Buzz Book

How to create your Buzz Book entry:
Click on the Add Your Profile button to include your current contact information in our Buzz Book. You'll need to enter a User Name and Password; jot them down so you can return and add or change information later. Be sure to include your e-mail address if you want to receive e-mails from other classmates or the reunion committee. Expect a delay before your profile is displayed on the page, perhaps up to 24 hours.

Roger Benson

Marital status: Divorced
Children: 1
Occupation: RETIRED

Carol Bergren

Marital status: Divorced
Occupation: retired Physical Therapist; working part time
Comment:
Tell us about yourself: After high school I went to Briar Cliff and then to U. of NE to get a BS in ED. I moved to Mpls where I was a Stewardess for 11 years. I met my husband in Mpls after he returned from Viet Nam. We lived in the woods North of Duluth. I went back to school for a BS in Physical Therapy from the College of St Scholastica and practiced for 14 years. Traveling, sports (especially Tennis and Running), doing artwork, and music have always been a part of my life. I was with my husband 17 years and mutually decided to go our own ways, remaining good friends to this day. I moved back to SF in 1997. That`s the short version...and more than plenty!

Edmund Berven

Then Then
Now Now
Marital status: Single again
Children: 1
Occupation: Radio Syndication Affiliate Rep/Disc Jockey
Comment:  
Tell us about yourself: I've had numerous serious health issues the past 5 yrs, but I'll do my best to make an appearance. I've been a career disc jockey since KISD in HS & made it as far as San Francisco & LA. I still do a weekly Jazz show called "THE FUZE" on Public Radio KUSP FM under the name Eddie Hudson. You may listen anytime @ www.kusp.org> music show player> listen> Late Night Eclectic> The Fuze. Unfortunately, my voice has been badly affected by health issues. C'est la vie.

Ruth Blondin (Gehring)

Then Then
Now Now
Marital status: Divorced
Children: 2
Occupation: Sales support/stock replenishment--jcpenney
Comment:
Tell us about yourself: I graduated Yankton College in 1966 with a BA in Elem Ed.Married Russ Blondin June \\\'66. Taught 4th grade in the school where I did my student teaching while Russ completed his degree.Moved to Creighton, NE, a very small town S/E of Yankton, where I taught 3rd grade and Russ taught HS Eng and Journalism.Moved to Audubon,PA in 1969 where I taught 5th grade and Russ taught HS Eng and was the yearbook adviser. After 3 yrs, i retired from teaching to be a full time Mom--Stephanie was born Sept. \\\'73. Two years later Russ left teaching to be a yearbook rep with Jostens and with me very pregnant with Suzanne, we looked for a house in Westminster, MD. We moved 1 month after Suzanne, Aug \\\'75, was born. Three years later, a promotion moved us to Andover, NJ, and 3 years after another promotion moved us to Burnsville, MN in \\\'82. Three years later and working for a commercial printer, Russ moved again.

I stayed in the house with my girls for 10 years and moved to Lakeville in 1992 where I still live. I was a Mary Kay consultant for 5 years, worked at Carson Pirie Scott as a counter manager in cosmetics and then in fragrances. When Carsons closed I started at JCP in Edina, first in fragrances, then in gifts and collectibles. I transferred to Burnsville in 1998 to manage the largest collectible dept in the company. when JCP decided to get out of that business, I opened my own store in 2000. After struggling for 2 years due to 9/11 and poor economic conditions, I made the decision to close my store. I had maintained my full time position during that time so at least I had a job. I am still at JCP where I have been for 17 1/2 years.

I'm very lucky that both my daughters live within 15 min of me.. I get to see them frequently and get to enjoy my grandkids--Kayley, 14 and starting high school this fall, Avery,just turned 3, and Brody, 16 1/2 monthes.. I am blessed to be able to spend as much time with them as I do.

Roxanna Boe (Viel)

Then Then
Now Now
Marital status: Widowed
Children: 5
Occupation: Teacher
Comment:
Tell us about yourself: Following graduation from Augustan College, I taught First Grade for the Anoka Hennepin School District for two years. During this time, I met my husband, Tom, a student at Luther Seminary in St. Paul. After our marriage, I spent many years as a \"stay-at-home Mom\" raising our five children Lisa, Christopher, Daniel, Benjamin, and Valerie. I enjoyed being active in the parishes Tom served, directing music and helping with youth and women\'s groups. Once the chldren were in school, I started teaching again. I taught Kindergarten-Third Grades, a different grade with each move we made. My husband passed away in 2002 of a heart attack. I am living in Hutchinson, MN with my English Cocker Spaniel, Max. I have 11 darling grandchildren including one year old twins! I enjoy giving Suzuki violin lessons and playing in the Community Strings in Glencoe and the Crow River Orchestra in Hutchinson. I also enjoy being active in the Sons of Norway, our Faith Lutheran book club, and spending time with family and friends.

Wendy Bokovoy (walker)

Now Now
Marital status: Married
Children: 4
Occupation: Senior Helper
Comment: I spent all but the last 6 months of high school at Washington High, and transferred Jan 1, 1962 to Edina High School. 
Tell us about yourself: I grew up with 2 little sisters and a brother, Bill Walker, who grad 1960 from Washington High School. My brother Bill was active in everything social, and I was an introvert. After transferring to Edina High School during my senior year, I suddenly had a group of friends who adopted me, and I thoroughly enjoyed socializing at Edina High School.







I graduated from U of MN with a Music Ed degree, later in 1999 I received my music therapy degree, and practiced as a music therapist 11 years at various Senior Care Centers in Mpls area.


My husband and I have 4 children and one grandchild.





I retired from music therapy in 2007, and joined organizations I finally had time to attend. I became a P.E.O., and have been active in SAI (International music fraternity)since 1962! I sang in Congregational Church choir in Sioux Falls, and have continued singing in church choirs. Currently I'm at Calvary Lutheran Church in Edina, and love being a Lutheran!

Arlen Booth

Now Now
Marital status: Married
Children: 3
Occupation: Retired
Comment: Greetings Classmates!  Great to listen to the music while reading the 50 year history of friends.  Wow, like someone said, unbelievable how time passed so fast.  My mind tells me I'm still skinny and handsome but the mirror says otherwise.  Will not join the celebration because we have a tour of Italy planned 10-22 September.  Sorry.  Will miss the music and dancing with the band.





In 2022, Arlen added:





Due to some medical issues with knee replacement, we will not be able to attend the 60th reunion.  Wanted to really be there and wish everyone well.





Carol and I still live in our condo in Pekin, Illinois.  Close to five of eight grandchildren (other three live in Maine) and enjoy attending all their high school and college events.  Grandson Jarad is now third generation at Caterpillar Inc.  My career there was 43 years, son Tim is now 21 years and Jarad at two.  Golfing, church and community activities occupy the rest of our time.  With COVID lockdowns, I took up wood scrap art.  [See photos posted in Photo Album 2020+.]  Usually give them away.  I did sell a couple at Alumni Auction at North Dakota College of Science last April.  Funds go to our scholarship fund we set up there.





In 2017, Arlen added:





I retired from Caterpillar Inc. after a 43 year career in Plant Engineering, Engine Division & Global Product Source Planning as Design, Plant, and Construction Project Engineer.  Caterpillar Inc.'s provided us with lots of opportunities to see the world with many new factories either being built or renovated.  Fifty two trips to Peoples Republic of China, two to Australia, three to Mexico and two to Northern Ireland but also many in the US. Wonderful opportunities but tough work with culture issues. Carol joined me in China and Australia after her retirement from position as legal secretary at a law firm in Lacon, Illinois.


 
Tell us about yourself: Moved to Illinois in 1964 after North Dakota tech school. Met and married Carol Johnson in 1965. Still together after 47 years. Great wife and life. Three children, two in Pekin area, one headed to Africa (Army officer\'s wife) and eight grandchildren (3 going to Africa in July). Lots of traveling. Went to work for Caterpillar Inc. in 1965. Spent years in Product Engineering and Plant Engineering Departments. Assigned Plant Engineer Manager on JV in Shanghai, PRC in 1995 after not accepting the one with ZIL in Moscow. Good decision. Loved the experience. Now after 54 round trips (last one March 2012)to China plus a few to Australia designing, building or rebuilding manufacturing facilities as Field/Project Engineer the golf course is so much easier to traverse. No VISAs,immigration, customs, passports etc. Now close to five grandchildren and spend time swimming or playing golf with them. All healthy, happy and wise. Did have time to write and publish a book. \"Cocaine Coma\" look it up on web.

Bruce Boyd

Then Then
Now Now
Marital status: Married
Children: 2
Occupation: retired
Tell us about yourself: I married classmate Mary Eide. We have two children, Allison and Aaron, and four grandchildren that live in Sioux Falls. I matriculated at the University of South Dakota earning a BS in Business Administration and a Law Degree. Clerked for one year with a Federal District Court Judge; entered private practice in Aberdeen, SD for one year; employed as an Assistant U.S. Attorney for approximately 2 ½ years; prosecuted for Minnehaha County for one year and then joined the Office of District Counsel, Department of Veterans of Affairs for nearly 30 years. Mary and I have been fortunate enough to travel since our retirement.

Mary Boyd (Eide)

Then Then
Now Now
Marital status: Married
Children: 2
Occupation: retired teacher
Tell us about yourself: Graduated from Augustana College and married classmate Bruce Boyd. We have two children and four grandchildren all living in Sioux Falls. I taught art for twenty plus years and retired in 2006. Enjoy family gatherings, church circle, lunch with friends, serving on the reunion committee, walks and travel with Bruce. We are still living on Austin Drive, where I lived when we graduated in 1962!

Don Breit

Marital status: Married