Class of 1938

75 Year Reunion Held

Front row, left to right: Nellie Simons, Jane Beckman, Rita Daley and Eda Khohls;
Back row: Dick Weber, Fr. Chris Bohnsack, Irvin Brandehoff

70 Year Reunion Held

The 70 year reunion of St. John’s class of 1938 was held on Sunday, June 29, 2008. Eight of fourteen surviving members celebrated with Mass at St. John’s Church, followed by dinner at Vancrest. Pictured seated above are (l-r) Rita (Bertling) Daley, Nellie (Finlay) Simons, Marciel (Pohlman) Etzkorn and Eda (Kurber) Kohls. Pictured standing are (l-r) Bob Shenk, Dr. Jack Ockuly, Irvin Brandehoff and Dick Weber. Special guests of the class included Jane (Deffenbaugh) Beckman, Marie (Martin) Etzkorn, Della Rekart (widow of the late Roger Rekart) and Sr. Louise (Susan) Scherger, S.N.D. (daughter of the late Lou Scherger and the late Rosemary (Metzner) Scherger). The class was also honored by the presence of Fr. Mel Verhoff, Fr. George Maramkandom, Fr. James Simons (son of Nellie Simons and the late George V. Simons) and Sr. Kevin Patrice Daley, S.N.D. (daughter of Rita Daley). Master of Ceremonies Dick Weber led the festivities at Vancrest that began with a social hour at which punch and hors d’oeuvre were enjoyed. The classmates shared old photographs and memories. The St. John’s Alumni Committee gave a brief presentation before dinner that included a poem read by Mary Jeannette Menke. Fr. Simons offered grace, blessed everyone present and remembered the deceased members of the class. The dinner, which was prepared by Tina Williams and served by David and John Simons, consisted of a salad, roll, beef roast with gravy, pork roast with escalloped apples, twice-baked potatoes, peas with pearl onions, wine, coffee and white or chocolate cake. Several members of the class commented that it was their best reunion ever. Everyone enjoyed the event that was organized by Nellie Simons.