Letter from the President Peoria High School Alumni Association
LIONS’ PRIDE PEORIA HIGH SCHOOL ALUMNI ASSOCIATION SEPTEMBER 2012 NEWSLETTER Peoria High School Alumni Association Letter from the President OFFICERS President Greetings to all of my fellow Lions! The Board of Directors of the Peoria High School Alumni Association looks forward to another year of serving the alumni and students of the nation’s oldest continual high school west of the Allegheny Mountains. Kate Neumiller-Schureman ‘86 Vice President Mike Lawless ‘64 Secretary Susan Schonewise Leighty ‘68 Treasurer Jerry Sweet ‘69 Office Administrator LaVerne Wilson ‘63 Legal Counsel Tim Swain ‘57 Administrative Representative Brett Elliott PHS Principal Faculty Representative Tracy Riebel ‘87 Directors Alicia Zipprich Butler ‘81 Carl Cannon ‘77 Sande Flemming Carruthers ‘58 John Day ‘58 Chuck Gabbert ‘75 Johanne Grewell, Archivist Chetaye Knox ‘01 George Kottemann ‘49 Norma Rodems Kottemann ‘49 Marian Wallis Lien ‘56 Sissy Portman McCormack ‘60 Gene Olson ‘79 Todd Pilon ‘93 Colonel Bill Robertson ‘78 Bill Seeyle ‘50 Carol Hudson Sleeth ‘64 Fred Stuber ‘57 John Phillip Vespa ‘75 Kirk Wessler ‘73 Randy West ‘47 Peoria High School Alumni Association 1615 N. North Street Peoria, Illinois 61604 Phone (309) 682-4854 Fax (309) 685-5803 Email [email protected] Alumni www.peoriahighalumni.org This past school year has proven to be very busy and exciting for both Peoria High School, as well as the Peoria High School Alumni Association. Last fall, we welcomed a number of new staff members, including our new Principal, Brett Elliott. In preparation for the school year, the building underwent a number of upgrades last summer, and this summer saw the continuation of those facility upgrades. The students had a great year that saw our boys basketball team win the Class 3A state championship, our cheerleaders had the opportunity to perform during half time of the Gator Bowl, and the PHS Pride Team helped raise funds for Haitian Hearts. Principal Elliott and his staff have done an outstanding job for the high school, and on behalf of the Peoria High School Alumni Association, I would like to thank them for all of their hard work! This past school saw another important anniversary as the PHS Alumni Association distributed a number of college scholarships for the tenth year in a row. Since its inception, the Alumni Association has provided $399,129 in scholarship funds to 376 recipients. This outstanding legacy is due to the incredible generosity of my fellow alumni, and for that, I thank you! The next goal I look forward to meeting is to pass the $500,000 benchmark in Alumni Association scholarships. Wouldn’t you like to be part of meeting that goal? Our mission is to, “Maintain the tradition of Peoria High School by providing support, recognition, and leadership to the school, its students and its alumni.” We work hard to meet our mission on behalf of both the current, as well as the future alumni of Peoria High School. If you have ever considered making a donation to the Alumni Association, this is the time! Your gifts to the Scholarship Fund will continue to help build the great legacy of Peoria High School. I would also encourage all of you who are members of a class that has an upcoming reunion to get involved in the reunion planning process. I just celebrated my 25th Reunion, and it was a blast! Don’t let the opportunity to catch-up with your fellow graduates pass you by. The Alumni Association can help with the reunion planning by making alumni mailing lists available, to serve as a speaker at a reunion, and offer tours of the school building. Contact LaVerne Wilson for more information at 309-682-4854 or email at [email protected]. It is an honor to serve all of you, as well as this wonderful association! CLASS NOTES Lion’s Pride 3rd Annual Golf Outing James Rudolph “Rudy” Cramer ’29 served in the U.S. Army from 1943-1945, and this WWII veteran received the American Campaign medal, 2 Overseas Service Bars, European African-Middle Eastern Theater Ribbon with 2 Bronze Battle Stars, Good Conduct medal, and the WWII Victory medal. He was with the Battles and Campaigns of “North Apennies” and “Po River Valley”.After his retirement from the U.S. Post Office as a mail carrier, he and his wife moved to Gallatin Gateway, Montana, to enjoy the beauty of the Gallatin River flowing in front of their home. Very recently, Rudy was notified that he is to be a passenger on an HONOR FLIGHT, going from AZ, (his home is in Sun City, AZ) to Washington D.C. This program is provided to WWII veterans with Southwest Airlines providing free tickets to the vets at no taxpayer’s expense since donations cover the program. It is an opportunity for the vets to see “their” memorial. The trip is scheduled for September, 2012 and at the age of 100+ Rudy looks forward to the adventure. The 2012 Lions' Pride Golf Outing held on July 28th honored the State basketball championship coaches at a banquet held after the event. The coaches attending hold four of the five PHS championships. Players Ruffin and Guyton joined the coaches in celebrating the 2012 State championship along with this year's event sponsor Bill Morton, General Manager of Lexus of Peoria and Dominic Pisano, Regional Executive for Lexus. Kline Richardson ‘34; Deane Richardson ’36; Maryanna Richardson Zehr ’39 are sending sage advice to the classes celebrating their 50 years out. Congratulations upon achieving 50 years of life and service since graduating in 1961 and 1962. You have found some failure but more success these past 50 years. To help you on your way, we would like to give you our mother’s recommendation for successful living. !. Eat correctly 2. Rest sufficiently 3. Exercise regularly 4. Think constructively 5. Help others lovingly 6. Seek God constantly. May the Lord bless you and keep you the rest of your days. Kline age 95, Deane age 93, and Maryanna age 90. Names in Photo L to R: Bill Morton, Coach Chuck Buescher, Coach Bruce Boyle, Coach Dan Ruffin, Dominic Pisano, Daniel Ruffin, and A.J. Guyton Distinguished Alumni for 2012 The following were selected by the process of nominations sent in and the alumni board committee makes the selections. They are chosen based on individuals who have made a significant and/or outstanding contribution to their community and country. They are also persons who have achieved significant personal or professional achievements. To nominate someone, please submit a bio of information much like a resume, to the alumni office. Robert W. Deiker, Sr., Class of 1935 pioneered many electronics. He received more than 200 patents including those for fetal monitoring, the first automatic headlight dimming system, the first 9-1-1 emergency system, security monitoring and alarm systems, and communication relay systems. As a NASA staff specialist he helped develop worldwide tracking stations and communications for manned and unmanned spacecraft. Judge Richard Eagleton, Class of 1948 served 34 years in the Naval Reserve, two years as Chief Judge of the Naval Reserve Trial Judiciary and retired as Captain of the JAG Corps. He is the only Peorian to be a U.S. Attorney, serving 1965 – 69. He served as Circuit Judge for 22 years, including three as Chief Judge. He has been a member of several community boards and professional groups. For the past 20 years he has been Counsel in the Peoria office of Chicago based Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP. (2012) George J. Kottemann, DDS, graduated as 1949 valedictorian and Vice President of Student Council. He has served the citizen of Illinois as an orthodontist and civic leader and served the US government as a USAF dentist and forensic specialist. Dr. Kottemann has provided leadership to his professional groups and to Peoria High School as president of the PHSAAF board and Kiwanis Key Club mentor. He has been recognized by BU, UIC, UIUC, and the UCF for leadership and philanthropy. (continued on next page) Thembi Conner-Garcia, MD, Class of 1991 is assistant professor of medicine and residency research director in Internal Medicine at the University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria, has excelled as a physician scientist and educator. As a co-investigator for research studies focusing on health literacy, she has been awarded two NIH research grants. She distinguished herself in community volunteering and speaking. Sung Jin Hong, Class of 1993 is artistic director and composer-conductor of One World Symphony in New York City, has served as guest conductor throughout the world. His compositions receive acclaim. In addition to raising funds for charities and to supporting humanitarian efforts throughout the world, his Symphony brings under-served school children and their families to the performances. Central Lions Roar to Boys Basketball State Championship Having come from a ranking of 4th in a preseason poll to the championship win was call for accolades for Central’s team and Coach Dan C. Ruffin Jr. ‘76. The score was 72-64, and with all the celebration going on, Coach Ruffin could think of nothing more but to find his former Coach Bruce Boyle in the stands as if to say “We did it Coach!” The two embraced and Ruffin commented on how supportive his former coach had always been to him. This was the Lions 10th title game appearance over the years dating back to 1908 with coach Les Straesser and the tradition has continued over the years with former coaches like Salen Herke 1919-1935, John Noppenberger 1945, Dawdy Hawkins 1953-1959, Harry & Dick Whitaker 1963 & 1968, Bruce Boyle 1974 & 1977, and Chuck Buescher 1983, 1989, and championship wins in 2003 & 2004. Many alumi showed up to support our PHS team and it was like ole home week or New Year’s Eve all in one. You could definitely hear the LIONS ROAR throughout the city of Peoria. There’s no question that PHS was definitely the Pride of Peoria upon completing the March Madness season. (Excerpts Journal Star Dave Reynolds 3/18/12) Construction Projects for This Summer and Beyond! Peoria High has had a very busy summer with a complete new heating and air cooling system being installed. Heating is installed now; however our air cooling system will not be functioning until the following year for fall 2013. We also are excited about an additional gym being built right where the ROTC and Auto Shop building use to be. For those avid science students, you may be glad to know that a second floor addition is being added onto the Garma Kinhofer Science Wing. Last, but not least, we are getting completely new bathrooms which will be up and running when school starts by August 20th. The teachers and staff, however, will have to wait another year for their bathroom renovation. We get to look at that ugly wallpaper in the staff lounge bathroom one more year. All in all progress is ongoing and change is exciting. When in town, stop by the alumni office for a tour to see for yourself. CLASS NOTES Lois Shanemeyer Hamilton ‘35 estate left a collection of cranberry glass antique dishes valued at $15,000 to Bradley University. Lydia Moss Bradley had given these dishes to her mother, Edna Shanemeyer. Hamilton was from a well- to- do family who lost everything but their dry cleaning business during the Great Depression. She graduated from Bradley in 1940 and was active in Lambda Phi, French Club, History Club, and Women’s Athletic Association. She also taught swimming on campus. Hamilton took flying lessons, earned her wings, and served briefly as a Women’s Airforce Service Pilot (WASP) in Sweetwater, Texas, during WWII. She was the head librarian at Peoria Public Library and at 38 married Llewellyn Hamilton, relocated to Lake Forest and worked with him in the plastics company they founded. After selling the company they traveled the world. Hamilton died in 2010, leaving Bradley $400,000 for scholarships and $150,000 to the Library through her estate. (Excerpts Bradley Hill Topics Spring 2012) Harold L Harsch Jr.‘39 estate donated over $1 million to Illinois Central College of E. Peoria to the music department for students studying piano. After graduating from PHS, he graduated from Bradley in 1943. This endowed scholarship was in honor of his mother, Lois Baptiste Harsch, who loved and taught piano for more than 70 years. Between 60 and 80 students are involved in the music program each semester, thus this endowed scholarship will help students, who may not have been able to study piano otherwise. (Excerpts Journal Star 2012) CLASS NOTES Bill Seelye ‘50 opened his 2011 Bradley Homecoming invitation last summer, and recognized a familiar design on the cover of the mailing. He recalled winning a competition for design of the alumni crest while attending Bradley University in 1954. His design was chosen to grace correspondence sent from the Alumni office. He stated the $15 prize paid for a tank of gas and a date with his girlfriend and wife of 60 years, LaVonne Hepfer Seelye ‘50 . Bill attended Bradley for two years before leaving for the service. He later returned to Peoria to work in the family business, A.H. Seelye & Son, and was a painting contractor on Bradley’s campus, retiring 11 years ago. His medal and the original 1952 Scout article about his award of the design was donated to the HaydenClark Alumni Center’s memorabilia collection. (Excerpts Bradley Hill Topics Spring 2012) Joe Suffield ‘56 has written two books entitled “Escape to the West” and “Will Frederick’s Western Quest”,( sequel to his first book). The first book is still available through him for $20 by writing to him at 104 W Morningside Drive, Peoria IL 61614. Tim Swain ‘57’s book review states,“I have purchased and read both of Joe’s books cover to cover. They are hard to put down. He definitely has the makings of a movie/TV series in his story. Each gets a 5 star.” Mary Hohulin Haynes ‘60 retired after 27 years as Clerk at Peoria City Hall. She was lauded as mentor and records expert. At 42 years of age in 1985 she ran in a public election, won and was never opposed for the next 27 years. Haynes actually worked since 1980 for 32 years assisting in the clerk’s office before becoming an elected official. She was the first female clerk elected with 69% of the vote to Livengood’s 31%. She became recognized as a mentor and friend to dozens of council members, due to her friendly and calm demeanor. Haynes resume includes representation on regional, state and international clerk associations; active participation with the Illinois Municipal League; and presenter during local, state and national conferences on the Open Meeting’s Act and FOIA. She also has been recognized for chairing the renovation and restoration of our Peoria Historic City Hall, which was dedicated in 1899. (Excerpts from Journal Star 6/24/12 by John Sharp) 2012 CONSTRUCTION Future new Science Wing. I wonder if the phone is in one of these boxes? Alumni Office temporarily moved to library. Bathrooms gutted. What happened to our front hall? Oh my, the foyer! New plumbing! Yea! History of PHS DVD by WTVP Going on Sale! Peoria High School: A History, a WTVP original production, follows the rich history of this school, which was established six years before the outbreak of the Civil War. From its founding to modern day, this film captures many of Peoria High's influential personalities – from Jacob Gale and Julia Proctor White to Betty Friedan and Bob Michel – often in their own words. This is more than a look back at one school, it's a story of Peoria and its evolution through World Wars, social change and more than 100 years of fads and fashions. In the end, it is the story of us. As of Sept. 1, the DVD of Peoria High School: A History will be available for purchase through WTVP for $29.95 plus $5 shipping and handling. To buy a copy, visit www.wtvp.org or call 677-4747 or 1-800-837-4747. Kevin Turner ‘80 Director of Birmingham Gospel Choir at University of Alabama Kevin Turner has written a song entitled “You Don’t Know What I Could Have Been,” about the four girls who were victims and killed in the September 16, 1963 bombings at Sixteenth Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, AL. In the song, he imagines the girls as grown women, singing about what they might have become. The song was performed on stage at the choir’s November 2011 theatrical concert, entitled, “Gospel Anthology II: The Church and the Civil Rights Movement.” Turner came to Birmingham in 1990, worked for a law firm, then at the American Red Cross for eight years, all the while playing and directing music in churches, including the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church. He then found his niche starting the gospel music program at UAB in 1995. More than 4500 students have come through the program. Students learn the history of gospel music’s legendary performers and experience touring, recording and live performance in front of large crowds. About 120 to 150 students take part each semester, and usually about 10 of those are music majors. The rise of UAB’s gospel choir has coincided with an explosion in the academic study of gospel music nationally. After UAB started its gospel choir, 17 other universities started gospel choirs modeled on the UAB program. (Excerpts from Journal Star 2/13/12) 2012 Class Reunions Class 2002 July 21 10th Class of 1992 August 31, Sept. 1 20th Class of 1982 July 20 & 21 30th Class 1972 Sept. 1 40th Class of 1962 October 5, 6 50th Class 1957 Sept 7, 8, 9 55th Class of 1952 Sept 22 60th CLASS NOTES Robert Jockisch ‘65, owner of RJ Distributing Co. in East Peoria, received the public affairs award of excellence from the Associated Beer Distributors of Illinois at the group’s convention last month.“Bob Jockisch and RJ Distributing Co. exemplify the industry’s efforts to be good community citizens. They have demonstrated unwavering support of ABDI’s alcoholic abuse prevention, awareness, and visibility programs,” stated ABDI president Bill Olson. Rudy A. Higgins ‘71 has taught music for 34 years, with the last 25 as PHS Band Director. In reflecting on his retirement in 2012, he stated he loved sharing the joy and power of music with the students, and hearing them give it back to the audience through their playing. Besides his music, the most daring thing he’s ever done, is rock climbing in New Hampshire, climbing upside down and over a ledge. (Excerpts Journal Star May, 2012) Joseph Jones ‘73 was a foreign exchange student at PHS from Liberia and later went onto graduate from Kansas State University. His career as an architect has involved working on many projects such as a Hydro plant, hospitals, additions and labs to the Universities. His family later moved from Liberia, due to the political climate and moved to North Carolina, where his family was raised and educated. Joseph is currently in Liberia working on United Nations, USAID, and Peace Corp Projects as they are rebuilding Liberia. Bill Morton ‘79 a former PHS star athlete in baseball, has recently moved back home from Smyrna, GA area where he spent 20 years selling luxury cars. He has now taken over the Peoria Lexus dealership as their new general manager. The dealership is owned by Pearl Automotive. He’s excited to be back in his hometown and offer a quality product and give great customer service. (Excerpts Journal Star 3/27/12) Brown, Roland ‘82 is the varsity football coach at Richwoods HS and took the 2nd place trophy for the IHSA 6A Football championship game in November, 2011. He was also named Male Coach of the Year by the Peoria Sports Hall of Fame. He became head coach in 2009, having come to Richwoods in 1986 as a student teacher of physical education. He has been a part of the Richwoods football program for 26 years. (Excerpts Journal Star 11/27/11) CLASS NOTES Christian Richard Lee ‘91 is a sales manager with Firstaff, a company that offers staffing solutions, recruiting and reporting services for industries ranging from medical to manufacturing. He is responsible for business development of staffing solutions, and assists and mentors his sales team in the Peoria and Bloomington markets. Lee is a father of five children under the age of nine, and manages to still donate his time to Challenge for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Boys and Girls Club of Greater Peoria, FC Peoria Soccer Club, Tim Ardis Foundation for Hope and Peoria Park District. He also is a 2007 graduate of the Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce Leadership School. (Excerpts InterBusiness Issues Nov. 2010) Lonnie Whisker ‘93 is a grant writer and 6 Sigma Black Belt at the Tri-County Urban League. He researches and writes grant proposals on behalf of the Urban League, leads quality improvement projects within the organization, and trains other team members to become 6 Sigma Green Belts. He supervises the Middle School Tomorrow’s Scientists, Technicians and Managers program; instructing parenting and gang prevention classes. He also serves as a motivational speaker for a variety of organizations and events in the Peoria area. He has been involved on many committees as a force for change, one of which is the African American Male Initiative committee to address the challenges facing African American males at ICC. While trying to reach for success with one hand, he uses the other hand to pull up others who are striving to make their lives better. (Excerpts Inter Business Issues November 2011) Karen McDonald ‘95 was hired in November, 2011 by the Tri-County Regional Planning Commission as a government relations consultant to provide legislative and logistics services. She will promote the commission’s legislative agenda, coordinate with Illinois state government and communicate responses and positions of the commission on issues to state and national policy makers. She also will assist with media and public relations initiatives. McDonald graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and previously served as a reporter for the Journal Star covering government and news in the Tri-County Area and as a Word on the Street columnist. To The Peoria High School Alumni Association I am humbled and honored to have been chosen to receive the Peoria High School Scholarships in 2011. I thank you all for your kindness and support. The Peoria High School Scholarships have been an investment in me that have paid dividends for the money spent. I have worked hard and spent long hours studying to get excellent grades. Receiving the Peoria High School Scholarships have enabled me to continue to focus on my education and perform at high academic levels; use the scholarship money for my education only so I will not be an additional burden on my mother who already has inadequate resources and; have enabled me to continue to be active in my participation in the community and focus on volunteering (hospital) when free time exists. I have experienced a well-balanced college experience because of the Peoria High School Scholarships. The Peoria High School Scholarships are important to me because of the reasons stated above. The money has allowed me to continue my education and my grades this semester have demonstrated that the money is not being wasted. They have been put to good use and the results have been an excellent grade point average. I want to share with you my freshman college experience. Attending Jackson State University has been rewarding academically and socially. While at Jackson State University I have made many, many friends. I believe that the best part of each semester thus far has been the opportunity to meet and befriend people from all walks of life. I am building life-long friendships with amazing individuals who are striving to better themselves and their community by earning a college education. I have joined several organizations on Jackson State University’s campus. I am a member of Jackson State University’s Tiger P.R.I.D.E Connections (P.R.I.D.E standing for Positive Recruiting Individuals Dedicated to Excellence), Pre-Heath Society, Illinois Club, and Reformed University Fellowship and Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society. As a Tiger P.R.I.D.E Connections member I participate in community service, campus events, assist the Department of Undergraduate Recruitment as student recruiters, and promote Jackson State through genuine school spirit. As a participant in the Pre-Health society I am offered MCAT tutoring and undergraduate internships and research opportunities. As member of the Illinois Club I have met students from Illinois and participated in community service. Reformed University Fellowship, or RUF, is Jackson State University’s bible study organization. We meet every Thursday night for dinner and a lesson in the Word. Within RUF there is a smaller bible study group for freshman. In this small group we discuss the Gospel and how to apply it to our lives as college students. In recognition of my academic performance, I have been inducted into the Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society. The society is an organization that recognizes freshman for earning a 3.5 GPA or High during their first fall semester. Although I am having fun and active on campus, I am dedicated to my school work. Every day I go to the H. T. Sampson Library and study for at least 3 hours. Sometimes my friends and I meet in the library for study groups where we help one another with homework. When I need additional help in one of my courses I meet with my professor. My professors are generous and offer tutoring for students. The effort I have put into my grade has earned me a 4.0 GPA . I know that I am excelling in college because of my foundation in Peoria, IL. I feel blessed to have the Peoria High School Alumni Association apart of my life. It is difficult to be so far away from home, but the support I receive from my family, friends, mentors and Peoria High School makes my college experience that more meaningful. Best regards, Desiree Jasmine Conton Gary Kauffman ‘64 Finding New Challenges as an Actor Peoria native, Gary Kauffman has packed a lot of living into his 65 years. His careers have been an aerospace engineer, dentist in Pekin, and now he is trying his hand at acting. His new budding career as a Hollywood actor is in an independent movie entitled “Mysteria”, which was released in December, 2011. The film stars Danny Glover, Robert Miano, Martin Landau and Billy Zane and is the story of a down-and-out, has been writer who finds himself living the plot of a story he is writing. Kauffman plays a pawnbroker in the film. Kauffman has had other minor roles since moving to Los Angles in 2009. Prior to his new acting career, he joined the Air Force which led him into the career as an aerospace engineer, and he worked for Boeing in Seattle and LTV Aerospace in Texas, until layoffs in the industry prompted him to get his degree in dentistry from the University of Chicago. He was 30 and moved to Pekin to open Total Dental Care. He ran the practice for 27 years, then sold it and moved to Colorado so he could ski, snowboard, raft and climb. While living in the Los Angles suburb of Studio City, he looks for acting work on a daily basis and auditions whenever he can, hoping his roles will lead to bigger jobs. However, he is still taking time out to play and take some fascinating trips like a 225-mile rafting trip on the Colorado River, during which he traversed the entire length of the Grand Canyon and was “completely off the grid.” He went on a safari through the Serengeti region of Africa, and scuba diving in Zanzibar and the Seychelles islands in the Indian Ocean. He also climbed Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa at 19,341 feet, and admitted it was the hardest adventure he has ever taken on. His trip plans in the future involve a 75-day truck tour of Africa, starting off in Cairo, Egypt, and ending in Cape Town, South Africa. He wants to see mountain gorillas in Rwanda. In 2012, he has plans to explore the Incan ruins of Machu Picchu in Peru. He figures he’s not getting younger, so now is the time to do his bucket list. (Excerpts Journal Star by Danielle Hatch) CLASS NOTES A J Guyton ‘96 is coaching The Central Illinois Drive, which is in the Premier Basketball League. In their inaugural PBL season, they won the championship game by beating Rochester in the title series, claiming the crown with a 101-80 decision on Saturday, April 14. They performed in front of a crowd of 2469 in Bloomington at the US Cellular Coliseum. (Excerpts Journal Star 4/15/ 2012) Lacretia Carroll ‘99 was inducted into the 2011 North Park’s University’s Vikings Hall of Fame. Carroll graduated from North Park in 2003 and was a track and field standout. She was 2002 and 2003 NCAA AllAmerican in the triple jump. She won College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin championships in the triple jump and the 400 meters. Carroll owns North Park records in the 200 and 400 (indoor and outdoor), the triple jump and the 4x100 relay. She has also lettered in volleyball three years at North Park. While at PHS, she was a 4-year letter winner and co-captain in both Volleyball and Girls’ Track and Field. In addition she was selected as a 1st team all-conference player in Volleyball and received the U.S. Army Reserves Scholar/Athlete Award. (Excerpts Journal Star 2011) Coach Chuck Buescher, our retired PHS Basketball Coach for 25 seasons was inducted into the Peoria Sports Hall of Fame in January, 2012. Buescher’s Central teams won state titles in 2003 and 2004. He also coached the Lions to second-place finishes in 1983 and 1989. In his 25 seasons at Central, the lions won 21 regional titles, and he had a 528-184 record. He also was a Bradley assistant basketball coach from 1971-79 and from 2005 -07 and was the head baseball coach from 1973-79. In Coach Buescher’s comments he stated “We don’t expect enough from kids today, because we live in a society where everyone gets a trophy. I believe in pushing kids. I think kids today have more than we ask them to give.” (Excerpts Journal Star January 2012) PHS Crest yearbook staff is selling past yearbooks for $20-$30. Email: [email protected] to request a past edition. Address Updates for PHS Alumni office. Contact the Peoria High Alumni office by email at: [email protected] or mail the change to: 1615 N. North St., Peoria, IL 61604 The Pe Th Peoria P eoria i H High i h School igh S h l Alumni Alum mni Assoc Association ciation Cordially Cordia ally invi invites tes you to attend attend aL Luncheon uncheon Honoring Inductees Honoring 22012 012 Indu ctees of the the PHS PHS Athletic Athletic Hall Hall off Fame Fam a e Saturday, October S d O b 113 3 12 Noon Peoria High School Foyer Family Fami il members and friends are encouraged to attend at $20 each. Reservations atiions are required by Monday, October 1, 2012: Questions 682-4854 or email: [email protected] Honorees______________________________ ___________________ _ Katrina Brooks '90 Katrina E Eugene ugene Carr '55 Teresa Tere sa Dempsey Depew '78 Kristin Kri stin Hahn Jockisch '89 Steven Kern '67 Paul K Kn Knott '92 Carlos Lattimore '98 Mike Lawless '64 Jocelyn Picl Rau '96 Wolcot “Wooky” Roberts '15 (Deceased) aased) Shawn “Ziggy” Songer '85 Frank Stacy '85 Donald Tjarksen '55 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Reservation Form Name_________________________________________ N ame__ _ Phone___________________ ______ Guests__________________________________________________________________ Guests_ _____________________________________________________________________ #Tickets #Ticket ts _______@ $20 = _____ ________Total ____Total enclosed Sponsorship S ponsorship Do Donation nation ((name name w will illl bbee li listed sted oon n pr program) ogram) $_ $___________ ___________ Honoree Honore ee is the guest of the PHS S Alumni Associatio Association n Make checks c payable to PHS AHF A and Ma Mail il to Alumnii Office, 1615 N North St. Stt. Peoria IL 61604, *Deadline Oct October tober 1, 2012. IN MEMORIAM YEAR . . . . .FIRST . . . . . . . . . . .LAST . . . . . . . . . .MARRIED . . . . . . . .DATE 1925 . . . . . .Neta . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Hoobler . . . . . . . .Pottle . . . . . . . . . . . . .2011 1927 . . . . . .Felicito . . . . . . . . . . .Davenport . . . . .Ward . . . . . . . . . . . . .2005 1929 . . . . . .Sylvia . . . . . . . . . . . . .Dunlap . . . . . . . . .Kapplinger . . . . . . . .2011 1929 . . . . . .Dorothy . . . . . . . . . .Christian . . . . . . .Hopkins . . . . . . . . . . 1930 . . . . . .Mildred . . . . . . . . . . .Foster . . . . . . . . . .Adamson . . . . . . . . .2011 1931 . . . . . .Dale . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Legg . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2011 1931 . . . . . .Kenneth . . . . . . . . . .Mercer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2012 1932 . . . . . .Evelyn . . . . . . . . . . . .Moushon . . . . . . .Hubert . . . . . . . . . . . .2011 1934 . . . . . .Marjorie . . . . . . . . . .Frye . . . . . . . . . . . .Grundy . . . . . . . . . . .2012 1934 . . . . . .Russell . . . . . . . . . . . .Doering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2011 1934 . . . . . .Margueritte . . . . . . .Goodman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2011 1934 . . . . . .Dorothy . . . . . . . . . .Grogg . . . . . . . . . .Mcelhoe . . . . . . . . . .2012 1935 . . . . . .Lois . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Shanemeyer . . . .Hamilton . . . . . . . . .2010 1935 . . . . . .Lois . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Singer . . . . . . . . . .EMMWA . . . . . . . . . .2011 1935 . . . . . .Eva . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Monroe . . . . . . . .Hudson . . . . . . . . . . .2012 1935 . . . . . .Robert . . . . . . . . . . . .Eckhart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2012 1935 . . . . . .Ralph . . . . . . . . . . . . .Gaumer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2012 1936 . . . . . .John . . . . . . . . . . . . .Hyler . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2011 1936 . . . . . .Willis . . . . . . . . . . . . .Sauder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2004 1936 . . . . . .Helsa . . . . . . . . . . . . .Runtz . . . . . . . . . .Petersen . . . . . . . . . .2007 1937 . . . . . .Charles . . . . . . . . . . .Isaac . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2008 1937 . . . . . .Irma . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Oyer . . . . . . . . . . .Lundholm . . . . . . . .2011 1938 . . . . . .Jean . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Burd . . . . . . . . . . .Jorden . . . . . . . . . . . .2012 1938 . . . . . .Eugene . . . . . . . . . . .Modjeska . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2012 1938 . . . . . .Robert . . . . . . . . . . . .Curtis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2011 1938 . . . . . .Dr. Ben . . . . . . . . . . .Wrigley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2012 1939 . . . . . .Robert . . . . . . . . . . . .Eckley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2012 1939 . . . . . .Phyllis . . . . . . . . . . . .Beatty . . . . . . . . . .Wallin . . . . . . . . . . . . .2012 1939 . . . . . .Dorothy . . . . . . . . . .Rose . . . . . . . . . . .Waldschmidt . . . . . .2011 1939 . . . . . .Ralph . . . . . . . . . . . . .Coletta . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2011 1939 . . . . . .Elizabeth . . . . . . . . .Holmes . . . . . . . .Knapp . . . . . . . . . . . .2012 1940 . . . . . .Jack . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Rohleder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2012 1940 . . . . . .Albert . . . . . . . . . . . .Boerckel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2012 1940 . . . . . .Margaret . . . . . . . . .Ellis . . . . . . . . . . . .Miller . . . . . . . . . . . . .2011 1940 . . . . . .Richard . . . . . . . . . . .Bierly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2011 1940 . . . . . .Cora Lee . . . . . . . . . .Smith . . . . . . . . . .Baxter . . . . . . . . . . . .2011 1940 . . . . . .Joseph Miles . . . . . .Chamberlain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2011 1940 . . . . . .Marion . . . . . . . . . . .Reichert . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2011 1940 . . . . . .Robert L. . . . . . . . . .Donovan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2012 1940 . . . . . .Lois . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Robertson . . . . . .Weidner . . . . . . . . . .2012 1941 . . . . . .Delephene . . . . . . .Doss . . . . . . . . . . .Mikkelson . . . . . . . . .2011 1941 . . . . . .Jane . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Woltzen . . . . . . . .Heiple . . . . . . . . . . . .2011 1941 . . . . . .David W. . . . . . . . . . .Andrews . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2011 1941 . . . . . .Anne . . . . . . . . . . . . .Woodward . . . . .Burhans . . . . . . . . . . .2011 1941 . . . . . .James D. . . . . . . . . . .Thomas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2011 1942 . . . . . .Fred . . . . . . . . . . . . . ."Wing, Jr." . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2012 1942 . . . . . .Robert . . . . . . . . . . . .Pritzker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2012 1942 . . . . . .Mary . . . . . . . . . . . . .Strause . . . . . . . . .Shepardson . . . . . . .2011 1942 . . . . . .Isabelle . . . . . . . . . . .Scott . . . . . . . . . . .Hall . . . . . . . . . . . . .2011 1942 . . . . . .Dorothy . . . . . . . . . .Frisby . . . . . . . . . .Buck . . . . . . . . . . . . .2011 1942 . . . . . .Kenneth . . . . . . . . . .Haddock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2011 1942 . . . . . .Bobette . . . . . . . . . .Walker . . . . . . . . .Stolp . . . . . . . . . . . . .2011 1942 . . . . . .Peggy . . . . . . . . . . . .Soldwell . . . . . . . .Thompson . . . . . . . .2011 1942 . . . . . .Mary . . . . . . . . . . . . .Powers . . . . . . . . .Mercer . . . . . . . . . . . .2012 1943 . . . . . .Mary . . . . . . . . . . . . .Loewenstein . . .Sloto . . . . . . . . . . . . .2009 1943 . . . . . .Marilyn . . . . . . . . . . .Schafer . . . . . . . . .Salzenstein . . . . . . .2011 1944 . . . . . .Irene . . . . . . . . . . . . .Alcorn . . . . . . . . . .Moeller . . . . . . . . . . .2011 1944 . . . . . .Alvin . . . . . . . . . . . . .Aronovsky . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2011 1944 . . . . . .Patricia . . . . . . . . . . .Mckee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2011 1944 . . . . . .Robert . . . . . . . . . . . .Stanslow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2011 1944 . . . . . .Gerald . . . . . . . . . . . .Sammis . . . . . . . . 1944 . . . . . .Jack E. . . . . . . . . . . . .Oller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2011 1944 . . . . . .Janet . . . . . . . . . . . . .Benham . . . . . . . .Vespa . . . . . . . . . . . . .2012 1944 . . . . . .Mary . . . . . . . . . . . . .Heinlin . . . . . . . . .Caho . . . . . . . . . . . . .2012 1945 . . . . . .Frances . . . . . . . . . . .Groom . . . . . . . . .Coons . . . . . . . . . . . .2011 1945 . . . . . .Gladys . . . . . . . . . . . .Vanderlinden . . .Shankland . . . . . . . .2011 1945 . . . . . .Mary . . . . . . . . . . . . .Turner . . . . . . . . . .Truitt . . . . . . . . . . . . .2011 1945 . . . . . .Frank . . . . . . . . . . . . .Kinkade . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2011 1945 . . . . . .Robert . . . . . . . . . . . .Belcke . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2012 1946 . . . . . .JoAnne . . . . . . . . . .Bruce . . . . . . . . . .Koller . . . . . . . . . . . . .2011 1946 . . . . . .Florence . . . . . . . . . .Sommer . . . . . . . .Dantone . . . . . . . . . .2011 YEAR . . . . .FIRST . . . . . . . . . . .LAST . . . . . . . . . .MARRIED . . . . . . . .DATE 1946 . . . . . .Archer . . . . . . . . . . . .Goin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2011 1946 . . . . . .Nancy . . . . . . . . . . . .Shively . . . . . . . . .Gire . . . . . . . . . . . . .2012 1946 . . . . . .Pat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Murphy . . . . . . . .Adamson . . . . . . . . .2012 1947 . . . . . .Harry . . . . . . . . . . . . ."Neumiller, Jr." . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2012 1947 . . . . . .Dr. Harry E. . . . . . . . .Snyder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2012 1948 . . . . . .Darlene . . . . . . . . . . .Dubois . . . . . . . . .Piskorski . . . . . . . . . .2011 1948 . . . . . .James S. . . . . . . . . . .Erkert . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2011 1949 . . . . . .Barbara . . . . . . . . . . .Armin . . . . . . . . . .Baruch . . . . . . . . . . . .2012 1949 . . . . . .Barbara . . . . . . . . . . .Collins . . . . . . . . .Baumann . . . . . . . . .2011 1949 . . . . . .Richard . . . . . . . . . . .Weinstein . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2011 1950 . . . . . .Hannah Eileen . . . .Daily . . . . . . . . . . .Sunde . . . . . . . . . . . .2011 1952 . . . . . .George . . . . . . . . . . .Selburg . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2012 1952 . . . . . .John . . . . . . . . . . . . .McCarthy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2011 1952 . . . . . .Delores . . . . . . . . . . .Vaughn . . . . . . . .Millard . . . . . . . . . . . .2011 1952 . . . . . .Karen . . . . . . . . . . . . .Murry . . . . . . . . . .Springer . . . . . . . . . .2011 1952 . . . . . .Joyce . . . . . . . . . . . . .Williams . . . . . . . .Fehr . . . . . . . . . . . . .2011 1952 . . . . . .Chester . . . . . . . . . . .Farwell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2011 1952 . . . . . .Charles . . . . . . . . . . .Welch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2012 1952 . . . . . .Emil . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Lee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2012 1952 . . . . . .Edwin . . . . . . . . . . . .Vrell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2012 1953 . . . . . .Eugene . . . . . . . . . . .Carlson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2012 1953 . . . . . .Joan . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Bogan . . . . . . . . . .Knapp . . . . . . . . . . . .2011 1953 . . . . . .James D. . . . . . . . . . .Haley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2012 1953 . . . . . .Ann . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Taylor . . . . . . . . . .Farley . . . . . . . . . . . . .2012 1953 . . . . . .Homer . . . . . . . . . . . .Grove . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2012 1953 . . . . . ."Robert ""Bill""" . . .Potts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2012 1954 . . . . . .Barbara . . . . . . . . . . .Detrick . . . . . . . . .Bell . . . . . . . . . . . . .2011 1954 . . . . . .Patsy . . . . . . . . . . . . .Cottingham . . . .Almasy . . . . . . . . . . .2011 1954 . . . . . .Glenda . . . . . . . . . . .Freres . . . . . . . . . .O'Dowd . . . . . . . . . . .2011 1954 . . . . . .Lewis . . . . . . . . . . . . .Janet . . . . . . . . . . .Davis . . . . . . . . . . . . .2012 1954 . . . . . .Sharon . . . . . . . . . . .Slechta . . . . . . . . .Ehrich . . . . . . . . . . . .2012 1954 . . . . . .Catherine . . . . . . . . .Logan . . . . . . . . . .Parsons . . . . . . . . . . .2011 1955 . . . . . .Charlotte . . . . . . . . .Mauerman . . . . .Knupp . . . . . . . . . . . .2012 1955 . . . . . .Mary . . . . . . . . . . . . .Reising . . . . . . . . .Toevs . . . . . . . . . . . . .2012 1955 . . . . . .Jim . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Meidinger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2011 1957 . . . . . .John . . . . . . . . . . . . .Garrett . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2012 1957 . . . . . .Michael . . . . . . . . . .Fern . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2012 1958 . . . . . .Gene . . . . . . . . . . . . .Kamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2011 1958 . . . . . .Carol . . . . . . . . . . . . .Vollmer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2012 1960 . . . . . .Judy . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Woodward . . . . .Williams . . . . . . . . . .2011 1960 . . . . . .Sandy . . . . . . . . . . . .Rodes . . . . . . . . . .Fabry . . . . . . . . . . . . .2011 1960 . . . . . ."Rolan ""Barry""" . .Johnson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2011 1961 . . . . . .John . . . . . . . . . . . . .Wineland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2011 1961 . . . . . .Barbara . . . . . . . . . . .Gilkerson . . . . . . .LaHood . . . . . . . . . . .2011 1962 . . . . . .Keith . . . . . . . . . . . . .Carrigan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2012 1962 . . . . . .Richard . . . . . . . . . . .Johnson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2011 1962 . . . . . .Louis . . . . . . . . . . . . .Schwabacher . . . 1963 . . . . . .John (Mike) . . . . . . .Barnes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2011 1963 . . . . . .Norman . . . . . . . . . .Miller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2011 1964 . . . . . .William . . . . . . . . . . .Manuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2011 1965 . . . . . .Randall . . . . . . . . . . .Kreiling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2011 1965 . . . . . .Gary L. . . . . . . . . . . . .Johnson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2012 1966 . . . . . .Carol . . . . . . . . . . . . .Defenbaugh . . . .Sims . . . . . . . . . . . . .2012 1966 . . . . . .David . . . . . . . . . . . . .Hunt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2012 1967 . . . . . .Neumann . . . . . . . .Nancy L. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2011 1969 . . . . . .John . . . . . . . . . . . . .Tracy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2011 1969 . . . . . .Thomas . . . . . . . . . .Lanpher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2012 1970 . . . . . .Antonette . . . . . . . .Custer . . . . . . . . . .Jones . . . . . . . . . . . . .2012 1972 . . . . . .Thomas . . . . . . . . . .Bledsoe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2012 1973 . . . . . .Dean . . . . . . . . . . . . .Kellenberger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2011 1973 . . . . . .Roger . . . . . . . . . . . .Lush . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2011 1975 . . . . . .Hal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Feldman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2011 1976 . . . . . .Bruce . . . . . . . . . . . . .Frison . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2011 1978 . . . . . .Connie . . . . . . . . . . .Jaques . . . . . . . . .Berres . . . . . . . . . . . .2012 1980 . . . . . .Karen . . . . . . . . . . . . .Maher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2012 1985 . . . . . .Kimberly . . . . . . . . .Williams . . . . . . . .Lee . . . . . . . . . . . . .2011 1986 . . . . . .Kirk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Gwillim . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2012 1988 . . . . . .Reginald . . . . . . . . . .Jones . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2012 1998 . . . . . .Genevieve . . . . . . . .Fortney . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2012 1999 . . . . . .Shauna . . . . . . . . . . .Parks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2012 2003 . . . . . .Couri . . . . . . . . . . . . .Robison . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2012 In Memoriam Noteable Obits 2012 Ralph Coletta ’39 a retired attorney passed on October 19, 2011 in Peoria, IL. He was a WW II army veteran, a graduate of US Army Infantry School at Fort Benning, Ga., and was commissioned as a second and first lieutenant of Infantry. He served in the South Pacific Theater of Operations. After the Japanese surrendered, he served with the United States Army of Occupation in Japan as an Intelligence officer with the general headquarters of Gen. Douglas MacArthur as a Japanese language interpreter. He also served the Fifth Army headquarters General Courts-Martial at Fort Sheridan, IL., and as a reserve officer in 1948-49. Following the military, he earned his bachelor’s degree from Bradley Polytechnic Institute, and doctorate in law from the University of Chicago Law School in 1949. He had been a lawyer for more than 55 years in the Peoria area and was recognized as a senior counselor by the IL Bar Assoc. in the year 2000. He served as Asst. state’s attorney of Peoria County from 1952 to 1956, and later served as vice chairman of the business and Commercial Law Committee of the American Bar Association. He was active in the development of real estate in the Peoria area. He was a former director of the Illinois Valley Savings and Loan Assoc. for many years, and was a founding director and officer in Wheels O’Time Museum. He was an active member and volunteer in many other civic and community organizations. He is survived by his wife Ethel Myers Coletta. Dr. Robert Eckley ’39 passed on at 90 in Bloomington, IL on April 15, 2012. As President emeritus of Illinois Wesleyan University, Eckley enjoyed a dual career in higher education and business. Eckely was elected president of Illinois Wesleyan in 1968 and served 18 years, longer than any other president in the University’s history. The chief emphasis during his administration was the strengthening of the academic and financial aspects of the university. The proportion of faculty holding doctoral degrees almost doubled during his tenure. The endowment fund was increased to seven times its 1968 value. Campus beautification was fostered, and the campus size nearly doubled. While president and following his retirement, Eckley taught courses in international business and portfolio management for over three decades. He also was engaged in consulting K-12 and higher education. Before joining Illinois Wesleyan, Eckley served for 14 years at Caterpillar Inc. in economic research, pricing, production scheduling and product control. He was appointed in 1954 as the first professional economist employed by Caterpillar where he established the business economics department. He later taught economics at Harvard and the University of Kansas. During WW II, he was an engineering officer in the U.S. Coast Guard for three years. He also served as director of State Farm Insurance for 27 years. Eckley graduated from Bradley University, and MBA from University of Minnesota, and a master’s and Ph.D in economics from Harvard University. He is the author of five books including “Global Competition in Capital Goods”, 1991, and “Lincoln’s Forgotten Friend, Leonard Swett”, 2012, and the author of articles published in the Harvard Business Review, The American Economic Review, The Brookings Review, The Journal of Illinois State Historical Society and the Journal of the Abraham Lincoln Association. He is survived by his wife, Nell Mann Eckley of 65 years. (Excerpts from Journal Star) Joseph Miles Chamberlain ’40 passed away November 2, 2011 at 88 while living at Lutheran Hillside Village in Peoria. Upon his graduation from PHS, he attended Bradley, but at the height of WW II, he left school to join the U. S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point. N.Y, where he earned a bachelor’s degree and became a sextant. He was navigating by the stars on Navy transport ships in the Atlantic and Pacific, and even toured Hiroshima after the atomic bombing. Following the war, he returned to Bradley to finish a second bachelor’s degree in education. He soon after moved to NY with his bride Paula Bruninga . He studied meterology and astronomy at Columbia University, where he earned his doctorate. He became a teacher at the Merchant Marine Academy for five years. He later became the chairman of Hayden Planetarium, and revolutionized the industry by taking away the dark and eerie feelings in the planetarium museums. He added a touch of Broadway with bolder, bigger projectors and exhibits. He also brought in more astronomers to help visitors view and understand the wonders of the cosmos-with plenty of dash and flash. “Give the audience 40 minutes of astronomy and there would be no audience,” he told the New York Daily Mirror. “It has to be a combination of science and showmanship. If there’s a sunrise, we furnish appropriate sunrise music.” He was also a pioneer of organizing cruises to distant locales to witness eclipses and comets. In 1964, he became assistant director of the American Museum of Natural History. In 1968, he took over as director at the Adler Planetarium in Chicago, making it bigger, better, and brighter doubling the attendance under his leadership to 600,000 a year. In 1991, he retired and moved back to his roots in Peoria and briefly lent a hand as acting executive director of Lakeview Museum in 1995 and helped out quietly with other civic projects. In his later years he preferred to sail and stargaze with his wife and friends. While at their retirement village, he entertained the other residents with his piano playing and singing. A gentleman of many talents indeed! (Excerpts Journal Star Phil Luciano 12/28/11) Harry Neumiller ’47 passed on February 18, 2012 at age 82 in Galesburg, IL. Dr. Neumiller was a professor emeritus at Knox College and was an organic chemistry professor there from 1959 until 1997. He graduated summa cum laude from Knox College in IL in 1951 with his bachelor’s degree and later graduated from the University of Illinois in Champaign with his master’s degree in 1952 and his Ph.D. in chemistry in 1956. He was a longtime volunteer with Cub Scouts. He was also a member of Phi Beta Kappa and Phi Lambda Upsilon honor societies; a member, board member and faculty adviser of Phi Gamma Delta fraternity (Knox); a 50 year member of the American Chemical Society (ACS); a member of the Midwestern Assoc. of Chemistry Teachers in Liberal Arts Colleges. He grew up spending summers at Stead’s Ranch near Estes Park, Colo., and once climbed Longs Peak. He instilled in his children, grandchildren, and those around him a great love and appreciation for nature and the sciences and a sense of community responsibility. He was a life-long advocate for both Knox College and the community of Galesburg, IL. He is survived by his wife Joan Dilts Neumiller. (Excerpts from Journal Star) Randall Kreiling ’65 passed on November 7, 2011 in Monticello, IN. at the age of 64. Randall was an internationally renowned commodities trader, cornering global cattle, pork bellies, sugar and metals markets before the age of 30. He lived, traded and worked in Dallas, Texas., Geneva, Switzerland; Hydra, Greece; Hong Kong, China; Athens, Greece; Mount Jura, France; Helsinki, Finland; Majorca, Spain; Barcelona, Spain; Vienna, Austria; London, England; Moscow, Russia; Chicago, Illinois; Sanibel Island, Florida; Africa; and Monticello, IN. He invested and owned interests in the Pirate Bar in Greece; Crossair Airlines in Switzerland; Beefalo in Texas; and the Elite Modeling Agency in Chicago, IL. Randall was a member of Phi Gamma Delta at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, where he earned honors in economics, graduating in three years with a B.A., then earning his J.D. at the SMU School of Law while working at the Southwestern School of Banking at SMU. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Dallas, TX. Randall quartered-backed the Peoria High School football team to undefeated back-toback seasons in 1963 and ’64. He was a swimming and diving champion, lettered in tennis, golf, and track and field and won a national karate championship. He met Mao II’s right-hand man obtaining exclusive agreements with the communist Chinese government for Chinese grain exports worldwide and rights to build a ski resort in Manchuria. He flew Ray Charles, stranded at the Geneva airport, to his concert in Spain, playing poker with him on Randy’s plane as Ray sang “Georgia On My Mind” acapella as a grateful thank you. Randall lived life in grandeur and poverty as a believer in Jesus Christ. He is remembered as a man who really lived and loved life as if each day was his last. He infected each person he met with charm, charisma, intelligence, laughter and inspiration melded into big, BIG storytelling. He was known to often quote J.M. Barrie from Peter Pan, “To die will be an awfully big adventure.” Please consider PHS and the Alumni Association when preparing an estate plan or writing a will or trust. Non Profit Organization Peoria High School Alumni Association 1615 N. North Street Peoria, Illinois 61604 U.S. POSTAGE PAID PEORIA, IL PERMIT NO. 133 Address Service Requested DATED MATERIALS. Please deliver without delay. SAVE THE DATES ip Scholarsh ater Needs Gre This Year! he Support t ip Fund! h s r a l o h c S Gold Lion Luncheon Saturday, October 6, 2012 2012 Athletic Hall of Fame Banquet Saturday, October 13, 2012 For more information: 309-682-4854 or [email protected]. PHSAA MISSION STATEMENT: Maintain the tradition of Peoria High School providing support, recognition, and leadership to the school, its students, and alumni. DO GOOD! FEEL GOOD! SUPPORT PEORIA HIGH SCHOOL! Membership dues keep the organization afloat with funding for operational expenses and program administration. The organization can’t survive without them. Support of projects—like the auditorium and scholarships—provide real and tangible services to the school and the next generation. My Name (include maiden) _____________________________________________________________________Class of______________________________ Address __________________________________________________________City __________________________State ________ Zip _________________ Telephone _______________________________________________________Email ___________________________________________________________ Make checks payable to: PHS Alumni Association, 1615 N. North Street, Peoria, IL 61604. We are a 501C3 Non for Profit. Questions: Call 1-309-682-4854 or email: [email protected] visit website www.peoriahighalumni.org YES, I’d like to help with Membership Dues. Membership Dues pay the operating expenses of the Alumni Association and help administer projects. Printing and postage are the greatest expenses. q $25 Annual Membership q $40 Annual Membership for two-alumni household q $150 Lifetime Membership q $25 Friends of PHSAA YES, I’d like to support the Association’s Special Projects. q Scholarship Program q Future Alumni Fund q Scholarship Donor Wall $1,000 or more SCHOLARSHIP DONATIONS NEEDED FOR FUTURE YEARS!
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