Thank you so much to all who responded to Steve Sellers phone number we had posted in a recent issue. I knew you would come through.
Steve, BHS-66, who is in hospice, emailed this week, "I've received numerous calls, text and emails after you posted my phone number, even one from a classmate who said, "I don't remember you" but she was just as sweet as could be and I enjoyed our conversation. You only find responses like that from people in towns like Boone."
He added, "the comment by Mike Harris brought a thought to mind. I wonder if anyone out there knows of a list of the Boone men and women who served in our military. Since Vietnam was our war in 1966, I believe the start date would be 1955-75 and they could add a short duty description, Army, Navy, medic, tank gunner, rifleman, RF4 pilot, helicopter gunner/pilot. Here we are in 2020 and many have never been told, "Welcome Home." Extend the dates and we include a lot more fine, young Boone people. Anybody know of such a site I might look at? Sounds like something I'd expect at the VFW or American Legion hall. I don't know how much work on a computer would be required. I was just thinking a simple list a vet could add his/her information to as desired."
K-----K
Bill Olson, BHS-62, saw Jim Sanders mentioned in a recent Korner and wrote, "I'm wondering if viewers know the whereabouts of Sanders, a geometry teacher at BHS in the 60's? Anybody know whatever happened to him?"
K-----K
Our far north correspondent, John Kueck, BHS-61, commented about our recent high school sports mention, "more and more sports are year around through clubs that also siphon off some participants. My grandson competed year around in swimming, high school and club, and there was no time for other sports. I think volleyball for girls is similar and, of course, swimming too. Esports (whatever that is) is becoming a bigger deal. They have added it along with a facility at Eastern Illinois where my grandson competes in swimming. Minneapolis just hosted a pro team championship with over 10,000 attendees. The director of the Minnesota High School League said they have had preliminary discussions on adding it here too. Any such rumors in Iowa?"
The Kornerman replies, "not that I'm aware of......but, of course, I've been "out of that loop" for 20 years now. In future Korners we are going to have some more info on this high school participation situation."
K-----K
BOONE CONNECTED DEATHS: Kathleen "Kate" Jordan, 93, Boone. Born in rural Boone County. Story City HS-44. Earned a degree from the State University of Iowa in 1948. Married Dick Jordan in 1950. Survivors include her husband, Dick, a daughter, three sons, including John of Boone and Mike of Ames, two sisters, including Mary Jensen of Boone and two brothers, Gene and Bill Pepper, both of Boone.........Shirley Cornelis, 86, Boone. Graduated from high school in Illinois. Married Don Hebert in 1954 and the couple had one son, Jim. They divorced and Shirley moved to Atkins, IA. She worked for Collins in Cedar Rapids and as a waitress in Atkins. In 1963, she married Leon Cornelis in Belle Plaine. The couple moved to Nevada and then to Boone in 1965 as Leon worked for the DOT in Ames. Shirley was then a homemaker and worked at the Boone County Shopping News. Survivors include her husband, Leon, three sons, Mike and Rob of Boone and Jim of Ames. A brother and three sisters also survive...........Donald Roosa, 88, Lehigh. Survivors include his wife, Doris, and six kids, including John Roosa of Boone. A sister also survives..........Marjorie Schwien, 96, Des Moines. Born in Boone. BHS-41. She worked at Riekenberg's for three years and then at the Recorder's office at the Boone County Courthouse for four years. In 1948 she returned to Riekenberg's as a bookkeeper until retirement in 1957. Burial will be in Boone at Linwood Park........James Hendershott, 79, Des Moines. Survivors include three adult children, including Deborah Biegger and Kathleen Henderson both of Madrid...........Marie Wisecup, 99, Waukee. Born near Stratford. Married Eldon Wisecup in 1942. They farmed in the Stratford area until moving to a farm in the West Des Moines area in 1952. A son, daughter, sister and sister-in-law survive.
K-----K
Worldwide Korner headquarters are located at 928 South Jackson, Boone, Iowa 50036-4932. Phone number is 515-432-1530. To email your stories/memories/comments........
kelleyskorner1@gmail.com.
Wednesday, January 29, 2020
Saturday, January 25, 2020
HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS - UP OR DOWN?
I, the Kornerman, wrote recently about the "good old days," when there wasn't the specialization in high school sports like there is today. In those "older" times, there weren't as many activities available to youth as there is today. The result was, that a majority participated in ALL the various activities offered to keep a relationship with all their buddies if for no other reason. Personally, the Kornerman had no skills whatsoever for track. Yet, I always participated......that's where all my friends were and, as mentioned, there weren't that many other activities offered. So track? Why not?
This leads up to a couple articles I recently noticed......."High School Girls are Leaving Basketball in Droves......or Are They? and "Football in decline, but more popular than ever." The latter story was written by Iowa based sports reporter, J.R. Ogden of the Cedar Rapids Gazette.
Being a former staff member of the Iowa Boys High School Athletic Association, I'm familiar with the fact that there was a constant effort to keep track of participation numbers in all the offered sports.
All states do that and they report those figures to the National Federation of State High School Associations to follow any trends that may appear.
(1) In the story about high school girls leaving basketball, the question was asked, "why would 13,000 high school girls suddenly quit basketball, as the latest national high school athletic participation survey suggests happened last year? The answer is: Maybe they didn't.
The story mentions that the annual national participation survey indicated, that for the first time in 30 years, participation was down. However, the overall decrease of 0.5% was slight and there were several characteristics that suggest the findings should be viewed with caution.
We, at the IHSAA, took the survey very seriously but some states may not. The reports are voluntary, some states are slow in responding and some just go with "estimates" rather than the hard work of trying to get real accurate counts.
For example, in the case of girls basketball, the state of Texas drew some criticism. They indicated there was a 20-percent decrease in participation with 10,636 fewer girls taking part compared to the previous year. That alone had much to do with the national decrease.
The state of Texas would not divulge its method of estimation, nor would it reveal how many of its 1,444 schools failed to provide data.
Finally, Jamey Harrison, deputy executive director of the Texas Interscholastic League, conceded, "we think there has probably been a decline in girls basketball participation, but we're not sure it's as drastic as the numbers suggest."
(2) Again, citing participation figures from the National Federation of State High School Associations, Mr. Ogden pointed out, that for the first time in 30 years, football participation numbers had declined.
In football, there were 30,829 fewer national participants than the previous year. In Iowa alone, the numbers fell from 17,011 to 15,984.
But J.R. points out that in the middle of basketball and wrestling seasons, the biggest "chatter" among Hawkeye state fans is about a pair of Iowa football stars entering the NBA draft.. In addition, some huge wrestling events were recently held........National Duals, the D-III title event and NAIA championships....... and none of them even made it onto television sets. He wrote, "It's cold, It's winter. Yet football remains king."
Mr. Ogden quotes New York Times reporter Bill Pennington who said, "it's a sort of popular perception that football is in decline everywhere but that's really not so. It's sort of the dichotomy that's going on about this sport in America. There are people that see it as a danger.....and this includes colleges....and there are schools that see it as a panacea for all kinds of things."
K-----K
BOONE CONNECTED DEATHS: Richard Alber, Mesquite, NV. BHS-56. His parents, Royal and Pearl Alber, had a music shop in Boone while Richard was growing up. His dad was a musician, a saxaphone player, and Richard, naturally, became involved. He played the cornet and advanced to other horns and studied music at the University of Nebraska. After marriage in 1957, he began a career as an outstanding member of some of the nation's most famous dance bands, the Ralph Marterie and Tommy Dorsey units among others. He also spent much of his life as a background musician for Las Vegas house bands who supported many well-known entertainers. His wife, two sons and two daughters survive.............M. Bernyce Engquist, 96, Madrid. Survivors include two daughters, including Jerilyn McLeod of Boone..........Jona Mann, 86, Ames. She moved to Central Iowa with her partner, Lee Hadley, in 1969. They lived on an acreage just north of Madrid. She was a teacher in Des Moines schools and had earned her PhD from ISU in 1976.
K-----K
Worldwide Korner headquarters are located at 928 South Jackson, Boone, Iowa 50036-4932. Phone number is 515-432-1530. To email your stories/memories/comments......
kelleyskorner1@gmail.com.
This leads up to a couple articles I recently noticed......."High School Girls are Leaving Basketball in Droves......or Are They? and "Football in decline, but more popular than ever." The latter story was written by Iowa based sports reporter, J.R. Ogden of the Cedar Rapids Gazette.
Being a former staff member of the Iowa Boys High School Athletic Association, I'm familiar with the fact that there was a constant effort to keep track of participation numbers in all the offered sports.
All states do that and they report those figures to the National Federation of State High School Associations to follow any trends that may appear.
(1) In the story about high school girls leaving basketball, the question was asked, "why would 13,000 high school girls suddenly quit basketball, as the latest national high school athletic participation survey suggests happened last year? The answer is: Maybe they didn't.
The story mentions that the annual national participation survey indicated, that for the first time in 30 years, participation was down. However, the overall decrease of 0.5% was slight and there were several characteristics that suggest the findings should be viewed with caution.
We, at the IHSAA, took the survey very seriously but some states may not. The reports are voluntary, some states are slow in responding and some just go with "estimates" rather than the hard work of trying to get real accurate counts.
For example, in the case of girls basketball, the state of Texas drew some criticism. They indicated there was a 20-percent decrease in participation with 10,636 fewer girls taking part compared to the previous year. That alone had much to do with the national decrease.
The state of Texas would not divulge its method of estimation, nor would it reveal how many of its 1,444 schools failed to provide data.
Finally, Jamey Harrison, deputy executive director of the Texas Interscholastic League, conceded, "we think there has probably been a decline in girls basketball participation, but we're not sure it's as drastic as the numbers suggest."
(2) Again, citing participation figures from the National Federation of State High School Associations, Mr. Ogden pointed out, that for the first time in 30 years, football participation numbers had declined.
In football, there were 30,829 fewer national participants than the previous year. In Iowa alone, the numbers fell from 17,011 to 15,984.
But J.R. points out that in the middle of basketball and wrestling seasons, the biggest "chatter" among Hawkeye state fans is about a pair of Iowa football stars entering the NBA draft.. In addition, some huge wrestling events were recently held........National Duals, the D-III title event and NAIA championships....... and none of them even made it onto television sets. He wrote, "It's cold, It's winter. Yet football remains king."
Mr. Ogden quotes New York Times reporter Bill Pennington who said, "it's a sort of popular perception that football is in decline everywhere but that's really not so. It's sort of the dichotomy that's going on about this sport in America. There are people that see it as a danger.....and this includes colleges....and there are schools that see it as a panacea for all kinds of things."
K-----K
BOONE CONNECTED DEATHS: Richard Alber, Mesquite, NV. BHS-56. His parents, Royal and Pearl Alber, had a music shop in Boone while Richard was growing up. His dad was a musician, a saxaphone player, and Richard, naturally, became involved. He played the cornet and advanced to other horns and studied music at the University of Nebraska. After marriage in 1957, he began a career as an outstanding member of some of the nation's most famous dance bands, the Ralph Marterie and Tommy Dorsey units among others. He also spent much of his life as a background musician for Las Vegas house bands who supported many well-known entertainers. His wife, two sons and two daughters survive.............M. Bernyce Engquist, 96, Madrid. Survivors include two daughters, including Jerilyn McLeod of Boone..........Jona Mann, 86, Ames. She moved to Central Iowa with her partner, Lee Hadley, in 1969. They lived on an acreage just north of Madrid. She was a teacher in Des Moines schools and had earned her PhD from ISU in 1976.
K-----K
Worldwide Korner headquarters are located at 928 South Jackson, Boone, Iowa 50036-4932. Phone number is 515-432-1530. To email your stories/memories/comments......
kelleyskorner1@gmail.com.
Wednesday, January 22, 2020
THE CONNECTIONS CONTINUE
The recent Korner story about Boone native Steve Sellers, BHS-66, has resulted in several "connections." The latest, from a classmate of Steve's, Mike Harris, who now lives in Iowa City.
Mike wrote, "Steve and I were classmates at BHS. I ran into Steve in the early 70's in the Philippines. Steve was an instructor at the Jungle Survival School that the Air Force ran at Clark Air Base there. I was a student at the Survival School on my way to a PCS move to Udorn Air Base in Thailand. Steve invited me to his house and I got a chance to meet his wife and infant. Then, he took me out for a few beers at a local establishment. I thought that must be a cool job working as an instructor at a survival school. Maybe Steve would disagree. I remember the visit fondly, and thinking how weird it was to meet a classmate so far from Boone."
Mike added, "Speaking of the Philippines, the eruption of Taal volcano there has been in the news lately after it erupted last week. My daughter, Kelli, is a teacher at the International School in Manilla. Every year, she takes a group of seventh grade students on a field trip to Taal, which is just outside of Manilla. Last February, my wife and I visited the Philippines and Kelli arranged for a car to take us to Taal, where we hiked to the top of the volcano. We had a picture taken and it shows a lake in the background but that lake is no longer there. The heat from the eruption evaporated all the water. I'm pretty sure they won't be taking the students to Taal next year."
The Kornerman says, "yes, Mike did send a nice picture from the top of that volcano. I would feel remiss if I didn't mention that Mike was certainly one of the elite athletes I have ever covered during my many years as a Boone "sports guy." He was a first-team all-state quarterback, a track and basketball athlete and really excelled in baseball, as well, in those days when kids played ALL sports rather than specializing in just one or two. I've always said I've never seen a guy get from home base to first as fast as Mike Harris did. I remember that time and time again he would hit a "routine" grounder to the shortstop and win the race to first base."
K-----K
More athletic chatter: The grandsons of Boone folks, Eldon and Ann Hutcheson and Larry and Nancy Hughes, have certainly made them proud, just as the Boone residents own kids did as Toreadors "back in their day."
Just read the other day that grandson Trey Hutcheson, who was a standout basketball player at Linn-Mar High School in the Cedar Rapids area, is continuing great play as just a college freshman at Albany......way out in the New York area.
Playing 23.5 minutes per game, he's been averaging 7.1 points, 3.6 rebounds and 1.8 assists per game and hit 18 points in a recent win over Niagara.
K-----K
A few teacher memories from Mike Loehrer, BHS-64. "I'm sure my favorite teachers had a great deal to do with my interests. I know Boone was blessed to have many fine instructors. As I think back, most all of the teachers were veterans. Clair Abbott was an outstanding history teacher as was Ralph Carroll. I'm sure their experiences with WWII and the Depression had a great deal to do with their empathy for kids."
Mike added, "I was absolutely horrible at math. Vaughn Thornburg was a taskmaster but worked with me in algebra. She had the patience of a saint. I was totally afraid of her. Jim Sanders was the same way in geometry. DeVan Hershey was my ninth grade English instructor. He was very good. When he laughed, he reminded me of Buddy Hackett. One of my all-time favorites was Jim Highbarger. He taught typing, which has allowed me to send you this email. I never wanted to do wrong in his class. My big concern was to make sure I didn't get my fingers stuck between the keys."
The Kornerman says, "school days, school days......good old fashioned......"
K-----K
Do you ever get a song in your head and it lingers for quite some time?
I came across some B.J. Thomas songs recently and ever since, "Hey, won't you play another somebody done somebody wrong song?" has been rolling around in my noggin.
B.J., who had the big version of "Raindrops fallin'" and other hits like, "I just can't help believin'" has always been a great singer so, at least, its some sounds I enjoy.
K-----K
BOONE CONNECTED DEATHS: Marilyn Craig McCrory, 84, Des Moines. Born in Boone. Her parents were Roscoe and Roxie Craig. Survivors include three daughters, a son and step-daughter..........Florence Peck, 98, Colorado. In 1933 she married Andrew Johnson and the couple moved to a farm near Stratford. In 1939, she married Albert Oliver. After Albert's death, she attended and earned a degree from AIB in Des Moines. She married Spencer Peck and the couple moved to Sharpsburg, IA but later, lived in Bella Vista, AK and moved to Denver in 1985. Three daughters survive.........Darrell Harris, 82, Des Moines. Formerly of Ridgeport. Born in Boone County. BHS-55. Married Gayle Chelsvig in 1957 and the couple lived in the Ridgeport area. In the 70's, they moved to Des Moines. National Guard vet. Worked for Erickson Holiday Gas stations at various locations in administrative positions. Later, was a salesman. A son and two daughters, including Lois Harris of Ames survive.
K-----K
Worldwide Korner headquarters are located at 928 South Jackson, Boone, Iowa 50036-4932. Phone number is 515-432-1530. To email your stories/memories/comments........
kelleyskorner1@gmail.com.
Mike wrote, "Steve and I were classmates at BHS. I ran into Steve in the early 70's in the Philippines. Steve was an instructor at the Jungle Survival School that the Air Force ran at Clark Air Base there. I was a student at the Survival School on my way to a PCS move to Udorn Air Base in Thailand. Steve invited me to his house and I got a chance to meet his wife and infant. Then, he took me out for a few beers at a local establishment. I thought that must be a cool job working as an instructor at a survival school. Maybe Steve would disagree. I remember the visit fondly, and thinking how weird it was to meet a classmate so far from Boone."
Mike added, "Speaking of the Philippines, the eruption of Taal volcano there has been in the news lately after it erupted last week. My daughter, Kelli, is a teacher at the International School in Manilla. Every year, she takes a group of seventh grade students on a field trip to Taal, which is just outside of Manilla. Last February, my wife and I visited the Philippines and Kelli arranged for a car to take us to Taal, where we hiked to the top of the volcano. We had a picture taken and it shows a lake in the background but that lake is no longer there. The heat from the eruption evaporated all the water. I'm pretty sure they won't be taking the students to Taal next year."
The Kornerman says, "yes, Mike did send a nice picture from the top of that volcano. I would feel remiss if I didn't mention that Mike was certainly one of the elite athletes I have ever covered during my many years as a Boone "sports guy." He was a first-team all-state quarterback, a track and basketball athlete and really excelled in baseball, as well, in those days when kids played ALL sports rather than specializing in just one or two. I've always said I've never seen a guy get from home base to first as fast as Mike Harris did. I remember that time and time again he would hit a "routine" grounder to the shortstop and win the race to first base."
K-----K
More athletic chatter: The grandsons of Boone folks, Eldon and Ann Hutcheson and Larry and Nancy Hughes, have certainly made them proud, just as the Boone residents own kids did as Toreadors "back in their day."
Just read the other day that grandson Trey Hutcheson, who was a standout basketball player at Linn-Mar High School in the Cedar Rapids area, is continuing great play as just a college freshman at Albany......way out in the New York area.
Playing 23.5 minutes per game, he's been averaging 7.1 points, 3.6 rebounds and 1.8 assists per game and hit 18 points in a recent win over Niagara.
K-----K
A few teacher memories from Mike Loehrer, BHS-64. "I'm sure my favorite teachers had a great deal to do with my interests. I know Boone was blessed to have many fine instructors. As I think back, most all of the teachers were veterans. Clair Abbott was an outstanding history teacher as was Ralph Carroll. I'm sure their experiences with WWII and the Depression had a great deal to do with their empathy for kids."
Mike added, "I was absolutely horrible at math. Vaughn Thornburg was a taskmaster but worked with me in algebra. She had the patience of a saint. I was totally afraid of her. Jim Sanders was the same way in geometry. DeVan Hershey was my ninth grade English instructor. He was very good. When he laughed, he reminded me of Buddy Hackett. One of my all-time favorites was Jim Highbarger. He taught typing, which has allowed me to send you this email. I never wanted to do wrong in his class. My big concern was to make sure I didn't get my fingers stuck between the keys."
The Kornerman says, "school days, school days......good old fashioned......"
K-----K
Do you ever get a song in your head and it lingers for quite some time?
I came across some B.J. Thomas songs recently and ever since, "Hey, won't you play another somebody done somebody wrong song?" has been rolling around in my noggin.
B.J., who had the big version of "Raindrops fallin'" and other hits like, "I just can't help believin'" has always been a great singer so, at least, its some sounds I enjoy.
K-----K
BOONE CONNECTED DEATHS: Marilyn Craig McCrory, 84, Des Moines. Born in Boone. Her parents were Roscoe and Roxie Craig. Survivors include three daughters, a son and step-daughter..........Florence Peck, 98, Colorado. In 1933 she married Andrew Johnson and the couple moved to a farm near Stratford. In 1939, she married Albert Oliver. After Albert's death, she attended and earned a degree from AIB in Des Moines. She married Spencer Peck and the couple moved to Sharpsburg, IA but later, lived in Bella Vista, AK and moved to Denver in 1985. Three daughters survive.........Darrell Harris, 82, Des Moines. Formerly of Ridgeport. Born in Boone County. BHS-55. Married Gayle Chelsvig in 1957 and the couple lived in the Ridgeport area. In the 70's, they moved to Des Moines. National Guard vet. Worked for Erickson Holiday Gas stations at various locations in administrative positions. Later, was a salesman. A son and two daughters, including Lois Harris of Ames survive.
K-----K
Worldwide Korner headquarters are located at 928 South Jackson, Boone, Iowa 50036-4932. Phone number is 515-432-1530. To email your stories/memories/comments........
kelleyskorner1@gmail.com.
Saturday, January 18, 2020
CONNECTIONS
The Kornerman received a very nice call this week.......a "thank you" call from Florida.
It seems that our recent story about Boone native Steve Sellers, BHS-66, resulted in some folks re-connecting.
We provided his phone number and Steve indicated he had received some calls. In addition, Judith Otte, speaking from Tampa, said she had spoken to Steve for the first time in awhile.
Judith had received a copy of the Korner story about Steve from her aunt, Betty Atherton, BHS-40, of Boone and followed up with a call to Steve.
Judith is a daughter of Steve's uncle, Walt Sellers, BHS-38. She said she grew up in the Stratford/Boone area but the family moved to Missouri when she was entering seventh grade.
Her call to the Kornerman was simply a "thank you" for providing the story and phone number.
As we've said many times before, we get a wonderful "worthwhile" feeling when our effort becomes a conduit for our readers.
K-----K
The Kornerman received a very nice letter from Delores Severson, the wife of our good friend, Coach Gordon Severson, who passed away recently.
Delores wrote, "he always wanted to be a coach and thanks to the G.I. bill, he was able to attend college and become one. His days at United Community were happy, eventful years. He went fast just as he wished. He talked to me while sitting in a chair next to me. Got up, walked three steps to his bed and as soon as his head hit the pillow he was gone"
Delores sent a copy of the funeral program, which featured some great pictures of Gordon and she said, "the last song was "Take me out to the ballgame" sung by the congregation.
One more thing: included also was a copy of a terrific note titled, "The last inning - The last out" written by Gordon 10 years ago. A great read.....about his life and life in general.
K-----K
Early news of a possible class 80th birthday celebration in 2020.
The class of 1958, at their 60-year reunion in 2018, had discussed this possibility.
Nashville was mentioned as a possible site but then it was determined good old Boone would probably attract more attendance.
The likely dates are September 15, 16, 17 and rooms have been "blocked" at the Cobblestone Inn and Suites. Specific plans will be determined at a later date.
In the meantime, Loren Frazier, lorenlfrazier@cox net, would like to hear from classmates who plan to attend and any ideas they may have regarding the celebration.
K-----K
BOONE CONNECTED DEATHS: Linda Mayfield, 73, Radcliffe. Married Donald Mayfield in 1969 and the couple spent most of their time in the Boone area. Linda cleaned houses, worked at The Rose in Ames and managed some properties. Survivors include her husband, Donald, three daughters and two sisters.........Delbert Peterson, 92, Boone. Born in rural Stratford. Stratford HS-45. Married Naomi Faith in 1949. The couple farmed north of Ridgeport from 1952-2008 before moving to a home in Stratford. Delbert moved to the Eastern Star home in 2014. He was a DeKalb dealer for 40 years. Survivors include three daughters, including Gaylene Andrews of Stratford, and one son.........LaVern "Durn" Lindgren, 78, Ogden. Born in Ogden. A military vet. Married Carol Jean Launderville in 1965. He was a welder and worked for Ogden municipal utilities for many years. Survivors include a son and a brother, Gary Lindgren, of Ogden............Bob North, 79, Boone. Ar-We-Va HS at Westside. ISU grad. Worked for the DOT for 39 years. Survivors include two sons, a daughter and his longtime significant other, Kelli Bennett, and Kelli's daughters, Elizabeth Matthies and Kathy Boon both of Boone........William Shere, 64, Granger. Survivors include sisters, Susan Houseman of Ogden and Shelly Nagel of Stratford.........Robert Brayton, 77, Madrid. Dallas Center HS-60. Navy vet. Worked at John Deere in Rock Island and Firestone in Des Moines. Retired from Emco Enterprises in Des Moines in 2004. A sister survives.
K-----K
Worldwide Korner headquarters are located at 928 South Jackson, Boone, Iowa 50036-4932. Phone number is 515-432-1530. To email your stories/memories/comments........
kelleyskorner1@gmail.com.
It seems that our recent story about Boone native Steve Sellers, BHS-66, resulted in some folks re-connecting.
We provided his phone number and Steve indicated he had received some calls. In addition, Judith Otte, speaking from Tampa, said she had spoken to Steve for the first time in awhile.
Judith had received a copy of the Korner story about Steve from her aunt, Betty Atherton, BHS-40, of Boone and followed up with a call to Steve.
Judith is a daughter of Steve's uncle, Walt Sellers, BHS-38. She said she grew up in the Stratford/Boone area but the family moved to Missouri when she was entering seventh grade.
Her call to the Kornerman was simply a "thank you" for providing the story and phone number.
As we've said many times before, we get a wonderful "worthwhile" feeling when our effort becomes a conduit for our readers.
K-----K
The Kornerman received a very nice letter from Delores Severson, the wife of our good friend, Coach Gordon Severson, who passed away recently.
Delores wrote, "he always wanted to be a coach and thanks to the G.I. bill, he was able to attend college and become one. His days at United Community were happy, eventful years. He went fast just as he wished. He talked to me while sitting in a chair next to me. Got up, walked three steps to his bed and as soon as his head hit the pillow he was gone"
Delores sent a copy of the funeral program, which featured some great pictures of Gordon and she said, "the last song was "Take me out to the ballgame" sung by the congregation.
One more thing: included also was a copy of a terrific note titled, "The last inning - The last out" written by Gordon 10 years ago. A great read.....about his life and life in general.
K-----K
Early news of a possible class 80th birthday celebration in 2020.
The class of 1958, at their 60-year reunion in 2018, had discussed this possibility.
Nashville was mentioned as a possible site but then it was determined good old Boone would probably attract more attendance.
The likely dates are September 15, 16, 17 and rooms have been "blocked" at the Cobblestone Inn and Suites. Specific plans will be determined at a later date.
In the meantime, Loren Frazier, lorenlfrazier@cox net, would like to hear from classmates who plan to attend and any ideas they may have regarding the celebration.
K-----K
BOONE CONNECTED DEATHS: Linda Mayfield, 73, Radcliffe. Married Donald Mayfield in 1969 and the couple spent most of their time in the Boone area. Linda cleaned houses, worked at The Rose in Ames and managed some properties. Survivors include her husband, Donald, three daughters and two sisters.........Delbert Peterson, 92, Boone. Born in rural Stratford. Stratford HS-45. Married Naomi Faith in 1949. The couple farmed north of Ridgeport from 1952-2008 before moving to a home in Stratford. Delbert moved to the Eastern Star home in 2014. He was a DeKalb dealer for 40 years. Survivors include three daughters, including Gaylene Andrews of Stratford, and one son.........LaVern "Durn" Lindgren, 78, Ogden. Born in Ogden. A military vet. Married Carol Jean Launderville in 1965. He was a welder and worked for Ogden municipal utilities for many years. Survivors include a son and a brother, Gary Lindgren, of Ogden............Bob North, 79, Boone. Ar-We-Va HS at Westside. ISU grad. Worked for the DOT for 39 years. Survivors include two sons, a daughter and his longtime significant other, Kelli Bennett, and Kelli's daughters, Elizabeth Matthies and Kathy Boon both of Boone........William Shere, 64, Granger. Survivors include sisters, Susan Houseman of Ogden and Shelly Nagel of Stratford.........Robert Brayton, 77, Madrid. Dallas Center HS-60. Navy vet. Worked at John Deere in Rock Island and Firestone in Des Moines. Retired from Emco Enterprises in Des Moines in 2004. A sister survives.
K-----K
Worldwide Korner headquarters are located at 928 South Jackson, Boone, Iowa 50036-4932. Phone number is 515-432-1530. To email your stories/memories/comments........
kelleyskorner1@gmail.com.
Wednesday, January 15, 2020
BOONE CONNECTED DEATHS
BOONE CONNECTED DEATHS: Robert North, 79, Boone. Passed away in Dallas, TX......Joan Mattingly, 79, Wichita, KS. Formerly of Boone. Harlan HS-58. Earned a teachers certificate from Iowa State Teachers College, 1962, and a B.S. in education from Iowa State University, 1984. Taught elementary grades in Guthrie Center, Jefferson and Gilbert and was an aide at the Boone schools. Married Bob Mattingly in 1962. Worked at Iowa State as a secretary from 1985-2002 when she retired. Survivors include a daughter and two sons, including Daniel of Boone..........Charlotte Judge Sawyer, 92, Boone. BSH-44, then AIB. Worked at the old Boone hemp plant, as a bank employee and a hospital volunteer. Married John Sawyer in 1946. Survivor include three sons, including Tom of Boone, a daughter, a daughter-in-law and two sisters, including Susan Lawler of Ogden.
K-----K
Worldwide Korner headquarters are located at 928 South Jackson, Boone, Iowa 50036-4932. Phone number is 515-432-1530. To email your stories/memories/comments......
kelleyskorner1@gmail.com.
K-----K
Worldwide Korner headquarters are located at 928 South Jackson, Boone, Iowa 50036-4932. Phone number is 515-432-1530. To email your stories/memories/comments......
kelleyskorner1@gmail.com.
Saturday, January 11, 2020
HE THANKS HIS MENTORS
What an inspiring story.
Now in hospice, Steve Sellers, BHS-66, via a phone conversation Friday, said, "I don't know how much time I have left, but I decided that I wasn't going to sit around feeling sorry for myself but, instead, would devote time remembering those individuals who have made an impact on my life and many other young people and to assure these mentors, they haven't been forgotten. That's why I decided to contact you."
Steve grew up in Boone, the son of Jim, BHS-34, and Marge Taylor Sellers. Walt Sellers, BHS-38, was an uncle and Steve had a sister, Diane, BHS-72. Unfortunately, all of those close relatives are gone. Steve said, "my sister died and a short time later, my mother passed away at 95. Her mother, Hazel Taylor, lived to be 108. Boone people might remember my mother as being a nurse in Dr. Mandersheid's office."
Steve worked at Red Fox Sporting Goods for Bill Smith and Harold Wilson during his high school days and eventually, spent 30 years in the U.S. Air Force.
"the Air Force sent me to Converse, TX in 1988 and I've been here ever since. I've been back to Boone for weddings and funerals, on occasion, and did attend my 20th class reunion but you know, after a period of time, I found I didn't have a lot in common with my former classmates," Steve said.
"I don't do much on the computer but I do look at your blog," he added.
Some of those non-relatives he mentioned as "having an impact when I was growing up" were Smith and Wilson, Frank Furst, his first youth baseball coach; Maury Wilson, who got him interested in the Boy Scouts; and various school teachers and coaches.......Merle Harris, Ralph Carroll and even his high school Principal Glenn Moore and Boone Junior College instructor Lyle Poyzer.
Steve has been married for 48 years with two grown kids and several grandchildren and great grandchildren.
As the Kornerman, all I can say is, "what a great, thankful attitude and with a wonderful idea under dire circumstances. I know that all of his classmates, other friends and Korner readers wish him the absolute best. My friend, you've really given us some positive things to think about as we move forward in this life. Our prayers and thoughts are with you."
P.S. I invited Steve to call back any time he would like a little more conversation. Come to think about it, I don't think he would mind if I listed his phone number......210-316-6166. Some of you viewers may be interested in reconnecting with him.
K-----K
BOONE CONNECTED DEATHS: Larry Reed, 88, Ames. Formerly of Boone. Woodward HS-53. U.S. Army vet. Married Mary Ann Hasstedt in 1957. Worked as a custodian for Boone and Madrid High Schools and at ISU. Retired in 1993. Survivors include his wife, Mary Ann, son Mearl and grandson Patrick Reed all of Boone. A daughter and grandson, Ross Reed, of Ogden also survive..........Ila Gene Anderson, 94, Boone. Formerly of Stratford. Earned a GED in 1976. Was a homemaker, worked at an Ellsworth plant from 1957-62, cleaned houses and was a cook at the Boone County Home and Stratford Nursing Home. Married Arvid Anderson in 1943. After his passing, she married Wendall Caster. Survivors include son, Don, of Boone, and son Dick and daughter, Darlene, both of Stratford. A daughter Dixie and two sisters also survive..........Ferol Wegner, 91, Ankeny. Formerly of Des Moines. Survivors include a daughter, Elizabeth "Liz" Murry of Madrid...........Kay Heimes, 77, Boone. Grew up in Des Moines. Married Jerry Leonard. The couple had three children and lived in Granger. Kay worked for the VA in Des Moines, a Granger bank and for the Iowa National Guard. She married Ken Heimes and inherited his four daughters. They lived in Luther and then Boone. Husband Ken and several of the couples "kids" survive.
K-----K
Worldwide korner headquarters are still located at 928 South Jackson, Boone, Iowa 50036-4932. Phone number is 515-432-1530. To email your stories/memories/comments......
kelleyskorner1@gmail.com.
NOTE: Due to all these fake infomercial calls we receive, we don't answer our phone if we don't recognize the number. Instead, we rely on the caller leaving a message if they truly wish to contact us. Thankfully, Steve Sellers did leave a message and we called him back.
Now in hospice, Steve Sellers, BHS-66, via a phone conversation Friday, said, "I don't know how much time I have left, but I decided that I wasn't going to sit around feeling sorry for myself but, instead, would devote time remembering those individuals who have made an impact on my life and many other young people and to assure these mentors, they haven't been forgotten. That's why I decided to contact you."
Steve grew up in Boone, the son of Jim, BHS-34, and Marge Taylor Sellers. Walt Sellers, BHS-38, was an uncle and Steve had a sister, Diane, BHS-72. Unfortunately, all of those close relatives are gone. Steve said, "my sister died and a short time later, my mother passed away at 95. Her mother, Hazel Taylor, lived to be 108. Boone people might remember my mother as being a nurse in Dr. Mandersheid's office."
Steve worked at Red Fox Sporting Goods for Bill Smith and Harold Wilson during his high school days and eventually, spent 30 years in the U.S. Air Force.
"the Air Force sent me to Converse, TX in 1988 and I've been here ever since. I've been back to Boone for weddings and funerals, on occasion, and did attend my 20th class reunion but you know, after a period of time, I found I didn't have a lot in common with my former classmates," Steve said.
"I don't do much on the computer but I do look at your blog," he added.
Some of those non-relatives he mentioned as "having an impact when I was growing up" were Smith and Wilson, Frank Furst, his first youth baseball coach; Maury Wilson, who got him interested in the Boy Scouts; and various school teachers and coaches.......Merle Harris, Ralph Carroll and even his high school Principal Glenn Moore and Boone Junior College instructor Lyle Poyzer.
Steve has been married for 48 years with two grown kids and several grandchildren and great grandchildren.
As the Kornerman, all I can say is, "what a great, thankful attitude and with a wonderful idea under dire circumstances. I know that all of his classmates, other friends and Korner readers wish him the absolute best. My friend, you've really given us some positive things to think about as we move forward in this life. Our prayers and thoughts are with you."
P.S. I invited Steve to call back any time he would like a little more conversation. Come to think about it, I don't think he would mind if I listed his phone number......210-316-6166. Some of you viewers may be interested in reconnecting with him.
K-----K
BOONE CONNECTED DEATHS: Larry Reed, 88, Ames. Formerly of Boone. Woodward HS-53. U.S. Army vet. Married Mary Ann Hasstedt in 1957. Worked as a custodian for Boone and Madrid High Schools and at ISU. Retired in 1993. Survivors include his wife, Mary Ann, son Mearl and grandson Patrick Reed all of Boone. A daughter and grandson, Ross Reed, of Ogden also survive..........Ila Gene Anderson, 94, Boone. Formerly of Stratford. Earned a GED in 1976. Was a homemaker, worked at an Ellsworth plant from 1957-62, cleaned houses and was a cook at the Boone County Home and Stratford Nursing Home. Married Arvid Anderson in 1943. After his passing, she married Wendall Caster. Survivors include son, Don, of Boone, and son Dick and daughter, Darlene, both of Stratford. A daughter Dixie and two sisters also survive..........Ferol Wegner, 91, Ankeny. Formerly of Des Moines. Survivors include a daughter, Elizabeth "Liz" Murry of Madrid...........Kay Heimes, 77, Boone. Grew up in Des Moines. Married Jerry Leonard. The couple had three children and lived in Granger. Kay worked for the VA in Des Moines, a Granger bank and for the Iowa National Guard. She married Ken Heimes and inherited his four daughters. They lived in Luther and then Boone. Husband Ken and several of the couples "kids" survive.
K-----K
Worldwide korner headquarters are still located at 928 South Jackson, Boone, Iowa 50036-4932. Phone number is 515-432-1530. To email your stories/memories/comments......
kelleyskorner1@gmail.com.
NOTE: Due to all these fake infomercial calls we receive, we don't answer our phone if we don't recognize the number. Instead, we rely on the caller leaving a message if they truly wish to contact us. Thankfully, Steve Sellers did leave a message and we called him back.
Wednesday, January 8, 2020
LET'S MOVE FORWARD
O.K. The holidays are over and gone with them, are excuses for a lack of contribution to the Korner. As mentioned many times by the Kornerman, you, the viewers, are the rudders of this ship......we sail whatever direction you determine. If not, we remain "high and especially dry."
Now is a good time to "get real." The new year is a good time to reassess.....to take a look at what brought us here and what the future might bring.
It boggles the Kornerman's mind that the Korner has actually existed since March 6, 2010. Our 10th anniversary beckons.
Full disclosure: the latest figures show that 149 folks have taken a look in the last two days, 4,124 in the last month and 456,839 since we began. That monthly total tells us that, typically, over 500 viewers are with us for each edition. Not bad.
Something we've not mentioned before but, realistically, must face. We know our "base" consists of people who had their "hey-days" in the 40's, 50's, 60's and early 70's. Unfortunately, we continue, on a rather regular basis, of losing "base" members. That has a lot to do with the fact our numbers are in decline.
In that way, we're sorry that time passes and, of course, we miss many of our former viewers who have been called ahead. Discouraged? No, not really. Truth is it doesn't take lots of time putting an edition together, what time is spent keeps me "active" in my almost 85th year and, even if its just the dreaded death report we yield each edition, I think its a great service, especially to out-of-towners who no longer have much access to that information from our regular local media outlets.
So, all in all, its been a great "ride" and we plan to continue as long as possible even though on some days, current deaths may be all we can offer.
Thank you so much to all of you who have been on this journey.......especially those loyalists who have taken time to provide some memories/stories/comments for inclusion.
K-----K
BOONE CONNECTED DEATHS: Jack Kelly, 79, Locust Grove, VA. BHS-58.UNI-62. State University of Iowa law school, 1970. After a long legal career, he retired in 2002 from his position as an Administrative Law Judge in the Department of Interior. Survivors include his wife, Luisa, and daughters........Bernita Swanson, 91, Madrid..........Melinda Cisco, 64, Webster City. Survivors include a sister, Jennifer Wheeler, of Ogden........Jennie Bentley, 91, Boone. Grew up in Coon Rapids. Earned elementary education degrees from Central College and Greenville College and taught in her early years. Married Harold Bentley in 1960. They farmed the Bentley farm east of Boone. Survivors include her husband, Harold, a son and two daughters.........Noah Moore, 17, Madrid. Survivors include his parents, Gabriel and Valarie, brothers Jayden and Elijah and a sister, Taylor.
K-----K
Worldwide Korner headquarters are still located at 928 South Jackson, Boone Iowa 50036-4932. Phone number is 515-432-1530. To email your stories/memories/comments.....
kelleyskorner1@gmail.com.
Now is a good time to "get real." The new year is a good time to reassess.....to take a look at what brought us here and what the future might bring.
It boggles the Kornerman's mind that the Korner has actually existed since March 6, 2010. Our 10th anniversary beckons.
Full disclosure: the latest figures show that 149 folks have taken a look in the last two days, 4,124 in the last month and 456,839 since we began. That monthly total tells us that, typically, over 500 viewers are with us for each edition. Not bad.
Something we've not mentioned before but, realistically, must face. We know our "base" consists of people who had their "hey-days" in the 40's, 50's, 60's and early 70's. Unfortunately, we continue, on a rather regular basis, of losing "base" members. That has a lot to do with the fact our numbers are in decline.
In that way, we're sorry that time passes and, of course, we miss many of our former viewers who have been called ahead. Discouraged? No, not really. Truth is it doesn't take lots of time putting an edition together, what time is spent keeps me "active" in my almost 85th year and, even if its just the dreaded death report we yield each edition, I think its a great service, especially to out-of-towners who no longer have much access to that information from our regular local media outlets.
So, all in all, its been a great "ride" and we plan to continue as long as possible even though on some days, current deaths may be all we can offer.
Thank you so much to all of you who have been on this journey.......especially those loyalists who have taken time to provide some memories/stories/comments for inclusion.
K-----K
BOONE CONNECTED DEATHS: Jack Kelly, 79, Locust Grove, VA. BHS-58.UNI-62. State University of Iowa law school, 1970. After a long legal career, he retired in 2002 from his position as an Administrative Law Judge in the Department of Interior. Survivors include his wife, Luisa, and daughters........Bernita Swanson, 91, Madrid..........Melinda Cisco, 64, Webster City. Survivors include a sister, Jennifer Wheeler, of Ogden........Jennie Bentley, 91, Boone. Grew up in Coon Rapids. Earned elementary education degrees from Central College and Greenville College and taught in her early years. Married Harold Bentley in 1960. They farmed the Bentley farm east of Boone. Survivors include her husband, Harold, a son and two daughters.........Noah Moore, 17, Madrid. Survivors include his parents, Gabriel and Valarie, brothers Jayden and Elijah and a sister, Taylor.
K-----K
Worldwide Korner headquarters are still located at 928 South Jackson, Boone Iowa 50036-4932. Phone number is 515-432-1530. To email your stories/memories/comments.....
kelleyskorner1@gmail.com.
Saturday, January 4, 2020
OUR WISH......THAT YOU HAVE A WONDERFUL 2020
Two editions in a row without any deaths. That's highly unusual but we're thankful.
Wednesday, January 1, 2020
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