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| Reunion Photos & Synopsis
Hello from your friends from the
Class of 63!!
Back Row: Dan Neiles, Jim Carr, Jerry Hunsley, Mike Pellerzi, Jerry Big Eagle, Ed Sorenson, Milton Morris, Bob Dean O'Rielly, Mark Simmons, Tom Douglas, Joe Hanson
Third Row: Tony Lucas, Sam Ruzick, Dave Tommervik, Jack Kitchen, Larry Morris, Dennis Naasz, Ron Olesen, Nina Colbert Maxfield
Second Row: Bill Thomas, Julianne Thomas, Marv Wise, Peggy Owens Rath, Karen Carroll Smith, Paula Volk Hunsley, Ruth Ann Spicer Stenberg, Mary Kelly Langager, Mary Nickels Linander, Bonnie Forney Mattick, Tinker Samco, Susan Neiber McVean
Front Row: Maxine Otto Tessier, Wanda Fineran Soper, Janice Wright, Jeanne Bauman Cannon, Kay Cruse Graff, Sharyn Smith Martinson, Eva Olson Hageman    Carol Butler Jones Merl Hawkins Rose Longland Gingrich
Reunion Synopsis
The Class of '63 kicked off their 45th reunion with registration on Friday afternoon at the Ramkota, a reception at the home of Milton and Dawn Morris on Friday night, golfing and a tour of Riggs High on Saturday morning, a dinner at the Ramkota on Saturday night, and ended with a farewell brunch on Sunday at the Ramkota. Forty-one classmates and 16 spouses/guests were able to join us and we had a wonderful time together.
Joining us for a reunion for the first time were Mary Kelly Langager, Rose Longland Gingrich, Sue Neiber McVean, and Mary Nickels Linander. It was great to see and get reacquainted with these four classmates and we hope that they will join us at future reunions.    Mary K. Rose Sue Mary N. The Friday night reception at the Morris' was spectacular. Not only was the food superb, but the Morris' home with its spacious layout indoors and outdoors made it an ideal setting for us to gather. The weather was ideal for visiting outside and enjoying the beauty of the river, the beautiful sunset, and everything else that goes with a home situated along the river. We appreciate Milton and Dawn hosting the reception and opening their home to us.
Saturday was a very busy time for the classmates with various activities going on - - some planned and some unplanned. Saturday morning came early for nine of our classmates who got up early and played their first round of golf at 7:00 a.m. Although, the wind put their skill to a test, it didn't discourage them from playing 18 holes, making the best of the situation, and having a good time together. We appreciate Jerry Hunsley for making the arrangements with the golf course and Bonnie Forney Mattick for donating the golf prizes. Saturday morning also found Nina Colbert Maxfield and her husband, Lee, Sally Hanson, Maxine Otto Tessier, and Paula Volk Hunsley at the Ramkota decorating for the reunion dinner. We welcomed the class with a two foot lighted banner that read “Class of 63" and decorated the tables with green champagne glasses and silver sparklers. A special table paying tribute to the military veterans of the Class of "63 and veteran spouses/guests was also set up displaying the U.S. flag and memorabilia from the Vietnam War Memorial Celebration that was held in Pierre in 2006.
Saturday morning was a very joyous and special occasion for Ron and Rosie Olesen, as they renewed their wedding vows and had their marriage blessed in the Catholic Church. After 18 years of marriage, it was finally legal - just kidding!!! Congratulation Ron & Rosie!
Unfortunately, Saturday morning was also a very sad time for Merl & Doris Hawkins and their family. Merl's 97 year old mother passed away earlier in the week and the funeral was held that morning. Our condolences to Merl and his family. In addition to everything else that was going on Saturday morning, several classmates gathered at Riggs High for a tour of the school. Riggs' Principal Mike Fugitt greeted the classmates and guided them throughout the school. Many classmates commented on how the school had changed and how "weird" it felt going into the school - - many for the first time since they left in 1963. The Capital Queen river boat excursion set for Saturday afternoon had to be canceled because of the strong winds so that freed up the time on Saturday afternoon for classmates to do their own thing. 
Veteran Classmates Attending Reunion
  Merl Jerry Tony
   Larry Milton Ron
   Sam Ed Dave
Veteran Spouses/Guests Attending Reunion
  Benny Graff Kayla Kitchen
 
Nick Korentis Lee Maxfield
Thank you veterans for the sacrifices
you made to preserve our freedom!
Jack Kitchen
We then took a stroll down memory lane as we watched a slide/music presentation that took us from kindergarten through high school and glimpses from our various reunions over the past 45 years. After the presentation, we had a short discussion on when and where to have the next reunion. It was decided that we would meet again in Pierre the last week in June in 2013 for our 50th reunion. Drawings were then held for door prizes that were donated by many of our classmates. We had some very nice door prizes, including some hand made jewelry from Paula Volk Hunsley, hand made coasters from Maxine Otto Tessier, a hand made leather pillow from Ed Sorenson, and a polished inspirational rock from Milton Morris. Thanks to all of you and every one else who donated door prizes.
Sunday morning we gathered in the courtyard at the Ramkota for a farewell brunch. This is always a great time, as it gives us a little more time to spend with each other, but it is also a sad time, as we know it will be a while before we see each other again.
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