholic Women, help us to understand and
fulfill the mind and will of your Divine Son, Jesus Christ.
Under the Blessings of the Father, and by the power of the
Holy Spirit, may we be responsible and intelligent daughters
of the Church. May we labor in the spirit of renewal to
realize more perfectly the Kingdom of God here below as
the only true preparation for our share in the Kingdom of
Heaven. And may we, in all we think or do or say, be filled
with the same love of God and neighbor that overflows from
your own Immaculate Heart.
Amen
4 • ReEchoes • Spring 2016
Alumnae Award Recipient
Sister Helen Marie Plourde ’54, SSND
When Sister Helen Marie Plourde was
notified that she was nominated for
the Good Counsel Alumnae Award
and asked to provide background
information she returned the form
along with these comments: “What a
surprise to be nominated for this award.
If Sr. Chrysostoma, the principal during
my GC days, could know about this
nomination she may roll over in her
grave. Life does have intriguing twists
and turns.”
Sister Rita Wollschlager, SSND,
nominated Helen Marie for this award
because she continues to exemplify the
highest and best traditions of Good
Counsel Academy. When Rita thinks
of Helen Marie, she thinks of music,
piano, notes, melody, perfect pitch,
and patience with the many students
with whom she has shared her musical
talents. She sees her as transforming
the world one note at a time.
Helen Marie’s involvement in music
began early in her life. She started
piano lessons at age five, joined the
church choir when she was in 4th
grade, and soon began singing the chant
masses solo during summer vacation
through her 12th grade. As an SSND,
she first taught all subjects in grades 5,
C O M M I T M E N T A life of service
continued from page 4.
6, and 7 for 10 years before becoming
a full-time music teacher. In addition
to teaching grade school classroom
music and high school chorus, organ,
piano, vocal and choir leadership filled
her days. She served in church music
leadership for 45 years. Singing in the
Minnesota Chorale for several years was
a highlight and working at the Ordway
opening night through the next four
years provided a musical world never
dreamed possible when she entered the
community.
Working with engaged couples to plan
the music for their wedding awakened
an interest in becoming a Marriage and
Family Therapist because she observed
that some of the relational dynamics
between some couples might not to
lead to happy, enduring marriages.
After she earned an MA in Human
Development/Counseling and was
licensed as a Marriage and Family
Therapist, she developed a marriage
preparation workshop with Sister Mary
Sue Berg, SSND, called T-for-Two,
based on Myers-Briggs personality type
concepts using her experience as a
Myers-Briggs qualified presenter. Sister
Helen Marie stated that she is an ENFJ
on the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator
and her being the eternal student
reflects that type. The Myers-Briggs
website provides several adjectives to
describe every personality type. In view
of music’s central role in her life, it is
fitting that two of the adjectives for
ENFJ are harmonious and expressive!
http://www.myersbriggs.org/
Sister Helen Marie was an Ecclesiastical
Attorney for the Archdioceses of
St. Paul Minneapolis Metropolitan
Tribunal for 14 years when Fr. Ron
Bowers was head of the Tribunal. Her
counseling background was very useful
in this work. Parish choir director
positions continued on week-ends.
When asked “Why have you been
recognized as a leader in your family,
church, community or chosen
profession?” Sister Helen Marie
replied, “I am enthusiastic, have a sense
of humor, follow through on my word,
work as a team player as well as chair
a meeting, am generous in extending
appreciation. I am not afraid of taking
an integrity stand. I show up!”
She has promoted women in many
ways: stressing the importance of
inclusive language in every aspect
of life, working as a member of the
Women’s Interest Group (WIG) of
the Mankato Campus to a variety
of women’s issues including raising
awareness and prevention of human
trafficking, building self-confidence
through counseling sessions and
through preparing her piano students
to participate in events such as piano
exams, piano contests, and recitals.
Sister values the successes her piano
students received in various Minnesota
Music Teachers Association (MMTA)
contests and in Music Federation
Festivals. She is also proud of her work
as a member of the SSND Fine Arts
Committee and the large music festivals
that were held on the Hill in the 90s.
As a member of the Organ Committee,
she helped initiate a series of organ
concerts by guest artists over the years.
Sister Helen Marie’s brave and
tenacious approach to life is revealed
in this paragraph that she wrote: “In
February of 1972, I wanted to become
more self-aware about my own cultural
biases. While at an Orff conference in
Chicago, I scoured the yellow telephone
pages making phone calls with hopes
of securing a summer music teaching
position. Success came on the 17th
call and I taught classroom music 9-4
daily for six weeks in an all-Black school
on the South side of Chicago. It was
challenging, rewarding, educational for
teacher and students, and exhausting.
It proved an excellent venture in
cultural-awareness.”
Personal health issues provided the
background to pursue studies in
reflexology. In 1988 this goal was
accomplished which has provided many
opportunities for Sister Helen Marie to
help others.
Yet another facet of this outstanding
alumna is described by Sister Rita:
“It warms my heart to know she will
creatively contribute to the Annual
Craft Fair by canning, drying herbs and
assisting the work of the Fair.”
Are you curious
about a former
teacher and what she
is doing today?
The Alumnae Office is in need
of school photos from 19701983. Very few photos were
saved from these years.
Will you please share
your photos?
Please email photos to
[email protected]
or mail to:
170 Good Counsel Drive,
Mankato, MN 56001-3138
(Copies will be scanned and your
photos returned.)
Reading about classmates in
the mailbag is one of the most
favorite sections of ReEchoes.
Please remember to pay your
$20.00 Membership Dues
which includes your ReEchoes
Subscription. (See page 19.)
ReEchoes • Spring 2016 • 5
Sister Arlene (M. Romaine) Hodapp, SSND
Class of 1948, former GCA faculty and Think Tank member
They that hope in the Lord
will renew their strength;
they will run and not grow
weary, walk and not grow
faint.
- Isaiah 40:31
Our dear Sister Arlene
Hodapp, 85, died peacefully
on Wednesday, December 30,
2015. Around Thanksgiving,
her health declined severely and shortly before her
death she was diagnosed with advanced cancer.
She was an invaluable member of the Good Counsel
Alumnae Association Think Tank that met in October.
She was adamant that our association remain strong
and continue indefinitely – “until there’s no one left!”
Her love for the Good Counsel Alumnae and their
families was evident as she maintained a presence in
the Mankato area and often attended parish and civic
events.
In a 2013 Jubilee reflection Sister Arlene shared this
insight: “Life means to have something definite to do, a
mission to fulfill.” In her ministry, Sister Arlene carried
out her mission by helping students to renew their
strength and confidence, to walk and run and not grow
weary. May she now walk and run in everlasting peace.
Deceased Alumnae
CLASS
ALUMNAE
1938
Alice Bertrand Turner
1942
Betty Ayde Mason
1947
Mary Ellen Wiggin Lawton
11/27/2015
1948 & Faculty
Sister Arlene Hopdapp
12/30/2015
1949
Lois Stangler Pettis
11/10/2015
1949
Donna Cunningham Shern
10/21/2015
1950
Helen King Kuehlman
12/29/2015
1952
Kathleen Regan Dailey
9/30/2015
1954
Jane Steil
6/19/2015
1970
Margaret Schorer
9/18/2015
6 • ReEchoes • Spring 2016
DATE OF DEATH
7/23/2015
1/4/2008
Join the
Good Counsel
Auxiliary!
The Good Counsel Auxiliary mission is to serve
and benefit the retired Sisters in Notre Dame Hall
Health Care Center.
ACTIVE MEMBERS meet five times a year
and pay membership dues of $5.00 annually.
SUPPORTIVE MEMBERS who cannot actively
participate because of distance, health or other
commitments support Auxiliary projects with their
prayers and financially with annual dues of $10.00.
Throughout the year the Auxiliary will sponsor
birthday parties for the Sisters in Health Care,
volunteer to
make special
treats and
favors for
the various
holidays and
decorate
Notre Dame
Hall for
Christmas.
One of the Good Counsel Auxiliary projects this year was to purchase
cushions for the Notre Dame Health Care Chapel. Good Counsel
graduate Sister Rene’ Lorentz (1937) is pictured here using the
cushion, while the empty chairs show the actual cushions.
Thank you, Auxiliary members!
Please contact: Sister Mary Dominic Klaseus
507-389-4259 or [email protected]
ACTIVE MEMBERS: $5.00
SUPPORTIVE MEMBERS: $10.00
Checks payable to Good Counsel Auxiliary
Please send to: Sister Mary Dominic Klaseus
170 Good Counsel Drive
Mankato, MN 56001
*The Good Counsel Alumnae Association will match the annual GC
Auxiliary dues (up to $200.00) paid by GCA Alumnae.
Walking with Purpose
Join your classmates at Homecoming
Sunday, April 24, 2016!
Please mark your calendar today
and plan to enjoy a day with
your classmates and teachers.
Email your friends and
make plans together.
The classes of 1936,
1941, 1956, 1951,
1956, 1961, 1966,
1971, 1976, and 1981
will celebrate their
anniversary reunions
at Homecoming 2016.
We are looking
forward to seeing all
of you in April!
Homecoming schedule of events:
9:30 AM: Registration (Our Lady of Good Counsel Campus)
11:00 AM: Mass (Our Lady of Good Counsel Chapel)
12:15 PM: Luncheon
1:30 PM: Visiting former teachers, tours and spending time
with classmates
If you have questions, please contact the Alumnae Office at 507-389-4279 or [email protected].
1955 classmates at
Homecoming 2015
ReEchoes • Spring 2016 • 7
2016 Homecoming & Class Representatives
We are looking for class representatives for the classes of 1956, 1971, and 1981.
All classes can contact the Alumnae Association for more information concerning Homecoming and class
plans at 507-389-4279 or [email protected].
1951 – 65th Class Reunion
Class of ’51- Surprise your classmates by showing up
for our 65th! We are counting on seeing you!
1961 – 55th Class Reunion
Buffet Luncheon - Charley’s Restaurant, 920
Madison Ave E, Mankato
Saturday, April 23, 2016 at 11:30 am – 3:00 pm
Please mail $20 per person by APRIL 11 to:
Jacque Krueger McDonald
136 Country Club Dr, Mankato, MN 56001
Please check out our Facebook page for more details!
1966 – 50th Class Reunion
We’ve talked & emailed about this for a year! If you
haven’t been in the loop, please contact us ASAP!
We’ll meet for dinner at Mankato City Center Hotel
on Saturday, April 23rd. Details will be sent to you by
email. Let us know if you prefer a post office mailing.
Class Representatives Sister Pat Frost, [email protected]
Sister Doris Welter, [email protected]
Class Representatives Lucy Forster Zemanek, [email protected], 650-336-3326
Jacque Krueger McDonald, [email protected], 507-381-5144
Mary Hancuh Case, [email protected], 713-832-7061
Phyllis Keltgen Rivard, [email protected], 612-867-1197
Karen Baynes Johnson, [email protected], 507-931-5946
Class Representatives Janet Murphy, [email protected], 602-799-2227
Dianne Davis Andros, [email protected], 507-934-9134
Julie Hoehn Kroubetz, [email protected]
1976 – 40th Class Reunion
We hope to see you at Homecoming.
1955 classmates at
Homecoming 2015
8 • ReEchoes • Spring 2016
Class Representatives Bernadette Steinbauer Wilson, [email protected], 507-351-3616
Teresa Decker Vogel and Peggy Thul Noga.
1936 & 1941
CLASS OF 1936 (80th Class Reunion)
Row Four - Dorothy Knaffle Swan, Madeline Brennan, Jean Book Schoeneberger, Mary Evelyn Meinz, Virginia McGauhey, Valeria Kruse Kleve, Eleanor Herz Salfer,
Frances May Kimmes and Helen Voracek Amundsen.
Row Three - Dolores Duff Webster, Margie Kabes Heinen, Marie Roemer Bobalek, Joanette Augustine, Mary Mayn Culp, Josephine Groh DeGonda, Inez (Evelyn)
Hoey and Dolores Patient O’Leary.
Row Two - Lorraine Mahowald Dodini, Margaret Woychick Pougiales, Bernadine Ayers Udelhofen, Kathleen Rother, Leona Fallenstein Church, Mary Jane Kiffe
Stasson, Monica Schwab Larsen and Roberta Rother.
Row One - Dolores Jungwirth Loomis, Catherine Robel Erdahl, Margery Lenertz Landkamer, Marie Reagan Matherly, Marie Thole Harps, Helen LeBlanc Collins,
Lorraine Heinzman Rogers, Lucille Salfer Cammack and Rosalyn Hlavka.
CLASS OF 1941 (75th Class Reunion)
Row Four - Louise McGaughey, Bernice VonRueden Grinney, Marianne DeMarre Sosnowski, Jeanne Grohs Huber, Mary Ann Lipetzky, Katherine Wynne Vorisek,
Marcella Dunham Hedberg, Geraldine Olson Peterson, Dolores Schmitz, Joan Kettler, Thelma Vetsch and Betty Ann Haltiner.
Row Three - Rose Ann White Hall, Ellen Wallace Melander, Rita Danish Naylon, Edna Mae Johnson Milnor, Patricia Raverty Lutz, Mary Ruth Oster Zephirin, Mary
Goshey Barrett, Patricia Reichel, Rita Marie Lethert Sagarsky, Carol O’Connor, Mary Jan Lyons Wesson and Charlotte Thomas Moore.
Row Two - Bernadine Tillman Hiebl, Sylvia Pidde Bruender, Lorraine Weber Sorenson, Mary Ann Blunt, Curilla Zwaschka Beal, Lenore Moen Szczepanski, Monica
Boeckman, Eloise Husnik Kaliher, Dorothy Soutar Struck, Betty Weyhe Lindeen, Virginia Flanders Finn and Margaret Ellen Traxler.
Row One - Eileen Feeney Bovee, Laura Reinhart, Mary Lou Brown Moore, Geraldine Bonesteel Lindeen, Adeline Hagen, Mary Ann Voss Chirpich, Agreda Kettler
Monn, Dolores Waldoch, Irene Smith Johnson-Ament, Beverly Roux Culbert and Kathleen Daugherty Schulte.
ReEchoes • Spring 2016 • 9
1946 & 1951
CLASS OF 1946 (70th Class Reunion)
Row Four - Jean Gruenzner Weber, Mary Ann Hiniker Kelly, Marjorie Lichteig Kenyon, Audrey Oberle Hilgert, Mary Teresa Bornong, Valeria Theis, Ruth Kohner
Doherty, Gloria Longenecker Schwab, Jean Nuebel Posz, Mary Ann King Weigenant, Patricia Wiggin Hanson, Patricia Clemens Berendt, Margaret Hayes Pahl and
Martha Smolka Anderson.
Row Three - Joan Lenertz Steinhauser, Mary McQuiggan Coutre, Charlotte Tacheny Jansen, Mary Kozitza Smith, Audrey Tschohl Kelly, Yvonne Carpentier Stenzel,
Mary Ann Lorentz Goettl, Elizabeth Gorman Furlette, Patricia Gruber, Rosemary Anfang, Ann Jankowski Reiter, Jeannine Walsh, Rosemary Thielgen Schuster and
Esther Theis Weinzierl.
Row Two - Helen Burkel Neubert, Rose Deinhart Stark, Magdalene Zweber Brown, Marcella Minea, Monica Leifeld, Evelyn Lattner Odegaard, Patricia Kiffe Borchert,
Adele Brenner Hoerr, Clare Carlstrom Hollerich, Pearl Smith Supansick, Doris Hacker Rehder, Betty Mae Stokes Merritt, Jean Simonett Bauer and Mary Ahern
Schomaker.
Row One - Jean Miller Honetschlager, Bettie Krantz Kleinschmidt, Donna Thomas Brooks, Edith Fasnacht Dauk, Lorraine Jolian Cazin, Carmella Richie Giersdorf,
Phyllis Krier Hiniker, Joan Benson, Clarine Roy Eull, Beverly Schmitt Hansen, Patricia Sommer Lilley, Bernadette Thiry Anderson, Marie Hentges Spoerner and
Donna Denboer.
CLASS OF 1951 (65th Class Reunion)
Row Four - Eleanor Killion, Annabelle Becker, Mary Edwin (Dorena) Lanners, Kathryn Stokman Schnepp, Phyllis Bendel, Helen Paul McCormick, Mary Ann Kraus
Neary, Mary Agnes Boyle Splittstoesser, Norma Rose Kollars, Marilyn Fallenstein, Ruth Altmann McNamara and Patricia Leuze Mandery.
Row Three - Gloria Zweber, Mary Jane Busch Cole, Anna Marie Bauer Hauch, Kathleen Mans Krause, Harriet Schmitt Griffin, Roseanne Weydert Barnard, Paul
Therese (Phyllis) Saiko, Vincent Marie (Florence) Teuber, Doris Welter, Lavonne Bregel Cahill and Patricia Frost.
Row Two - Jane DeMuth Conlin, Charlotte Toohey Mullin, Diane Schmidt Peterson, Maxine Embacher Griffin, Patricia Ryan Hallagan, Helen Lee Murphy, Celine
Roeck Templeton, Gloria Banks Huss, Corinne Swift Page, Beverly Kesler Freeman and Patricia Thier Herrington.
Row One - Catherine Bartscher, Jean Schneider, Kathleen Fitterer Hodapp, Patricia Breiter O’Neil, Joan Thyken, Dolores Kubishak Miller, Jean Stroebel Leonhardt,
Mary Cunningham, Mary Kuehn Lorentz, Mary Lee Gaffey Schmitz and Marjorie Tacheny Buechner.
10 • ReEchoes • Spring 2016
1956 & 1961
CLASS OF 1956 (60th Class Reunion)
Row Five - Margaret Forster Edwards, Rosemary Schuneman, Mary Kay Dorn Pritchard, Kathleen Spencer, Ivona Fritz Wichmann, Jodell Cain Grams, Juliann Knapp
Conley, Mary Ann Townsend, Barbara Koehler Cory, Virgina Boettcher Knesel, Patricia Muellerleile Lenertz, Margie Cornelius Van Berkom, Julia Ortiz Bryant and
Jane Althoff Ward.
Row Four - Marilyn Wilmes Slama, Renee Lenertz Amundson, Margaret Loebner Olson, Patricia Tacheny Swearingen, Mary McGreevy, Patricia Zins Marcotte, Karen
Haack, Catherine Fasnacht Walechka, Geraldine Norby, Deanna Steinberg Robinson, Phyllis Thomas Maiers, Judith Willette King and Donna Lenzmeier Encomienda.
Row Three - Patricia Willems Papenfuss, Margaret Rein, Judith Rothfork, Marlene Siegle Roufs, Marlene Steichen Herold, Katherine Moris Girtz, Dorothy Wagner,
Barbara Binczick Cote, Suzanne Menshek, Clareen Wermerskirchen Ries, Myrna Guillemette Maiorka, Suzanne Eichler and Marie Smith.
Row Two - Marcene Schlosser, Joyce Rother Cobian, Margaret Dahlheimer, Mary Alice Sonnek Detke, Kathleen Osborne Meyer, Judith Ascheman Pletz, Sharon
Reasner Mullally, Carolyn Gerlach Bigelbach, Kathleen Fernholz, Gretchen Finney Becker, Janet Majerus, Angela Kuntz Faller and Joanne Kozitza Theissen.
Row One - Mary Jean Anton Boeckmann, Donna Hogan Burke, Theresa Bach Bartholomew, Joan Sadler Youngblut, Ann Schoch, Geraldine Gorman Ziegler, Carol
Hussong Leopold, Judith Miller Smith, Rosella Hejlik Tisl, Carole Plante, Constance Brakke Edwards, Phyllis Braun Kocher and Sandra Brown Clingman.
CLASS OF 1961 (55th Class Reunion)
Row Five - Barbara Stoll Gillis, Diane Sterner, Helen Carlson Miller-O’Malley, Patricia Hilyer Jacobson, Constance Mau Fleming, Maryetta Reasner McCarty, Judith
Murphy Coutts, Mary Jakobe Adams, Jane Murphy Gleason, Patricia Keenan Johnson, Jane Johnson Deeming, Rosemary Hodapp Dummer, Gay Wernecke Bowers,
Mary Jenson Johnston, Mary Lou Gatzmeyer, Margaret Fitzke Ericksen, Mary Burkel James and Lucia Hoffman.
Row Four - Mary Coughlin Rose, Mary Hancuh Case, Marlys Koehler Widmark, Lynn Magnell, Judith Mulder Flanery, Janet Derner, Joan Engel Patterson, Margaret
Magnell, Karen Eichten Timm, Mary Holtkamp, Lucy Forster Zemanek, Mary Jean Cirhan Griffin, Mary Lee Udelhofen Stern, Janice Frederick Heiser, Ann Groh
Gardner, Jo Ann Johnson, and Gloria Potz.
Row Three - Phyllis Keltgen Rivard, Karen Reichel Melby, Katheen Ruddy Dorn, Anne McQuaid, Mary White Japel, Jackie Krueger McDonald, Joan Nikolai Lester,
Noreen Hartwig Hiniker, Dorothy Barnett Renner, Sharon Rollings, Susan Bohrer Malmberg, Jeanne Cuddy Mueller, Mary Fisk Scobee, Mary Ellen Goettl Kamas,
Suzanne Scharber Rinehart and Mary Carr Allenburg.
Row Two - Karen Fischer Goettlicher, Patricia Dumont Birch, Patricia Carlson Anthony, Marie Latessa Drackert, Mary Smith McLaughlin, Joyce Reinhart Nyers,
Margaret Smith McLaughlin, Carol Wussow Fredrickson, Colleen Pearson Bianchi, Kathleen Bach Clinton, Mary Cay Burg Senger, Linda Votca Carole, Marie
Kreidermacher Skidmore, Suzanne Krenik Pundt, Kay Postels Rensink and Veronica Schoch Weber.
Row One - Janet Willette Janicke, Virginia LaFrance, Mary Jewison, Sharon Zachman Monson, Mary Weisgram, Marilyn Lindblom, Mary Ann Hall Sandersfeld, Karen
Baynes Johnson, Sharon Waldoch, Sharon Gilligan, Judith Krueger Siebenaler, Helen McCloskey Golay, Judith Fitzpatrick Kresge, Mary Jean Dale Kelly and Loriann
(Madonna) Stanton. Not Present - Patricia Reedy Allen.
ReEchoes • Spring 2016 • 11
1966 & 1971
CLASS OF 1966 (50th Class Renuion)
Row Six - Colleen McQuaid Campbell, Susan Lenz Anfinson, Mary Hutcherson Chamberlain, Linda Wallin Ingli, Karen Buskey Myhill, Pamela Roozen Hartwell, Gloria Cyr Adrian,
Sandra Miller Roberts, Kaylene Pieper Lemke, Linda Ulmen Schweiss, Colleen Quillin Weibel, Virginia Mariner Schroer, Gwen Biedscheid Plaster, Cynthia Hall, Mary Walser Tatarek,
Jacqueline Schmitz Huerpe and Janet Kieber Murphy.
Row Five - Marlene King Hack, Carol Jordan Vosburgh, Mary Riley Oney, Susanne DeVlaeminch Schaub, Mary Kenne Jones, Karen Hinkle Heaton, Carol Orchard Hall, Mary Gemlo,
Barbara Broderick Weatherwax, Mary Jo Loeffler Fradenburgh, Judith Wagner, Jo Ankrum Gunderson, Patricia Fromelt Wheaton, Margaret Devney Bruks, Susan Maxfield Houtsma,
Lona Laven Skaja and Sharon Fasnacht Gray.
Row Four - Irene Blees Embacher, Mary Gitter Zehnder, Bernadette Moes Kieffer, Patricia Good Brand, Joanne Schons Baker, Mary Devney Holets, Dianne Davis Andros, Marcia
Lievan Hunziker, Mary Berger Chaves, Mary Huberty, Mary Glodek Merkl, Patricia Storms Peitz, Susan Frederick Kegley, Karen Stuve Sargent, Mary Milbradt Harris, Gloria Kelly
McCall and Judith Lang Reich.
Row Three - Carole DeGonda McAffee, Susan Kurash Fausch, Julia Wollschlager Bakeberg, Carol Colby Maas, Lorrie Chapman Hansen, Donna Rauchman McGuff, Kathleen
Cervantes, Patricia Neary Bieber, Sandra Haefner Deuser, Judith Weicherding Anderson, Mary Brown Beckman, Bonnie Schulte Stone, Julie Hoehn Kroubetz, Barbara Marsh Budde,
Cynthia Hiniker Erickson, Cynthia Day and Karen Krautkremer Melchior.
Row Two - Ruth Busta, Linda Walrath Kettner, Gloria Frederick, Susanne Liebl Lommen, Diane Kuhn Rose, Ida Sonnek Arnold, Sheila Murphy, Jean Landkamer Tagatz, Teresa
Dickerman Roy, Marie Fernholz Giesen, Cecilia Marie Warner, Mary Willette, Jacqueline Neubert Shay, Judith Bach Etherington, Kathryn Fritz Hansen and Maray Koskovich Weller.
Row One - Patricia Barry Pelton, Nancy Rauschendorfer Iserman, Cheryl Pieper Westerlund, Therese Umhoefer Saye, Catherine Pihale Fox, Kathleen Huettl Crawford, Kathleen
Powers Howard, Virginia Hensel Lavoi, Constance Tuma Brandt, Geneva Willems Perrizo, Emilie Stahler, Susan Thissen Blankensop, Mary Gacke Holman, Catherine Annette Byrne,
Sandra Beck Donnay and Sandra Connor Schaper. Not pictured - Stephany Gilbert Flakker and Bridget Hunziker Butzer.
CLASS OF 1971 (45th Class Reunion)
Row Six - Maureen Traxler, Patricia Curran Martin, Belinda Butzer Wilson, Kathleen Kortz Ganapes, Joyce Pouliot, Dawn Dickmeyer Stone, Patricia Schramski, Jane Long Fossen, Joan
Hunziker Dean, Janet Niichel, Marianne Ross Mullaly, Penny O’Sullivan Koerner, Catherine Bowser Guggenberger, Kathryn Alders Peckman and Catherine Jewett.
Row Five - Patricia McFall, Holly Zimmerman LeVoir, Theresa Weimert McLaughlin, Nancy Haefner Simmonds, Marlene Bauer Houg, Sara Weisgram Keller, Donna Farm Stanke,
Virginia Schwamberger Hoffman, Margaret Huettl, Joreen Pestka Eiselt, Jane Reasner Hoffrogge, Mary Kehoe Joerg, Donna Frederick Tatge, Susan Davidson and Suwattana Yamskul.
Row Four - Mary Geurs, Nora Marka Sandvig, Candice Hiniker Mathiason, Ann Kennedy Fossey, Janet Groh Ito, Ann Conley Juberian, Kathleen Wandersee Pikus, Susan Willaert
Olson, Susan Guillemette Conde, Amelia Herzberg Herz, Monica Marzen Mauzey, Roxanne Jabbra Gunther, Peggy Thilgen Kinney, Carren Morrill Schultz, Mary Schaub Bolin and
Margaret Gergen Swenson.
Row Three - Cathleen Charrey, Karen Schuman Berkholz, Deborah Hughes Dallman, Kathy Odden Pepper, Deb Bennett Frederick, Barbara Teschner Nelson, Mary Beth Nowacki
Haack, Nancy Umhoefer Meyers, Mary Warner, Cheryl Marie Wagner, Rosa Nava Stenner, Marie Macho, Christine Mitchell Balek, Virginia Dickerman Ives and Laney Buethe.
Row Two - Patricia Sloan Mortensen, Mary Broderick Kluck, Kathleen Armendariz, Alane Reintjes Reichel, Ruth Guzman Jimenez, Colleen Allen Lynard, Eileen Allen Reichel, Rita
Reichel Amundson, Janna Kocher Connolly, Gail Prokop Kerr, Julie Green, Joan Dauffenbach Nichols, Debra Johnson Prenzlow, Susan Fortier Miles, Sue Tiller, and Rosa Guzman.
Row One - Jan Overson Remmel, Linda Juberian Suter, Jane Graif Haefner, Gloria Leiferman Herzberg, Karen Miller Byers, Janet Blackman Torgerson, Kimberly Burgess Hoffrogge,
Ivona Garza, Martha Bejar, Kathy Scheurer Kurth, Nancy Lueken Voght, Deborah DeVlaeminck McQueen, Mary Murphy, Harriet Winter Seaver and Sheila Tierney Jamieson.
12 • ReEchoes • Spring 2016
1976 & 1981
CLASS OF 1976 (40th Class Renuion)
Row Five - Roberta Schmitz, Donna Brockman Schumacher, Bernadette Steinbauer and Nancy Schmidt Hayes.
Row Four - Dustine Murray, Julie Busch Simons, Sharon Murphy Burns, Teresa Decker Vogel, Marcelle Montagne, Kris Rykhus, Karen Kelly Hemler, Deborah Iverson
Fogal, Julie Wilmott Christensen and Theresa Barrett Pesch.
Row Three - Mary Breiter, Sheila Murphy Ferraro, Margaret Saba Smith, Kathy Petrie, Karen Davis Plummer, Dodie Klingel Adam, Carol Decker, Sue Natzke Raube
and Julie Hirschboeck.
Row Two - Margaret Thul Noga, Jody Milbrett Ballantyne, Laurie McAndrew, Mary Stenger Romeo, Judy Willaert Stephens, Teresa Warner, Sharon Armendariz Bunde,
Mary Mahoney Voight and Molly McGraw Kraft.
Row One - Tami Wampach Aker, Jackye Nish McAlister, Kathy Forsyth Brielmaier, Christine Phillips Black, Kari Knese Mills, Peggy Drummer Mason, Sheila Drummer
Lindblom and Shirley Willaert
CLASS OF 1981 (35th Class Reunion)
Row Four - Jean Reha, Deb Amundson Sitzmann, Tessa Eagleton Cramer, Mary Hadd, Julie Brandt and Angie Miller.
Row Three - Lynne Schemmel, Mary McDermott, Vicki Eichten McMurlyn, Lisa Bruender Sieberg, Nadine Bissonette Schuler, Sherri
Mohrland West and Jean Hoppa Sunderman.
Row Two - Dea Laurence Hutchinson, Denise Murilla Hoehn, Mary Sonnek Hayney, Kathy Breiter Ramirez, Christianne Unutzer, Mary
Neppel, Peggy Wilmes Arce and Guadalupe Palau.
Row One - Elisa Robles, Karen Rostron, Peggy Murray, Pilar Iturriaga, Elaine Delighte O’Keefe, Kim Schmidt Drager and Gloria Murilla
Doescher.
ReEchoes • Spring 2016 • 13
1945
1936
Monica Lipetsky Kujawa
I’m so sorry to be so non-communicative. With
1 daughter and 7 sons plus 14 grandchildren
and 6 great grandchildren my life has been more
than full. Mr. Kujawa passed away 7 years ago.
I remain in good health, independent and able
to drive. I also do volunteer work. I recently
resigned as a hospice volunteer after 25 years
with Mayo Hospice. (Rochester, MN)
1946
Evelyn (Sunny) Lattner Odegaard
Looking forward to attending our 70th
Homecoming get-to-gather in April. GCA was
some of the best years of my life. See you there,
classmates! I have lots of pictures.
(Hutchinson, MN)
Ann Jankowski Reiter
Hope to make it to our 70th. Come on gals! (Olympia, WA)
Donna Thomas Brooks
Volunteering keeps me going. Also hospice. I’m in good shape for
the shape I’m in. Start each day with a rosary. (Little Falls, MN)
1947
Jeanette Graves Marka
I live at Realife and work with the activities committee. I play bridge
or any kind of cards! I also visit the rest homes and swim at the
YMCA. (Mankato, MN)
1948
Theresa Siebenaler Lucking
Still in the country! Ray passed away February 16, 2006. We have 7
children, 20 grandchildren, 23 great grandchildren and 1 great-great
grandchild. Five generations! I go to the YMCA five days a week.
Life is good! (Hastings, MN)
14 • ReEchoes • Spring 2016
1941
Mary Ann Embacher Pongratz
I’ve been retired over 20 yrs. Kids 11, grandkids 37, great grandkids
45, siblings, Holy Mass, holy hours, bible studies, 40 days for life,
church office, Birthright keep me hopping. Sciatica slows me down
a bit, but life is good. Praise God. (Mankato, MN)
1949
Dolores Schmidt Berger
Hi to all my classmates. Doing well and staying active. Church
project keeps me busy knitting for the homeless. Lots of memories
of the hill. I lived nearby and did lots of skiing and sledding as a
child. Oh, what fun. (Barboursville, WV)
Joyce Kramer DeCock
I have been married 63 years. We have 3 daughters, 3 sons and 34
grandchildren. We farmed near Milroy for 36 years and I liked it.
We retired to Marshall, MN and I like it also. I attend daily Mass,
like years at GCA. I have enjoyed travels to shrine in Canada,
Lourdes, Fatima, Guadalupe, Betania and Medjugorje. Now mostly
to visit our children. (Marshall, MN)
Shirley Loken Herman
We had our 13th great grandchild in December. (Rochester, MN)
1952
Sandra Spencer
Belonging to an active Jesuit parish and participating on the Social
Justice Commission has been a challenging and learning experience
here in St. Louis this past year. Going to a ‘Witnessing Whiteness’
class for 6 months. Building relationships with the African-American
parish close to our parish has sensitized me to the reality of ‘white
privilege’. (St. Louis, MO)
Alice Kramer Thull
I enjoy the ReEchoes, especially pictures from the past. (Lucan, MN)
1950
1946
Leone McGoff Schnetz
I am a retired Real Estate broker and sales person. Zentangle
mindful drawing is my hobby. I sew personal design Celtic shirts for
myself, now I have 6. Apartment living cannot compare to a home
of your own, but it is a good choice. (New Berlin, WI)
1951
Kathryn Stokman Schnepp
Receiving ReEchoes is a joy! I’m hoping the Alumnae Association
can continue. I’m also hoping to attend our 65th reunion in April
2016. (Wauwatosa, WI)
D. Jean Schneider
I still live in New Jersey and continue my community development
work in Brazil. (Glen Ridge, NJ)
Rose Welsh Tyrrell
My husband and I celebrated our 60th wedding anniversary in
May. Many friends and relatives attended. We both retired 10 years
ago and have traveled and lived a busy life. We were blessed with 5
children, 4 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. Hello to all!
(Garretson, SD)
Elizabeth Wagener Jorgensen
Since becoming physically disabled, my activities are limited. My
vision isn’t affected and I enjoy reading. With my husband Don’s
help, I’ve been able to remain at home. Five of our grandchildren
are in college and two are active in the military and have served in
combat. (Waukesha, WI)
1953
Theresa Nohava Zitzow
My life is definitely a blessing. I have 3 beautiful granddaughters. I
still plan liturgy and play organ and piano in church. My favorite
ministry is leading communion services at the nursing home.
(Foston, MN)
Patricia Frost, SSND
I recently returned from a year’s special mission
in Monroe, LA and I am now settling in at
last “on the hill” (Marian Hall to be specific).
(Mankato, MN)
Yolanda Latessa, SSND
Retired from school in 1998. I live in a 3 floors
convent, my home parish. There are 4 of us
SSNDs who share life together, pray, play card
games, puzzles, read emails, prepare meals and
do some cleaning. I’m also involed in parish
activities. (St. Paul, MN)
1951
Pat Breiter O’Neil
82 years young and am teaching youth RCIA,
ages 7-13! Life couldn’t be better. Let’s celebrate
class of 51! (Palm Desert, CA)
1951
ReEchoes • Spring 2016 • 15
1954
Marylea Springer Lombard
I moved to Syracuse, NY in Nov 2014 from Athens, OH and live
with my daughter and granddaughter. It’s different but satisfying.
My youngest daughter and her family live in Saratoga Springs, NY
so it’s good to be near most of my family. My son lives and works
in Singapore. Belong to a great parish, All Sants. Our next door
neighbor is our parish priest, Fr. Fred. (Syracuse, NY)
1955
Bernadine Bleess Paul
I am enjoying retirement. I spend many hours volunteering at
church and school. I also do lots of quilting. I donate many of
the quilts to the poor. My 6 daughters and I get together every 3
months and do sewing projects for the poor. (Maqueketa, IA)
1957
Florence Wagener Lugovina
I am blessed with 2 daughters, Suzanne and Leah and 7
grandchildren. My health remains good so I am able to enjoy life
and activities available in New York City. I’m active in my parish
and community and find time to go to the theater and concerts as
often as possible. My daughters gave me a puppy last Christmas.
His name is Charlie. He is well known in the neighborhood and is
called the mayor of Park West Village. (New York, NY)
1958
Barbara Dahlseid Parisien
I am a watercolor artist. To see some of my work, go to
barbara-parisien.fineartamerica.com (St. Paul, MN)
1956
Sandra DeFries Oster
My husband Roger and I go to Arizona in the winter months. We
are grandparents to 2 lovely girls that were adopted by our daughter
Andrea and her husband. The girls are from China and are our
pride and joy. (Edina, MN)
Kathryn Klaers Provinzino
Life is good in sunny Florida. We have been here permanently for
11 years. Our son, Tony, and his family are also here. The days go
by so fast. I volunteer in the library at the beach school. The kids
help to keep me young. (Ft. Myers Beach, FL)
Bernadette Welter, SSND
Since Sept 1993 I have been involved in working with the elderly
in their homes. It has been and continues to be a very rewarding
ministry. I will celebrate 55 years as an SSND and am grateful for
all the blessings received. (St. Paul, MN)
1960
1959
Pat Citrowske Buysse
We are fine here in PA. We
belong to the Reformed Church
in the US. Our doctrine
points us to Christ as our only
righteousness and hope of heaven
while on this earthly pilgrimage.
My book about my 6 years as an
aspirant and nun, On Fridays
We Dance, is still available on
Amazon.com. I hope many of
you read and enjoy it, maybe
even seeing yourselves in it. I
am thankful to the editors and
alumnae staff of ReEchoes for
your faithful work in keeping
us alumnae in contact with one
another. (York Springs, PA)
16 • ReEchoes • Spring 2016
Kathleen (Mary) Kieman, SSND
Thanks to all who are in leadership at this
time. Hope the “Think Tank” went well.
(St. Paul, MN)
Carol Kremer Proulx
My husband Ray and I are retired from
teaching. Most recently we were in
Philadelphia for the World Meeting of
Families. We saw Pope Francis from a
distance. It was wonderful meting all
the families and people from around the
world. (Milford, PA)
1961
1961
Veronica Schoch Weber
Enjoying retirement with my husband and
family. We remind ourselves that every day
is a gift. (Dickinson, ND)
1962
1965
Sharon Henrich Inhofer
My husband John and I have lived in Florida for 28 years. Our
oldest son (we had four) died in March 2015 of tongue cancer.
God has brought us through this rough time and we are thankful
for the 50 years we had with him. (Land O’Lakes, FL)
Phyllis Schartz Becktell
I enjoyed seeing so many members of the Class of 1965 at the
Homecoming events. I also missed those who could not make it.
Plan for the 55th in 2020! It’s not that far away. (Paonia, CO)
Pauline Eischens, SSND
Living on the “hill” has many advantages, especially seeing so
many of you. Thank you for coming! I continue as a companion
nurse and do crafts. (Mankato, MN)
Gretchen Butzer Jewison
It is always nice seeing information about our classmates that you
spent 4 years with. (St. Johns, MI)
Sharon Jude Strain
My husband and I recently celebrated our 6th wedding
anniversary. We are busy with travel, our 17 grandchildren, our
volunteer work, and living life. We are very blessed. (Tigard, OR)
1966
Janet Murphy
We are planning a BIG 50th reunion. Please contact me at
[email protected] to be included in our weekend of activities.
(Sun City, AZ)
Kaylene Pieper Lemke
After getting all 9 children in school, I started full-time employment
for Carver County. Twenty-five plus years later, I have retired
and I am enjoying spending time with my family and 20 plus
grandchildren. (Belle Plaine, MN)
1963
Margaret Wallin Keim
Retired, missing my day care kids terribly! Would
like to do volunteer work, but have major care
problems. My little fixed income leaves no extra
to pay for repairs! I leave to our Dear Lord! Hugs
and greetings to everyone, especially class of 1963!
(New Hope, MN)
1964
Kathleen Storms, SSND
I have been the director at Our Lady of the Prairie
Retreat, in Wheatland, IA since 2011. It is a great
place for nature retreats. Check us out at www.
chmiowa.org. (Wheatland, IA)
Esther Wagner, SSND
For 40 years my main ministry was teaching children in the
primary grades in Catholic Schools. “On the side” I taught
Religious Ed, did church environment and worked with summer
bible school programs…to name a few. Currently I am in my 9th
year teaching ESL to adult immigrants at Learning in Style in
Minneapolis. I’m grateful to my SSND community for supporting
those who are marginalized. Who would believe this summer
I’ll be celebrating my Golden Jubilee as a School Sister of Notre
Dame? THANKS, GCA, for so many good memories that lasted
so long! God’s Spirit works in wonderful ways! (Hopkins, MN)
Elizabeth Rolling Bollig
I appreciate ReEchoes immensely. The first thing I read when I
get home from work. Good Counsel was wonderful for me and I
thank God for the opportunity. (Wilmar, MN)
1966
1967
Julia Goettl Knauss
Retired now and volunteer at REACH, a nonprofit counseling,
food pantry and thrift store in our town. I also help my husband
at the recycle center and cut wood and mow lawns for others.
(Hawley, MN)
Beverly Sellner Sanders
I retired in 2014 after almost 21 years of working in a Medical
Library at the Mayo Clinic. I’ve gone back to my roots volunteering
at our grandsons’ Catholic School library. Retirement is so fun that
I’ve only crossed 2 items off my “things to do in retirement” list.
Too busy! (Rochester, MN)
ReEchoes • Spring 2016 • 17
1968
Kathleen Boegeman Granger
I worked as a psychiatric LICSW, Social Worker at North Memorial
Medical Center until being laid off by a consulting firm. I have
been retired since. I have managed my parents financial and health
care. My hobbies include farming my husband’s farm, playing my
Lowrey organ, gardening, traveling, making bread (using about 100
lbs of flour a year) and sewing quilts. Life is great! (Prior Lake, MN)
1970
Gloria Ourada Kern
I am helping to put my youngest daughter through Pharmacy at
SDSU in South Dakota. She will graduate this coming May 2016.
I also am supporting my older daughter and grandsons financially
and emotionally. I am looking forward to retirement in 2 years.
Can’t wait! (Garretson, SD)
1971
Janna Kocher Connolly
Most of my class knew me as Jake Kocher. I was in the class of 1972,
but at the last minute, I graduated with the class of 1971. After a
career of teaching High School and Higher Ed., I took a position
13 years ago with Texas State Teachers Assn. I presently live in the
Dallas area. Although I was born in Australia and lived in over 15
countries that provided extraordinary experiences, my time at GCA
was one of the most memorable. I hope the Sisters knew what a
positive influence each had on my career and life choices. However
my schoolmates, especially Pillar, Mary (Fiddy) and Shirley among
others too many to include, were the best! I am currently working
on the last chapters of my Ph.D.-- just one more item to check off my
bucket list. (Garland, TX)
1974
Mary Hager Kahl
I have been married to Terry since 1975. We have 2 children and
1 grandchild. I am a Head Start teacher (4 year olds) for Lutheran
Services. I graduated from MSU in 1989. (Palm Harbor, FL)
1975
Jeanne Osdoba Kelly
I enjoyed seeing so many of you last April for our 40th class reunion.
We had lots of laughs and memories. More importantly seeing who
we have become…so many different life experiences. Somehow we
still all have our common bond with GCA. As always it’s too bad
more could not join our group. Remember to put on your long
range calendars our 45th and 50th reunions! This fall I participated
in the “Think Tank” to make plans for our Alumnae Association’s
future. Please support the Alumnae Association and volunteer to
help out in some capacity. (Mankato, MN)
1976
1976
Peggy Thul Noga
Our first grandson was born on January 25, 2015. Benjamin Harris
was born at 25 weeks and weighed only a pound. After months in
the NICU, he came home in September. He is a miracle. He has a
tracheostomy, but we hope his lungs will get stronger and he won’t
need it always. (Rochester, MN)
Bernadette Steinbauer Wilson
I currently live in New Ulm and my daughters both live in
Bloomington. Angela, her husband Quincy, and their 2 teenage
sons, Quincy II and Deonte, are always juggling work, school and
fun. My daughter Valerie and her husband Elias had twins in
October, Jacob and Seraphina. Their 2 year old, Olivia, is excited
to have a little brother
and sister. I’m busy in
my CPA office in North
Mankato, golfing and
spending as much time
as I can with family. I
will be sending out 40th
reunion information
shortly, if you haven’t
seen it already. (New
Ulm, MN)
1981
18 • ReEchoes • Spring 2016
Homecoming Registration / Membership Dues /
ReEchoes and Coordinator Fund
First/Maiden/Last____________________________________________________________ Class______________________
Address____________________________________________ City/ST/Zip_ _______________________________________
Phone_____________________________________________ Email_ ____________________________________________
PLEASE SHARE NEWS ABOUT YOUR LIFE. INFORMATION WILL BE PRINTED IN ReEchoes (Attach paper if needed.).
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
DID ANY RELATIVE ATTEND GCA?
Name_____________________________________ Class___________ Relation (mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin)
Name_____________________________________ Class___________ Relation (mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin)
_ lease list donations and check ways you can help; return by April 11, 2016.
P
(Checks payable to Good Counsel Alumnae Association)
________ Donation for Alumnae Coordinator
________ $20.00
Membership/ReEchoes (July 1 - June 30)
________ $15.00
Homecoming Registration ($20.00 at the door. Due by Monday, April 11, 2016.)
________ $12.00 eachHomecoming Guest Meals
________ Additional contribution to support the Good Counsel Alumnae Association
________ TOTAL amount enclosed. Thank you for your contribution!
Are you able to provide volunteer service for the Alumnae Association? What services might you be able to provide and
how may we contact you?_________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Questions?
Please contact the Alumnae Office at
[email protected] or 507-389-4279
170 Good Counsel Drive
Mankato, MN 56001-3138
Alumnae Officers:
Mona James Will ’73 Interim Coordinator
Nora Keenan ’62 President
Sister Joanna Illg ’50 Treasurer
ReEchoes • Spring 2016 • 19
GOOD COUNSEL ALUMNAE
MISSION ADVANCEMENT
OUR LADY OF GOOD COUNSEL CAMPUS
170 GOOD COUNSEL DRIVE
MANKATO, MN 56001-3138
CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED
Save the date for
HOMECOMING 2016
Sunday, April 24, 2016
Our Lady of Good Counsel Campus - Mankato, MN
ATTENTION!!
WE NEED
YOUR EMAIL
ADDRESS!
Due to the high cost of mailing
ReEchoes twice a year, the GCA
Alumnae Association will email
ReEchoes to as many alumnae as
possible in the future instead of
mailing hard copies. Currently, we
have email addresses for about
30% of our 2000 alumnae.
Please send your
email address to
gcalumnae@
ssndcp.org
20 • ReEchoes • Spring 2016
Classmates attend
Homecoming 2015
1940
1960
1945