Haaland, Mel
...Jan-2003...Mel lives in San Diego, his dad (age 90) is living in Anaheim, as is his brother Dutch. Mel has 5 grandchildren all living within an hour's drive of San Diego. Eric is a city planner in Manhattan Beach, Kirk is an AV manager at Four Seasons in Carlsbad, and Alix is coordinator (mother hen) for 150 techies at Scripps Health.
Mel's Upadate in June 2004...
After WHS (with "lotsa pep and lotsa jive") it was off to the big city and Northwestern University, where I majored in baseball and fraternity. Many students at NU are from the East, and some of them thought that South Dakota was tall grass and teepees. I went along with that and explained how we rode the pheasants and jackrabbits back home amongst the tall grass and teepees.
Due to the Berlin Crisis and my draft status, the next stop was Ft. Leonard Wood, MO (USAR), where I majored in baseball and basketball and on weekends we were duty bound to spend time at Stevens College in nearby Columbia, helping the wealthy young ladies get through finishing school.
After six months of this toil and sacrifice, it was all Route 66 from the snow banks of Chicago to the sunny beaches of Los Angles, where after a very brief visit with the Dodgers, I spent several years with Shell Oil (majoring in financial accounting and special projects). That was followed by several hundred years (LA/San Diego) marketing financial systems and services, etc. and more recently venture capital investments.
My wife Alix, hails from Iowa/Chicago and we have two married sons, Erick and Kirk, along with five grandchildren. None of us have strayed far from the beach since 1960. If the temp drops below 60 we call 911. Lately, we have been putting up with long walks on the Del Mar Beach, as compared to the delights of almost winter, winter, hotter than hell, and winter again (up-hill both ways) on the GREAT PLAINS...
After graduating from the College of St. Teresa in Winona, Minnesota, Rita taught in grade school and junior high for several years. Rita then returned to college as a graduate assistant and received a Masters in English from the University of Wisconsin. After teaching English in Glenbrook South High School in Glenview, Illinois for twenty-three years, Rita retired and, with her husband Bill, returned to live in Watertown.
While "retired," Rita served for a number of years on the Focus 2000 Uptown Committee and as a volunteer at Prairie Lakes Hospital. For several summers, Rita worked at Mellette House, a labor of love, taking visitors through the historic governor's home. Rita has published several poems and educational articles, along with presenting workshops at national conventions. Before her retirement, Rita also conducted writing workshops for grade and junior high teachers.
Rita is married to Bill Chase, recently retired as Controller at OEM Worldwide. Bill and Rita have three children and five grandchildren. Traveling often, they have been to every State in the Union, Ireland, the United Kingdom, continental Europe, Russia, the Scandinavian countries, Morocco, Turkey, Mexico, and South and Central America. In late winter, they motorhome to Tucson, Palm Desert, and Las Vegas, visiting family on the way.
Editors Note… Recently while reading "The So.Dak. Magazine", I came across a poem written by a Rita Chase. I called her to confirm it was hers'...it was... so with her permission we've put a copy of it here: Winter Letter
After High School graduation I attended a two year early childhood course at Northern State Teachers College in Aberdeen, South Dakota. It is now known as Northern State University. I went back summers working toward my degree. I taught 1st grade for 2 years in Clinton, Minnesota and 1st grade 1 year in Rapid City, South Dakota.
I met my husband while teaching in Rapid City and married in July 1960. We lived on a farm in Iowa for 1 year. In 1961 we quit farming and moved to Chicago, Illinois where my husband began working for Braniff Airlines at Midway Airport. In May of 1962 Midway Airport closed and we moved to Bloomington, Minnesota, a suburb of Minneapolis, Minnesota.
I taught Kindergarten at a Lutheran Church School for 2 years. Later I managed a Quiet Room in the Bloomington Public Schools for 11 years. In 1968 we adopted a baby boy and in 1970 we adopted a baby girl...We've lived in Bloomington since 1962 and we both retired in 1999.
...Deceased...(moved after her junior year)
Obituary
No Bio Yet….still waiting
...20 years ago
...Deceased...
Obituary
...Deceased...
Obituary
The following information was provided to us from Irene Hemstock, Cliff’s widow. She mentioned that on many occasions, Cliff talked about the many hunting buddies he had in high school and related many hunting stories about South Dakota.
Following high school, Cliff enrolled at the University of South Dakota. He graduated in 1959. In 1956 he married Barbara Eustice and they had one daughter (Rosebillie). I believe they divorced in about 1960. Cliff was drafted into the US Army in 1961 during the Berlin Crisis. He served his country in that capacity for 2 years. Following his military service he moved to Minneapolis to pursue a business and accounting career. On September 4, 1965 he married Irene Hunter. Cliff remained in the accounting field until 1991 with various companies. Cliff and Irene moved to Northwest Arkansas in 1980 and in 1991 bought a fireworks business that operated in Arkansas, Missouri and Louisiana which he enjoyed beyond belief. On August 8, 1995 Cliff was killed as a result of an automobile accident. Cliff & Irene had no children but enjoyed his three grandchildren. Hobbies included fishing, golf, golf and above all duck hunting, duck hunting, duck hunting. Irene relates that she didn’t think he ever missed returning to Watertown in the fall in all the years they were married - maybe once. He truly loved the ducks. Two of his close hunting buddies were Joe Hemmer and Steve Belatti.
...Aug-04... Hi; here is an update since leaving WHS.
Summer of 1955 found me going to California to work where I also met my husband (also from SD). He was drafted into the Army which brought me back to SD while he went to Korea. After returning from Korea we moved to Sioux Falls and have been here every since. I was a stay at home Mom for a few years and then began part time work while our children were young. I worked at Austad's Golf Co. for many years and then at Bank First credit card. Leonard and myself both semi-retired in 2001 and fully retired in 2003.
We have 3 children. Our daughter Deb is a 3rd grade teacher in Brookings and our 2 sons live in Sioux Falls. Greg is a Prudential Insurance/Investment rep and also owner/operator of Gregor's Eastside Liquors ( a new adventure) and Jeff is a manager at Lodge Net. We have 4 grandchildren - Anna will be a junior at Mankato State, Sara a sophomore at Moorehead, Emily will be a senior at Lincoln HS here in Sioux Falls and Tyler will be a sophomore in Brookings HS.
We have traveled to Spain, England, Alaska cruise, both coasts and are planning a New England tour this fall.
Retirement so far has been catching up on things around home as we have a large yard to care for. We volunteer at church and other civic organizations. Health wise we are quite lucky yet.
...Deceased
...(Deceased November 16, 2011) See Flanders, Ray & Jeanette
...After high school I worked as a nurse aide at Memorial Hospital. I worked until I married in 1959. The marriage lasted until 1986. Meanwhile we had 6 children, four girls and 2 boys. We farmed Southeast of Watertown. I moved to Watertown after the divorce and worked at Herberger’s from 1975 until I retired in 1999.
Both of my sons live in Watertown, two daughters live in Colorado and two live in Tennessee so I can enjoy some traveling. I have wonderful grandchildren and being a “Gamma” is great. I keep busy, dabbling in antiques, read, garden, love to walk (weather permitting) trying to keep in shape, and take care of the grandchildren. I have a little Yorkshire terrier “Shady” to keep me company along with my family and friends. It is hard to believe ’05 will mark the 50th anniversary of the class.
...Has not been back to Watertown for many years….missed the last reunions……has had periodic visits with Barb Baxter Hughes who stops to see her on the way to visit family. That’s the only reunion contact she has had. Audrey lives on 10 acres of sand in a small unincorporated community, Newberry Springs, CA. She has chaired the local government for the last several years. She reports that the Newberry Springs area attracts independent thinking people who are sometimes contentious…..There is a large drug culture in the area…there are 3,000 people spread over a 117 square mile area…all of her closest neighbors have been imprisoned for the manufacturing and selling of speed…(interesting)…Audrey says she is living a peaceful existence with the companionship of her cat…
...We are still living at the same place in Yankton. I retired three years ago after spending 40 years in the classroom teaching, coaching and as an administrator. It is hard to take teaching out of one’s blood, so am still in the classroom as a substitute teacher. During the summer I work for the Parks and Recreation Department as a teacher of ceramics. I have one class of adults and students ranging from 2nd grade to middle school. My classes average between 188-190 students each summer.
Last summer my wife and kids spent a great deal of time repairing my parent's home in Watertown after the last renters destroyed it…..and we had the opportunity to do some fishing and hunting during the remodeling project. My wife still works in the OR department at Avera Sacred Heart Hospital in Yankton. We did some traveling the last two summers.
...Deceased
Gary's sister in Watertown reports Gary was married with two children at the time of his death in San Diego, CA. After a long career with the US Navy, Gary retired, moved back to Watertown for five years before returning to southern California a few years ago.
...Deceased
...Marilyn's son, Jan Slinger, of Amsterdam, Holland recently visited Watertown. Jan visited with his mom's cousins and friends for the first time. According to Jan his mom passed away in April this year (04) and leaves two daughters, and a grandson in addition to himself. She had lived most of her adult life, as well as being married and divorced (1975) in Holland.
Mel's Upadate in June 2004...
After WHS (with "lotsa pep and lotsa jive") it was off to the big city and Northwestern University, where I majored in baseball and fraternity. Many students at NU are from the East, and some of them thought that South Dakota was tall grass and teepees. I went along with that and explained how we rode the pheasants and jackrabbits back home amongst the tall grass and teepees.
Due to the Berlin Crisis and my draft status, the next stop was Ft. Leonard Wood, MO (USAR), where I majored in baseball and basketball and on weekends we were duty bound to spend time at Stevens College in nearby Columbia, helping the wealthy young ladies get through finishing school.
After six months of this toil and sacrifice, it was all Route 66 from the snow banks of Chicago to the sunny beaches of Los Angles, where after a very brief visit with the Dodgers, I spent several years with Shell Oil (majoring in financial accounting and special projects). That was followed by several hundred years (LA/San Diego) marketing financial systems and services, etc. and more recently venture capital investments.
My wife Alix, hails from Iowa/Chicago and we have two married sons, Erick and Kirk, along with five grandchildren. None of us have strayed far from the beach since 1960. If the temp drops below 60 we call 911. Lately, we have been putting up with long walks on the Del Mar Beach, as compared to the delights of almost winter, winter, hotter than hell, and winter again (up-hill both ways) on the GREAT PLAINS...
While "retired," Rita served for a number of years on the Focus 2000 Uptown Committee and as a volunteer at Prairie Lakes Hospital. For several summers, Rita worked at Mellette House, a labor of love, taking visitors through the historic governor's home. Rita has published several poems and educational articles, along with presenting workshops at national conventions. Before her retirement, Rita also conducted writing workshops for grade and junior high teachers.
Rita is married to Bill Chase, recently retired as Controller at OEM Worldwide. Bill and Rita have three children and five grandchildren. Traveling often, they have been to every State in the Union, Ireland, the United Kingdom, continental Europe, Russia, the Scandinavian countries, Morocco, Turkey, Mexico, and South and Central America. In late winter, they motorhome to Tucson, Palm Desert, and Las Vegas, visiting family on the way.
Editors Note… Recently while reading "The So.Dak. Magazine", I came across a poem written by a Rita Chase. I called her to confirm it was hers'...it was... so with her permission we've put a copy of it here: Winter Letter
I met my husband while teaching in Rapid City and married in July 1960. We lived on a farm in Iowa for 1 year. In 1961 we quit farming and moved to Chicago, Illinois where my husband began working for Braniff Airlines at Midway Airport. In May of 1962 Midway Airport closed and we moved to Bloomington, Minnesota, a suburb of Minneapolis, Minnesota.
I taught Kindergarten at a Lutheran Church School for 2 years. Later I managed a Quiet Room in the Bloomington Public Schools for 11 years. In 1968 we adopted a baby boy and in 1970 we adopted a baby girl...We've lived in Bloomington since 1962 and we both retired in 1999.
Following high school, Cliff enrolled at the University of South Dakota. He graduated in 1959. In 1956 he married Barbara Eustice and they had one daughter (Rosebillie). I believe they divorced in about 1960. Cliff was drafted into the US Army in 1961 during the Berlin Crisis. He served his country in that capacity for 2 years. Following his military service he moved to Minneapolis to pursue a business and accounting career. On September 4, 1965 he married Irene Hunter. Cliff remained in the accounting field until 1991 with various companies. Cliff and Irene moved to Northwest Arkansas in 1980 and in 1991 bought a fireworks business that operated in Arkansas, Missouri and Louisiana which he enjoyed beyond belief. On August 8, 1995 Cliff was killed as a result of an automobile accident. Cliff & Irene had no children but enjoyed his three grandchildren. Hobbies included fishing, golf, golf and above all duck hunting, duck hunting, duck hunting. Irene relates that she didn’t think he ever missed returning to Watertown in the fall in all the years they were married - maybe once. He truly loved the ducks. Two of his close hunting buddies were Joe Hemmer and Steve Belatti.
Summer of 1955 found me going to California to work where I also met my husband (also from SD). He was drafted into the Army which brought me back to SD while he went to Korea. After returning from Korea we moved to Sioux Falls and have been here every since. I was a stay at home Mom for a few years and then began part time work while our children were young. I worked at Austad's Golf Co. for many years and then at Bank First credit card. Leonard and myself both semi-retired in 2001 and fully retired in 2003.
We have 3 children. Our daughter Deb is a 3rd grade teacher in Brookings and our 2 sons live in Sioux Falls. Greg is a Prudential Insurance/Investment rep and also owner/operator of Gregor's Eastside Liquors ( a new adventure) and Jeff is a manager at Lodge Net. We have 4 grandchildren - Anna will be a junior at Mankato State, Sara a sophomore at Moorehead, Emily will be a senior at Lincoln HS here in Sioux Falls and Tyler will be a sophomore in Brookings HS.
We have traveled to Spain, England, Alaska cruise, both coasts and are planning a New England tour this fall.
Retirement so far has been catching up on things around home as we have a large yard to care for. We volunteer at church and other civic organizations. Health wise we are quite lucky yet.
Both of my sons live in Watertown, two daughters live in Colorado and two live in Tennessee so I can enjoy some traveling. I have wonderful grandchildren and being a “Gamma” is great. I keep busy, dabbling in antiques, read, garden, love to walk (weather permitting) trying to keep in shape, and take care of the grandchildren. I have a little Yorkshire terrier “Shady” to keep me company along with my family and friends. It is hard to believe ’05 will mark the 50th anniversary of the class.
Last summer my wife and kids spent a great deal of time repairing my parent's home in Watertown after the last renters destroyed it…..and we had the opportunity to do some fishing and hunting during the remodeling project. My wife still works in the OR department at Avera Sacred Heart Hospital in Yankton. We did some traveling the last two summers.
THIS WEBSPACE PROVIDED BY NORTHERN VALLEY COMMUNICATIONS - www.nvc.net