Mmmm

 Trying to remember the fight song. 🤭

More groovy pictures

 

Taking some groovy pictures

 

Classmates Connecting

 

Setting up for the event

 

Least Changed Contest

 Thanks Craig for being the master of ceremonies 

Group Picture

 

I was pretty bad at tagging the guys but thanks to everyone that sent me corrections. This should be the correct list of classmates. 

Olive Maxwell

Mary Ellen Sichtermann (Mathias)

Kathryn Martin 

Connie Krohn (Foster)

Debbie Halaburt (Shawver)

Barbara Walker (Snodgrass) 

Trudy Boylan (Rosser)

Henri Schroeder (Bradley) 

Ellen Jensen (Jean Austin)

Ingrid Norris (Schmelzer)

Nadine Frame (Czilli)

Marian Bytnar (Petro)

Mary Dobyns

David Harness

Tim Bonner

John Miller

Jerry Gruett

Bruce Cargile

Robert Kary

Dennis Wilkins

Don Littlefield 

Charles (Randy) Livingston

Denny Johnston

Gerald Faurote  

Harold O’Rourke

Roger Morgan

Jim Rowan 

Jack Kolopanis

Jamie Wineland

George Gregoratos

Craig Johnson

Sam Williams

50th Reunion Pictures

 Our desserts. Thanks Pete for organizing the sweets. 

Current RSVP List 63 as of May 19

Henri & Bob Schroeder

Jamie & Linda Wineland

Nadine & John Frame (Czilli)

George & Mary Gregoratos

Bruce & Meri Jane Cargile

Jerry & Rhonda Gruett

Tim & Renee Bonner

Sam & Barb Williams

Ken Spencer

Jack & Marilyn Kolopanis

Harold & Debra O’Rourke

Robert Kary

Ingrid Norris (Schmelzer)

Mary Ellen Sichtermann (Mathias)

David Harness

Craig & Judy Johnson

Debbie & Dale Halaburt (Shawver)

Kathryn Martin

Dena Shearer (Little)

Barbara Walker & Samantha Jude (Snodgrass)

Trudy & Terence Boylan (Rosser)

Marian Bytnar (Petro)

Connie & Jim Krohn (Foster)

Charles (Randy) Livingston

Dennis & Sally Wilkins

Roger & Vivian Szostek

Gerald & Jill Faurote  

Don & BJ Littlefield 

Ellen & Kenneth Jensen (Austin)

Mary Dobyns

Jim & Mary Rowan

Dennis & Debra Johnston

Ronald Havens

Bob & Dorothy Parker

John & Dorothy Miller

Roger & Amy Morgan

Olive & Elizabeth Maxwell

Thanks also for the donations received. It will help cover the expenses.

Jamie Wineland $100

Jerry Gruett  $20

Mary Ellen Sichtermann  $65

Craig Johnson $30

Debbie Halaburt  $30

Marian Bytnar $65

Don Littlefield $30

Ronald Havens $15

Roger Morgan $30

Sam Williams $80

In Memory of Lee Stearns

 Lee Stearns

Mar. 7, 1955 — Dec. 25, 2020

LINTON, IN — Lee Stearns, 65, a lifelong resident of Northwest Indiana, passed away unexpectedly on December 25, 2020, in Linton, Indiana. He was born in Gary, IN, on March 7, 1955, the son of Paul and Marie Stearns.

He is survived by his children, Nate Stearns and Natasha (Nathaniel) Taylor; granddaughter, Lanie; mother, Marie Stearns; and siblings: Jim, Juanita, Wayne, Steve, Larry, Billy, and Bambi; along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Lee is preceded in death by his wife, Veronica "Roni" Stearns, and father, Paul Stearns.

After graduating high school from East Gary Edison in 1973 Lee served his country in the United States Army.

Cremation was entrusted to Welch & Cornett Funeral Home in Linton, Indiana.

Online condolences can be sent at www.welchcornett.com.

In Memory of Roberta (Kludt) Koukol

 

August 13, 1955 - January 14, 2021

Roberta J. Koukol "Bert"was born August 13,1955 in Gary, Indiana to Reuben A. and Evelyn M. Kludt. Widowed by Orin R. Koukol until she met the love of her life Sam Akon. She attended Eddison High School in East Gary Indiana.

      She was a very outspoken kindhearted person who wasn't scared to speak her mind. Roberta helped anyone and everyone. She was a force to be reckoned with but a joy to be around. She was a bartender for a time and she also drove the ice cream truck for Renwalds for a number of years.

     Roberta departed this life on Thursday, January 14,2021 to be with the love of her life Sam Akon.

   She was preceded in death by her parents Reuben A. and Evelyn M. Kludt.Two brothers Wallace Hurd and Larry Kludt Two sisters Joan Butz and Bonnie Brogan.

       She is survived by three daughters, Lynette"Nette"(Vincent)Parks, Brandi"Kika"Kludt, Tiffany"Fatty"Koukol. One Brother Terrance(Diane)Kludt One Sister Phylis Worak Ten grandchildren Anthony"Lolly Man" Burgos Destiny"Lil Mamma"Burgos, Alex"Ally"Burgos, Antwon"Duddie"Koukol,Marcel"Marcelly"Young Jr.Treyvon"Bear"Jones,Tiana"Lil Missy"Koukol Isiah"Mister"Martin, La'Renzo"Lil Lar Lar" Wright, Janae Mae'Lil Bert'Koukol, Two Great Grandchildren Elijah"LaLa"Burgos and Skylar"Sky"Burgos A special niece Kimberly(Jeffery)Davies A Special Sister In Law Margaret"Christene"Taylor A sister to her Vickie Shields and a few  close families The Taylor Family, The Wright Family, The Akon Family, and The Davis Family also a host of nieces and nephews and great nieces and great nephews.

 The Family of Roberta Koukol would like to extend our most sincere appreciation for the generosity each of you has expressed in your own special way. Thank you All and God Bless You.

 

 

Repast will be held following the Visitation from 5pm-8pm (All children must leave by 7pm)

at

Voodoo Lounge 5060 Broadway, Gary, IN 46408

In memory of Linda Lee Pustik-Lindsey

 Linda Lee Pustik-Lindsey, age 66 of Chesterton, IN passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 16, 2021. She was born on January 20, 1955 in Gary, IN to John and Nettie (Kissel) Pustik.

On August 1, 1998, she married the love of her life, Lewis Ray Lindsey. Linda retired from Mittal Steel as an equipment operator after 39 years of service. She spent her time doing crafts, gardening, swimming, and traveling. She was a part of the Chesterton Senior group and a Master Gardener just to name a few. She will be remembered as a loving wife, Mamma Linda, Cha Cha, Grandma, and friend.

She is survived by her loving husband, Lewis Ray Lindsey; sons, Shawn (Grace) Lindsey, Steven Lindsey; granddaughters, Aaliyah Munoz, EllieMae Lindsey; grandsons, Aakiyus Lindsey, Aadoryin Lindsey, Ethan Lindsey; nieces, Selena (Teddy Burns) Schneckenburger, Colette (Pat) Walter, Cassie (Adam Gentry) Gouger; nephew, Joe (Melissa) Gouger; great-nephews, Wm. Troy Whitten, Brock Whitten, Stanley Igras; great-nieces, Taylor Igras, Lily Gentry and many other loving family members and friends. She was preceded in death by her mother, Nettie Pustik, father, John Pustik; daughter-in-law, Melinda Lindsey; sister, Paula Gouger and brother, Ivan Pustik.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations in Linda’s memory to VNA Hospice, 501 Marquette St., Valparaiso, IN 46383. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, February 20, 2021 at 12:00 pm at Edmonds & Evans Funeral Home Chesterton, 517 Broadway, Chesterton, IN 46304. Visitation will be held from 10:00 am until the time of service at 12:00 pm at the funeral home. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.ee-fh.com.

In memory of John Lubeck

 

John Edwin Lubeck

November 18, 1954 - August 6, 2021

VALPARAISO, IN - John Edwin Lubeck, 66, of Valparaiso, IN was called home on August 6, 2021, surrounded by the lovable weirdos who are forever grateful to be known as his family. He is survived by his patient saint of a wife, Vicki; his children: Eric (Dolores) Lubeck and Sarah Lubeck; grandsons: Max and George; brother Don (Kim) Lubeck; and sisters: Karin Barney and Meghan Lubeck. He is reunited in death with his parents Michael and Marlene (Hanisko); his brother Michael; and many spoiled dogs. John passed away eight years after receiving an early-onset Alzheimer's diagnosis. He bravely carried the burden of the disease while supported and cared for by his wife, and later, with the help of the amazing nurses and aides from Dunes Hospice.

John was born on November 18, 1954 in Gary, IN. He grew up doing hood rat stuff with his brothers, developing a love for fishing, and playing sports including: basketball, baseball and track & field. He graduated from East Gary Edison High School in 1973 where he met his high school sweetheart, a nerdy hottie named Vicki Paulk. On Valentine's Day 1974, a barely legal John and Vicki were wed. In 1973, John began what would become a 40 year career with Bethlehem Steel. John and Vicki raised two super cute and mostly normal children; road tripped often and took great care of each other always.

John enjoyed an assortment of manly man activities including: carpentry, camping, fishing, woodcarving, weight lifting, boating, hiking, gardening, fixing all things broken and building many things with his bare hands. He was an excellent cook, comedian, artist, athlete, traveler, Cubs fan, handyman, nature lover, a flannel shirt wearing, wood chopping, beer drinking outdoorsy hunk and an all around cool dude. He was resourceful, hardworking and creative in all that he did, a man of few words and constant action. He was genuinely loved by all who knew him as a husband, son, dad, papa, brother and friend. A proud and private man, John would have hated for you all to show up and make a fuss over him; accordingly, a private family memorial will be held in John's honor.

Help to those in need would be a most fitting tribute to John's legacy; donations may be made to Gabriel's Horn Homeless Shelter (gabrielshelter.org).

In memory of Deborah G. (Rice) Tully

 

June 23, 1955 - March 28, 2022

EUDORA, KS - Deborah G. (Rice) Tully, 66, of Eudora, KS, formerly of Lake Station, IN, passed away March 28,2022. She was born June 23,1955 in Gary, IN, the daughter of Daniel and Gertraud Rice. She was preceded in death by her mother; father; brother, Leroy; and sister, Danetta Rice. She graduated from Edison High School, Lake Station, IN.

Survivors include her children: Jason (Carly) Rice, Esther Rice, Debbie Tully, Danielle Tully, and Sarah Tully; brothers: Dan (Mary) Rice and Bob (Loretta) Rice.

The family would like to thank the following: The staff at Medicalodges, Eudora, KS; the Pastor and Prayer warriors from Pleasant Valley Baptist Church, Liberty, MO; The Care Team from Westside Family Church, Lenexa, KS; and special friend, Judy Kano.

A Memorial Service was held on March 3, 2022 at Pleasant Valley Baptist Church in Liberty, MO with Pastors John Newton and Brad Daniel officiating.

Deborah Garber

January 31, 1954 - July 6, 2022

Deborah Ann Garber, age 68, of Lake Station, IN, passed away July 5, 2022.

Debbie was a graduate of Edison High School. She was a joyful and kind person. Debbie cared for both her mother and father in their later years and worked primarily in the health care field. She will be greatly missed.

Debbie was preceded in death by her parents-Joseph and Stella (nee Grudzinski) Garber; brother-Wayne Garber; sister-in-law-Janice (nee Prusinski) Garber.

Prayers for Debbie will be held on Tuesday, July 12, 2022, at 10:30 a.m., at Burns Funeral Home, 701 East 7th Street, Hobart, and then proceeding to Calvary Cemetery in Portage, IN, for burial. Burns Funeral Home (Hobart) entrusted with arrangements.

Lake Station Class of 73 Reunion May 20, 2023

Location: South Haven American Legion 

429 County Rd 750 N, Valparaiso, IN 46385

Cost: $35 per person

Send your RSVP and $35 (written to EHS Class of 73) to

EHS Class of 73
c/o Ingrid Norris
PO Box 1863
Valparaiso, IN 46385-1863

If bringing a guest please include the guest's name.

We also have the cabin booked at Riverview Park for Sunday May 21, 2023. The Sunday picnic is free so please bring your friends, grandkids and your own food and drinks. 

All EHS alumni invited. 

In Memory (Updated 4/23/2023)

John (Bill) Neal 2/14/2023
Deborah Garber 7/5/2022
Deborah Rice 3/28/2022
John Lubeck 8/6/2021
Candace “Candy” (Olson) Napier 3/2/2021
Linda Pustik-Lindsey 2/16/2021
Roberta (Kludt) Koukol 1/14/2021
Lee Stearns 12/25/2020
William L. Rushing 3/28/2020
Steve Kurzdorfer 1/14/2020
Cyndi (Thorne) Travis 6/8/2019
Donna (Million) Springman 2/24/2019
Emma (Wright) Wanicki 6/17/2018
Jim Busch 2/25/2018
Mark S. Goodwin 7/21/2017
James Courtney 7/5/2016
Debra (Wright) Sosa 3/21/2015
Susan (Mardis) George 5/10/2014
Bill Lopez 5/2/2013
Betty (Davis) Purcell Baldridge 1/8/2013
Joe Cuellar 11/27/2012
Darrell Breckman 10/26/2012
John Grinder 12/14/2011
Anita (Berkley) Hise 6/30/2011
Eric Arzola 7/10/2010
James Mendez 2/5/2010
James Powers 1/4/2009
William Sable 10/11/2008
Pamela Flores 7/29/2007
Danny Hendrickson 3/17/2006
Margaret (Pilnock) Palmowski 2/8/2005
Joyce (Blatz) Echterling 2/7/2004
Phil Havard 5/19/2002
Cindy (Neal) Lyons 5/14/2002
Mike McDonald 4/27/2001
Mike Forney 1/8/2001
Ronald Williamson 6/26/1998
Timothy Murray 10/9/1997
Marlo Wahlman 2/15/1997
Scott Silverthorn 6/6/1994
Wilfred Joffre 1/10/1991
Michael J Mosier 12/24/1987
David Kolosci 5/21/1984
Edward Overbay 11/18/1979
Lester Pointer 6/7/1977
Thomas Dunn 12/27/1976
John Ramsey 12/14/1975
Joel Martin 5/22/1974
Linda Miller 5/29/1970

Update

 So it appears that the cost of tickets to our reunion will be $35. If we get at least 50 people we will be close to breaking even. More than that will mean we can use the extra money for decorations and/or desserts.

I’m going to the county soon to file a DBA so that we can get a bank account for EHS Class of 73. MaryEllen Sichtermann agreed to be another name on the account so that there are at least two people that can access the account.

I still have a PO Box in Valpo so once the bank account is open we can accept the checks.

We kept the price down by not hiring a DJ so if anyone has a good speaker that we can stream music to that would be awesome.

Dena Shearer agreed to help me get the park reserved in Lake Station so by Wednesday if all goes well we have that for the Sunday afterward.

Anything else we are missing?

Missing Classmates

 We have not been able to locate information for two classmates. If you have information that will help us contact them please drop me an email at Ingrid.m.schmelzer@gmail.com or leave a comment on this post.

Patricia Ann Mickey

Father: Elmer

Lived at 4728 E 25th in 73

Kathy Manley may be Jones

Lived at  2465 Huntington in 1973

Date and location has been selected

 May 20, 2023, we will meet at the South Haven American Legion to celebrate 50 years since our graduation on May 20, 1973.

Please make sure we have your correct email and/or physical address by using the link below. All information is kept private.

You can also send a note to the planners at this link or comment on this post.

https://forms.gle/TSYLY1ibvoTRhoxy9

50th Reunion

 It's just around the corner in 2023. We will be starting the planning starting in June 2022.

The reunion shots are ready

Check out our reunion pictures.

Who came to the reunion    has the attendees with their yearbook shot.


Reunion pictures  are the few pictures we got during the picnic and reunion.

As people send me their pictures I will add more.

Reunion Financial Update

When we went into the reunion we were $160.96 in the hole. Thanks to Mary Ellen and ALL the classmates that attended and participated in the silent auction and 50/50 we made $164 so.... We broke even.

 

Thanks also to  Ruth Hornyak Pappano and Connie Howell Flowers for their monetary donations. It was close but the class came together and we paid our bills. Multiple classmates said they brought their checkbook to the reunion to make sure we broke even. Thanks to all of them and their wives who went home with silent auction items!

 

The yearbook sales which we continue to sell will help provide seed money for the 45 year reunion on 7-21-18. It might be the "early bird senior special". A new Picture Set on Flickr to follow with names after I catch up with the neglected yard duties. I have some great shots of the guys mopping the floors so we could get our $50 deposit back from the hall rental. Pass on the word that Valpo Eagles is a great place to rent and DJBrad is a terrific DJ.

 

REMEMBER: To keep current on classmate information sign up for email alerts on the right side of the page. This is a timesaver. You won't have to remember the link to our blog and won't have to remember to check to see what has been posted. And you know how our memory is starting to fail. :)

 

 

Who's coming to the reunion?

Yearbook pictures of who's coming to the reunion.  If you are not listed and you have sent your check...please contact me. The food order goes in tomorrow.

Flickr link for 2013 attendees

The Day of The Reunion Free Event

Free    Casual Meet & Greet

July 13, 2013 @ 11am

 Riverview Park

 Bring your own lunch

     Contact:

     Debbie

     Gray (Hallmark)

     (219) 477-2061

Pick the Songs for the Party

It's not too early to start thinking about what songs you want to dance to (or listen to) if you're like me and never hit the dance floor.

DJBrad, our DJ for July 13th has a site where you can help choose what songs you want to party to.

What,  you can't remember what the top 100 songs were in 1973! Well, after 40 years that's understandable.

№	Title	Artist(s)
1	"Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Ole Oak Tree"	Tony Orlando and Dawn
2	"Bad, Bad Leroy Brown"	Jim Croce
3	"Killing Me Softly with His Song"	Roberta Flack
4	"Let's Get It On"	Marvin Gaye
5	"My Love"	Paul McCartney & Wings
6	"Why Me"	Kris Kristofferson
7	"Crocodile Rock"	Elton John
8	"Will It Go Round in Circles"	Billy Preston
9	"You're So Vain"	Carly Simon
10	"Touch Me in the Morning"	Diana Ross

For the rest of the list: Click here

Click here to choose the songs

Blog Newsletter Future

Now that the reunion is closer the questions arises...Will this blog continue?

I believe so. This  is an easy way to share information about classmates and our hometown of East Gary / Lake Station.  For those that live away from Indiana it's a way to stay in touch with what's happening her in NWI without a mailing cost.

Please feel free to email information about you or your fellow classmates so that we can keep this blog newsletter going.

The postings may not be as regular as before so please check out the FOLLOW BY EMAIL on the right. Rather than remembering to check in to see what is posted you can get an email when something new is posted.

IngridNorris@msn.com or you can also leave a comment on the blog.



--Be well, do good work, and stay in touch.  Garrison Keillor --

Reunion Deadline Fast Approaching

We have 10 more days to buy tickets for the reunion. There is no nice way to say this. The committee put their neck out to set a reunion in motion because classmates expressed interest in having one. The tickets sales have been slow and I am hoping and praying that it is because people have been delaying sending their checks in. Please say it's so....

 

We WILL have the reunion because we have classmates that have made travel arrangements to come from Florida, Arkansas and other states. They don't get the opportunities that the '"locals" get of running into former classmates around town.  If we don't get enough ticket sales or yearbook sales the reunion will go in the hole. The bills will get paid somehow because we committed  to a DJ and a Hall,  but, I'll be honest,  it will be discouraging. We purposely set the ticket price low to make it affordable. If you are on Facebook you might be getting tired of the reminders but we need to get the word out.

 

I know the people that live far away may not be able to attend but if you live local and are sitting on the fence on whether to attend: It can do the soul good to reconnect with people you shared a past with and who helped shape who we are! If you went to a previous reunion and it didn't go like you wanted it to...give us another chance. I've been told 50+ year olds can be pretty mellow and by the same token, pretty fun-loving. If you come to the 40th and hate it, I won't push you to attend the 50th reunion. To be perfectly frank: High School was not the best time of my life but I will say that I have had a great time socializing with classmates whenever I have had the opportunity. Being an adult can give you a whole different perspective. What was a major issue when you were 16 can now seem like nothing when you are 50+.

 

If you have made the decision to attend....THANK YOU! We will love seeing you. Any tickets bought will help us cover the expenses so we can all  enjoy the night with friends. If you can drop it in the mail it would really help relief some of my stress. :)

 

If you can't attend and want to purchase a digital yearbook to help on the fundraiser to defray the costs you can contact me and we can mail the CD to you. It's 1 yearbook for $10 and 4 for $25. Postage cost extra. If you live close, we can deliver it.

 

I have made every effort to email, FB, or call classmates when I get your check. If you sent a check and have not heard from me please call 219-769-3541 X 370, email, or Facebook me.

 

If you have lost the envelope from the mailing send ticket or yearbook orders to

Times May 17, 1973