Bremen High School
Class of '62 Reunion Events & Activities
 
 

2015 Breaking News History...
December 5, 2015
2015...
On behalf of the Reunion Committee, we wish everyone a joyous holiday season!  We hope you had a prosperous year, wonderful Thanksgiving, and that your holiday shopping is well underway, if not finished!
 
Speaking of being thankful and in the holiday spirit -- let's not forget to take a moment to remember that some of our classmates and their families have faced some hard-times during 2015.  We lost five more Classmates and several other Classmates are facing some serious health challenges.  Hats-off to our "Reaching Out" team for "reaching out" on behalf of our entire Class!
 
2016 and beyond...
As in prior years, we have plans for the future!  As Benjamin Franklin so aptly said:
 
"Do not squander time for that is the stuff life is made of."
 
For 2016, we will repeat our now traditional Homecoming Weekend Event.  This is an informal "come-if-you-can" get-together with an entire weekend of activities starting with the Varsity Football game on Friday evening and ending with dinner on Saturday.
 
For 2017, we are starting to think about "something special" for our 55th anniversary.  Shortly after the first of the year, we will be soliciting your input and ideas for a slightly more formal event with a focus on an enjoyable evening "out on the town" with classmates, friends, and significant others.  Stay tuned!
 
Meanwhile, stay safe and enjoy the holidays!
 
November 14, 2015
A "Reaching Out" follow-up (Jan Curlee)...
On September 30th, we reported the untimely passing of Carol (Janus) Curlee -- and the fact that her husband Jan Curlee (Class of '61) had suffered a very serious stroke prior to her passing.  We have just been advised by Vicki (Hahn) Ryan via John Ragsdale (also Class of '61) that Jan has passed-away.  One of Jan's fellow classmates and friends observed: “He certainly would not have wanted to live like he was”.  Amen and may Jan rest in peace.  The "Reaching Out" team will be sending a condolence card to the Curlee family on behalf of the Class of '62.
 
October 19, 2015
Reaching Out...

We haven’t said much about our “Reaching-Out” program lately, so let’s do it!  I’m happy to report that the program is “alive & well” thanks to the work of some very dedicated committee members and other volunteers!   Check-out "Reaching Out" to the left. 

 
The “who” is not important, but the “why” and “what” are. 
 
The “why”…  We have several classmates who have passed-away, lost loved ones, are seriously ill or disabled, or just have “fallen on hard-times”.  At any age, it’s always nice to be remembered, encouraged, or when needed supported.  It’s not the amount that counts, but rather the thought.  The goal of “Reaching-Out” is simple: “to bring a little sunshine and/or support to those who are going through challenging or dark times”.
 
The “what”…  The “what” can be a card of encouragement or sympathy, a phone call, a personal visit, or a periodic “care package”.  A care package might consist of cookies, candy, a book, or a DVD – there are no set rules.  Once again, it’s the thought that counts!
 

If you would like to volunteer to help us “reach-out”, please send us a “Stay in Touch” form (to the left), which will be forwarded to Sandie (Stephens) Jordan who is our “Reaching-Out” program coordinator.  She will contact you directly. 

 
For example, we have a former classmate in a care facility who can use some encouragement.  Because of the severity of his condition, and not having any family in the immediate area, we are sending him a monthly "care package".  
 
We already have the remainder of this year covered, but for 2016, we would like to give others the opportunity to join us.  If you’re interested, please fill out the "Stay in Touch" form so we can contact you with the details.
 
By the way, no long-term commitment is ever required and/or expected.  Cancel at any time with no questions asked or judgements made.  It doesn't matter whether you want to participate once, twice, or just be “on-call” if an opportunity to “reach-out” arises.
 
September 30, 2015
Another lost Classmate...
With our recent report about Don McCord's passing on September 18th, it is far too soon to have to do this again.  Actually, this is something we have been following for the past several weeks.  Unfortunately, as with Don, we do not have a lot of information, so we will share what we have.
 
We are very sad to report the untimely passing of Carol (Janas) Curlee.  Carol was married to Jan Curlee who some of you may know.  Jan was in the Class of '61.  Carol and Jan lived in Colorado, but also had a place in Utah.   
 
Apparently, Jan had a serious stoke earlier this year and, from what we hear, he is still recovering.  When Carol failed to show up for a hospital visit one day, it was discovered that she had passed away unexpectedly at home.  This is truly a tragedy that is difficult to comprehend.
 
We have no details about her services or funeral.  All we can say is to keep Jan and Jan and Carol's families in your thoughts and prayers.
 
September 18, 2015
The 2015 Annual Event!  Another fun time for all!    
We started at 10:00 AM Friday with some Hall of Fame pre-induction activities for Tom Diehl, followed by a presentation to Bremen of a special (and surprise) scholarship endowment program that was conceived and setup by Denny Day, Mary Lou (Daly) Pisone, Sandie (Stephens) Jordan, and Sue (Vaughan) Nelson -- more on this in my "Personal Note" on the left.

 

After wrapping-up the morning activities, six of us did lunch at "Hog Wild" before the Pep Rally at 2:00 -- best BBQ north of the Mason Dixon line just North of Bremen on Pulaski -- and a big Bremen supporter! 
After lunch, we attended a highly charged and spirited Pep Rally where Tom was inducted into the Hall of Fame!  Tom is now the sixth member of the Class of '62 to be so honored!  All of our nominations for the past three years have been accepted unequivocally!  A real testament to the entire Class of '62! 

 

Next, we were all invited to join Tom and his wife Janet, and 2 other Hall of Fame inductees and their friends & families, to ride on the Bremen bus in the Homecoming Parade where we all tossed candy to hundreds of eagerly waiting Midlothian children lining the parade route.  Woohoo -- it was a blast!
 
After the parade we went to Bartolini's for some much needed "liquid & solid" nutrients.  Then, back to Bremen where we did a school tour and attended the Varsity Homecoming game, at which we met alumni from several other classes in the Alumni Tent that Bremen setup in the South End-Zone, where we proudly displayed our Class of '62 banner.

 

The weekend cumulated with a dinner on Saturday evening at Granite City in Orland Park with 17 attendees.  However earlier that day, as part of our "Reaching Out" program, some of us visited a classmate in the area who is confined to a nursing home.  You will be hearing more about our "Reaching Out" program in the near future.
 
That's it!  A "photo tour" of our 2015 event can be found to the left -- check it out.  We will do similar event next year so mark your calendars now. 
 
And for 2017 -- our 55th!
We have some ideas for something special that we will be sharing with you later this year!
 
September 1, 2015
CURRENT NEWS:
Ten days and counting to the Annual Event!  So far, we have 9 to 12 coming to the Friday activities and 14 to 16 coming to the Granite City dinner.  Since this is completely informal, "walk-ins" are always welcome!
 
RECENT NEWS:
Tom Diehl to be inducted into the "Bremen Hall of Fame"... Be at the annual event to congratulate him!
 
The 2015 Annual Event... Following is the informal activity schedule:
 
    1. Friday, September 11th
      • Pep Rally & Hall of Fame Inductions 2:00 PM in the Gym 
      • Hall of Fame -- Tom Diehl is our inductee this year!
      • Homecoming Parade (after the Pep Rally)
      • Post-Parade Refreshments and dinner at "Bartolini's"
      • The Homecoming Game @ 7:00 PM (Bremen vs. Hillcrest HS)
      • Alumni Tent in the South End Zone
      • Fellowship at a local pub -- "The Blarney Stone"
         
    2. Saturday, September 12th
      • Morning: You're on your own!
      • Afternoon: Looking for a good lunch?  Try "Hog Wild" on Pulaski just north of Bremen.
      • Early Evening: Dinner @ 6:00 PM at "Granite City" in Orland Park
      • Late Evening: A nightcap at a nearby pub -- "The Irish Patriot"

 

Hope to see you there!
 
August 11, 2015
CURRENT NEWS:
Tom Diehl to be inducted into the Bremen Hall of Fame!  Be at the annual event to congratulate him!
 
The 2015 Annual Event...
Only one month to go!  

 

It’s completely informal -- it’s a “do what you want, when you want to”  affair.  There are no up-front fees, or mandatory charges -- it’s strictly “pay your way as you play”.

 

Currently, there are 8 classmates who are already planning to attend .  Since we have a few classmates coming in from out-of-town, it’s important to book your rooms as soon as possible, either at the Holiday Inn Express in Crestwood on Cicero Avenue or the Best Western in Oak Forest on Frontage Road.  
The only feedback we need from you is a “rough idea” of who plans to have dinner at Granite City on Saturday so we can reserve some tables.  IMPORTANT: Please reply to this email with a headcount for dinner, even if there’s only the slightest chance you’ll be there.

Following is the optional activity schedule:

 
    1. Friday, September 11th
      • Pep Rally at 2:00 PM in the Gym 
      • Hall of Fame Inductions -- Tom Diehl is our inductee this year!
      • Homecoming Parade(after the Pep Rally)
      • Post-Parade Refreshments at Bartolini's
      • The Homecoming Game (Bremen vs. Hillcrest HS)
      • Alumni Tent in the End Zone
      • Fellowship at a Local Pub
         
    2. Saturday, September 12th
      • Morning: You're on your own!
      • Afternoon: An informal school visit.
      • Early Evening: Dinner at Granite City in Orland Park
      • Late Evening: A nightcap at a local establishment!

 

Hope to see you there!
  
August 2, 2015
CURRENT NEWS: Loss of a dear classmate -- Barbara Ann Dmytrasz

It is with deep sadness that we have to report the untimely passing of yet another Classmate on Saturday, July 25, 2015.  Barb passed away unexpectedly from complications from a recent surgery. 

 

Barb lived in Highland, Indiana.  She is survived by three brothers, their families, and several cousins.

 

Per the desires of her and her family, all of the services will be private.  However, you may express your condolences at the following website that also has her obituary.

  
 

Barb, may you rest in peace...

 

July 12, 2015
CURRENT NEWS: The 2015 Annual Class Event!

Well, it's that time of year again!  Based on the positive feedback we received from those who attended last year's event, we are going to do an "exact repeat" this year!  Following is an activity overview:

 
    1. Friday, September 11th
      • Pep Rally in the Gym 
      • Hall of Fame Inductions -- Tom Diehl is our candidate this year!
      • Homecoming Parade
      • Post-Parade Refreshments at Bartolini's
      • The Homecoming Game (Bremen vs. Hillcrest HS)
      • Alumni Tent in the End Zone
      • Fellowship at a Local Pub
         
    2. Saturday, September 12th
      • Morning: A possible spa outing for the interested ladies - sorry guys!
      • Afternoon: An informal school tour.
      • Early Evening: Dinner at Granite City in Orland Park
      • Late Evening: A nightcap at a local establishment!

 

As always, we will have a "preferred hotel" (with a discount rate) that is close to all activities. 

 
Plan to join the fun!  As we learned last year, it doesn't matter if you attend all, several, or only one of the activities.  It's not the "quantity" that counts, but rather the quality of the fun and fellowship experience!

 

In order to assure a "group seating" at Granite City for the Saturday dinner, early next month we will be asking you to let us know if you plan to attend the dinner.  As before, you will simply respond: YES, NO, or MAYBE, with the NUMBER OF ATTENDEES.

 
July 12, 2015
RECENT NEWS - The 2016 Italy Tour! 

While we had more than enough "interested parties", we fell short on "actual commitments" due to timing and other personal conflicts.  Therefore, we are suspending the tour for now.  Dan Krull has a block of rooms "on-hold" until November, which he will hold, so we'll revisit this once more in the Fall.
 
I'd like to thank Dan Krull for pulling together all the details and offering us a fabulous price.  However, if you're interested in a European trip in the future, Dan runs his tours on a regular basis and has some very unique and interesting golf venues for you avid golfers.  Dan is also extending his 10% discount offer to all classmates.  Unique European Travel: http://uniqueeuropeantravel.com/index.html

 

June 29, 2015

MORE TOUR NEWS: 
Hi again!  Here is the latest status -- no changes since June 17th:

Definitely 2
Will Decide Soon 2
Considering 4
Wish I could! 2
No 1
Total Responses 11
Potential Travelers 10
 

To allow for some cancellations, we would like 8 to 10 confirmed travelers by the July 15th to make the tour viable.  A small custom tour at this price with classmates and friends is not easily duplicated, so if you can, don't miss this unique opportunity! 

June 17, 2015

MORE TOUR NEWS:
Responses and inquiries are coming in!  Here is the latest status:

 

Definitely 2
Will Decide Soon 2
Considering 4
Wish I could! 2
No 1
Total Responses 11
Potential Travelers 10

 

As we mentioned, we need at least six (6) confirmed travelers by the end of June to make the tour viable.  As we also mentioned, a small custom tour at this price with classmates and friends is not easily duplicated, so if you can, don't miss this very unique opportunity! 

 

Keep checking the "Italy Q & A" section on the left for more information.

 

June 6, 2015

MORE TOUR NEWS: 
Responses and inquiries are coming in!  So far, we have 5 interested travelers!  
Keep checking-out the "Italy Q & A" section on the left for more information.

 

May 31, 2015

Special Update:

Italy "Castles & Culture" Tour - May 2016... Piedmont & the Lakes of Lombardy to Verona

After several Classmates expressed a possible interest in a "group tour", we did a survey.  Thanks to your feedback, we have a destination, plan, and date.  You asked for “something special” -- we believe we can deliver!  The tour is designed especially for the Class of '62.  Experience 4-Star accommodations, wine tasting, a cooking class, and visits to sites that go back to the Roman Empire. 

Our goal is to make this a “trip to remember at a “price you can’t duplicate”.  On the left, you will find three new "Pages" describing the trip -- start with: "Italy Preview (1 of 3)". 

The tour has been designed to accommodate 8 to 16 Classmates so Dan Krull (the tour planner, organizer, and operator) will be accepting reservations on a "first-come"- first served" basis.  Whether you have been to Europe or not, we believe it will be fun, educational, and truly a "trip to remember".

I'd like to thank Dan Krull (one of our Classmates) who owns and operates "Unique European Travel LLC".  Dan and his tour partner in Italy ("Best Italian Vacations") is offering us this tour at a generous discount.  Thanks again Dan!

 

May 27, 2015

Recent News:

Once again, I have the sad duty to report to you yet another lost classmate -- Ray Jorsch.  I'd like to thank Bill Grote for letting me know. 

 

Ray was born on February 13, 1944 and passed away on May 20, 2015 at Lake Ozark, Missouri as a result of an accident.  Ray was friend of mine at Bremen and a locker-mate of Darrell Jordan, our "Search for Lost Classmates" coordinator. 

 

As the "Reaching Out" coordinator, Sandie Stephens Jordan will be sending the Jorsch family a message of condolence on behalf of the Class of '62 -- as she has done in the past for many of our other lost and challenged Classmates. 

 

You can visit the following websites for more details.
 

 

http://hedgesscottfuneralhomes.com/Obits/addprod.asp?productid=2272

 

Rest in peace Ray -- we'll miss you.
 
May 18, 2015
Recent News:

Once again, I have to report the loss of another classmate -- Mike Richardson.  Michael LeRoy Richardson was born on February 6, 1945 and passed away on May 15, 2015 in Mesa, AZ.  Though Mike moved to Arizona, he still maintained contact with many of his classmates in the Midwest.  The Class of '62 will miss Mike.

 

Currently, we don't have details about the arrangements, but you can visit the following website to watch for announcements and sign the "guest book" to offer your personal message of condolence to Kay (Mike's wife), his children, and grandchildren. 

 

http://lakeshore-mort.tributes.com/dignitymemorial/obituary/Michael-LeRoy-Richardson-102479395

 

Rest in peace Mike.

 
May 10, 2015
Recent News:
Bob Thomas Celebration of Life Service: The VFW Hall was filled with family, friends, and former neighbors.  Several of our classmates attended, which meant a lot to Bob's wife Leslie.  Attending from the Class of '62 were Keith Smith, Mary Lou (Daly) Pisone, Judy Bettenhausen, Bev (Darby) Harmon, and myself.  There may have been others who attended later since I was only there for part of the time.  I also passed-on to Leslie the many condolences and remembrances I received from those of you who couldn't attend.   
 
The 2016 "European Adventure": Stay tuned for an exciting and unique opportunity!  The goals are:
 
    1. A focus on "local culture and cuisine" (not your typical touristy venues)
    2. Flexibility in air travel (each participant books their own reservations -- First Class, Business Class, or Economy Class -- your choice)
    3. Flexibility in accommodations (single or double occupancy, with room upgrades where available)
    4. Limited, but interesting regional destinations to deliver a meaningful and memorable experience.
 

The ideal group size will be 12 to 16 participants.  We will finalize and publicize a "tour plan" by the end of May.  After that, we will be looking for provisional commitments to see if we have "a quorum".

 
May 2, 2015
Important Update:
UPDATE YOUR CALENDARS: The Celebration of Life Service for Bob Thomas has been rescheduled to Wednesday, May 6th at the Midlothian VFW from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM.  The "formal service" will start between 6:00 and 6:30 PM.  Let's show Bob's family how much we valued knowing Bob during our days at Bremen and thereafter.  

 

Recent News:
The 2016 "optional class trip" to Europe:  I am working with Dan Krull to define more specificity for the trip.  The target destinations are still France or Italy.  Our desire is to make this venture (perhaps adventure) "something special" that all will enjoy -- i.e., not your typical tour.  The goals are:
 
    1. A focus on "local culture and cuisine" (not your typical touristy venues)
    2. Flexibility in air travel (each participant books their own reservations -- First Class, Business Class, or Economy Class -- your choice)
    3. Flexibility in accommodations (single or double occupancy, with room upgrades where available)
    4. Limited, but interesting regional destinations to deliver a meaningful and memorable experience.
 

As I mentioned previously, the ideal group size would be 10 to 15 participants.  More details in the next 30 to 45 days.  Our plan is to finalize the "tour plan" by the end of May.  After that, we will be looking for provisional commitments to see if we have "a quorum".

 
March 1, 2015
Special Update:
MARK YOUR CALENDARS: There will be a Celebration of Life Service for Bob Thomas on May 13th at the Midlothian VFW from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM.  Watch this site for additional details as they become available.  Here is a chance for us to show Bob's family how much we appreciated knowing Bob during our days at Bremen and after.  
 
February 18, 2015
Current News (an update):
 

First,  we want to point-out that we just exceeded 10,000 individual visits to the website since its introduction in March 2012 -- amazing!  Total page views are in excess of 34,000!

 
Next, several classmates have already expressed an interest in the 2016 custom group European tour.  We encourage everyone to consider it.  However, there is no need to commit immediately, but over the next few months we will presenting more details based on your feedback and preferences.  Later this year there will be a cutoff date for interested parties since the group size will be limited to 10 to 15 participants.
 
February 15, 2015
Current News:

Hope you all had a great Valentine's Day!   

 
GOT AN IDEA FOR 2016!  Dan Krull, one of our classmates, runs a first-class tour business focusing on unique tours to Europe.  Dan's tours are designed to "experience the culture" of Europe -- they are NOT a "If it's Tuesday, this must be Belgium" tour!

 

QUESTION: Would any of you be interested in participating in a private European tour in the April/May time frame of 2016? 
 
HERE'S THE DEAL: If your interested, please let us know!  We would need 10 to 15 participants to make it worthwhile.  You would have to be willing to spend about $3,000 to $3,500 per person for a 10 to 12 day tour to either France or Italy (exclusive of airfare). We're suggesting "exclusive of airfare" since airfare is a variable commodity and many of you have air miles you can use.  There is also a possibly of doing a 2-day (optional) side-trip to a major city, like Paris or Rome before or after the regular tour. 
 
NEXT STEPS: Please use the "Stay in Touch" form (to the left) to "let us know".  If you're interested, tell us your preferred country, number of travelers, and whether or not you would be interested in a 2-day (optional) side trip to a major city.
 
January 10, 2015
Current News (update):
 
Yikes!!   Fifty-three (53) years --and counting.  It's difficult to believe, but it's true!  The fact that so many of us are still maintaining contact after all these years is definitely "not the norm" -- and some may even say, it's "something special"! 
 
That said -- whatever you feel, those who have participated in our past events have for the most part left feeling good about it.  Therefore, as long as there's interest on your part, we will continue to communicate, plan, and organize events. 
 
Here's the provisional "game-plan" for 2015 and beyond:
 

2015 Event: Mark your calendars now!  Feedback from the 2015 Event Survey supports another event on Homecoming Weekend -- starting on Friday, September 11th.  We will be publishing more details as the year goes by -- and will also negotiate a good rate at a local hotel, as we have done in the past.  If you attend, make it a "total weekend experience".  Those who have made it a "total weekend experience" will say: "You won't regret it or forget it! " 

 

    • The Friday pre-game pep rally in the Bremen Gym!
    • The Homecoming parade on the streets of Midlothian!
    • The Friday-night game against Hillcrest -- meet in the Alumni tent, South end-zone!
    • An informal post-game "get together" at a local pub!
    • A Saturday morning of rest & relaxation
      (perhaps a special spa outing for the ladies).
    • A possible Saturday afternoon school tour.
    • A Saturday dinner at Granite City

 

"Outrageous Suggestions" for Future Events: Take these for what they're worth, but I have to admire our classmate's creativity & energy:
 
    • Group sky-dive followed by a survivor's wheelchair race!
    • Boating on Cape Cod!
    • The "Mustang Rag Top" event at Bar Harbor, Maine!
    • Octoberfest in Frankfurt, GERMANY!
    • Raft down the Salmon River in Idaho!
    • Take the "zip-line" down Tamarack Mountain in Idaho!
    • A ski outing in Keystone Colorado -- or "tubing" down the slopes for those who don't ski!
 
"More Rational Suggestions" for Future Events, including the 55th Reunion:
 
    • A European River Cruise in FRANCE or GERMANY -- a candidate for a extracurricular event!
    • A Caribbean Cruise -- a candidate for a extracurricular event!
    • Lake Michigan dinner-dance cruise from Navy pier -- a definite option for the 55th! 
    • A dinner-dance at a nice restaurant or Country Club -- a definite option for the 55th! 
 

Bottom-line, our goal is to select events to encourage "maximum participation". 

 

Additionally, though we encourage "going for the total experience", we welcome and respect the desires of those who choose to do much less.  The true value of these events is "reconnecting relationships" -- no matter what activity in which you choose to participate!

 

For those of you who are sky-diving, rafting, zip-lining, or skiing -- "stay safe" so you can attend future events!!!