Bethel College Class of 1959 60th Reunion · About My Family: Helen and I were married after my...
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Bethel College Class of 1959 60th Reunion North Newton, Kansas June 8, 2019
Transcript of Bethel College Class of 1959 60th Reunion · About My Family: Helen and I were married after my...
Bethel College Class of 1959
60th Reunion
North Newton, Kansas
June 8, 2019
Bethel College
Arlin Claassen
Contact Information
About My Family: Helen and I were married after my junior year at Bethel college. This year we will cele-
brate 61 years of married life. We are the parents of three children: Dwight, Donald and Annetta. All of them,
and all of our 11 grandchildren and 10 greatgrandchildren, live not further than 30 miles from us, except one
who lives in southern Indiana.
Dwight is assistant manager of building materials at Menards here in Goshen, Donald is an electrician work-
ing with Middlebury Electric, Annetta has worked several jobs, is now care giver for her husband who suf-
fered a severe heart attack and two strokes at age 51.
About Me: I came to Bethel my junior year as a transfer student from Freeman Jr. College, Freeman South
Dakota. My college years were mostly attending classes, working various jobs to work my way through
school, and trying to keep ahead of the work load provided by school and jobs. I did sing in the choir and at-
tended various bull sessions in the dorm to balance heady class work with what is more mundane in life.
After college I taught social studies at Hillsboro, KS for three years while Helen received her degree from
Tabor College.
Then on to AMBS in Elkhart, IN. I graduated in 1965 and was ordained at First Mennonite Church, Beatrice,
Nebraska, my home congregation.
My pastoral ministry career began at First Mennonite Church McPherson, KS. A turn in denominations and
career came after four years in Kansas and I became Pastor of Youth and Education at Lititz Church of the
Brethren, Lititz, PA. From there we went to Iowa, Indiana, and Illinois as pastor in Church of the Brethren
and Mennonite congregations.
I acquired the skill of clock repair and have been following that line of work in retirement.
Bethel Memories: It was at Bethel, under the strong leadership of Dr. E.G. Kaufman that spiritual faith and
personal theology began to take shape. The challenging classes at AMBS brought a love for the Bible into the
mix. And it was over the anvil of the pulpit for 36 years that my theology was hammered out.
Address: 1229 Camden Ct Home Phone: 574-534-0407
City/State: Goshen, IN Cell Phone: 574-202-0208
Zip Code: 46526 Email: [email protected]
Bethel College
David W. Claassen, MD
Contact Information
About My Family:
Spouse: Delores
Children: 3
Grandchildren: 8
Great-grandchildren: 3
About Me:
Occupational- Internal medicine practice for 36 years (retired 2003); Medical mission trips to Africa, Peru,
Panama; Church construction in Tahitil Physician volunteer: Drs. Ski patrol, wilderness society, Outward
Bound
Hobbies– woodworking, photography, gideons, River Rafting (Grand Canyon, Salmon, Snake, Yukon), ten-
nis, golf, fishing
Grateful for– daily blessings, cancer survivor
Bethel Memories: Thankful for teachers, opportunities, and pre-med courses available at Bethel.
Address: 640 Jasmine St Home Phone:
City/State: Denver, CO Cell Phone: 720-878-1724
Zip Code: 80220 Email: [email protected]
Bethel College
Hielke & Siegelinde (Hinz) De Jong
Contact Information
About My Family:
We have 3 children and 5 grandchildren.
-Walter is Associate Professor in potato breeding at Cornell University.
-Werner is pastor at Holyrood Mennonite Church in Edmonton, Alberta.
-Margaret has spent 11 years with MCC in Haiti and another 11 years as missionary in Senegal. She just got
married in 2018 and now lives in Maine. Hopes to graduate from AMBS in Elkhart, IN later this year.
About Me: Two years with MCC in Bolivia. Hielke got M.S. degree in horticulture at Kansas State Universi-
ty in 1964; Ph.D. in plant breeding at University of Wisconsin in 1971. Career in potato research with agri-
culture Canada. Hielke’s work enabled both of us to make several trips to China and other places.
Now live in a Mennonite Retirement home in Virgil (close to Niagara Falls), Ontario.
Bethel Memories: Very many happy memories.
Address: 19 Elden St, Unit 11, Box 40 Home Phone: 905-468-1856
City/State: Virgil, ON Cell Phone:
Zip Code: L0S 1T0, Canada Email: [email protected]
Bethel College
Robert Ediger
Contact Information
About My Family: Patricia and I have four children and seven grandchildren. Our children live in Califor-
nia, Texas, and Idaho. Our oldest grandson is employed full-time, four granddaughters are in college and two
grandsons still in high school.
About Me: After graduation I taught high school in western Kansas for four years and then returned to grad
school. A masters from Emporia State and a PhD from Kansas State. Served thirty-two years in the biology
department at California State University, Chico. Have been retired for twenty years and enjoy traveling.
Bethel Memories: I enjoyed my time at Bethel College very much. Majored in biology under Dwight Platt
and sang with the Mennonite Singers Chorus. All in all a very rewarding education!
Address: 5359 Royal Oaks Dr. Home Phone: 530-589-0504
City/State: Oroville, CA Cell Phone: 530-521-2487
Zip Code: 95966 Email: [email protected]
Bethel College
Bonnie R. (Unruh) Fey
Contact Information
About My Family:
About Me:
Bethel Memories:
Address: 305 Rolling Hills Dr. Home Phone:
City/State: Newton, KS Cell Phone: 316-288-9111
Zip Code: 67114 Email:
Bethel College
Elvira (Voth) Glenn
Contact Information
About My Family: My husband, Ed, and I have been married for 54 years and have 3 grown children and 5
grandchildren. Son Tan, engineer at Ball Aerospace and wife, Kathy, have 2 children– Sean, just graduated
from Colorado School of Mines; and Emma, at Duke University. Daughter Diana, data analyst and husband
Donné, insurance underwriter– children Caleb, into sports; Nolan, into robotics and band; and Ronan, into
everything. Daughter Janet, veterinarian and 2nd mom to her sister’s boys.
About Me: I went to Duke university School of Social Work and worked in that field for 4 years. Married
and stayed home with our 3 children until they were in school. Then got a teaching degree and after several
years teaching found my way into kindergarten—my real love. Ed, retired engineer from Ball Aerospace) and
I met square dancing which we continued doing but also got into teaching round dancing and cueing (Ed) for
35 years– just recently retired from that but still dance. I am grateful for continuing to be active in a Mennon-
ite church (Boulder Mennonite).
Bethel Memories: The two memories that
come to mind are (1) E.G. Kaufman’s Basic
Christian Convictions, which was a wonderful
mind expander; and (2) dorm life (sophomore
year) in Goerz Hall with a special group of
young women.
Address: 10178 Empire Dr. Home Phone: 303-666-6331
City/State: Lafayette, CO Cell Phone:
Zip Code: 80026 Email: [email protected]
Bethel College
Eldine (Franz) Harder
Contact Information
About My Family:
Spouse: Paul H. Harder
3 children: Susan Heller, office nurse R.N.; Dr. Scott N. Harder, family practice medicine at his privately
owned clinic in Augusta, KS (Scott has 2 P.A.s working with him); Kay Dee Ann Dalke (Brian), works at her
church Trinity Methodist Church, Newton, KS in the office.
About Me:
L.P.N. at K.U. Medical Center
I sing in the Bethel College Church Chancel Choir- Dr. William Eash, director
I am a member of the Treble Clef Club (National Federation of Music Clubs)
At K.U. Medical Center, Kansas City, KS attended for 2 years and became a licensed practical nurse.
Graduated from Bethel College receiving an A.A. degree (1959). My major was in art.
A member of Carriage Factory Art Gallery in Newton. This is where I display my artwork. I also take art
classes that are offered at the gallery.
Bethel Memories:
In the Bethel College Choir I was the soprano soloist. Spent 3 months in Europe traveling with the choir.
Many fond memories of choir trips. Bus rides proved to be very interesting and fun! Dorm life was a place to
become close to roommates and many other friends.
(picture on page of husband Paul Harder)
Address: #15 Lakewood Circle Home Phone: 316-283-8262
City/State: North Newton, KS Cell Phone:
Zip Code: 67117 Email: [email protected]
Bethel College
Paul Harder
Contact Information
About My Family: Married to Eldine Franz, 3 children (Susan Heller, Dr. Scott Harder, and Kay Dalke), 8
grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild
About Me: Spent 12 plus years at Hesston Corp (now AGCO) as Engineering Manager. Studied for and ob-
tained registered patent agent license to practice patent law. Did this for 5 years. Returned to Bethel College
business office as controller for 8 years. Retired from 4th Financial Bank in Newton after 8 years as Vice
President-Loans. Returned to work force and filled in as CEO at Kidron Bethel Retirement for 2 years until
Eldine retired from her nursing career. Traveled extensively in retirement, much of it with an RV. Trips in-
cluded all fifty states, five countries in Europe and a trip to the Ukraine. Served on several boards including
11 years on Kidron-Bethel board and 6 years on Bluestem board (Kidron successor). Also 6 years on Prairie
View board. Served 8 years on Newton City Commission (including 1 year as mayor). Currently serving on
North Newton City Council. Sang for many years with Kansas Mennonite Men’s Choir including numerous
trips to both coasts and Europe.
Bethel Memories: Moving into ne dorm (Goering Hall). Many choir trips, particularly Sunday evening con-
certs in area churches. Cheering on Bethel athletic teams even when they were not winning many games.
Address: #15 Lakewood Circle Home Phone: 316-283-8262
City/State: North Newton, KS Cell Phone: 316-772-7124
Zip Code: 67117 Email: [email protected]
Bethel College
Walter P. Harder
Contact Information
About My Family: Wife Joyce died in 1991.
Daughter Madeleine graduated from university of Minnesota and Kent College of Law in Chicago, IL; has
three sons.
Daughter Gretchen graduated from University of Minnesota, is executive trainer; has one son, one daughter–
one granddaughter.
About Me: 4 years at Bethel College, Grad. BFA at University of Minnesota, painting, sculpture, history of
art. Worked 8 years farming, built and designed convention booths, finished work as a special home designer
and builder. All through the years did painting and sculpting. Won grand prize sculpture at big state fair art
show out of 378 entries.
Bethel Memories: No special memories other than good memories.
Address: 6060 Oxboro Ave N Apt 204 Home Phone:
City/State: Oak Park Heights, MN Cell Phone: 651-260-4594
Zip Code: 55082 Email:
Bethel College
Donald K. Hostetler
Contact Information
About My Family: Married Lola Decker of Newton in 1957.
Three kids: Candice, Marcia, and Patrick. Eight grandkids; two great-grandkids.
All three kids are ASU graduates. Pat: business, Candice: education, Marcia: education
About Me: Masters in math from Emporia St. (1963), other graduate studies at Oklahoma St., Arizona St.,
Univ. of Nevada.
Taught math in Wellington, KS Jr-Sr H.S.; Shawnee Mission East H.S.; Westwood H.S., Mesa, AZ; Arcadia
H.S., Phoenix, AZ; Mesa Community College, Mesa, AZ.
Retired in 1991. Ham radio operator (WATLJJ); play keyboard; attend Sun Valley Community Church.
Bethel Memories: Good math classes under Dr. Wedel. Good friends: Wally Seibel, Merle Voth.
Address: 1473 E Constitution Dr Home Phone: 480-917-3396
City/State: Chandler, AZ Cell Phone:
Zip Code: 85225 Email: [email protected]
Bethel College
Delmer Kaufman
Contact Information
About My Family:
Spouse– Ann
3 children– DeLonna, Debra, Dale
4 grandchildren– Melissa, Justin, Jayson, Jared
About Me: M.S. degree from Colorado U. I taught 3 years at Goessel, then 30 years at Bennett, CO. Retired
from teaching and settled at Pine Village in Moundridge. I cherish the many friends I’ve come in contact over
the many retirement years (in Colorado and Kansas).
Bethel Memories: I thank Bethel College for preparing me in the teaching field and also in coaching sports,
and giving me the opportunity to play sports in college.
Address: 312 19th Village Home Phone: 620-345-3833
City/State: Moundridge, KS Cell Phone:
Zip Code: 67107 Email: [email protected]
Bethel College
Alvin “Al” Peters
Contact Information
About My Family: My wife, Nadine (1961 BC alumnae), and I have been married 60 years this August! We
have three daughters (two are BC alumni & married to BC alumni), seven grandchildren – three of them are
BC alumni – one is married to a BC alumnus. Grandchildren are scattered from Spain to New York to Min-
neapolis to Texas to Kansas. The oldest is 31, the youngest is 21.
About Me: After marriage we spent two years in voluntary service in Chicago at the Woodlawn Mennonite
Church where Delton Franz & Vincent Harding were pastors. It was a positive cultural experience! We went
there with a seven-week-old, came back with two children! We then farmed in Nebraska for over 40 years as
well as being involved in the Bethesda church. Since 1974 we have been involved as volunteers at the Ne-
braska State prison for women. Most of that time we were leading weekly Bible studies and actively in-
volved with exoffenders which became a way of life! We moved to North Newton in September of 2013 and
are enjoying life here.
Address: 8 Jasper Ct Home Phone: 316-8047141
City/State: North Newton, KS Cell Phone: 402-631-7852
Zip Code: 67117 Email: [email protected]
Bethel College
Gwendolyn (Entz) Peterson
Contact Information
About My Family: My husband, Donald Peterson, and I have celebrated 53 years of marriage. We have 2
daughters, 2 sons-in-law, and 4 grandchildren. We have been privileged to do a great deal of traveling in our
marriage. Unfortunately, my husband now suffers from Alzheimer’s and related maladies, and is now in a
care facility.
About Me: I transferred to Goshen College for my sophomore year and then finished college at Northern
Colorado State University at Greeley, Colorado. I did some additional work at the University of New Mexico,
but no further degree after my BFA. I have pursued my art interest as a studio artist, having taught art for a
few years before our daughters were born. After that I became a studio artist.
Bethel Memories: I particularly remember singing in the small madrigal group while at Bethel and touring
with them. Dorm life with my roommate, Elvira Voth Glenn was fun and memorable!
Address: 3717 General Patch NE Home Phone: 505-296-3420
City/State: Albuquerque, NM Cell Phone:
Zip Code: 87111 Email: [email protected]
Bethel College
Barbara (Funk) Reimer
Contact Information
About My Family:
My husband, Dean Reimer, is deceased
2 children : Deirdre Reimer is an elementary teacher
Nathan Reimer is the estimator for a construction company
2 grandchildren: Blake Reimer, University of Colorado grad, is in computer work
Audrey Reimer is a sophomore at Utah University in Salt Lake City on a full-ride scholarship
About Me:
I’m retired from the Fort Collins school district.
I’m busy with book clubs, bridge, and volunteering at church.
I’m grateful for my Mennonite heritage and upbringing.
Bethel Memories: In a small college one gets to know most of the students. It has a feel of family and one
feels connected both in school and as a graduate.
Address: 3007 Stockbury Dr. Home Phone: 970-206-1438
City/State: Fort Collins, CO Cell Phone: 970-817-3177
Zip Code: 80525 Email: [email protected]
Bethel College
Loren D. Reusser
Contact Information
About My Family: Two children, 7 grandchildren (5 are married), 4 great-grandchildren; all in good health
and happy and smart.
Peggy is not as tough and strong as she was 65 years ago when we were married—what happened!?
About Me: I went to Emporia State Teachers College 4 semesters when I was teaching business for 7 years
at Hesston College. Three years in VS with Peggy and girls—good experience. Seven more years back at
Hesston for another good time. Also coached track and field for both 7 years. I ran with my boys and in many
meets ran 880s and beat many of the guys.
Five years at Tabor College as business manager– different experience when the cash in the cash account was
real money and accounts payable were real bills. I resigned 4 times out of the 5 years!?!
There is more to tell you in my voice!
Bethel Memories: Skipping chapel many times. Going in one door, giving my number, going out the other
door, and going to Macks for coffee. After meeting Jesus and saying “yes” Jesus is Lord and Savior, I wanted
every Bible class I could work in my schedule.
That made all the difference in my life and Peggy too.
I hope and pray that all Bethel students meet Jesus and have Him as Lord, Savior, teacher, friend, coach, on
and on.
Address: 3001 Ivy Dr. Apt. 412 Home Phone: 316-283-3445
City/State: North Newton, KS Cell Phone: 316-619-8424
Zip Code: 67117 Email:
Bethel College
Donald R. Schmidt
Contact Information
About My Family:
Spouse: Rita Baergen, from Tofield, alberta– RN, worked in local hospitals here. We met while in VS in
Cuauhtemoc, Mexico in 1960-62.
Daughter: Karen, elementary ed. teacher (kindergarten) here in Montgomery County. Husband, Ernest Miller,
CPA
Son: Gordon, graphic designer (alumni magazine) at University of Richmond, VA. Wife, Kim, self-employed
photographer.
Grandchildren: Ian Miller, 1st year grad student, University of Colorado, Boulder, 5 year PhD math program;
Caitlin Miller, 3rd year at Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, double major in animal science and biology.
About Me:
After Bethel: 2 years at K-State, Graduate 1960, BSEE
1962 to Washington DC (Maryland), employed at NOAA, electronics lab. Retired 1995.
Hobby: Amateur radio– we have a club station here at Riderwood, the senior retirement center where we now
live.
Grateful for: my wife, children, grandchildren, reasonably good health
Bethel Memories:
Dr. Arnold Wedel—Best Math Prof ever!
Senior Oral Comps—Shear Terror!
Freshman, 1st semester, dorm in the barracks, rooming with Albert Braun.
(continued on next page)
Address: 3144 Gracefield Rd, Apt 404 Home Phone: 301-273-9261
City/State: Silver Spring, MD Cell Phone:
Zip Code: 20904 Email: [email protected]
Bethel College
Donald R. Schmidt (cont.)
Freshman, 2nd semester in brand new Goering Hall rooming with Harold Friesen and later with Dean
McWilliams. Still in touch with both of them.
Hair cuts from John Bertsche.
June 1957– with a cappella choir trip to the west coast, Walter Hohmann, director, and rooming with De-
wayne Pauls as we stayed in homes for nights.
Bethel College
Melvin D. & Charlotte (Graber) Schmidt
Contact Information
About My Family: We have 3 daughters: Kimberly, Heidi, Johnna
Kim, 2 children: Alexander Navari, Bianca Navari
Heidi and Tim, 5 children: Dietrich, Tristan, Lydia, Delilah, Kenisba
Johnna and Chris, 2 children: Williamsburg Brophy, Gilbert Brophy
About Me:
Mel: graduate degree from Yale Divinity school, retired fro pastoral ministry in 2004 after serving 4 Mennon-
ite churches. Long time advocate for environmental responsibility.
Charlotte: M.Ed. Wichita State University. Worked as a nurse educator and mental health counselor.
Bethel Memories: Mel: Honora Becker as great English professor, Sunday morning “bull sessions” after
church services to discuss Russell Mast’s sermon.
Address: 5726 39th Ave Home Phone: 301-277-1362
City/State: Hyattsville, MD Cell Phone:
Zip Code: 20781 Email: [email protected]
Bethel College
Myron D. Schrag
Contact Information
About My Family: Spouse: Ericka Koop Schrag
Son: David IT Specialist, Kansas City, MO schools Children: Hannah, freshman at Maryville U. St. Louis,
swimmer and nursing student. Larissa, high school sophomore
Son: Mark, Augusta GA Computer programmer, Spouse: Niccola Brown: children Jacque, computer special-
ist CSIS, Washington. D.C. Derek, Computer Programmer, Minneapolis, MN, Matthew, college sophomore,
Ball St. U. Three stepdaughters. Elena, Xiandra, Katrina
Son: Steve, Harelysville, PA teacher of special needs students, spouse: Meghan, Daughters: Greta, 11th
grade, Eden, gr. 6
About Me: B,d AMBS Pastor Faith Mennonite Church, Newton KS; Chaplain, Woodstock School, India;
Pastor Faith Mennonite Church, Minneapolis, Pastor: Eighth St. Mennonite Church, Goshen, IN. Various
denominational positions.
Grateful to be a Cancer survivor and having traveled to many coun-
tries.
Bethel Memories: Four year football manager, Four year track let-
terman, Two year sports editor Collegian. Made many life long
friends at Bethel. Bethel opened me to the world. E.G. Kaufman,
Harley Stucky, Honora Becker, M.S. Harder influential teachers.
Address: 1447 Canterbury Court Home Phone: 574-533-8366
City/State: Goshen, IN Cell Phone: 574-903-5918
Zip Code: 46526 Email: [email protected]
Bethel College
Lee & Elaine (Teichroew) Unruh
Contact Information
About My Family: Married for 60 years. 3 children
-Vicki, retired genetic counselor married to Fergus Couch, a cancer researcher at Mayo Clinic, Rochester,
MN. They have 2 boys, 18, going off to college: Donal to University of Minnesota in engineering, and Ronan
to University of Wisconsin, Madison in biology. Both good in music, sports, and are Eagle Scouts.
-Brian, a stay at home dad to Gary, age 12 (loves baseball), and Audrey, age 9 (loves art). Married to Patti
who works for Medicare in Washington DC.
-Ken, operations manager at the Connection in Burnsville, MN, married to Kari, church secretarial staff
member. 2 children: Don, 25, in graduate school for social work and Kelli, 20, in college, nursing.
About Me: Both have masters + degrees. Career of teaching industrial arts and home economics, now re-
tired. We live in a senior co-op and are active in the many activities it offers. We are grateful we no longer
need to care for a house and yard.
Bethel Memories: Where we found each other.
Address: 1568 Quarry Rd #316 Home Phone: 651-994-9081
City/State: Eagan, MN Cell Phone: 651-315-4076
Zip Code: 55121 Email: [email protected]
