Mourning and Remembering

The past couple days I've been thinking a lot about friends who have passed away, and especially most recently a Central classmate who died quite tragically in 1976.

I had never fully mourned her loss, and it's catching up to me now for some reason. I have this deep sadness about it now like I have never felt before. Have you ever not fully mourned the loss of someone?

At the time, Kathy was a typical teenaged girl. I was a typical teenaged boy. She had just dumped me, and I don't blame her for that. I was a sophomore, she a junior. I was an annoying punk kid.

But her choice of new boyfriend troubled me, and I am haunted by the few minutes one day outside the school gym hall when I pleaded with her that she stop seeing this guy, and stay away from him and his wild friends.

Not like I'm clairvoyant. I'm not.

Sadly, it was only a short time thereafter she was killed goofing off with this new set of friends.

I mourn her loss. Now more than ever. Especially as a father now, looking over the welfare of my children. It must have been exceedingly painful for her parents and family.

I didn't attend the funeral back then, or mourn her loss. I couldn't face it. Unfortunately.

Certainly, unexpected tragedies are all around us. Such a multitude of mankind, with each person woven into the cosmic fabric, so that one person seems insignificant in the structure of so many tightly knit fibers.

Who could this one person, Kathy, have become if she had not died so tragically? I can only speculate.

I mourn her loss now more than ever. Why now?: I don't know. Who really cares?: I don't know.

However if I might at least advise, if you lost a friend and you still need to fully mourn the loss, take the time to do it.

And after the time of mourning, remember all the good of your relationship, that it may bring you peace, and prepare you for a day when you meet again in glory!

Kathy, you are a beautiful soul, but you left us too soon! I sure look forward to seeing you again in the glory of heaven!

Kermit Kwasigroch '76

I recently discovered that Kermit Kwasigroch (Class of 76) passed away. He was a beautiful person, a great musician, an excellent roller skater, and a friend I unfortunately lost track of over the years.

In memory: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TDCVtY7nJnU

Obit: http://www.steedtodd.com/services.asp?page=odetail&id=19641&locid=18

Reunion 35

Looks like no formal 35th reunion... will keep you posted on whether this changes, or whether anything else develops (ie., informal gatherings).

Reunion 35?

Wondering about 35th reunion planning? Me, too! I don't believe anything has started on the planning yet. I'll keep you posted on anything as things develop. Looking forward to it.

Chuck Pauc

Just got word from Brian Veit about Chuck's passing... though a few years back, wanted to post in any case.

I think back to Chuck in high school. Definitely a great guy, on the wrestling team I recall.  Quiet, friendly, and quite physically fit. Sad to hear of his passing.

May he rest in peace...

Charles William Pauc obit

Mr. Ed Doemland...

Just became aware today that we lost a really great teacher in Mr. Ed Doemland...

He was a cool teacher, and a really excellent musician.

May he rest in peace.

Mr Ed Doemland Obitiuary

Mr. Greg Wall

Went back to look at the list of teachers at WAC today, just for fun. I only recognized Greg Wall as one who had taught back in 1978. A generation has almost completely passed.