Saturday, May 27 was a beautiful day and a great evening for the backdrop of the 106th annual alumni banquet at the Colfax-Mingo Jr/Sr High School cafetorium. Inside it was a wonderful night for the fellowship of our classmates to reminisce old and new memories for the 178 that attended. Our numbers continue to decline, but our deaths also continue to rise, unfortunately.
We had a delicious meal of Swiss steak, twice baked potatoes, green beans, fresh fruit, roll and butter, coffee, tea and milk. Dessert was a wonderful peach crisp topped with whipped cream. Thanks to chef Rob and his crew from the Altoona Hy-Vee.
The theme was chosen by the 50 year class — “Moonlight & Roses.” Their class colors were yellow and blue, so we chose blue table clothes with Mylar star burst centerpieces of silver and gold with yellow rose petals on the table. Blue, yellow and gold Mylar star balloons were also on the table.
The stage curtain was decorated with Mylar fringe, stars and moons. The program was designed by Wendy Hopkins, class of 1992; Jason Faidley, Monte and Kelly Wilson class of 1981 and printed by First Impression Printing. Thank you Monte and wife Kelly for the printing of the programs as well, great job as always.
Alumni secretary Monica Guy Hysell also gave her many thank yous to those who helped make the banquet such a success from her dedicated assistant secretaries Karen and Marianne, president Marianne Lester Glasford, vice-president Jim Earles Class of 1986, the awesome school staff that is so easy to work with, my envelope stuffers, decorators, servers from the Generation On, Margo Lockhart Edwards for playing the piano and to her husband Terry. Thank you all so very much without you I couldn’t make this happen.
Wendy Hopkins was the representative for the 25-year class of 1993 as our MC for the night. She did an outstanding job. The program began with Madam President Marianne Lester Glasford class of 1963, with her opening remarks, welcoming everyone to yet another great year of our 106th Annual Alumni Banquet.
She gave a special welcome to the class of 1967, the 50-year class; class of 1992, the 25-year class; and a very special welcome to the senior class of 2017 on a job well done and welcome to our very special Alumni Association, with a special welcome to her grandson Wyatt Owens. Marianne, then introduced Colfax/Colfax-Mingo Alumni Secretary/Treasurer Monica Guy Hysell, class of 1972.
Monica began by extending her congratulations to the honored classes of 1967, 1992 and the newest members of the graduating class of 2017, where they can return and reminisce old memories and make new with their fellow alumni.
Old Business
They are finally here — the new rosters that were promised last year. However, it is impossible to have them current, with people moving, those who have died, without notification and no forwarding addresses. Monica tried her best and they are on sale for $8. In Colfax the can be purchased at The Professional Hair Designers and The Hair Gallery. You can also call Monica Guy Hysell to have them sent to you.
New Business
May 27 we had 26 towns other than Colfax and Mingo represented, as well as 13 states. It is you who travel from all over of the U.S. that make our banquet so special. Thank you!
We had many alumni celebrating milestone reunions his year. Betty Cross Miller and Evelyne Whited Ahnen from the class of 1942 celebrated their 75th reunion this year. They were presented a flower and certificate. Congratulations Betty and Evelyne! Betty Cross Miller class of 1942 received a standing ovation, for not only was it her 75th reunion, but she has not missed a reunion in 75 years. How incredible for Betty, very well deserved.
Celebrating their 70th class reunion this year are Harold Hill, Kathleen Sage Luther and Joyce Wadsworth Pierce. They received a certificate as well. A tidbit for Joyce — all seven of their children were there in honor of her celebration. Three were celebrating reunions as well — Denise, class of 1972, 45 years; Jeff class of 1977, 40 years; and Lori 35 year’s class of 1982. The others are Lenis class of 1966; Doug class of 1970; and Craig and Diane class of 1975.
The class of 1952 is celebrating 65 years — Thomas Phelan, Francis Milburn, Robert Brown and John Bell. Class of 1957 is celebrating 60 years — Marie Hays Burke, Phyllis Miller James, Angeline Jones Roberts, Kenneth Musgrove, Keith Russell, Kathleen Tomlonovic, Lynda Iske Beals and Ron James.
Other class reunion years for this year are — 1962, 55 years; 1967, 50 years; 1972. 45 years; 1977, 40 years; 1985, 30 years; 1992, 25 years; 1997, 20 years; 2002, 15 years; 2007, 10 year; 2012, 5 years.
The following are recognized for their perfect attendance over the years:
1942-75 years- Betty Cross Miller
1944-73 years- Bette Barrett Davis
1954-63 Years- Sharon Tomlonovic Padgett, Marilyn Thompson Rhone
1971-46 years- Charles Wilson
1972-45 years- Tom and Terry Awtry Wilson
1976-41 years- Don Lester
1984-33 years- Christine Daft Dittmer
2006-nine years- Erin Hilker and Megan Hilker Langstraat
The treasures report was then given and that concluded the report.
Wendy did a great job as emcee and had many gracious words to say to her fellow alumni. She then introduced Margo Lockhart Edwards as our pianist for the evening, as we all sang the “Orange and the Black”.
Colfax-Mingo Jr/Sr High School Principal Todd Jones was unable to be with us this year so Mr. Grief introduced the seniors for the year of 2017.
Wendy then introduced class president of the senior class of 2017, Willa Colville. She gave a great message to her fellow alumni for welcoming them into the Association and a thanks for the meal that was severed to them. She did an excellent job, thank you Willa and welcome class of 2017.
Margo then played Onward C-M and all sang along.
The John Reynolds award class of 1941 was presented by association vice president Jim Earles class of 1986. John Reynolds was a graduate of the class of 1941, killed in a tragic mid-air airplane crash in December of 1965. In 1966 the award was established by his wife in his memory. John was a dynamic, fun loving, hard-working individual with a motto, “A quitter never quits and a winner never quits.” Congratulations to Adam Teed, as he is this year’s recipient. Jim gave a synopsis of Adams accomplishments in his four years at C-M! Congratulations Adam!
Jim continued by introducing the graduates, parents, grandparents, great-grandparents of the graduating class of 2017.
The 50 year speakers from the class of 1967 were Dennis Lind and Gene Webb. Dennis introduced his classmates and Gene talk to the fellow alumni how to live a better life. One point I loved was that he talked about was getting more people to the alumni is that it starts with you.
Jason Faidley and Shelly DeRaad Veldhuizen, class of 1992, then read the memorials of our fellow alumni passed on since May of 2016:
1935 - Mabel Swanson Stanek
1936 - Janet Trusler Matthews
1939 - Ila Kono Brandt
1941 - Marcille Yochum Condreay
1941 - James Martin
1944 - John Weirick
1945 - Kenneth Patterson
1945 - Darlene Duncan Degraff
1945 - Dixie Price Brown
1946 - Robert Le Roy Brant
1946 - Edith Main Newman
1946 - Harry Sage
1949 - Larry Clippinger
1954 - Dixie Price Watson
1956 - Alma Kono Green
1959 - James Miller
1959 - David Miller
1962 - June Dunsbergen Floss
1962 - Honorary Member Jack Ellerbee
1963 - George Patrick Hanna
1963 - Allan Pratt
1963 - Linda Riley Shaw
1964 - Linda Wadsworth Smith
1966 - Mark Guy
1967 - Karen Magg Stoaks
1970 - Kenneth Tague
1976 - Steven Stodden
1979 - Jackie Hodgson Soutter
1980 - Matt Gannon
1980 - Karla Lewis
1982 - Ron Jones
1998 - Dana Doty Curtis
Are there any alumni who have passed away that we may have missed since last year’s banquet until today? If so, please notify the alumni secretary Monica Guy Hysell.
Marianne, then thanked all for attending the banquet. It was a great night and a good time was had by all. We concluded by singing “Auld Lang Syne!”
Towns
Des Moines; Earlham; Altoona; Waterloo; Mingo; Mitchellville; Newton; Prairie City; La Porte City; Pleasant Hill; Drakesville; Truro; Norwalk; Ankeny; Boone; Atkins; Iowa City; Council Bluffs; Nevada; Centerville; Burlington; Knoxville; Davenport; Coralville; Bondurant; Kellogg; Polk City
States
Oklahoma; Wisconsin; Minnesota; Missouri; Florida; California; Texas; Oregon; Virginia; Nevada; Colorado; Nebraska
Attendees
75 years — Betty Cross Miller and guest of Des Moines; Evelyne Whited Ahnen of Earlham
1944 — Bette Barrett Davis of Colfax
1945 — Agnes Conn Pease of Altoona; Robert C. Schmitt and guest of Colfax
1947, 70 years — Harold Hill of Colfax; Kathleen Sage Luther of Colfax; Joyce Wadsworth Pierce and Mr. of Colfax
1948 — Margret Kreb Kunze of Altoona
1951 — Duane Schroder of Colfax
1952, 65 years — Thomas R. Phelan of Colfax; Francis Millburn and Mrs. of Colfax; Robert L. Brown of Colfax; John Bell of Colfax
1953 — David Wharff of Des Moines; Vera Wagner Head and Mr. of Des Moines; Louaine Stevens Vande Lune and Mr. of Prairie City; Joan Meckley Stiffler of La Porte City
1954 — Stanley Daft of Prairie City; Bill Paynter and Mrs. of New Virginia; Bret Lawton of Langley, Okla; Bob Russell and Mrs. of Mitchellville; Sharon Tomlonovic Padgett and Mr. of Colfax; Marilyn Thompson Rhone of Colfax;
1955 — Joyce Henning Lawton of Langley, Okla
1956 — James Warnock and Mrs. of Mitchellville; Thomas Brown of Coon Rapids, Minn; Marily Thompson of Pleasant Hill; Deloris Zachary Shepley and Mr. of Colfax
1957 — Marie Hays Burke and Mr. of The Villages, Fla; Phyllis Miller James and Mr. of Noble, Okla; Angeline Jones Roberts of Newton; Kenneth Musgrove of Drakesville; Keith Russell of Colfax; Kathleen Tomlonovic of Davenport; Lynda Iske Beals of Colfax; Ron James and Mrs. of Oregon
1958 — Karen Kintz Russell of Colfax; Joyce Evans Brown of Colfax
1959 — Joe Hays, Mrs. and guest of Truro; Docela Edwards Chatterjee of Coralville; Jean Van Ellen Wallace of Colfax
1960 — Fran Pieart Bolton of Colfax; Helen Van Elsen Reitan and guest of Winchester, Va.; Connie Frey Berkey of Colfax; Dan McNeer of Colfax; Sharon Gibson Mindham of Colfax
1961 — Sandra Briear Henning of Newton; Harley Steenhoek of Mingo
1962 — LaVern Faidley of Ames; Larry Berkey and Mrs. of Kansas City, Mo.; Cynthia Sapp of Newton; Irving Tiffany of Des Moines; Rodger Brown of Des Moines; Pat Findley Underwood of Colfax; Edward “Gene” Hansen of Iowa City
1963 — Doris Schmitt McDaniel of Norwalk; Karen Schlosser Rawlins of Colfax; Jerry Miller of Colfax; Virginia Hanke Underwood and Mr. of Mitchellville
1964 — Earl D. Dunsbergen and Mrs. of Ankeny
1965 — Jan Robson Keenan and guest of Colfax; Gene Steenhoek of Prairie City; Freddie Miller of Council Bluffs; Bonnie Hanke Herloed of Marshalltown
1966 — Lenis Pierce Steenhoek of Prairie City; Hai Taylor and Mrs. of Reno, Nev.
1967, 50-year class — Jeanette Good Boyd of Morely, Mich; Theresa Conley Lukaszewicz and guest of Kenosha , Wis.; Gene Webb of Elk Grove, Calif.; Wayne Horton and Mrs. of Apollo Beach Fla.; Tom Bowman and Mrs. of Nevada; Mary Teed McKinney of Newton; Douglas E Cross and Mrs. of Colfax; Dennis Lind and Mrs. of Colfax; Debbie Vanderpool Karsten of St. Charles, Mo.; Bob Riley of Colfax; Nancy Plummer Illingworth of Newton; Jean James of Colorado; Guest of the Class of 1967 Wayne Nikolish and Mrs. of Des Moines; Nancy Hopkins of Colfax
1968 — Patrick Teed of Colfax; Don Wing of Centerville; Susan Riley of Colfax
1969 — Joyce Rorabaugh of Urbandale; Cathy Freestone of Colfax; William Riddle and Mrs. of Colfax; Gary Dunsbergen of Ira
1970 — Doug Pierce of Colfax; Marilyn Bell Pierce of Colfax
1971 — Ronda Pierce Teed of Colfax; Chuck Wilson of Colfax; Sandra Wadsworth Murphy of Bondurant
1972, 45-year class — Terry and Monica Guy Hysell of Urbandale; Randy Schroeder of Lyford, Texas; Judy Tomlonovic Herold of Rochester, Minn.; Denise Pierce Bell of Colfax; Jeanine Husson Sage of Colfax; Tom Wilson of Colfax; Terry Awtry Wilson of Colfax; Connie Pease
1973 — Robert “Bob” Rhone of Mingo; Mark Husson of Colfax; Debbie Hopkins Dunsbergen of Ira
1974 — Nancy Stevens Rhone of Mingo; Mark Bell of Colfax; Joe Robson and Mrs. of Colfax
1975 — Bill Daft and Mrs. of Burlington; Diane Pierce Stoecker and Mr. of Colfax; Craig Pierce of Colfax
1976 — Don Lester of Boone; Suzanne Sprouse of Marshalltown; Lori Collister Hilker of Colfax
1977, 40-year class — Steven Warrick of Urbandale; Larry DeBruyn and Mrs. of Polk City; Shelly Raper Wing of Centerville; Joel Sage of Colfax; Jeff Pierce and Mrs. of Colfax; Dennis Lester and Mrs. of Colfax
1979 — Cindy Daft Dittmer of Knoxville; Sue Hanke Austin of Pillage, Minn.
1981 — Marla Shepley of Colfax; Danny Williams
1982, 35-year class — J.D. Smith of Colfax; Lori Pierce Smith of Colfax
1984 — Christine Daft Damon of Atkins
1986 — Jim Earles of Colfax
1991 — Justin Teed of Colfax
1992, 25-year class — Jason Faidley of Newton; Shelly DeRaad Veldhuizen of Curtis, Neb.; Wendy Hopkins of Colfax
1996 — Regina Rhone Teed of Colfax
1999 — Jill Teed of Colfax
2006 — Erin Hilker of Newton; Megan Hilker Langstraat of Cedar Rapids
2014 — Jena Teed of Colfax; Nate Smith of Colfax
Class of 2017 — Adam Teed; Willa Colville; Alexis Bucklin; Taylor Shepley and guest; Dakota Hostetter