Class of 1967'x 2nd inductee !!

 A Naval officer, an author and a radio personality will join the Alexandria Education Foundation Hall of Fame this fall.

The inductees, announced Thursday, are:

• Captain Thomas Halvorson, Jefferson High School Class of 1984. Halvorson has spent his career in the U.S. Navy, becoming commanding officer of the USS John McCain and USS Mobile Bay.

• Michael Tisserand, Jefferson High School Class of 1982. Tisserand is a critically acclaimed professional writer and book author and news journalist based in New Orleans. His latest book is a biography of cartoonist George Herriman, the creator of the Krazy Kat comics.

• Patty Wicken, Jefferson High School Class of 1967. Wicken is a radio personality and talk show host for KXRA in Alexandria and a recipient of the Eagles Citizen of the Year award.

The Alumni Hall of Fame was created in 2007 as a means to honor graduates, or any staff or faculty member who has earned distinction or achievement in their professional field.

The Hall of Fame recipients will be inducted at the Hall of Fame luncheon on Sept. 15, and they will be invited to be grand marshals during the Homecoming Community Parade as part of homecoming festivities Sept. 16.

"There are many unique and outstanding accomplishments by the Hall of Fame recipients in this Hall of Fame class," said Christine Reilly, Foundation board chairwoman said in a news release. "We look forward to honoring them this fall and recognizing their successes and contributions."

PS ... William Flaig was the Class of 1967's first inductee.

Honoring Erika's (TIMM) memory

Honoring Erika's memory

 

 

 

By Beth Leipholtz

When their mother Erika was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia, Ben and Jake Rodriguez were 2 years old. Now age 7, the boys are raising money to support the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. (contributed)1 / 2

Jake and Ben Rodriguez, 7, have been named the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s Boys of the Year for the work they have done to keep their mother Erika’s memory alive after she lost the battle to acute myeloid leukemia. (contributed)2 / 2

Jake and Ben Rodriguez were only 3 years old when their mother Erika Rodriguez passed away after battling acute myeloid leukemia for nine months.

Now, four years later, the twin boys are keeping their mother's memory alive and have been named the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's Boys of the Year.
"It's incredible what they remember," said Jeff Timm, Erika's father and the boys' grandfather. "They talk about her all the time."
In March 2012, while living in Alexandria, Erika was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia after going to the doctor for ongoing headaches. She was taken to the University of Minnesota Medical Center, and remained there for nine months, until she lost the fight with cancer.

Though Ben and Jake were young when they lost their mother, they remember her. In the time since Erika's death, her husband Sam has remarried and moved to Maple Grove. He says his wife, Katie, has played a large role in encouraging the boys to fundraise for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and to remember their mother, who was a friend of hers.
"In elementary school, the boys had a program that was called Pennies for Patients," Sam said. "They brought home their box and their job was to go around and get people to donate toward the LLS. ... The school had hoped to raise $2,000 for kindergarten through sixth grade, and Ben and Jake raised nearly $4,000 with the help of Katie."
After raising the money last year, Ben and Jake were honored by the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

Then this year, they were honored again, as each year the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society chooses a man and woman of the year and a girl and boy of the year. The 2017 girls of the year were twin sisters who are both survivors of leukemia.
Due to their fundraising efforts, the Rodriguez twins seemed like a natural choice for the boys of the year.
"Because they were doing twin sisters, they chose the boys as the Boys of the Year because leukemia affects more than just the person who has it," Sam said. "It also affects the family."
Now, the boys are trying to raise $10,000 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society by May 20.
"They're not only giving money themselves, but also going door to door to tell their story about what their mom went through," Sam said. "They're also asking people if they have any chores. They're trying to be proactive and do something besides just asking for money."

Sam says the Rodriguez family will continue to honor Erika and remember her, as well as fundraise to aid in finding a cure for cancer.

 

"We try to keep her spirit alive as much as we can," Sam said. "They definitely know who their mom was as a person. We're making something positive out of a terrible tragedy, and we've been very blessed in the joy we've found since then."
Donations to this cause can be made by visiting events.lls.org/pages/mn/boysoftheyear and a video about the Rodriguez family can be viewed at www.vimeo.com/184246668.

Classmate > LInda Maples SCHLOSSER 04.18.17

     Linda Marie Maples, 67, passed away on Tuesday, April 18, 2017. She had lived in Chattanooga for over 30 years and was a member of Silverdale Cumberland Presbyterian Church, where she served as an Elder and was active in the women’s ministry. She was an employee of Parkridge Medical Center and H&R Block. She enjoyed spoiling her cats and was an avid gardener. Whenever asked how she was doing, she often said she was blessed.  

She was preceded in death by her parents, Peter and Adeline Hagen Schlosser; husband, Brian Maples; sister, Becky Schlosser.  

Linda is survived by her son, Dave (Cara) Norling, of West Central, Minnesota; daughter, Denene (LeBron) Bryant, of Harrison; stepson, Skip Maples, of Chattanooga; brother, David Schlosser; sisters, Debbie Hinnenkamp, Donna Schlosser, Theresa Lukes, Rita Froemming and Lisa Brandt; grandchildren, Spenser Norling, Taylor Harrington and Brenden Wilson; step grandchildren, Tori and Kaylee Maples; several nieces and nephews.  

A Celebration of Life will be on Friday, April 21, 2017 at 7:00 PM at Silverdale Cumberland Presbyterian Church with Rev. Cliff Hudson officiating. The family will receive friends for 2 hours prior to the service at the church.  

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Wally’s Friends Animal Hospital, 155 Unaka Street, Chattanooga, Tn. 37415 and to Silverdale Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 7407 Bonny Oaks Drive, Chattanooga, Tn. 37421

Share your memories at www.turnerfamilyfuneralhome.com

Arrangements by Turner Funeral Home, Highway 58 Chapel, 622-3171

Paula Noonan > Mother 03.02.2017

Mary I. Noonan, 95, of Sun Lakes, AZ passed away on March 2, 2017 at her home.Born November 6, 1921, Mary is predeceased by her parents, Otto and Emma Peterson, her ten siblings, her late husband of 71 years, P. James (Jim) Noonan, Jr., her daughter Patricia (Bruce) Demaree, and son-in-law Scott Nelson.An Alexandria High School Graduate of 1940, Mary was loved by all. She always had room for one more and never forgot to thank those who assisted her. Mary made everyone feel like he or she was the most special. Her amazing artwork fills the homes of her children and grandchildren! She was gracious and grateful to the very end.Survivors include four of her five children, Philip (Carol) Noonan III, Paula (Allan) Teichman, Marcia (Scott) Nelson, and David Noonan, Grandchildren Philip (Lori) Noonan IV, Michelle (Buddy) Rice, and Robert (Marella) Strachan and Great Grandchildren Kayli and Ava Noonan, Mina Rice, and Maysun, Austyn, Prestyn, and Alleram Strachan. Private services and burial were held at Shepherd of the Hills United Church of Christ in Phoenix, Arizona. Memorial donations in lieu of flowers may be made to Sun Lakes United Church of Christ, 25635 S. Country Club Drive, Sun Lakes, AZ 85248

 

Gerry Hesse > Father 03.08.17

Dale Robert Hesse was born on April 15, 1925 in Waterloo, Iowa, the son of Herman and Tillie (Schultz) Hesse. 

Dale's parents moved the family to Villard, MN. Dale began high school in Glenwood and graduated in 1944. He then enlisted into the United States Army Air Corp and was stationed in Panama. While overseas Dale wrote letters to his high school sweetheart Norma Swenson. After his time in the military service he returned to Glenwood and married Norma on October 14, 1947 in Sisseton, SD. Dale farmed near Swift Falls, before becoming employed with Minnesota Valley Breeding Association. He moved his family to Alexandria and made this community their home. Dale retired after 25 years and continued relief work with the company for 10 more years.

Family was first and foremost in Dale's life. He loved being a loving husband, father and grandfather. He was proud of his children and enjoyed watching his grandchildren grow and become adults. He was a dad who played with his kids, making huge snow forts with them and playing checkers with the grandchildren. He also showed them working hard and taking pride in what you do will bring respect to those who know you. Dale's main example of this was his beautiful gardens. When people talked about Dale they always mentioned his gardens. Dale had another passion and that was restoring VW Beetles. Dale spent many hours bringing life back to these cars.
 
Dale R. Hesse died on Wednesday, March 8, 2017 at his home at the age of 91 years old. He is survived by his loving wife of 69 years, Norma Hesse of Alexandria; children Emojean (Bud) Johnson of Florissant, MO, Gerry Hesse of Alexandria, and Carol (Lyle) Lanigan of Alexandria; adopted daughter, Suki (Bob) Carothers of Alexandria; grandchildren, Jacqueline Johnson of Florissant, MO, Heather (Steve) Drew of Wentzville, MO, Sonya (John) Johnson of St. Louis MO, and Alexandra (Mo) Alghamdi of Willow River, MN; great grandchildren, Samantha, Madison, Dominic, and Peyton; brothers, Darrell Hesse of Fergus Falls, Myron (Rosie) Hesse of New Hope, and Allen (JoAnn) Hesse of Rochester; many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents, son Randy Hesse, infant twin sons, and his sister Jean Carlson.

A Memorial Service will be held on Monday, March 13, 2017 at 11AM at the Anderson Funeral Home Chapel with the Reverend John Martinson officiating. Interment will be in Evergreen Cemetery with Military Honors by the MN National Guard, American Legion Post # 87, VFW Post #936 and the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter #235. Honorary Pall Bearers are Darrell Hesse, Myron Hesse, Allen Hesse, Lyle Lanigan, Bud Johnson, Steve Branson, and Bob Carothers.

 

David Janke > Brother 02.25.2017

Robert L. Janke Jr.

  B.Thursday, June 5, 1941D.Saturday, February 25, 2017

 

Robert L. Janke Jr. born to Robert and Muriel Janke on June 5, 1941, the first of 4 children, has passed on. He owned Robert's shoes later know as Janke's shoes which he ran with his father for decades, it was a family business, his Mother, siblings, wife and sons also worked there along with many employees throughout the the decades, many who as though they were friends rather than employees.

Bob (Bobby to his family) (Fred to his hunting buddies) was in the first class to graduate from Jefferson high school in 1959. He joined the U.S. Air Force and served in Turkey as a radio operator. He married his wife Judy on October 13, 1965. Bob loved cars, he loved stock car racing, and was on the pit crew on #68 Les Chermak's car. He was an avid duck and goose hunter and made many life long friends hunting. Another passion was garage sales most people that have been at or had a garage sale within 100 miles of Alexandria have probably run across Bob, and many will miss his annual garage sale, many people returned every year.
Bob's Father, Mother and Daughter Sara, died before him, he will be greatly missed by his wife Judy, his sons Mark and Chris & Chris' wife Jenny, his sister Susan Pease, brother David, and sister Mary Wagner, his 4 grandchildren, (Mark's Family) Autumn and Tanner along with (Chris and Jenny's family) Kylee and Alayna, and 2 great grandsons from Autumn, Landon and Oliver, his faithful sidekick Shadow, and many friends and garage sale enthusiasts.
The family is going to grieve privately, but everyone will be welcome to stop by the last garage sale to pay your respects, watch for the signs. There will be a celebration of his life held at a date to be announced, after friends have returned from wintering.
Memorials should be made to Douglas County Hospice

Kay Olson > Mother 01.15.17

RLou Mae Olson, the daughter of William and Ruby (Covel) Plagman, was born on June 27, 1928 in Alexandria, MN. She graduated from Central High School in 1946 and then began working as an administrative secretary. RLou met the love of her life, Kenneth Olson, while roller skating at the roller rink in Alexandria. They were married on October 15, 1947 at the United Methodist Church in Alexandria. Together they lived in Alexandria before moving to Moorhead, MN. RLou found employment again as an administrative secretary for the State of North Dakota. In 1990, she retired and RLou and Kenneth moved back to Alexandria.

RLou and Kenneth raised two daughters, Kay and Linda. RLou taught her daughters many life lessons by the way she lived her life. RLou always presented herself as a kind, elegant, and friendly woman. She had impeccable manors and instinctively instilled knowledge of knowing right from wrong, patience, and respect for others to everyone she loved.
Family has always been very important to RLou. She loved her husband Kenneth and enjoyed every moment she spent with him. Besides her daughters, RLou cherished all of her grandchildren and great grandchildren who lovingly called her G.G. She never forgot a birthday and always sent a card or made a phone call to make their day special.
RLou had many hobbies throughout her life which include: bass fishing, golfing, roller skating, and quilting. She especially enjoyed playing bridge with three different card clubs. RLou was a kind and loving wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend to many who will be forever missed dearly.
RLou M. Olson died on Sunday, January 15, 2017 at the Douglas County Hospital in Alexandria at the age of 88 years old. She is survived by her loving husband of almost 70 years Kenneth Olson of Alexandria; daughters, Kay (John) Bieschke of Alexandria and Linda (Rodney) Ambuehl of Fargo, ND; grandchildren, Sarah (Wade) Iverson of Moorhead, Jeffrey (Tracy) Davis of Indianapolis, IN, Jason (Sharon) Davis of St. Michael, Joie (Jack) Chapin of Alexandria, and Johnny Bieschke of Carlos; great grandchildren, Grace Davis, Chloe Davis, Hunter Davis, Jaydin Iverson, Ethan Iverson, and Kaiya Chapin. She was preceded in death by her parents and sister Beverly Plagman.
A Memorial Service was held on Thursday, January 19, 2017 at Zion Lutheran Church in Alexandria. Interment was in Kinkead Cemetery. Urn Bearers were Sarah Iverson, Jeffrey Davis, and Jason Davis. Honorary Urn Bearers were all of RLou's great grandchildren.