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Barbara Lubarski (Strefling)

While I realize Ken was not a classmate, this information from Gene Sankowski today and I thought I should pass it along to you.    Barb

Darliss Eileen Frye (Norris)

Jerry,

So sorry to hear about Denny.  He was a sweet guy and he brings back a lot of great memories!

Darliss Frye Norris

Barbara Lubarski (Strefling)

Former Teacher Was A Lawmaker

Funeral services Funeral services for Mary J Pettersen were held May 17 at LaHayne Funeral Home in Hammond with private interment at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Maquoketa, Iowa.

Former State Rep. Mary J. Pettersen, who received her early education in a one-room school house in Iowa, enjoyed teaching chemistry and biology for almost 30 years at Hammond’s Morton High School, her son Charles Pettersen said.

Pettersen, 84, of Hammond, was chair of the school's science department for several years, working with students on science projects and eventually serving as a regional science fair judge.

Pettersen received her doctorate in science education, completing her course work during summer vacations, while providing in-service training in her field for Hammond elementary teachers which was the basis for her thesis project. Along with Cass Casmir and Greg Jancich, Pettersen operated a Youth Conservation Corps, working mainly with the Hammond Parks Department and School City planting trees and creating fitness trails with region students.

“She taught me that determination and hard work and effort in education pay off,” Charles Pettersen said. “You need persistence. Hard work is rewarded.”

Pettersen served eight years as an Indiana State Representative. A long-time member and former president of the League of Women Voters of the Calumet Area, Dr. Pettersen also was on the Hammond Teachers Association Board of Directors.

In 1989, Pettersen became the first female director of the Indiana Teachers Retirement Fund. She was also honored as a "Sagamore of the Wabash" by Gov. Evan Bayh.

Arlene Dickover, fellow teacher and her friend for 50 years, said Dr. Pettersen was a “giant.”

Barbara Lubarski (Strefling)

Sad news to report. Mickey Anderson Kosman's husband Richard has passed away after a long battle with cancer.  I've not been able to find details but Mickey reports that an obituary should be up soon on www.serenicare.com/Arizona.   They plan a memorial service for Richard (Dick) the last Saturday of July.

Barbara Lubarski (Strefling)

From Donna Morris Johnson on October 16, 2013:  TO ALL MORTON HIGH SCHOOL FRIENDS I am writing to inform all of you that are interested Bonnie Knight has cancer of the lung and brain undergoing treatment, she lost her mother this morning with heart attack. Grace Baldwin is going to be on her way tomorrow morning to Utah to be with Bonnie, she is not sure how long she will be there but no return flight until she is comfortable with Bonnies status she would like to take her back to good ole IN if she has a progessed with her treatments. everyone share you love and prayer for all involved. WE ALL NEED THIS AT ONE TIME OR ANOTHER Thank you and love you all. Donna

Barbara Lubarski (Strefling)

Barbara Lubarski (Strefling)

W. Winston Becker

W. Winston Becker, age 88, of Indianapolis, passed away February 7, 2014. He was born May 9, 1925, in Stevensville, Ontario, Canada, the son of the late Elmer and Inez (Schad) Becker. He married Maxine (Ackerman) Becker on June 18, 1949. She preceded him in passing July 17, 2008. Winston served in the U.S. Army from 1944-1946 during World War II. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Huntington College and a Master of Science degree and Doctor of Education degree from Indiana University. During his career, as an educator, he touched the lives of thousands of students as a teacher of English, speech and mathematics in both Illinois and Indiana, 23 years as an assistant principal and then principal of Morton High School in Hammond, IN, and then served as a supervisor of secondary education in Hammond and as a principal in Milford, IN, where he retired in 1988. Winston was active in local, state, and national professional education associations and civic organizations such as the Kiwanis Club. He served as an elder and deacon in Presbyterian Churches in both Hammond and Warsaw before coming to Indianapolis, where he was an active member of Northminster Presbyterian Church, again serving as an elder and a deacon. Winston is survived by his children: Alan (Robin) Becker and Diane (Paul) Bird; grandchildren: Stuart Wirtes, Mitchell Wirtes, Brandon Bird, Sarah, Benjamin, and Jonathan Becker; three sisters: Betty Favorite, Ruth Weber, and Carol (Jim) Nolan; and a brother, Rev. E. Carlson (Naomi) Becker. Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, February 12, 2014 at Northminster Presbyterian Church, 1660 Kessler Boulevard East Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46220. Visitation will be from 5:00-8:00 p.m. Tuesday at Flanner and Buchanan-Broad Ripple, 1305 East Broad Ripple Avenue. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Northminster Presbyterian Church or to the Huntington University Becker Scholarship Fund, 2303 College Avenue, Huntington, IN 46750.
 

Published in The Times on Feb. 11, 2014

Jon David Hammersmith

Mr . Becker was an influence on me at Morton. He was a fair man.  Perhaps I'll see him in that detention hall in the sky.

Jon Hammersmith

Judy Potis (Fleming)

I'm afraid my response is quite delayed, but kind thoughts & prayers are sent to Bonnie Knight as she battles cancer and the loss of her mother.  I think life has not treated her kindly.

Judy Potis Fleming

Judy Potis (Fleming)

Mr. Becker was such a fair and good man.  I did something really awful in high school!  I was found to have cigarettes in my purse and was suspended for four days for such a crime.  (Can you imagine how kids today would laugh at this?)  During that time I missed numerous tests which I was not supposed to make up since I was on suspension.  However, since Mr. Becker was such a good man, he let me make up every test I missed rather than receiving an "F" for each subject.

I have nothing but fond memories of him.  May God bless you Mr. Becker.

Judy Potis Fleming

Michael Craig

mr becker was fair an understanding but stern much respect is due to him

James J Czerniak

Mr. Becker was a fair and just man.  He could be mean and hard on a person, but  I deserved every detention and suspension he ever gave me.  All schools deserve a man like him, especially now a days.

                                   Jim Czerniak

James J Czerniak

Just now read about Bonnie Knight.  So sorry to hear about her Mother's passing and that she has cancer.  Wish  nothing but the best for her and hope that her treatments have helped. 

                                    Jim Czerniak Sr.

Barbara Lubarski (Strefling)

Hi All,

As hard as it is to believe we are indeed turning 70 this year.   Several of us have decided to do what the MHS Class of 1962 always did with achievements........CELEBRATE!

 After putting our heads together it was decided that on Saturday, September 13, 2014 we will gather for dinner at Zuni's or a similar place for our birthday celebration.   Appetizer, pizza and salad buffet will be the menu (or something similar) and of course a birthday cake.   Cost per person is set at $25.00.   Exact place will be announced  after we find out how many classmates and guests will be coming.   We are also working on having a picnic the next day and will let you know more details in the next few months.

We know that distance will be a factor for some and we understand this but are hoping that many had such a great time at our 50th reunion that you don't want to wait until 2017 to renew old friendships once again.

The place to hold our party depends on how many are attending so if you would please let me know if you think you will be there and will be bringing a guest we can make final plans.

 Looking forward to hearing from each and every one of you and hope you will all have or had a wonderful birthday this year.

Linda Williams Bennett

(and the real brains behind all of this)

Sheila Stone and Terry Collins

Bettie Rosanswank Beckwith

Sherrel Thomas Nadratowski

Mary Wiechecki Paquin

Sharon Detvay Slivka 

Barbara Lubarski (Strefling)

Nicholas G. Luketic (November 5, 1924 - May 14, 2014) Nicholas G. Luketic, age 89, US Army Veteran of WWII, of Hessville, IN, passed away surrounded by his family on Wednesday, May 14, 2014.  Cherished Husband for 65 years to Virginia Ruth Luketic.  Devoted Father of Laura Frink, Barrett (Chris Corum) Luketic, Nicki Jusko, Paula (Ty) Stakes, Brett Luketic, and Rachel Van Syckel.  Beloved Popaw of 14 Grandchildren and 17 Great-Grandchildren.  Preceded in death by his beloved parents, Nicholas SR and Barbara Luketic nee Blosky, his Brother Bobby Luketic, his Son Nicholas III, and his Grandson Samuel Stakes. Coach Luketic was a graduate of Hammond Tech 1943 and a graduate of Ball State University, in 1950 where he was a member of the 1949 undefeated football team. He was a teacher for over 30 years at Morton High School where he coached track and football throughout his long career. In 1981, he was inducted into the Indiana H.S. Football Hall of Fame for 25 years of service, the Ball State Football Hall of Fame in 2011, and the Hammond Sports Hall of Fame in 2012. Nick was an original founding member of Regional Federal Credit Union and served on the Board of Directors and as a Trustee for over 40 years. He was a longtime and faithful member of St. Catherine of Sienna Catholic Church. He will be deeply missed by his loving wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He was a wonderful example and a man of honor and duty. Friends are invited to meet with the family on Monday, May 19, 2014 from 1:30 PM until time of Service at 3:30 PM at LaHAYNE FUNERAL HOME, 6955 Southeastern Ave., Hammond, IN. Interment Private. For further information regarding services, please contact LaHAYNE FUNERAL HOME at 219/ 845-3600. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Veterans Association.

Barbara Lubarski (Strefling)

Paul Stivers passed away on March 17, 2015.  Paul Mortuary in Pacific Grove CA was in charge of the arrangements.   There were no services nor obituary.  If you wish to drop a card to the family, you may do so through the Paul Mortuary, 390 Lighthouse Avenue, Pacific Grove, CA 93950

Barbara Lubarski (Strefling)

Barbara Lubarski (Strefling)

Barbara Lubarski (Strefling)

"I have used Facebook to update many of my mother n laws friends regarding her health. At this time I believe that family has been notified so here it goes.
Cheri Boland, through some very difficult discussions and decisions by her family, has been placed in Hospice. Today is her second day in. Before this move was made mom was unresponsive, however the day she was moved the family was given the gift of having her more aware for a short period of time. This gave us the opportunity to hear her voice and see her eyes again. We treasure those moments and many more with her.
Thank you all for your love and support. I will update you with any changes."

Charles Dean DeLarbre

Many of the class of 1962 will remember Laura through Dean. I am deeply saddened to announce the passing of my lifelong partner and wife. It’s difficult to believe we met in 1960 in journalism class and working on the Mortonite. That was the beginning of a relationship that was to last nearly 56 years. We had some great times and were always in love but I woke up one morning and she was gone. So fast and so unexpected.

Obituary for Laura A DeLarbre

Laura Ann DeLarbre, age 70, of Hastings, passed away peacefully and unexpectedly August 18, 2016, at her home. She was born in Hammond, IN to Robert and Florence Gilson on June 13, 1946. She married Dean DeLarbre on November 28, 1964 in Hammond, IN. Laura lived in Hastings for 37 years. She was employed in the banking industry for more than 20 years, many of them at Vermillion State Bank. She was a loving wife, mom, and grandma who will be remembered fondly.

Laura is preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her husband, Dean; children, Kevin (Yvette) DeLarbre and Christine (Brian) Goatley; 4 grandchildren; 5 great grandchildren; siblings, Pat (John) Poczatek, Bobbie (Dennis) Johnson, Kathryn (Dan) Sytsma, Jim (Erin) Gilson, and Cheryl Hughes; many other relatives and friends.

A visitation will be held on Sunday (8/21) from 2:00 - 6:00 p.m. with an informal service at 5:00 p.m., at Wise Family Funeral Home, 400 Spring St., Hastings. Memorials preferred in lieu of flowers. Visit www.wisefamilyfh.com to sign the tribute page and view the memorial video.

 

To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Laura A DeLarbre please visit our Sympathy Store.

Linda Ann Williams (Bennett)

Dean,

  So sorry for your loss.   May the memories you have shared through the years bring you peace.

Linda Williams Bennett

Linda Ann Williams (Bennett)

Just received word that Ken Kessler's wife, Nada, passed away this morning.   Ken's e-mail address is krkessler7@gmail.com if you want to get in touch with him.

Nada I. Kessler

Nada passed away Thursday, May 11, 2017 at her home in Otsego.

She was born January 28, 1946 in Elwood, Indiana, the daughter of Vern and Betty (Davis) Osting. Nada was born and raised in Indiana and had also lived in the U.P. and moved to Otsego in 1990. For 13 years she had been a bookkeeper at Toyota of Marquette and worked 17 years at Harold Ziegler until her retirement. Nada enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and her dog. On November 27, 1976 in Hessville, IN she married Kenneth Kessler who survives.

Also surviving are her son, Scott (Christine) Doelling of Hilliard, OH and step-daughter, Kristine of FL; 2 grandchildren; 3 step-grandchildren; 1 great-grandchild and several cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents, step-daughter, Kimberly Wilson and by an infant sister.

Friends may visit with Nada’s family from 5-7 P.M., Sunday, May 14, 2017 at the Winkel Funeral Home, Otsego where a funeral service will be held at 2:00 P.M., Monday, May 15, 2017 with Pastor Barry Lucas officiating.

Cremation will follow.

Contributions in memory of Nada may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Barbara Lubarski (Strefling)

"From Aurelia Gincauskas - "I would like to announce to my classmates that my book, "The Scattered Autumn Leaves", a memoir is now on Amazon.com. I posted the book's cover on my profile."

Congratulations Aurelia! 

Linda Ann Williams (Bennett)

For better or worse the pictures from Saturday night 55th reunion are on our website.  Please feel free to add any that you have.     Pictures from Friday night soon to follow  (fingers crossed)

Linda

Darliss Eileen Frye (Norris)