1954

Phillips, Wilbur Mangham "Sonny"  Chad Grad - Class of 1954
President of the Class of 1954

Sonny passed away September 18, 2005

"He loved life so much and had, I believe, a very happy one.  Loving wife, Anne"

Sonny was instrumental in finding most of his Chad classmates and sent me many photos of them.  It's his photos that made the 1954 yearbook possible.  jp 

Gealta, Tom - Class of 1954

1955

John Colgan - Class of 1955

1955

William "Bill" "Sonny" Fannin - Class of 1955

Sonny on the 1953-54 Sabres Basketball Team

WILKES, Sandra Lou  -  (sister of Carla Jan)  1956  Chad Grad  
1938-2007
Spokane, WA

3-20-03 - Sandra's Comments:  I've been living here (Spokane) since 1976. I have a nice apartment downtown and my youngest daughter works just down the street. My other three kids live in Western Washington; the daughter here (Pam) has two little girls and my son, James, just became a father in September, 2002 with his son Ben. I'm retired from Sacred Heart Medical Center.

[jpnote: Chas G.I. Jerry Whitehead sent this photo below from July 1957.]

Jackie Byrd '56  & Sandy Wilkes reunited in 2003!

 

 

 

 

 

 

ZIERDT, Sandra Lou (Wilkes)

In Loving Memory

Sandra died June 29th, 2007 after a brief illness. She was born in Belleville, Kansas on June 25, 1938. Her parents were Gertrude Ericson Wilkes Dexheimer Fate and Glenn Wilkes. She graduated from high school in Chateauroux, France and attended college in the Chemistry program at the University of Alabama (Roll Tide!). She married Jerald F. Zierdt of Newport, Washington in 1961 and had four children. Sandra achieved certification as a Clinical Laboratory Scientist at Sacred Heart Medical Center in Spokane, Washington, and she worked in the Hematology department in the laboratory of Sacred Heart for 26 years, from 1975 to 2002. While at Sacred Heart she made many friends, and worked towards union representation of the clinical laboratory workers. She was a member of the American Business Women's Association for 19 years, and was serving as president of the Spokane Falls Chapter at her passing. She was also a valued member of the congregation at Salem Lutheran Church, as well as being a member of the Salem Core Team for the Spokane Alliance and serving on the Alliance's Regional Strategy Team. Sandra was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Carla Jan Wilkes Kirkland, and her stepfathers Eugene Dexheimer and Merle Fate. She is survived by her children Gwen Zierdt, Trina (Clay) Rogers, Pam (Dave) Stevens, and James (Sheri) Zierdt, and her grandchildren Sarah, Miriam, Ben, and Anna. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Salem Lutheran Church in Spokane, Washington.

1957

Robert Lamar Edwards - 1957 Chad Grad

Nancy Sue Grose - 1957

[Ed Schweitzer provided this information.]

1957

Joan Partridge - 1957 Chad Grad

Michael Cooksey - Class of 1958
Passed away August 1981

After graduating from high school and attending one year at the University of Dayton, in Ohio, Mike joined the Army in 1960.  He was stationed at Fort Ord, California, and Korea, (after his experience in Korea he was never the same).  He was discharged from active duty in 1963 and was in the Reserves until 1966.  During this time he attended  Northwestern State College of Louisiana in Natchitoches, there he met and married Gwen Deloach, and they returned to Ohio.  Mike worked for the Chrysler Motor Corp., he and Gwen had a son, Aaron Michael, after 10 years of marriage.  Mike and Gwen divorced in 1980.  Unfortunately, Mike died at age 42 in August of 1981.  On a good note....Mike was an avid reader, loved history, knew a lot about the Bible, was very artistic, loved oil painting, was good at wood carving, played the harmonica, loved music, was smart....and good looking.  When Mike took the entrance exam for University of Dayton, the Dean said that his scores where so high that he could graduate with honors from any school he chose.  I miss him.......[Jane Cooksey Revak '62 - Mike's sister]

Ralph Edwin McCleary - Class of 1958

Carla Jan Wilkes - Class of 1958

Carla Jan Wilkes Kirkland tragically passed away in 1970 of a brain aneurysm from a congenitally weak artery. She left a husband and two children who have in turn produced 6 grandchildren.    Jan was the sister of Sandra Wilkes '56.  (Information from Pam Stevens, niece.)

9/15/01 Comments from Darrell: Married - girl and boy, 5 grandchildren and retired in 2001 due to ill health. Am constantly checking the web so if you want to write to me feel free to do so.

[jpnote:  Darrell lived upstairs with his mom and dad in the same old chateau as my family and me when we first arrived at Chateauroux in the village of Bouges-le Chateau which  was just a few km's past Brassioux.  I arrived in June 1958 and didn't know any other students.  Darrell was a great dancer.  In the foyer of our house, we used to play Little Richard records and practice.  At the DYA dances, Darrell was quite impressive.  When it was "ladies choice," he was usually the first choice of all the girls.  Darrell emailed frequently with Sandi Land ('60) before his passing.  They shared the same "strange" sense of humor.  Our mutual french friend, Janine Beaufrere, recalls his memory to this day.  He is missed by many of us.]

9-2007 jpnote:  When I attended the Chas 2007 Return to Chateauroux, I visited the old chateau where Darrell's family and my family lived in 1958.  I stood in the hallway and looked at the same tiled floor and the same tall coat rack and remembered dancing with Darrell in the hallway many times.  I am very nostalgic about that memory.

Ted M. Natt - Class of 1959
1941-1999

A Brother's Tribute
 

Margaret Leah James - Class of 1960
September 1995

Leah and her husband. 

  See Darrell's Page for Photos & Comments from Friends

Tom Alger - Class of 1961
1943-2003
"Un ami  de tous."

Tommy was active in school activities; the Chess Club; Swimming; Sophomore Vice President; Teen Club President; Student Council; and Varsity Football Player.  This tall, redheaded, freckle faced guy was funny, kind and an ever loyal friend.  He left his mark on the water tower at Brassioux and in our hearts.  Tommy was a talented artist as an adult.  He painted the murals and logos on many commercial airline planes from his own original designs.  He had retired to Florida with ailing health several years ago. 

Kevin, Tom's roommate & Tom on the right - photo taken about 1993 on Kwajalein Atoll in the Republic of the Marshall Islands.  Tom passed away quietly at the home of a friend in September 2003.  You are missed, Tommy.

Louis "Lou" Barnett - Chad Class of 1961
1943 - 2004
A Tribute to Lou
3-04-07  I miss you, my old friend....jp

Pam Brown Dicenzo - Chad Class of 1961
1943- December 6, 2008

Pam often reminisced about her time in Chateauroux.  Those memories were all about her friends and people she cared for through the years.  She said she was blessed to have her daughter and husband to care for her.  Pam spoke about this page with me and asked me to tell you that she put her faith in Jesus Christ and would see you in Heaven.  What a sweet, kind, loving, caring beautiful woman.  I was blessed to know her and to call her my friend....jp

Pam was a member of the Red Hat Society and proudly wore her symbolic hat.  She fought her battle against cancer bravely.

http://www.cancer.org/docroot/home/index.asp

1961

9-4-06  I was very sad to see that "Rabbit" Skinner has passed on. My name is John Kohn and I was in Orleans H.S. at the time Rabbit was there [at Chateauroux]. We had some fun times riding our motorcycles together. Sometimes I would ride down there and others he would ride to Orleans. We really never got into much trouble but did some really stupid things at times. I'll always remember Rabbit's BSA. He never seemed big enough to ride it but he was an excellent biker. I have very fond memories of him.

Suzanne Manfull Hillman - Class of 1961
Tucson, AZ

[Suzanne passed away November 14, 2006]

3-16-03 Suzanne's Comments on the Chad Guestbook:  [Richard Hillman '59 and I married in 1959, have two grown children & 5 grand children.  Living in home we built a few years ago in mountains 45 miles from Tucson, after years of moving around the states & Europe with A F Audit Agency, tired of being on the go & returned home. 

Mary Mann Knox - Class of 1961 - passed away October 5, 2008
 I remember Mary and her best friend, Suzanne Roy, when we were at Chateauroux in 1959-61.  They were inseparable friends and were reconnected in the last few years.  They emailed each other and shared their memories of their teen years.  Trish Burley was also a friend and was able to visit Mary in Florida.  They also had a good time catching up.

  Mary, Lou Barnett, Trish and I spent many hours during late nights chatting on ICQ together.  Mary was very fond of her son and his wife and her grandchildren who had relocated to Scotland.  She emailed about them frequently to her friends.  Mary was ill for many years, but continued to live her life to the fullest she possibly could.  Mary was my friend and I miss her.  JP

Cindy Caldcleugh - Class of 1962

Fred Doine - Class of 1962

jpnote:  Fred was the brother of my friend, Diane.

Ronnie Jones - Class of 1962 - Passed away 1994

Ronnie's sister, Robbie, wrote:  He was married and had two children.  Ronnie married a German gal and they returned to Germany in 1968.  They raised their family there and Ronnie was very "German" when he passed away.

Nancy Nagle - Class of 1962
Nancy's brother, Joe, indicated she passed away in the 80's

Rick Vironda - Class of 1962

Theron Keys '62 reported this sad news.

From the 1963 Sabre Yearbook:
"His first name reveals his business."
Baseball 1,2; Soccer 1,2,3,4;
Lettermen's Club 2,3,4, President 4;
Football 3,4, (#21) Co-captain 4;Prom Committee 3
Awarded Senior Superlative - Best Dressed Male

Art has been residing in Barstow, CA for a few years.  Art had the soul and spirit of a cowboy and chose to live his life as one on his own terms.  He was an actor and travelled through the Southwest participating in Wild West Show Reenactments as a member of the acting troupe known as the Mojave Muleskinners.  There are photos of "Misfire Mel" - as he was known by his many cowboy and cowgirl friends on the Muleskinners' website.  Art appeared in the 1993 movie, "Tombstone" which starred Kurt Russell; Val Kilmer & Sam Elliot.  Art's first love from his Chateauroux schooldays was his talented hand at drawing and painting.  The three posters depicted below were drawn by Art. 

Art is survived by his daughter, Sarah; his sister, Carolyn Crofutt Foxx '60; brothers Ken '64 and Mike, nephew Chris Foxx and Ken's children Michelle and Kelly.  Art has many school friends who are touched by the loss of this multi-talented man. [.....Jenelle]

Tribute to Art from his best cowboy podner, Smokey Jack:  "I know we will all miss Art, our friend, man of wisdom and with many stories."

Art drew these by his own hand.

Photo taken in the last 2 or 3 years

"Misfire Mel"

See Art Crofutt's ('62) Personal Page

SINCLAIR, Mike - 1963  (Susan's brother) 
@ Chad - 59-62

The following are excerpts from entries Mike's daughter made for his family and friends:

 http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/oledeadeye

 

FRIDAY, MAY 09, 2008 08:33 AM, CDT

Revelation 21:4 “and He shall wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there shall no longer be any death; there shall no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away.” It is with great sadness and peaceful joy that I write to tell you that Dad went home to be with his Lord and Savior early this morning. “Truly, truly, I say to you, he who hears My word, and believes Him who sent Me, has eternal life, and does not come into judgment, but has passed out of death into life.” John 5:24.   The Lord is so good! “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is so good; His mercy endures forever!” Psalm 136:1. Please pray for Mom right now, for the rest of the family, and for the friends who are affected by this as well. I want you to know that Mom and Dad had a sweet conversation a few weeks back. Dad, the man of few words, told Mom he was confident in his life in Christ and that he knew he would be in heaven with Jesus for eternity. His greatest desire is for each of you to know that the Lord loves you too and wants nothing more than for you to accept Jesus as your personal Savior and spend eternity in Heaven. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life” John 3:16.   There is now no more pain, or sorrow, or sadness, only happiness, praise and worship as he sits at the feet of the Lord. Those of us left here on earth can grieve with the hope of seeing our father, husband, Opa, and friend again in heaven. May God bless you today, may you feel his love and peace, as we do now. Renatta [Mike's daughter]

Sally Compton - Class of 1964 CHAD Grad
According to her sister, Ginny, Sally passed away in 2005. She had a brain aneurysm.

[jpnote:  During the years of making this website, the Compton sisters were asked about so many times; especially Sally.  She is surely missed by her many friends.] 

Don Parker - Class of 1964

Edward K. Thacker- Class of 1965
(Edd passed away from injuries sustained in an automobile accident - approximately 1974)
Student Council 3,4; President 4,
Class President 1,2,3; Interim
Council 3; Chairman JNHS 1;
NHS 2,3,4; Treasurer 3,4;
Letterman's Club 2,3,4; College
Planning 2; Prom Committee 3;
Track 1,2; Soccer 3,4;
Football 3,4; Basketball 2,3,4;
Student Control 4

"The concept of having, the reality of owning,
These are yours, as you listen to its sounds,
Those dreams are gone, the truth has climaxed,
Its walls like music, its softness abounds.
Before you it lives, so helpless, so small,
Thinking of its hunger; the covering is warm,
Not knowing the remorseful place where it breathes.
And wanting to know, it gazes, reaches out its arm.
You would like to help, but something resists,
For now you realize the folly of your gesture,
Your mind wanders to greener pastures,
You think for it, is there not a place much better."
--Edd Thacker (2-15-63)

Leslie Anderson - Class of 1967

Leslie Anderson Kirkland passed away June 8, 2003 from a brain tumor. She and her family (parents, Sam and Dorothy, brother Bruce '65, and sister Marcia '73) lived in Chateauroux (Brassioux) from 1962 - 1964. Leslie attended 8th and 9th grades,  school years '62-'63 and '63-'64.   After graduating from Bonneville High School in Ogden Utah, she attended Weber State College. She worked at the Defense Depot, Ogden, and later at Hill AFB until her retirement in 2002. She married Jim Kirkland in 1980 and had one daughter, Nicole. To a wonderful sister, mother, wife and friend. How we all love and miss our sweet Leslie. ...Words of Love from sister Marcia

Sherrye Crawford - Class of 1967

Sherrye passed away in October 2004.  Sherrye's brother David sent word of this sad news.

I only learned recently that a good friend and "little kid" whom I had lost contact with had passed away in 1976. He was Herbert Duncan Jr. His dad was a Col. when we lived at Brassioux. He was a year younger than me and was 26 when he died. He had a younger sister, Cynthia.   [4-23-08]  Info from Don Hoover, class of '67

Michelle Vacca - Class of 1968 (Roger Vacca's beloved sister)

John Harnitchek - Class of 1969 - 8th Grader at Chad
John was one of ten children in the Harnitchek family.  He was in the 8th grade in 1965.  Sadly, sister Vicky told us he had passed away in 1992.

Teresa "Teri" Watson Cundiff - Class of 1973

Mike Crofutt - Brother of Carol ('60) & Art ('63)

Roger Doine - Unknown Grad Year (Diane's brother)

Jim Doster - Little brother of Gwen & Jacky - Jim  passed away in 1991. Jim attended Touvent Elementary

Donald Karstetter, brother of Truett - Unknown Grad Year - Passed away in San Diego in 1988.  Sister-in-law Loretta Small Karstetter sent this sad news.

NYBERG, Kay No relation to Doug & Pete - [Harold's sis)]
@ CHAD 1953-1954 & 1958-1960

6-28-08 Note from brother, Harold:  Kay Nyberg was my sister.  Unfortunately Kay died in a house fire January 1, 1968.  She was survived by a daughter Kristina Kay Parker (her present name).   Kristina does not remember much about her mother and I know she would appreciate hearing from someone that knew Kay.  Kristina's email address is
 

"Coach" James R. Elliott - 1921 -2002

James R. “Coach” Elliott was born June 6, 1921 and passed away on September 21, 2002. Jim graduated from Rankin High School, served with the Coast Guard during WWII in the Atlantic and Pacific theaters, and earned Bachelor of Science and Master of Education Degrees from Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas.

Foster, Thomas Austin - Touvent Elementary Teacher - 1959-60

Kump, Mary Gamble   passed away April 11, 2008, in Elkins, West Virginia. She was 92 years of age.
Miss Kump began teaching for the Defense Department in military dependent schools in 1954. Her assignments took her to:
Chateauroux, France
Nouasseur Air Base, Morocco (1957-1960)
Bitburg, Germany
Laon-Courvon Air Base, France
Naples, Italy
Guantanamo Bay, Cuba
Naha Air Base, Okinawa
Clark Air Base, Philippines.
She retired to live in Elkins, West Virginia, in 1990.

Glaysher, Gordon - Passed away in 2003  

Mr. Glaysher was a Band leader Music teacher at Chas in 1965.  Carl Peters ('66) and Roger Vacca ('64) were his students and they found the information about Mr. Glaysher's passing on the net.

The last week of February 2007, Carl and Roger were emailing each other reminiscing about David Hall and Gordon Glaysher who were the band/music instructors at CHAD when they were students there.  They were copying me with their emails and although I didn't know Mr. Glaysher, I enjoyed hearing their memories.  The week after their correspondence, I received an email from Dolores Petersen '64.  She was not aware that Carl and Roger had been remembering Mr. Glaysher.  She had gone out on the net and found Robin Glaysher - the daughter of Mr. Glaysher! 

Knoepfel, Gerald C. "Mr. K" (Music, Jr High Social Studies at Chad)
July 27, 1929 - June 14, 2008
WAUPACA—Gerald C. "Mr. K" Knoepfel, 78, of Waupaca, WI, passed away Saturday, June 14, 2008, at his residence. Mr. K was born in Fort Atkinson, WI, on July 27, 1929, the son of the late Claude L. and Dorthea L.A. (Voss) Knoepfel. Jerry was united in marriage to Selma Esneault on July 10, 1965, sharing 42 years together. Jerry was the vocal-music teacher at Waupaca High School for 29 years, retiring in 1991. His career spanned over 37 years of teaching in Wauzeka, WI, France, Germany and Japan. He was a veteran of the Korean War and a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Waupaca. Jerry was the founder/chairman of the Waupaca Fine Arts Festival, bringing cultural programs to Waupaca. He was the conductor of the Waupaca Community Choir-Civic Orchestra and a member and past president of Winchester Academy, and operated Music Note Tours to the opera.
Jerry is survived by his wife, Selma Knoepfel of Waupaca; his brother, Lloyd Knoepfel of Fort Atkinson; his sisters-in-law, Corinne (Ray) Robert and Shirley (Frank) Cefalu; nephews; nieces; cousins; close family friends, Wayne & Laurie Vestal; and countless friends and ex-students. Jerry was preceded in death by his parents; and an aunt & uncle, Rex and Elle Knoepfel.
A funeral service will be at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, June 18, 2008, at TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH in Waupaca, with Reverend Dr. Charles Tews officiating. Military Graveside Services will follow at Lakeside Memorial Park, Waupaca. Visitation will be on Tuesday from 4 until 7 p.m. at HOLLY FUNERAL HOME in Waupaca and on Wednesday morning from 10 a.m. until the time of service at the CHURCH. Memorials greatly appreciated to Waupaca Fine Arts Festival, Gerald C. Knoepfel Music Scholarship at Waupaca High School or Winchester Academy.
HOLLY FUNERAL HOME
Waupaca, WI
715-258-4020
www.hollyfuneralhome.com

Obituary from http://www.gazettextra.com

jpnote:  Mr. Knoepfel was my favorite teacher of all-time.

 Roger ('59) Casalengo's mother, Sylvia Maria (Bighinatti) DiPietro, 95, of Kensington, the widow of Sebastian "Sam" DiPietro, died Tuesday morning (March 25, 2008), at The Hospital of Central Connecticut, New Britain. Born in Venice, Italy, the daughter of the late Floriano and the late Palmina (Ferrarrino) Bighinatti, she grew up in East Berlin, owned and operated her own dress shop and cleaners in Kensington, was employed by both federal and state governments, and retired from Cedarcrest Hospital in Newington. She was a member of St. Paul's Church, and the League of Women Voters, lived and traveled throughout the world with her husband's military service, was a renowned cook, and was lovingly known as "Nonni" by everyone who knew her. She is survived by a son, Ret. Col. Roger Casalengo of Alexandria, Virginia, two daughters and a son-in-law, Palma "Pam" and Thomas Pethigal of East Berlin, and Beverly Symonaitis of Rocky Hill and Port St. Lucie, Florida, a daughter-in-law, Nancy Casalengo of Berlin, a sister, Laura Ferrero of Kensington, and left to cherish "Nonni's" memory are twelve grandchildren, William and Judy Charamut of Rock Hill, Rebecca Charamut-Cass and her husband Michael of Berlin, Chuck and Demaris Charamut of San Antonio, Texas, Rachael and Jason Hoops of Manchester, Debbie Mills in Kentucky, Denna and Eric Singer in Virginia, Roger and Debbie Casalengo in Florida, Milissa and Alan Dumont of Kensington, Christy and Steven Miano of Berlin, Tom and Tammy Pethigal of Woodbridge, Doreen Pethigal of Berlin, and David Pethigal of Berlin, and twenty-four great-grandchildren, all whom were her life and joy, and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by a sister, Agnes Toffolon, and two brothers, Donald and Enso Bighinatti. Funeral services will be held Saturday at 9am from the Porter's Funeral Home, 111 Chamberlain Highway, Kensington, followed by a Mass of Christian burial at 10 a.m. at St. Paul Church, on Alling Street. Burial will follow in Wilcox Cemetery, East Berlin. Friends and relatives are invited to call at the funeral home on Friday from 5 -8 p.m. In lieu of flowers, her family requests that donations be made to the American Red Cross, Central Connecticut Chapter, 45 Russell Street, New Britain, CT 06052.   [Info from Jan Mitchell (published in the Hartford Courant from 3/27/2008 - 3/28/2008) on behalf of Roger Casalengo]

From Sheila McCarthy '61:  My beloved Mom, Helen McCarthy, age 94, passed away peacefully at my home in Santa Fe, NM on September 26, 2009. Mom loved to learn and was listening to Books on Tape up until the last few days. She was a strong, independent woman and was an inspiration to my daughter, Laura, and myself until the end.  She is interred with my dad at the Santa Fe National Cemetery.

Dawn Palmer's Mother passed away October 5, 2008.  She will be missed by her children and many grandchildren and great grandchildren. 

Nelle Reistad, widow of Raymond Reistad,  mother of Karen '66 and grandmother to Karen's children and grandchildren, passed away October 21, 2008 after a long illness.