Linda Bristow (Elias)

Rod:

Thank you for telling us about Dave Uban.  He has been my friend since 2nd grade at Washington Elementary.  In BJHS his sister Carol would drive, he and I, when we went to a dance in town.  Sometimes dances were held on Main Street at the Armory.  He will always be in my memory.  He married my friend Dianne Shaffer and had 2 children.  He was such a good guy!  My deepest sympathy and loving respect to his family!

Linda

Jack Keefe

Hats off to Marvin and everyone who showed up at Cheeks to make for a great mini-reunion. We had a false start trying to book Gill Street, and almost lost our opportunity to gather. Marvin made sure that didn't happen, and pulled our event out of the fire. Thank you, Marv!

Also, hats off -- and a moment of silence -- in memory of David Uban. I had known him since first grade, and he was always a fun guy to be around. My favorite memory of him goes back to our days at Washington School, when his mom was our first Cub Scout den mother. Innocent days, those. Rest in peace, David. And condolences to his family. 

David Long

Very sorry to hear about Dave Uban.  

RIP, Dave.

David Long

Julie,

Would love to hear about your world travels.  I know from the pictures you've shared with me that the list would extensive.  I really think the class would love to see more of your pictures. 

re: The Leg - the new prosthetic leg is made of titanium and with the electronics in it, is the lightest available, with the socket it's just over 20 pounds. The issue is not the leg, but rather the socket to which the leg attaches.  The make a new plaster cast each time the stump (aka Residual Limb) atrophies.  From that cast they make a socket and try to get it to fit so the leg stays on.  I'm on my 7th socket since the amputation.  The latest idea is to have a ratchet lanyard that attaches the socket to the socket liner (silicone sleeve that I have to put on before putting on the socket / leg).  When I break the suction seal that holds the leg on, the ratchet still keeps the leg attached to the stump.  

Want to lose a few pounds fast?  I drop 20 pounds every night when I take the leg off , but I can't recommend that diet to anyone.

Linda Bristow (Elias)

Dave:

I'm trying to make sure that my hips are not the same number as my age!  Now if you can figure out what I can remove at night..........let me know!  I live on a healthy diet and walk and exercise for 1 hour every morning.  Sunday............I just coast!

Rod: Do you know what Dave Uban died from?  Did his MS get worse as he aged?

Thanks for any information.  He had told me that he had MS in his eye.  But, that was many years ago!

Love to y'all,

Linda

Karen Sue (Suzi) Denton (Merritt)

HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY TO 

MARV AND MEL!!!  SO NICE TO SEE 

YOU BOTH AT CHEEKS LAST NIGHT.🍾🥂🍺🍺🎂🎉🎊🎈

Karen Sue (Suzi) Denton (Merritt)

I would like to thank Boo for getting 

me into cheeks last night.  Then one

of the M's gave me a nice shove on 

my butt along with some help from 

Dwight King to get on the bar stool.  When I left Dave and 

Linda Nafziger rolled me out the door 

and stayed until my hubby came to 

pick me up.

It was a nice turn out and great 

seeing and chatting with everyone.

 I'm having back surgery Thursday 

and Friday I'd love to hear from you

all.  I could also use some prayers 

that this pain will be gone.

love you all

Suz

Sandra Jeakins (Singletary Sizemore)

Suzi, when Liz and I first got to Cheeks, I did ask if they could give us a couple of lower tables and chairs, but they said they couldn't.  And those tables were filling up fast.  I've always had trouble getting on those high chairs and I kept sliding down.  They aren't comfortable for me and I can imagine with your back problems and as short as we are, that sure doesn't help.    It was so nice to see you and you looked really good.   If there is anything I can do when you get back home and recovering from your surgery, please don't hesitate to ask.

Terry,  You got away fromt he table before I could tell you how good it was to see you.  That's a good drive down from Wisconsin,  but I'm glad you made the trip.  It was so nice to visit with you and talk a little football.  

Dwight, it was nice to see you and you got to meet "the Jeakins".  ha-ha

It was a fun evening over all and it was good seeing everyone.  Thank you Marvin, for being sure the evening got to happen. 

Melvin, Liz and I didn't see you when we left, but glad you made it down, too.

Wendy Stephens (Cullen)

Sounds like a nice time at Cheeks. I hope someone will post a few pictures for those us thousands of miles away, to see.  Thanks in advance

Linda Bristow (Elias)

Suzi:

I'll be praying for you early Thursday morning.  Let us know how you do!

Love ya, Linda

Sandy Jeakins (Jay-kins):

I know what you mean with those higher tables and chairs.  My legs just hang down and start swelling.  Guess I am not built for them or else they are not built for me!

Glad to hear that Saturday was a good turnout and you all had a good time!

Love to all, Linda

Marvin Theobald

While I did not know Dave Uban, it was obvious from discussion at the gathering Saturday that he was very special to a lot of our classmates. I would like to extend my condolences to his family and friends. It is always sad to know that yet another of our classmates that we shared so much with as we were growing up is no longer with us.

Marvin Theobald

On a happier note, I would like to wish David Brock and his bride a jubilant happy 50th anniversary. For some reason celebrating their anniversary with their family was more important than joining us at the mini-reunion Saturday. Gee - I can't imagine that being more special . I guess it was because they had their priorities so straight. Congratulation on reaching such a great milestone.

Marvin Theobald

On a happier note, I would like to wish David Brock and his bride a jubilant happy 50th anniversary. For some reason celebrating their anniversary with their family was more important than joining us at the mini-reunion Saturday. Gee - I can't imagine that being more special . I guess it was because they had their priorities so straight. Congratulation on reaching such a great milestone.

Marvin Theobald

Below are some photos from what was a fabulous turnout of 29 of our classmates and 10 guests at our first mini-reunion since Dec 2019. Boo (Baxter) Whirrett deserves special recognition for traveling the farthest, from S. Carolina, to join us. Max deserves special mention for making the one day round trip from Wisconsin to join in the fun. It was a most enjoyable evening and those that were not able to be there were greatly missed.

First is a shot of a couple of mermaids dipping their toes in the water during a tiki boat lunch cruise earlier in the afternoon Saturday at Heritage Lake. What a great day!!!

Judy and Boo. Bikinis were optional and they opted to be more conservative but still got to enjoy the water.

"Jet" and "Max" sharing tall tales on the tiki boat. 

Debbie and Garth Golden, Diane Gardner, Liz Spillman and Sandy (Jeakins) Sizemore. Folks at the back table should all look familiar as well.

Rich and Karen Crusius with Ken Lehr.

Mike Mink, Dave and Linda Nafziger and Suzi (Denton) Merritt.

Kaye Fry, Pam and Dwight King, Mary (Giermann) Brucker, and Mike (Jim) Fry.

Dianne (Schaffer) Troxel and John Brown. John joined us for a few minutes and stayed for about two hours. It is always great to get time with such a great guy.

Mel Theobald, Roger Troxel and Steve Jetton all looking very happy.

I don't know what was happening at this table but it appeared to be somewhat mischievous - hmmm . It appears Boo wasn't sure she wanted to engage in their scheme.

Judy, Ann and Emmalyn posing for a selfie.

Diane Gardner as the life of the party entertaining Dave Holt and others.

Rita (Moore) Duncan, Marsha (Hutson) Brownfield with their husbands, Ron and Jim. Always a treat to have them join us.

Rich Crusius and Dave Holt pretending to like each other. Truth is, I think they really do, in fact I am quite certain of it.

My favorite classmate, Judy showing off one of her great smiles.

Another look at Debbie and Garth Golden who are such fun contributors to making us laugh and be happy. Garth appears to be in deep thought planning his next prank after gluing my butt to my chair in kindergarten. Maybe he was visualizing a chess board contemplating his next move.

Marvin Theobald

One thing more!!! Dwight King asked me to post the following message:

Herbert Curtis, Irvine and BJHS art teacher, has had some very difficult physical problems this past year. He and his wife, Phyllis, are both confined to wheelchairs. They are both at the same nursing home here in Bloomington. His wife suffers with dimentia and is not doing well. He needs both hips replaced., but his heart is not strong enough for the surgery. Mr. Curtis gets depressed, but trys to be strong for his wife.

I'm sure he would very much appreciate notes of encouragment from any of you who remenber him. Perhaps he even inspired some of you to become the artists you are today.

How about sending him a card or visiting him. It is hard to get him on the phone and he cannot receive text. His birthday is Oct 28th. He wil be 86. Phyllis turns 85 this month, Aug 22nd.

Mr. Curtis

700 East Walnut St.

Bloomington, IL 61701

Marvin Theobald

Mel performed "digital surgery" on the two of the mini-reunion photos below. They are much improved and ready to share. Thanks Mel!

Pat Lehr, Rich Crusius an Mel

Tiki boat lunch crowd

Rodney (Rod) Hayes

Linda Bristow, (Elias) - I have a few things to post, but for now, since you asked, I'll tell you what I know about David's death.  As you knew, he had MS.  He also at this time had COPD.  He'd had an aneurysm for the past 18 years located in his abdomen.  It began to grow rather large.  His Dr. in B/N didn't want to get into the surgery.  He went to Barnes in St. Louis.  Two Drs. there told him they would operate, but also made it clear that in his health, he may not make it off the table.   My understanding was that it took 2 Drs. working from two different directions to remove it.  He survived the operation, but within a day, maybe two, due to his overall health, he had to be put on a ventilator.  They made several attempts to take him off, but he just couldn't breathe.  His lungs filled up and he basically drowned.  My wife & I talked with Di Troxel last night.  Apparently he was well aware of his options, and he was ready for whatever happened.  I'll be back on the site later, but that's how things went in his last few days.  I also just found out his visitation and funeral will be next Monday.  But that will be in his obit in the next day or so.  I hope that gives you closure.

Linda Bristow (Elias)

Thank you Rod.   I also spoke to Dianne Shaffer Troxel. May Dave rest in Peace!

Love ya, Linda

Allida Frisch (Altemus)

Loved seeing the pictures from Cheeks and also the Tiki Bar pictures. Looks like fun was had by all. Sorry we had to miss it. It is always good seeing and visiting with former classmates. Everyone looked marvelous!

Marvin Theobald

Boo just emailed me to inform me of a very sad and shocking situation. Rather than expound on it, below is a direct copy of her email.

Well, I made it to Chicago where I proceeded to fracture my pelvis, elbow and thumb. In hospital in Naperville. Probably to rehab when I can walk.

Just devastating .

Let everyone know that I need prayer that I can better tolerate the pain  so I can get moving.

Will be in Naperville indefinitely.

David Long

So sorry to hear about Boo!  The pain must be incredible and am sending prayers her way.

Thanks for posting the pictures of the Tiki Bar and the Mini.  Mel, since you were operating on the pictures, couldn't you have made everyone the same height?

Marvin Theobald

My day has had a happy occasion mixed with the sad news about Boo. I was promoted to Great-Grandpa at 1:30 am ET this morning with the birth of Evelyn Rae Theobald. She is in New Hampshire, weighed in at 8 lbs 13 oz. 20" long or tall and is said to be very active with eyes open and looking at everything. Mother and baby are doing very well.

Terry (Max) Maxwell

Boo...  I am so sorry to hear of your misfortune. That's a bummer.  I am sending prayers and good vibes your way.

Great Grandpa Marv... congrats on the new addition to your family!  I know you will enjoy spoiling her.  

Sandra Jeakins (Singletary Sizemore)

I will add Boo and Marvin to my prayers along with Suzi for her surgery tomorrow. So sorry to hear of these concerns.

Marvin, I had sent you an e-mail this morning about my missing reunion pictures. I know you have more pressing issues now.  I understand.   

Linda Bristow (Elias)

Boo:  I've got your back!  Talking to the man upstairs!  Is Dave there with you?

Suzi: I've got your back!  Blessings on your surgery tomorrow!

Marvin:  What a great great-grandfather you will be!  Maybe she could have a copy of your tiki bar made into a playhouse some day!

Love and Blessings to you all!

Linda