5 minute read
CLASS NOTES
1972
David Jauss had his ninth book Words Made Flesh: The Craft of Fiction published by Press 53.
1973
Bob Gmeinder and his wife, Betty, sold their cabinet business after 35 years of operation in Bradenton, FL. They are excited with what their next chapter in their lives looks like.
1975
Linda Hoeck is the part-time Parish Secretary at Spirit of Truth Lutheran Church in Brandon, SD.
Michael Knuth’s book, Stirring Into Flame: A Year with the Holy Spirit, was published by Three Hearts Publication in May of 2024 and is available through Barnes and Nobles and Amazon. He is currently working on two more books.
1977
Laura (Kleven) Hamilton Eichner retired from the Texas Department of Transportation as a Contract Administrator in September 2022. Recruited to work as a Contract Administrator with an engineering firm in October 2023. She is currently working part time with Garver, LLC in their Frisco, TX office.
1978
Valerie Romberg retired midway through 2022. She now enjoys returning for Homecoming and spending time with “family” that was formed while at Southwest as well as participation with the local USMS Swim Team, Indy Aquatic Masters. Valerie volunteers for swimming events taking place in Indianapolis including most recently the US Olympic Trials – Swimming and the USMS Spring Nationals as a participant and volunteer.
1979
Neil Kruse was nominated for and received the award to be inducted into the Centennial High School Hall of Fame.
1982
Kimberly (Dahl) Schmidt became a grandma in May 2021 and moved to Cologne, MN. Kim retired from teaching at Hinckley Elementary in 2023; worked another year full time at Cologne Academy and re-retired in 2024. Now, she enjoys traveling, biking, cross-country skiing, visiting wineries, and lots of time with family and friends!
1987
Allison Koster was elected national Vice President of the National Association of Scientific Materials Managers (NAOSMM) for 2023-2025.
Richard Hogan received his MBA from Cardinal Stritch University Milwaukee, WI in May 2015. He got married in Spicer, MN in October 2023 and moved to Sartell, MN in June 2024.
1991
Krista (Rolfzen) Soukup established Blue Cottage Agency in 2011 representing and supporting books, writers and the literary arts. Krista has been living in Brainerd, MN since 1994.
1994
Julie (Horner) Frank released her fourth novel under the pen name, Emersyn Park. Julie lives in Sioux Falls, SD with her husband of 28 years, Jared Frank ‘96
1995
Greg Wymer moved from South Dakota State University to Colorado State University in a similar role as CSU's Director for International Student and Scholar Services in 2022.
2000
Trent Redfield became Executive Director for the Yellowstone Historic Center in West Yellowstone, MT in March 2024.
2001
Tyler Hess was inducted into the University of Minnesota MBT Carlson School of Management Hall of Fame on Thursday, June 6, 2024.
2003
Dr LeAnne Syring earned a promotion to full Professor of Education in Spring 2024. She is also the coordinator of Special Education Programming at SMSU.
2003
Jacob Fahl & Angela (Fredrickson) Fahl '04 were featured on the TV show Diary of an Old Home (Season 4 Episode 4) on the Magnolia Network for their 1932 Tudor home makeover.
2004
Kyle Steve is now teaching Special Education at Midlothian Heritage High School in Midlothian, TX. He is also a youth hockey coach for the Dallas Stars organization. Running the “Sticks Out for Liam” foundation in honor of his son, Liam, who passed away on February 10, 2023.
2013
Paige (Geving) Groeneweg and her husband, Jordan, welcomed their daughter, Luca, in March of 2024.
Katelyn (Tamm) Nallon married Brian Nallon on April 27, 2024.
2015
Julia (Stuckey) Christensen married Eric Christensen on June 1, 2024. They also welcomed their first baby, Amelia Jane Christensen, on April 17, 2024.
2017
Nicole (Schwing) Lewis and her husband, welcomed their first child, Bennett Walter, on February 29, 2024.
Trevor Hess moved to Myrtle Beach, SC where he is the Director of Sports Medicine at McLeod Health.
Kalina (Scheffel) Harrylall married Kelvin Harrylall on March 23, 2024.
2018
Hannah (Kuno) Abel married Seth Abel ’17 on August 9, 2024.
2020
Jonathan Dicke graduated from medical school at Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine and started a Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation residency at the University of New Mexico School of Medicine this past summer.
In Memoriam
Gary Nielsen ’77: March 28, 2023
Douglas Bauman ’75: June 14, 2023
Dakota “Kody” Larson ’17: December 4, 2023
Shane Sellner ’18: June 10, 2024
Kevin Sinclair ’79: June 11, 2024
Dr. James “Ted” Rowe: June 30, 2024
Professor of Math/Computer Science 1969-02
Gary W. Grabau: July 7, 2024
Long Time GOLD College Instructor
Richard “Dick” Trende ’72: July 8, 2024
Thomas Williams ’90: February 17, 2024
Robert Lamote ’73: March 2024
Justin Klinghagen ’99: August 27, 2024
Scott Winson ’95: September 10, 2024
Sarah (Berg) Olson ’17: October 25, 2024
Jennifer (Engles) Hasty ’00: November 10, 2024
Jean Replinger: November 16, 2024
Professor of Physical Education 1969-96
