Rockford West High Class of 59 (2024)

Kaaren (Wellman) Scanio Shares Her Latest Activties

(posted 6/29/22) QUEEN CREEK, ARIZONA and GENEVA, SWITZERLAND

Dear Ron,
Again thank you for being so great as to keeping us all informed about things. As I was reading this time, I was totally impressed. Finding Jerry Jones, THE LAST PERSON on the missing list, was a stupendous job of detecting. Sherlock and Hercule move over- Ingrassia is on the job! If you are bored I think the CIA has a job for you!!

Same old, same old here. My husband,Charlie, was one of the last ones out of Switzerland before the lock down. He had to go and oversee the installation of a new stove in our place In Gy, outside of Geneva. Then we were among the first ones back in. It doesn’t matter where one has a second home, you have to be there to take care of it occasionally. Since Charlie was a Senior bench chemist at Pfizer and Head of Research and Development at UpJohn, he did not want the vaccine but, to get in and out of the US, we had to get it.

We just got back from a trip to get all the wheels in motion for our granddaughter, Emily, to attend 2nd grade in our little village of Gy. She is in French immersion school now and this will solidify her French. Miss Scandroli (West High language teacher) would be proud. Next summer I’ll start her in German. When kids are little is the time for languages.

Our little village of 500 has taken in 12 Ukranian refugees. It is very interesting to sit for an evening and talk with some of those people (mostly through a interpreter). What one hears will curl the enamel on your teeth. Most Americans have no conception of how good we have it over here, how good our lives are and how safe we are (at least we used to be).

My husband is still busy in the chemical industry, but I am completely out of the music world now. However, we have a wide circle of friends from everywhere who seem to be constantly circling through Queen Creek, so lots of socializing-excellent theater in the Phoenix area, great restaurants so we are very happy here.

Hey, come on you who are reading this! Write in and tell the rest of us what you have been and are doing. I bet Ron gets tired of telling us who has “left” and would prefer publishing about all our activities. We are a class that was such a cross section of American. Our lives have bee so divergent. We are fascinating! Tell the rest of us!!!!!!!!

Again, Ron, thank you for all your good work.

Kaaren Wellman Scanio

Husband of DeAnne Lind Passed Away at Age 82

(posted 6/25/22) ROCKFORD, ILLINOIS — Classmate DeAnne (Lind) Kudzma lost her husband Gerry Kudzma June 24, 2022 after a difficult battle with cancer. They had been married 61 years.

"Dee" has been contributing her time to the class reunion committee for many years.

A celebration of Jerry’s life will take place at a later date.

See his obituary for photos, condolences and more information.

Jerry Jones had Died at the Age of 37

(posted 6/23/22) SHREVEPORT, LOUISIANA — It was just recently discovered that classmate Jerry Thomas Jones died July 22, 1977 at the age of 37. He was the last classmate on the missing list! He is now positively identified and linked to Rockford and West High.

His obituary was found in a Louisiana newspaper but there was no mention of West High or Rockford, IL. With a common name like Jones, more was needed to connect him with the past. Fortunately three of his siblings went to High School in Rockford while he was in the US Navy during the Vietnam War. By comparing their ages with those in the 1950 Federal Census the picture became clear. See his obituary link for more details.

Jerry attended Roosevelt Junior High and all three years at West graduating in 1959. He was a member of the prestigious Madrigals A cappella choir and performed in the "Wizard of Oz" operetta.

Wife of Don Kincaid Passed Away at Age 77

(posted 6/20/22) LOVELAND, COLORADO — Peggy Jo Kincade, wife of Classmate Donald Kincaid, passed away May 25, 2022 at the age of 77.

Memorial services were held at 11:00 am on Wednesday, June 8th at Crossroads Church in Loveland, CO.

See her obituary for more information.

David Johnson had Died in Arizona at the Age of 63

(posted 6/12/22) PEORIA, ARIZONA — It was just recently discovered that classmate David Ellsworth Johnson died May 3, 2005 at the age of 63. He had been on the missing list ever since graduation! Because of his very common name, it was difficult to positively identify him. His name was found in the Social Security Death Database in 2012 but the name could not be linked to Rockford and West High, UNTIL NOW!

By finding the name in the Social Security Applications and Claims Index plus a Rockford Morning Star birth record in 1941 he was connected via his parents name and birth date. See his obituary link for more details.

David attended Roosevelt Junior High and all three years at West graduating in 1959. He was in the band and the school golf team. A full obituary could not be found.

Classmate Lyle Wright Passed Away at Age 80

(posted 5/16/22) HOT SPRINGS VILLAGE, ARKANSAS— It was just recently discovered that Lyle Thomas Wright died November 22, 2021 at the age of 80. He attended all three years at West graduating in 1959. He served in the US Navy.

Arrangements entrusted to A Natural State Funeral Service, 2620 West Main Street, Jacksonville, Arkansas, 72076.

See his obituary link for more details.

Husband of Eunice Jones Passed Away at Age 79

(posted 5/15/22) MACHESNEY PARK, ILLINOIS — It was recently discovered that Jerome A. Kuehne, husband of Eunice (Jones) Kuehne, died May 8, 2020. They were married 57 years.

See his obituary for more information.

Classmates Meet in Jacksonville, Florida

(posted 4/29/22) JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA — Chuck Espy from Fairfield, Iowa was visiting Jacksonville and met at Dr. Bill Carriere's home to catch up on old times. Left to right is John Contarino, Bill Carriere, and Chuck Espy.

Classmate David Alsup Died at Age 80

(posted 4/6/22) ROSCOE, ILLINOIS — David Lee Alsup passed away April 4, 2022 at the age of 80. His wife Ann just passed May 3, 2021 (see her news story posted on this page April 2, 2022). David played on the school basketball team and graduated in 1959.

A Funeral Ceremony will be held at Heritage Baptist Church on Saturday, April 9, 2022 at 11:00 a.m.. There will be a visitation from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. A luncheon at the church fellowship hall will follow.

For additional details about David's Services, including any available live streams: https://my.gather.app/remember/david-alsup

See his obituary link for more details.

Classmate James Robert Bruno Died at Age 80

(posted 4/3/22) SILVER SPRINGS, MARYLAND — James Robert Bruno passed away February 14, 2022 at the age of 80. He attended Roosevelt Junior High, and then all three years at West graduating in 1959.

Visitation services were held at Francis J. Collins Funeral Home, 500 University Boulevard West, Silver Spring, MD, on Friday, February 18 from 12 to 1 pm, where the Funeral Service followed at 1 pm. Interment at Norbeck Memorial Park in Olney, MD immediately followed.

See his obituary link for more details.

Classmate John Stakowski Passed Away at Age 81

(posted 4/3/22) LAKE WALES, FLORIDA — John Michael Stakowski passed away January 26, 2022 at the age of 81. He attended Roosevelt Junior High, and then all three years at West graduating in 1959. He played basketball for both schools.

A private family service was held at Glen Abbey Memorial Gardens in Florida.

See his obituary link for condolences and more details.

Classmate Carol Williams Passed Away at Age 81

(posted 4/3/22) NEW BERN, NORTH CAROLINA — Carol Lynn Williams Wallis passed away June 25, 2021 at the age of 81. She attended Roosevelt Junior High, and then all three years at West graduating in 1959.

You can follow her obituary link for more details.

Wife of John Myers Passed Away at Age 80

(posted 4/2/22) PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA — Judy Myers, wife of John Bruce Myers died Tuesday, March 22, 2022. You can follow her obituary link for more details.

Husband of Judith Wishart Passed Away at Age 83

(posted 4/2/22) PARRISH, FLORIDA — It was recently discovered that Raymond R. Draeger, husband of Judith Eileen (Wishart) Draeger, died January 28, 2022. They were married 61 years.

See his obituary for more information.

Wife of Leonard Alfredson Passed Away at Age 80

(posted 4/2/22) ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA — It was just discovered that Patricia Alfredson, wife of classmate Leonard Eric Alfredson, died September 9, 2021. They were married 57 years.

A funeral ceremony was held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, May 6, 2021 in Heritage Baptist Church, 12848 Willowbrook Road Roscoe, IL with Pastor Dave Anderson officiating. Burial was in Willowbrook Cemetery.

See her obituary for more information.

Wife of David Alsup Passed Away at Age 78

(posted 4/2/22) ROSCOE, ILLINOIS — It was just discovered that Ann K. Alsup, wife of classmate David Lee Alsup, died May 3, 2021. They were married 59 years.

A funeral ceremony was held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, May 6, 2021 in Heritage Baptist Church, 12848 Willowbrook Road Roscoe, IL with Pastor Dave Anderson officiating. Burial was in Willowbrook Cemetery.

See her obituary for more information.

Wife of Danny Clay Passed Away at Age 77

(posted 4/2/22) DALLAS, OREGON — It was just discovered that Ruth Ann Clay, wife of classmate Caniel Jefferson Clay, died March 25, 2021. They were married 54 years.

Service arrangements will be announced at a later date.

See her obituary for more information.

Husband of Beverly Bates Passed Away at Age 82

(posted 4/2/22) PORTLAND, OREGON — It was recently discovered that David M. Crow, husband of Beverly Joyce (Bates) Crow, died February 3, 2021. They were married 59 years.

See his obituary for more information.

Husband of Donna VanSickle Passed Away at Age 81

(posted 4/2/22) ROCKTON, ILLINOIS — It was recently discovered that Jerry Max Hubble, husband of Donna Lee (VanSickle) Hubble, died December 8, 2020. They were married 61 years.

See his obituary for more information.

Husband of Rene Carlson Passed Away at Age 84

(posted 4/2/22) BELVIDERE, ILLINOIS — It was recently discovered that Ronald Worden, husband of Rene (Carlson) Worden, died May 30, 2020. They were married 57 years.

See his obituary for more information.

Wife of Bob Armstrong Passed Away at Age 90

(posted 4/2/22) DALLAS, OREGON — It was just discovered that Dr. Erma Slaugh Armstrong, wife of classmate Robert Armstrong, died January 26, 2020.

A memorial service was held at 10:00 a.m. on Sunday, February 9, 2020 at St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Dallas, Oregon.

Erma was an accomplished piano muscian and author with a Doctorate of Musical Arts in Piano Performance and music Education. You can read her obituary for more information.

Husband of Karen Greenman Passed Away at Age 80

(posted 4/2/22) ROCKFORD, ILLINOIS — It was recently discovered that Manuel Livesay, husband of Karen Sue (Greenman) Livesay, died September 21, 2019. They were married 56 years.

See his obituary for more information.

Husband of Ella Lane Passed Away at Age 79

(posted 4/2/22) ROCKFORD, ILLINOIS — After some recent WEB research it was discovered that this obituary was missed back in 2011 so it is being added here. Willie James Howard, husband of Ella Frances (Lane) Howard, died August 2, 2011.

See his obituary for more information.

Bob Guzzardo Passed Away at Age 81

(posted 2/3/22) SIMPSONVILLE, SOUTH CAROLINA — Robert Eugene Guzzardo passed away January 31, 2022 shortly after his 81st birthday. He attended Westview Elementary, Roosevelt Junior High, and then all three years at West graduating in 1959.

It was in Junior High where Bob first met Norma Hauge from our class and they were married August 17, 1963. They have been married for 58 years. They both graduated from West High in 1959.

Bob and Norma moved to Simpsonville, SC in 2001 to be closer to their children and granddaughter, Marie.

You can follow his obituary link for many more details.

Cagnoni Family Christmas 2021 in Arizona

(posted 1/28/22) LAKE HAVASU CITY, ARIZONA — Classmate Terry Cagnoni (2nd from left) and wife Barbara (4th from left) together with their family. Where is the snow?

Al Acker Writes his Last Chapter at 80

(posted 1/16/22) DEARBORN, MICHIGAN — Albert Harold Acker died September 20, 2021 at the age of 80.

Al must have been born with a pen in his hand as it seemed he was destined to become a writer from a very early age. We first read his stories at Roosevelt Junior High where he was on the staff at "Teddy's News", the school newsletter distributed about seven times per semester. Al went on to West High where he wrote for the Owl Newspaper, the Warrior Yearbook, and the Quill and Scroll. His writing skills later helped to carry him into various professional jobs including Communications and Creative Services for the Mayor of Detroit and Wayne-State University.

In addition to his writing, Al was very active in dramatics playing parts in various school plays such as "The Man Who Came to Dinner", "The Great Sebastians", "Holidaze", "Arsenic and Old Lace", and "Great Daze".

He also found time to contribute to student govenment and participate in ROTC.

Al leaves his wife Lorenza (or Lencha as she likes to be called) and two children. They were married for 54 years.

You can read more about Al Acker in his obituary which includes many photos plus his 40th reunion autobiography written in his characteristically entertaining style.

Mildred Dickinson Passed Away at Age 80

(posted 1/16/22) CAMANO ISLAND, WASHINGTON — Mildred Jane Dickinson (Boldt) died April 23, 2021 at the age of 80.

Mildred went to Roosevelt Junior High and then all three years at West graduating in 1959.

Her membership in the West High "Future Teachers" club helped spark her interest in teaching. This led to a 24 year career teaching children beginning in the Milwaukee school system and then eventually retirement in 2001.

Jane lost her husband Ralph Boldt in 2015 after 49 years of marriage. She has four daughters.

A private Burial and interment service was held in Snohomish, WA at the Grand Army of the Republic Cemetery on May 4, 2021.

See her obituary for more.

Wife of Eddie Hoelyfield Passed Away at Age 79

(posted 1/15/22) ELKHART, INDIANA — It was just discovered that LaDonne Hoelyfield, wife of classmate Eddie Joe Hoelyfield, died February 1, 2021. They were married for 59 years.

Services for LaDonne were held May 29, 2021 at Billings Funeral Home, Elkhart, IN with visitation following.

See her obituary for more information.

Wife of Larry Zaugg Passed Away at Age 77

(posted 1/15/22) HEATH SPRINGS, SOUTH CAROLINA — It was just discovered that Jeanne Kahl Zaugg, wife of classmate Larry Lee Zaugg, died January 11, 2021. They were married for 57 years.

Services for Jeanne were held January 18, 2021 at Covenant Baptist Church, Lancaster, SC with burial to follow at Forest Lawn East. Gordon Funeral Service and Crematory, 1904 Lancaster Ave., Monroe, N.C., is caring for the Zaugg family. Online condolences may be may be made atwww.gordonfuneralservice.com.

See her obituary for more information.

Husband of Ruth Lehto Passed Away at Age 80

(posted 1/14/22) ARGYLE, WISCONSIN — It was just discovered that Marvin J. Espenscheid, husband of classmate Ruth Ellen (Lehto) Espenscheid, died December 7, 2020. They were married for 59 years.

Services for Marvin were held December 12, 2020 with Rev. Dan Bohlman officiating. A public visitation was held December 11, 2020 at the Erickson Funeral Home in Argyle Wisconsin. The Erickson Funeral Home in Argyle is serving the family. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.ericksonfuneralhome.com

See his obituary for more information.