Cathey Popdan (Johnson)

Ric Jorgensen

Mike Shoger passed away on December 6, 2008 in Rockford, Illinois. He attended West Senior High School for several years while his father farmed next to West Aurora Plaza where Walmart is now.  He transfered to Waterman High School when his father started farming in the area. He played basketball there and was a conference all star averaging 30 points a game. He went to college in Rockford and later farmed in the area. He played competitive tennis in the Rockford area for thirty years and won many tournaments.  While at West Senior High, Mike played on the basketball and tennis teams. Mike's father's grandmother and my mother's grandmother were sisters and were raised on a farm in Kendall county in the late 1800's.  Submitted by Ric Jorgensen.

Cathey Popdan (Johnson)

Good morning!

Our classmate and reunion committee member Joan Glasco Johnson has been doing some research into the story of Bill DiSantis.  Here is a link to a You Tube video she has found. Take a minute to view!  

James Thomas

Thank you, Cathy for posting this about Bill.  I know how much the visit of Bill's friend from Viet Nam meant to Bill's family.

I had a similar experience with the widow and sister of a buddy of mine from Viet Nam.  After the tears, I could sense their appreciation for knowing exactly what happened to my friend.  We still remain in contact with each other.

Thanks, again,

Jim Thomas

Joanne Fox (Sweeney)

I'm happy to hear that there is  recognition for some of our veterans.   Those Vietnam years were terrifying for most of us.    We hoped that our loved ones' draft numbers would be high...  It's nice to know that a book and video were made including Bill DiSantis from our class...  Joan Glasco Johnson has done a great job gathering and researching  information on our veterans... I'm sure that she will continue to bring us some interesting and not always pleasant details of those troubled years.   God bless those who served and died for our country.

Joanne (Fox) Hughes Sweeney

Kay Savage (Peters)

Cathey and Joan,

Thank you so much for your work and for sharing this WONDERFUL tribute to Bill DiSantis.  It was so heartwarming to hear about Mr. Wallace's visit with the DiSantis'.  It certainly brought tears to my eyes.

Kay

Joan Glasco (Johnson)

To the veterans, thank you for serving this country and Welcome Home.  Anthony Wallace, who fought along side of our Bill Disantis, is volunteering today at the Vietnam Memorial Wall in Washington D.C.  He is "paying tribute to Bill and other comrads and thinking of the people in Aurora"

Cathey Popdan (Johnson)

Enjoy this you tube video as another wonderful reflection on our armed services and to all troops past and present.  Apparently the Coast Guard was left out and will be added in the future.  Have a wonderful holiday season and Merry Christmas to all....

Paul Anderson (Anderson)

If anyone knows when the remaining four classmates in the Memory passed away, it would be appreciated. I have had no luck in locating any info about them. Thanks!

Joan Glasco (Johnson)

Susan Runberg Eckles passed away November 1, 1971 at the age of 24.  She is buried at Mt Olivet cemetary in Aurora.  Marion and John Runberg, her parents contracted to have Fair Construction build a duplex in Cameo Park where I was working.  They would live in one and Marion's sister would live in the other.  They would share raising the little girl that Sue left behind.  I'm pretty sure I remember that Sue was killed in a car accident.  The darling little girl was about 2 years old and had red curly hair.  They were wonderful people.  

Barbara Burmeier (Biddle)

What a beautiful tribute to Bill DiSantis' memory.  The innocent kids we once were are older now, and it is a suitable time to be reminded of our heroes' sacrifices.  Thank you for posting Mr. Wallace's touching story, it was very humbling to hear.

Barbara (Burmeier) Biddle

Joan Glasco (Johnson)

Let's remember Bill DiSantis March 25, his birthday.   

Nancy Doane (Livers)

Remembering the sweet boy I sat next to in home room and his ultimate sacrifice for our country.  Bill will never be forgotten.  Thank you, Joan, for giving us the opportunity to hold him in our thoughts today.

Joan Glasco (Johnson)

Happy Memorial Day 

We are proud of our veterans, and wish peace to you and the ones you love.

Joan Glasco (Johnson)

Sunday, June 21st, would have been a birthday celebration for Dennis Kabara.  

Happy Father's day for the dads

Paul Anderson (Anderson)

Do know if Michael F. Middle was William and Perry's middle name was Lee? If so, I found third death dates!

Bert Bennett

I pass along that our classmate, Bill Laz, is in hospice now. He has been fighting Pancreatic cancer for over a year. He gave me permssion to share is phone number if you care to text him a message. 757-870-6855. Please keep his wife, Marcia, his daughters and grndchildren in your prayers. His ever-present excitement for life and great humor have never deminished. I will miss him greatly.

Sherry Stiegleiter (McKirgan)

I am so sorry to hear about Bill Laz having Pancreatic Cancer. It seems that it is so very prevlant anymore. My Husband had Pancreatic Cancer 12 years ago. We were so fortunate that it was found at the beginning while looking for something else. He had some great Doctors. Dr. Milani, Dr. Zadi at Copley and Dr. Milikan (surgeon) at Chicago Rush. He was seen within 4 weeks by all Dr's and scheduled for Immediate Whipple surgery. 5 years later he had to have surgery to remove the rest of the pancreas + other stuff. We had another 6 years before it reared it's head again with nothing more left to do....then it only took two months and he was gone.  He passed 9/13/22. It really is a horrible disease. It moves so fast.