Letter from the President Peoria High School Alumni Association

LIONS’
PRIDE
PEORIA HIGH SCHOOL ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
SEPTEMBER 2012 NEWSLETTER
Peoria High School
Alumni Association
Letter from the President
OFFICERS
President
Greetings to all of my fellow Lions! The Board of Directors of the
Peoria High School Alumni Association looks forward to another
year of serving the alumni and students of the nation’s oldest
continual high school west of the Allegheny Mountains.
Kate Neumiller-Schureman ‘86
Vice President
Mike Lawless ‘64
Secretary
Susan Schonewise Leighty ‘68
Treasurer
Jerry Sweet ‘69
Office Administrator
LaVerne Wilson ‘63
Legal Counsel
Tim Swain ‘57
Administrative Representative
Brett Elliott PHS Principal
Faculty Representative
Tracy Riebel ‘87
Directors
Alicia Zipprich Butler ‘81
Carl Cannon ‘77
Sande Flemming Carruthers ‘58
John Day ‘58
Chuck Gabbert ‘75
Johanne Grewell, Archivist
Chetaye Knox ‘01
George Kottemann ‘49
Norma Rodems Kottemann ‘49
Marian Wallis Lien ‘56
Sissy Portman McCormack ‘60
Gene Olson ‘79
Todd Pilon ‘93
Colonel Bill Robertson ‘78
Bill Seeyle ‘50
Carol Hudson Sleeth ‘64
Fred Stuber ‘57
John Phillip Vespa ‘75
Kirk Wessler ‘73
Randy West ‘47
Peoria High School Alumni
Association
1615 N. North Street
Peoria, Illinois 61604
Phone (309) 682-4854
Fax
(309) 685-5803
Email phsalumni@yahoo.com
Alumni www.peoriahighalumni.org
This past school year has proven to be very busy and exciting
for both Peoria High School, as well as the Peoria High School Alumni
Association. Last fall, we welcomed a number of new staff members, including
our new Principal, Brett Elliott. In preparation for the school year, the building
underwent a number of upgrades last summer, and this summer saw the
continuation of those facility upgrades. The students had a great year that saw
our boys basketball team win the Class 3A state championship, our cheerleaders
had the opportunity to perform during half time of the Gator Bowl, and the PHS
Pride Team helped raise funds for Haitian Hearts.
Principal Elliott and his staff have done an outstanding job for the high school,
and on behalf of the Peoria High School Alumni Association, I would like to
thank them for all of their hard work!
This past school saw another important anniversary as the PHS Alumni
Association distributed a number of college scholarships for the tenth year in a
row. Since its inception, the Alumni Association has provided $399,129 in
scholarship funds to 376 recipients. This outstanding legacy is due to the
incredible generosity of my fellow alumni, and for that, I thank you!
The next goal I look forward to meeting is to pass the $500,000 benchmark in
Alumni Association scholarships. Wouldn’t you like to be part of meeting that
goal? Our mission is to, “Maintain the tradition of Peoria High School by
providing support, recognition, and leadership to the school, its students and its
alumni.” We work hard to meet our mission on behalf of both the current, as well
as the future alumni of Peoria High School. If you have ever considered making a
donation to the Alumni Association, this is the time! Your gifts to the Scholarship
Fund will continue to help build the great legacy of Peoria High School.
I would also encourage all of you who are members of a class that has an
upcoming reunion to get involved in the reunion planning process. I just
celebrated my 25th Reunion, and it was a blast! Don’t let the opportunity to
catch-up with your fellow graduates pass you by. The Alumni Association can
help with the reunion planning by making alumni mailing lists available, to serve
as a speaker at a reunion, and offer tours of the school building. Contact LaVerne
Wilson for more information at 309-682-4854 or email at
phsalumni@yahoo.com.
It is an honor to serve all of you, as well as this wonderful association!
CLASS NOTES
Lion’s Pride 3rd Annual Golf Outing
James Rudolph “Rudy” Cramer ’29
served in the U.S. Army from 1943-1945,
and this WWII veteran received the
American Campaign medal, 2 Overseas
Service Bars, European African-Middle
Eastern Theater Ribbon with 2 Bronze
Battle Stars, Good Conduct medal, and the
WWII Victory medal. He was with the
Battles and Campaigns of “North
Apennies” and “Po River Valley”.After his
retirement from the U.S. Post Office as a
mail carrier, he and his wife moved to
Gallatin Gateway, Montana, to enjoy the
beauty of the Gallatin River flowing in
front of their home. Very recently, Rudy
was notified that he is to be a passenger
on an HONOR FLIGHT, going from AZ,
(his home is in Sun City, AZ) to Washington
D.C. This program is provided to WWII
veterans with Southwest Airlines
providing free tickets to the vets at no
taxpayer’s expense since donations cover
the program. It is an opportunity for the
vets to see “their” memorial. The trip is
scheduled for September, 2012 and at the
age of 100+ Rudy looks forward to the
adventure.
The 2012 Lions' Pride Golf Outing held on July 28th honored the State
basketball championship coaches at a banquet held after the event. The coaches
attending hold four of the five PHS championships. Players Ruffin and Guyton
joined the coaches in celebrating the 2012 State championship along with this
year's event sponsor Bill Morton, General Manager of Lexus of Peoria and
Dominic Pisano, Regional Executive for Lexus.
Kline Richardson ‘34; Deane Richardson
’36; Maryanna Richardson Zehr ’39 are
sending sage advice to the classes
celebrating their 50 years out.
Congratulations upon achieving 50 years
of life and service since graduating in 1961
and 1962. You have found some failure but
more success these past 50 years. To help
you on your way, we would like to give
you our mother’s recommendation for
successful living. !. Eat correctly 2. Rest
sufficiently 3. Exercise regularly 4. Think
constructively 5. Help others lovingly 6.
Seek God constantly. May the Lord bless
you and keep you the rest of your days.
Kline age 95, Deane age 93, and Maryanna
age 90.
Names in Photo L to R: Bill Morton, Coach Chuck Buescher, Coach Bruce Boyle,
Coach Dan Ruffin, Dominic Pisano, Daniel Ruffin, and A.J. Guyton
Distinguished Alumni for 2012
The following were selected by the process of nominations sent in and the
alumni board committee makes the selections. They are chosen based on
individuals who have made a significant and/or outstanding contribution to
their community and country. They are also persons who have achieved
significant personal or professional achievements. To nominate someone,
please submit a bio of information much like a resume, to the alumni office.
Robert W. Deiker, Sr., Class of 1935 pioneered many electronics. He received more
than 200 patents including those for fetal monitoring, the first automatic
headlight dimming system, the first 9-1-1 emergency system, security
monitoring and alarm systems, and communication relay systems. As a NASA
staff specialist he helped develop worldwide tracking stations and
communications for manned and unmanned spacecraft.
Judge Richard Eagleton, Class of 1948 served 34 years in the Naval Reserve, two
years as Chief Judge of the Naval Reserve Trial Judiciary and retired as Captain
of the JAG Corps. He is the only Peorian to be a U.S. Attorney, serving 1965 –
69. He served as Circuit Judge for 22 years, including three as Chief Judge. He
has been a member of several community boards and professional groups. For
the past 20 years he has been Counsel in the Peoria office of Chicago based
Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP. (2012)
George J. Kottemann, DDS, graduated as 1949 valedictorian and Vice President of
Student Council. He has served the citizen of Illinois as an orthodontist and civic
leader and served the US government as a USAF dentist and forensic specialist.
Dr. Kottemann has provided leadership to his professional groups and to Peoria
High School as president of the PHSAAF board and Kiwanis Key Club mentor.
He has been recognized by BU, UIC, UIUC, and the UCF for leadership and
philanthropy.
(continued on next page)
Thembi Conner-Garcia, MD, Class of 1991 is assistant professor of medicine and
residency research director in Internal Medicine at the University of Illinois
College of Medicine at Peoria, has excelled as a physician scientist and educator.
As a co-investigator for research studies focusing on health literacy, she has
been awarded two NIH research grants. She distinguished herself in community
volunteering and speaking.
Sung Jin Hong, Class of 1993 is artistic director and composer-conductor of One
World Symphony in New York City, has served as guest conductor throughout
the world. His compositions receive acclaim. In addition to raising funds for
charities and to supporting humanitarian efforts throughout the world, his
Symphony brings under-served school children and their families to the
performances.
Central Lions Roar to
Boys Basketball State Championship
Having come from a ranking of 4th in a preseason poll to the championship win
was call for accolades for Central’s team and Coach Dan C. Ruffin Jr. ‘76. The score
was 72-64, and with all the celebration going on, Coach Ruffin could think of
nothing more but to find his former Coach Bruce Boyle in the stands as if to say
“We did it Coach!” The two embraced and Ruffin commented on how supportive
his former coach had always been to him. This was the Lions 10th title game
appearance over the years dating back to 1908 with coach Les Straesser and the
tradition has continued over the years with former coaches like Salen Herke
1919-1935, John Noppenberger 1945, Dawdy Hawkins 1953-1959, Harry &
Dick Whitaker 1963 & 1968, Bruce Boyle 1974 & 1977, and Chuck Buescher
1983, 1989, and championship wins in 2003 & 2004. Many alumi showed up to
support our PHS team and it was like ole home week or New Year’s Eve all in
one. You could definitely hear the LIONS ROAR throughout the city of Peoria.
There’s no question that PHS was definitely the Pride of Peoria upon completing
the March Madness season. (Excerpts Journal Star Dave Reynolds 3/18/12)
Construction Projects for This Summer and Beyond!
Peoria High has had a very busy summer with a complete new heating and air
cooling system being installed. Heating is installed now; however our air cooling
system will not be functioning until the following year for fall 2013. We also are
excited about an additional gym being built right where the ROTC and Auto Shop
building use to be. For those avid science students, you may be glad to know
that a second floor addition is being added onto the Garma Kinhofer Science
Wing. Last, but not least, we are getting completely new bathrooms which will
be up and running when school starts by August 20th. The teachers and staff,
however, will have to wait another year for their bathroom renovation. We get to
look at that ugly wallpaper in the staff lounge bathroom one more year. All in all
progress is ongoing and change is exciting. When in town, stop by the alumni
office for a tour to see for yourself.
CLASS NOTES
Lois Shanemeyer Hamilton ‘35 estate
left a collection of cranberry glass
antique dishes valued at $15,000 to
Bradley University. Lydia Moss Bradley
had given these dishes to her mother,
Edna Shanemeyer. Hamilton was from a
well- to- do family who lost everything
but their dry cleaning business during
the Great Depression. She graduated
from Bradley in 1940 and was active in
Lambda Phi, French Club, History Club,
and Women’s Athletic Association. She
also taught swimming on campus.
Hamilton took flying lessons, earned her
wings, and served briefly as a Women’s
Airforce Service Pilot (WASP) in
Sweetwater, Texas, during WWII. She was
the head librarian at Peoria Public Library
and at 38 married Llewellyn Hamilton,
relocated to Lake Forest and worked
with him in the plastics company they
founded. After selling the company they
traveled the world. Hamilton died in
2010, leaving Bradley $400,000 for
scholarships and $150,000 to the Library
through her estate. (Excerpts Bradley Hill
Topics Spring 2012)
Harold L Harsch Jr.‘39 estate donated
over $1 million to Illinois Central College
of E. Peoria to the music department for
students studying piano. After
graduating from PHS, he graduated from
Bradley in 1943. This endowed
scholarship was in honor of his mother,
Lois Baptiste Harsch, who loved and
taught piano for more than 70 years.
Between 60 and 80 students are involved
in the music program each semester,
thus this endowed scholarship will help
students, who may not have been able to
study piano otherwise. (Excerpts Journal
Star 2012)
CLASS NOTES
Bill Seelye ‘50 opened his 2011 Bradley
Homecoming invitation last summer, and
recognized a familiar design on the cover
of the mailing. He recalled winning a
competition for design of the alumni crest
while attending Bradley University in 1954.
His design was chosen to grace
correspondence sent from the Alumni
office. He stated the $15 prize paid for a
tank of gas and a date with his girlfriend
and wife of 60 years, LaVonne Hepfer
Seelye ‘50 . Bill attended Bradley for two
years before leaving for the service. He later
returned to Peoria to work in the family
business, A.H. Seelye & Son, and was a
painting contractor on Bradley’s campus,
retiring 11 years ago. His medal and the
original 1952 Scout article about his award
of the design was donated to the HaydenClark Alumni Center’s memorabilia
collection. (Excerpts Bradley Hill Topics
Spring 2012)
Joe Suffield ‘56 has written two books
entitled “Escape to the West” and “Will
Frederick’s Western Quest”,( sequel to his
first book). The first book is still available
through him for $20 by writing to him at
104 W Morningside Drive, Peoria IL 61614.
Tim Swain ‘57’s book review states,“I have
purchased and read both of Joe’s books
cover to cover. They are hard to put down.
He definitely has the makings of a
movie/TV series in his story. Each gets a 5
star.”
Mary Hohulin Haynes ‘60 retired after 27
years as Clerk at Peoria City Hall. She was
lauded as mentor and records expert. At 42
years of age in 1985 she ran in a public
election, won and was never opposed for
the next 27 years. Haynes actually worked
since 1980 for 32 years assisting in the
clerk’s office before becoming an elected
official. She was the first female clerk
elected with 69% of the vote to
Livengood’s 31%. She became recognized
as a mentor and friend to dozens of council
members, due to her friendly and calm
demeanor. Haynes resume includes
representation on regional, state and
international clerk associations; active
participation with the Illinois Municipal
League; and presenter during local, state
and national conferences on the Open
Meeting’s Act and FOIA. She also has been
recognized for chairing the renovation and
restoration of our Peoria Historic City Hall,
which was dedicated in 1899. (Excerpts
from Journal Star 6/24/12 by John Sharp)
2012 CONSTRUCTION
Future new Science Wing.
I wonder if the phone is in
one of these boxes?
Alumni Office temporarily
moved to library.
Bathrooms gutted.
What happened to our front hall?
Oh my, the foyer!
New plumbing! Yea!
History of PHS DVD by WTVP Going on Sale!
Peoria High School: A History, a WTVP original production, follows the rich
history of this school, which was established six years before the outbreak of
the Civil War.
From its founding to modern day, this film captures many of Peoria High's
influential personalities – from Jacob Gale and Julia Proctor White to Betty
Friedan and Bob Michel – often in their own words.
This is more than a look back at one school, it's a story of Peoria and its
evolution through World Wars, social change and more than 100 years of fads
and fashions. In the end, it is the story of us.
As of Sept. 1, the DVD of Peoria High School: A History will be available for purchase
through WTVP for $29.95 plus $5 shipping and handling.
To buy a copy, visit www.wtvp.org or call 677-4747 or 1-800-837-4747.
Kevin Turner ‘80 Director of Birmingham
Gospel Choir at University of Alabama
Kevin Turner has written a song entitled “You Don’t Know What I Could Have
Been,” about the four girls who were victims and killed in the September 16,
1963 bombings at Sixteenth Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, AL. In the
song, he imagines the girls as grown women, singing about what they might
have become. The song was performed on stage at the choir’s November 2011
theatrical concert, entitled, “Gospel Anthology II: The Church and the Civil Rights
Movement.”
Turner came to Birmingham in 1990, worked for a law firm, then at the
American Red Cross for eight years, all the while playing and directing music in
churches, including the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church. He then found his niche
starting the gospel music program at UAB in 1995. More than 4500 students
have come through the program. Students learn the history of gospel music’s
legendary performers and experience touring, recording and live performance in
front of large crowds. About 120 to 150 students take part each semester, and
usually about 10 of those are music majors. The rise of UAB’s gospel choir has
coincided with an explosion in the academic study of gospel music nationally.
After UAB started its gospel choir, 17 other universities started gospel choirs
modeled on the UAB program. (Excerpts from Journal Star 2/13/12)
2012 Class Reunions
Class 2002
July 21
10th
Class of 1992
August 31, Sept. 1
20th
Class of 1982
July 20 & 21
30th
Class 1972
Sept. 1
40th
Class of 1962
October 5, 6
50th
Class 1957
Sept 7, 8, 9
55th
Class of 1952
Sept 22
60th
CLASS NOTES
Robert Jockisch ‘65, owner of RJ
Distributing Co. in East Peoria, received the
public affairs award of excellence from the
Associated Beer Distributors of Illinois at
the group’s convention last month.“Bob
Jockisch and RJ Distributing Co. exemplify
the industry’s efforts to be good
community citizens. They have
demonstrated unwavering support of
ABDI’s alcoholic abuse prevention,
awareness, and visibility programs,” stated
ABDI president Bill Olson.
Rudy A. Higgins ‘71 has taught music for
34 years, with the last 25 as PHS Band
Director. In reflecting on his retirement in
2012, he stated he loved sharing the joy
and power of music with the students, and
hearing them give it back to the audience
through their playing. Besides his music,
the most daring thing he’s ever done, is
rock climbing in New Hampshire, climbing
upside down and over a ledge. (Excerpts
Journal Star May, 2012)
Joseph Jones ‘73 was a foreign exchange
student at PHS from Liberia and later went
onto graduate from Kansas State
University. His career as an architect has
involved working on many projects such as
a Hydro plant, hospitals, additions and labs
to the Universities. His family later moved
from Liberia, due to the political climate
and moved to North Carolina, where his
family was raised and educated. Joseph is
currently in Liberia working on United
Nations, USAID, and Peace Corp Projects as
they are rebuilding Liberia.
Bill Morton ‘79 a former PHS star athlete in
baseball, has recently moved back home
from Smyrna, GA area where he spent 20
years selling luxury cars. He has now taken
over the Peoria Lexus dealership as their
new general manager. The dealership is
owned by Pearl Automotive. He’s excited to
be back in his hometown and offer a
quality product and give great customer
service. (Excerpts Journal Star 3/27/12)
Brown, Roland ‘82 is the varsity football
coach at Richwoods HS and took the 2nd
place trophy for the IHSA 6A Football
championship game in November, 2011.
He was also named Male Coach of the Year
by the Peoria Sports Hall of Fame. He
became head coach in 2009, having come
to Richwoods in 1986 as a student teacher
of physical education. He has been a part of
the Richwoods football program for 26
years. (Excerpts Journal Star 11/27/11)
CLASS NOTES
Christian Richard Lee ‘91 is a sales
manager with Firstaff, a company that
offers staffing solutions, recruiting and
reporting services for industries ranging
from medical to manufacturing. He is
responsible for business development of
staffing solutions, and assists and mentors
his sales team in the Peoria and
Bloomington markets. Lee is a father of five
children under the age of nine, and
manages to still donate his time to
Challenge for the Cystic Fibrosis
Foundation, Boys and Girls Club of Greater
Peoria, FC Peoria Soccer Club, Tim Ardis
Foundation for Hope and Peoria Park
District. He also is a 2007 graduate of the
Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce
Leadership School. (Excerpts InterBusiness
Issues Nov. 2010)
Lonnie Whisker ‘93 is a grant writer and 6
Sigma Black Belt at the Tri-County Urban
League. He researches and writes grant
proposals on behalf of the Urban League,
leads quality improvement projects within
the organization, and trains other team
members to become 6 Sigma Green Belts.
He supervises the Middle School
Tomorrow’s Scientists, Technicians and
Managers program; instructing parenting
and gang prevention classes. He also serves
as a motivational speaker for a variety of
organizations and events in the Peoria area.
He has been involved on many committees
as a force for change, one of which is the
African American Male Initiative committee
to address the challenges facing African
American males at ICC. While trying to
reach for success with one hand, he uses
the other hand to pull up others who are
striving to make their lives better. (Excerpts
Inter Business Issues November 2011)
Karen McDonald ‘95 was hired in
November, 2011 by the Tri-County Regional
Planning Commission as a government
relations consultant to provide legislative
and logistics services. She will promote the
commission’s legislative agenda,
coordinate with Illinois state government
and communicate responses and positions
of the commission on issues to state and
national policy makers. She also will assist
with media and public relations initiatives.
McDonald graduated from the University
of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and
previously served as a reporter for the
Journal Star covering government and
news in the Tri-County Area and as a Word
on the Street columnist.
To The Peoria High School
Alumni Association
I am humbled and honored to have been chosen to receive the Peoria High
School Scholarships in 2011. I thank you all for your kindness and support. The
Peoria High School Scholarships have been an investment in me that have paid
dividends for the money spent. I have worked hard and spent long hours
studying to get excellent grades. Receiving the Peoria High School Scholarships
have enabled me to continue to focus on my education and perform at high
academic levels; use the scholarship money for my education only so I will not
be an additional burden on my mother who already has inadequate resources
and; have enabled me to continue to be active in my participation in the
community and focus on volunteering (hospital) when free time exists. I have
experienced a well-balanced college experience because of the Peoria High
School Scholarships. The Peoria High School Scholarships are important to me
because of the reasons stated above. The money has allowed me to continue my
education and my grades this semester have demonstrated that the money is not
being wasted. They have been put to good use and the results have been an
excellent grade point average.
I want to share with you my freshman college experience. Attending Jackson
State University has been rewarding academically and socially. While at Jackson
State University I have made many, many friends. I believe that the best part of
each semester thus far has been the opportunity to meet and befriend people
from all walks of life. I am building life-long friendships with amazing
individuals who are striving to better themselves and their community by
earning a college education.
I have joined several organizations on Jackson State University’s campus. I am a
member of Jackson State University’s Tiger P.R.I.D.E Connections (P.R.I.D.E
standing for Positive Recruiting Individuals Dedicated to Excellence), Pre-Heath
Society, Illinois Club, and Reformed University Fellowship and Alpha Lambda
Delta Honor Society. As a Tiger P.R.I.D.E Connections member I participate in
community service, campus events, assist the Department of Undergraduate
Recruitment as student recruiters, and promote Jackson State through genuine
school spirit. As a participant in the Pre-Health society I am offered MCAT
tutoring and undergraduate internships and research opportunities. As member
of the Illinois Club I have met students from Illinois and participated in
community service. Reformed University Fellowship, or RUF, is Jackson State
University’s bible study organization. We meet every Thursday night for dinner
and a lesson in the Word. Within RUF there is a smaller bible study group for
freshman. In this small group we discuss the Gospel and how to apply it to our
lives as college students. In recognition of my academic performance, I have been
inducted into the Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society. The society is an
organization that recognizes freshman for earning a 3.5 GPA or High during
their first fall semester.
Although I am having fun and active on campus, I am dedicated to my school
work. Every day I go to the H. T. Sampson Library and study for at least 3 hours.
Sometimes my friends and I meet in the library for study groups where we help
one another with homework. When I need additional help in one of my courses I
meet with my professor. My professors are generous and offer tutoring for
students. The effort I have put into my grade has earned me a 4.0 GPA .
I know that I am excelling in college because of my foundation in Peoria, IL. I
feel blessed to have the Peoria High School Alumni Association apart of my life.
It is difficult to be so far away from home, but the support I receive from my
family, friends, mentors and Peoria High School makes my college experience
that more meaningful.
Best regards,
Desiree Jasmine Conton
Gary Kauffman ‘64 Finding
New Challenges as an Actor
Peoria native, Gary Kauffman has packed a lot of living into his 65 years. His
careers have been an aerospace engineer, dentist in Pekin, and now he is trying
his hand at acting. His new budding career as a Hollywood actor is in an
independent movie entitled “Mysteria”, which was released in December, 2011.
The film stars Danny Glover, Robert Miano, Martin Landau and Billy Zane and is
the story of a down-and-out, has been writer who finds himself living the plot of
a story he is writing. Kauffman plays a pawnbroker in the film. Kauffman has
had other minor roles since moving to Los Angles in 2009.
Prior to his new acting career, he joined the Air Force which led him into the
career as an aerospace engineer, and he worked for Boeing in Seattle and LTV
Aerospace in Texas, until layoffs in the industry prompted him to get his degree
in dentistry from the University of Chicago. He was 30 and moved to Pekin to
open Total Dental Care. He ran the practice for 27 years, then sold it and moved
to Colorado so he could ski, snowboard, raft and climb.
While living in the Los Angles suburb of Studio City, he looks for acting work on
a daily basis and auditions whenever he can, hoping his roles will lead to bigger
jobs. However, he is still taking time out to play and take some fascinating trips
like a 225-mile rafting trip on the Colorado River, during which he traversed the
entire length of the Grand Canyon and was “completely off the grid.” He went on
a safari through the Serengeti region of Africa, and scuba diving in Zanzibar and
the Seychelles islands in the Indian Ocean. He also climbed Mount Kilimanjaro,
the highest mountain in Africa at 19,341 feet, and admitted it was the hardest
adventure he has ever taken on. His trip plans in the future involve a 75-day
truck tour of Africa, starting off in Cairo, Egypt, and ending in Cape Town, South
Africa. He wants to see mountain gorillas in Rwanda. In 2012, he has plans to
explore the Incan ruins of Machu Picchu in Peru. He figures he’s not getting
younger, so now is the time to do his bucket list. (Excerpts Journal Star by
Danielle Hatch)
CLASS NOTES
A J Guyton ‘96 is coaching The Central
Illinois Drive, which is in the Premier
Basketball League. In their inaugural PBL
season, they won the championship game
by beating Rochester in the title series,
claiming the crown with a 101-80 decision
on Saturday, April 14. They performed in
front of a crowd of 2469 in Bloomington at
the US Cellular Coliseum. (Excerpts Journal
Star 4/15/ 2012)
Lacretia Carroll ‘99 was inducted into the
2011 North Park’s University’s Vikings Hall
of Fame. Carroll graduated from North Park
in 2003 and was a track and field standout.
She was 2002 and 2003 NCAA AllAmerican in the triple jump. She won
College Conference of Illinois and
Wisconsin championships in the triple
jump and the 400 meters. Carroll owns
North Park records in the 200 and 400
(indoor and outdoor), the triple jump and
the 4x100 relay. She has also lettered in
volleyball three years at North Park. While
at PHS, she was a 4-year letter winner and
co-captain in both Volleyball and Girls’
Track and Field. In addition she was
selected as a 1st team all-conference player
in Volleyball and received the U.S. Army
Reserves Scholar/Athlete Award. (Excerpts
Journal Star 2011)
Coach Chuck Buescher, our retired PHS
Basketball Coach for 25 seasons was
inducted into the Peoria Sports Hall of
Fame in January, 2012. Buescher’s Central
teams won state titles in 2003 and 2004. He
also coached the Lions to second-place
finishes in 1983 and 1989. In his 25 seasons
at Central, the lions won 21 regional titles,
and he had a 528-184 record. He also was a
Bradley assistant basketball coach from
1971-79 and from 2005 -07 and was the
head baseball coach from 1973-79. In
Coach Buescher’s comments he stated “We
don’t expect enough from kids today,
because we live in a society where
everyone gets a trophy. I believe in pushing
kids. I think kids today have more than we
ask them to give.” (Excerpts Journal Star
January 2012)
PHS Crest yearbook staff is selling past yearbooks for $20-$30.
Email: Tracy.Riebel@psd150.org to request a past edition.
Address Updates for PHS Alumni office.
Contact the Peoria High Alumni office by email at: phsalumni@yahoo.com
or mail the change to: 1615 N. North St., Peoria, IL 61604
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Alumni
Alum
mni Assoc
Association
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Cordially
Cordia
ally invi
invites
tes you to attend
attend
aL
Luncheon
uncheon
Honoring
Inductees
Honoring 22012
012 Indu
ctees of the
the
PHS
PHS Athletic
Athletic Hall
Hall off Fame
Fam
a e
Saturday,
October
S
d O
b 113
3
12 Noon
Peoria High School Foyer
Family
Fami
il members and friends are encouraged to attend at $20 each. Reservations
atiions
are required by Monday, October 1, 2012: Questions 682-4854 or
email: phsalumni@yahoo.com
Honorees______________________________
___________________
_
Katrina Brooks '90
Katrina
E
Eugene
ugene Carr '55
Teresa
Tere
sa Dempsey Depew '78
Kristin
Kri
stin Hahn Jockisch '89
Steven Kern '67
Paul K
Kn
Knott '92
Carlos Lattimore '98
Mike Lawless '64
Jocelyn Picl Rau '96
Wolcot “Wooky” Roberts '15 (Deceased)
aased)
Shawn “Ziggy” Songer '85
Frank Stacy '85
Donald Tjarksen '55
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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ame__
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Phone___________________
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Guests__________________________________________________________________
Guests_
_____________________________________________________________________
#Tickets
#Ticket
ts _______@ $20 = _____
________Total
____Total enclosed
Sponsorship
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ponsorship Do
Donation
nation ((name
name w
will
illl bbee li
listed
sted oon
n pr
program)
ogram) $_
$___________
___________
Honoree
Honore
ee is the guest of the PHS
S Alumni Associatio
Association
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Make checks
c
payable to PHS AHF
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and Ma
Mail
il to Alumnii Office, 1615 N North St.
Stt.
Peoria IL 61604, *Deadline Oct
October
tober 1, 2012.
IN MEMORIAM
YEAR . . . . .FIRST . . . . . . . . . . .LAST . . . . . . . . . .MARRIED . . . . . . . .DATE
1925 . . . . . .Neta . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Hoobler . . . . . . . .Pottle . . . . . . . . . . . . .2011
1927 . . . . . .Felicito . . . . . . . . . . .Davenport . . . . .Ward . . . . . . . . . . . . .2005
1929 . . . . . .Sylvia . . . . . . . . . . . . .Dunlap . . . . . . . . .Kapplinger . . . . . . . .2011
1929 . . . . . .Dorothy . . . . . . . . . .Christian . . . . . . .Hopkins . . . . . . . . . .
1930 . . . . . .Mildred . . . . . . . . . . .Foster . . . . . . . . . .Adamson . . . . . . . . .2011
1931 . . . . . .Dale . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Legg . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . .2011
1931 . . . . . .Kenneth . . . . . . . . . .Mercer . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . .2012
1932 . . . . . .Evelyn . . . . . . . . . . . .Moushon . . . . . . .Hubert . . . . . . . . . . . .2011
1934 . . . . . .Marjorie . . . . . . . . . .Frye . . . . . . . . . . . .Grundy . . . . . . . . . . .2012
1934 . . . . . .Russell . . . . . . . . . . . .Doering . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . .2011
1934 . . . . . .Margueritte . . . . . . .Goodman . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . .2011
1934 . . . . . .Dorothy . . . . . . . . . .Grogg . . . . . . . . . .Mcelhoe . . . . . . . . . .2012
1935 . . . . . .Lois . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Shanemeyer . . . .Hamilton . . . . . . . . .2010
1935 . . . . . .Lois . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Singer . . . . . . . . . .EMMWA . . . . . . . . . .2011
1935 . . . . . .Eva . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Monroe . . . . . . . .Hudson . . . . . . . . . . .2012
1935 . . . . . .Robert . . . . . . . . . . . .Eckhart . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . .2012
1935 . . . . . .Ralph . . . . . . . . . . . . .Gaumer . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . .2012
1936 . . . . . .John . . . . . . . . . . . . .Hyler . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . .2011
1936 . . . . . .Willis . . . . . . . . . . . . .Sauder . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . .2004
1936 . . . . . .Helsa . . . . . . . . . . . . .Runtz . . . . . . . . . .Petersen . . . . . . . . . .2007
1937 . . . . . .Charles . . . . . . . . . . .Isaac . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . .2008
1937 . . . . . .Irma . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Oyer . . . . . . . . . . .Lundholm . . . . . . . .2011
1938 . . . . . .Jean . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Burd . . . . . . . . . . .Jorden . . . . . . . . . . . .2012
1938 . . . . . .Eugene . . . . . . . . . . .Modjeska . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . .2012
1938 . . . . . .Robert . . . . . . . . . . . .Curtis . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . .2011
1938 . . . . . .Dr. Ben . . . . . . . . . . .Wrigley . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . .2012
1939 . . . . . .Robert . . . . . . . . . . . .Eckley . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . .2012
1939 . . . . . .Phyllis . . . . . . . . . . . .Beatty . . . . . . . . . .Wallin . . . . . . . . . . . . .2012
1939 . . . . . .Dorothy . . . . . . . . . .Rose . . . . . . . . . . .Waldschmidt . . . . . .2011
1939 . . . . . .Ralph . . . . . . . . . . . . .Coletta . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . .2011
1939 . . . . . .Elizabeth . . . . . . . . .Holmes . . . . . . . .Knapp . . . . . . . . . . . .2012
1940 . . . . . .Jack . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Rohleder . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . .2012
1940 . . . . . .Albert . . . . . . . . . . . .Boerckel . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . .2012
1940 . . . . . .Margaret . . . . . . . . .Ellis . . . . . . . . . . . .Miller . . . . . . . . . . . . .2011
1940 . . . . . .Richard . . . . . . . . . . .Bierly . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . .2011
1940 . . . . . .Cora Lee . . . . . . . . . .Smith . . . . . . . . . .Baxter . . . . . . . . . . . .2011
1940 . . . . . .Joseph Miles . . . . . .Chamberlain . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . .2011
1940 . . . . . .Marion . . . . . . . . . . .Reichert . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . .2011
1940 . . . . . .Robert L. . . . . . . . . .Donovan . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . .2012
1940 . . . . . .Lois . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Robertson . . . . . .Weidner . . . . . . . . . .2012
1941 . . . . . .Delephene . . . . . . .Doss . . . . . . . . . . .Mikkelson . . . . . . . . .2011
1941 . . . . . .Jane . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Woltzen . . . . . . . .Heiple . . . . . . . . . . . .2011
1941 . . . . . .David W. . . . . . . . . . .Andrews . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . .2011
1941 . . . . . .Anne . . . . . . . . . . . . .Woodward . . . . .Burhans . . . . . . . . . . .2011
1941 . . . . . .James D. . . . . . . . . . .Thomas . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . .2011
1942 . . . . . .Fred . . . . . . . . . . . . . ."Wing, Jr." . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . .2012
1942 . . . . . .Robert . . . . . . . . . . . .Pritzker . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . .2012
1942 . . . . . .Mary . . . . . . . . . . . . .Strause . . . . . . . . .Shepardson . . . . . . .2011
1942 . . . . . .Isabelle . . . . . . . . . . .Scott . . . . . . . . . . .Hall . . . . . . . . . . . . .2011
1942 . . . . . .Dorothy . . . . . . . . . .Frisby . . . . . . . . . .Buck . . . . . . . . . . . . .2011
1942 . . . . . .Kenneth . . . . . . . . . .Haddock . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . .2011
1942 . . . . . .Bobette . . . . . . . . . .Walker . . . . . . . . .Stolp . . . . . . . . . . . . .2011
1942 . . . . . .Peggy . . . . . . . . . . . .Soldwell . . . . . . . .Thompson . . . . . . . .2011
1942 . . . . . .Mary . . . . . . . . . . . . .Powers . . . . . . . . .Mercer . . . . . . . . . . . .2012
1943 . . . . . .Mary . . . . . . . . . . . . .Loewenstein . . .Sloto . . . . . . . . . . . . .2009
1943 . . . . . .Marilyn . . . . . . . . . . .Schafer . . . . . . . . .Salzenstein . . . . . . .2011
1944 . . . . . .Irene . . . . . . . . . . . . .Alcorn . . . . . . . . . .Moeller . . . . . . . . . . .2011
1944 . . . . . .Alvin . . . . . . . . . . . . .Aronovsky . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . .2011
1944 . . . . . .Patricia . . . . . . . . . . .Mckee . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . .2011
1944 . . . . . .Robert . . . . . . . . . . . .Stanslow . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . .2011
1944 . . . . . .Gerald . . . . . . . . . . . .Sammis . . . . . . . .
1944 . . . . . .Jack E. . . . . . . . . . . . .Oller . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . .2011
1944 . . . . . .Janet . . . . . . . . . . . . .Benham . . . . . . . .Vespa . . . . . . . . . . . . .2012
1944 . . . . . .Mary . . . . . . . . . . . . .Heinlin . . . . . . . . .Caho . . . . . . . . . . . . .2012
1945 . . . . . .Frances . . . . . . . . . . .Groom . . . . . . . . .Coons . . . . . . . . . . . .2011
1945 . . . . . .Gladys . . . . . . . . . . . .Vanderlinden . . .Shankland . . . . . . . .2011
1945 . . . . . .Mary . . . . . . . . . . . . .Turner . . . . . . . . . .Truitt . . . . . . . . . . . . .2011
1945 . . . . . .Frank . . . . . . . . . . . . .Kinkade . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . .2011
1945 . . . . . .Robert . . . . . . . . . . . .Belcke . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . .2012
1946 . . . . . .JoAnne . . . . . . . . . .Bruce . . . . . . . . . .Koller . . . . . . . . . . . . .2011
1946 . . . . . .Florence . . . . . . . . . .Sommer . . . . . . . .Dantone . . . . . . . . . .2011
YEAR . . . . .FIRST . . . . . . . . . . .LAST . . . . . . . . . .MARRIED . . . . . . . .DATE
1946 . . . . . .Archer . . . . . . . . . . . .Goin . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . .2011
1946 . . . . . .Nancy . . . . . . . . . . . .Shively . . . . . . . . .Gire . . . . . . . . . . . . .2012
1946 . . . . . .Pat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Murphy . . . . . . . .Adamson . . . . . . . . .2012
1947 . . . . . .Harry . . . . . . . . . . . . ."Neumiller, Jr." . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . .2012
1947 . . . . . .Dr. Harry E. . . . . . . . .Snyder . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . .2012
1948 . . . . . .Darlene . . . . . . . . . . .Dubois . . . . . . . . .Piskorski . . . . . . . . . .2011
1948 . . . . . .James S. . . . . . . . . . .Erkert . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . .2011
1949 . . . . . .Barbara . . . . . . . . . . .Armin . . . . . . . . . .Baruch . . . . . . . . . . . .2012
1949 . . . . . .Barbara . . . . . . . . . . .Collins . . . . . . . . .Baumann . . . . . . . . .2011
1949 . . . . . .Richard . . . . . . . . . . .Weinstein . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . .2011
1950 . . . . . .Hannah Eileen . . . .Daily . . . . . . . . . . .Sunde . . . . . . . . . . . .2011
1952 . . . . . .George . . . . . . . . . . .Selburg . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . .2012
1952 . . . . . .John . . . . . . . . . . . . .McCarthy . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . .2011
1952 . . . . . .Delores . . . . . . . . . . .Vaughn . . . . . . . .Millard . . . . . . . . . . . .2011
1952 . . . . . .Karen . . . . . . . . . . . . .Murry . . . . . . . . . .Springer . . . . . . . . . .2011
1952 . . . . . .Joyce . . . . . . . . . . . . .Williams . . . . . . . .Fehr . . . . . . . . . . . . .2011
1952 . . . . . .Chester . . . . . . . . . . .Farwell . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . .2011
1952 . . . . . .Charles . . . . . . . . . . .Welch . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . .2012
1952 . . . . . .Emil . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Lee . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . .2012
1952 . . . . . .Edwin . . . . . . . . . . . .Vrell . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . .2012
1953 . . . . . .Eugene . . . . . . . . . . .Carlson . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . .2012
1953 . . . . . .Joan . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Bogan . . . . . . . . . .Knapp . . . . . . . . . . . .2011
1953 . . . . . .James D. . . . . . . . . . .Haley . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . .2012
1953 . . . . . .Ann . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Taylor . . . . . . . . . .Farley . . . . . . . . . . . . .2012
1953 . . . . . .Homer . . . . . . . . . . . .Grove . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . .2012
1953 . . . . . ."Robert ""Bill""" . . .Potts . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . .2012
1954 . . . . . .Barbara . . . . . . . . . . .Detrick . . . . . . . . .Bell . . . . . . . . . . . . .2011
1954 . . . . . .Patsy . . . . . . . . . . . . .Cottingham . . . .Almasy . . . . . . . . . . .2011
1954 . . . . . .Glenda . . . . . . . . . . .Freres . . . . . . . . . .O'Dowd . . . . . . . . . . .2011
1954 . . . . . .Lewis . . . . . . . . . . . . .Janet . . . . . . . . . . .Davis . . . . . . . . . . . . .2012
1954 . . . . . .Sharon . . . . . . . . . . .Slechta . . . . . . . . .Ehrich . . . . . . . . . . . .2012
1954 . . . . . .Catherine . . . . . . . . .Logan . . . . . . . . . .Parsons . . . . . . . . . . .2011
1955 . . . . . .Charlotte . . . . . . . . .Mauerman . . . . .Knupp . . . . . . . . . . . .2012
1955 . . . . . .Mary . . . . . . . . . . . . .Reising . . . . . . . . .Toevs . . . . . . . . . . . . .2012
1955 . . . . . .Jim . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Meidinger . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . .2011
1957 . . . . . .John . . . . . . . . . . . . .Garrett . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . .2012
1957 . . . . . .Michael . . . . . . . . . .Fern . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . .2012
1958 . . . . . .Gene . . . . . . . . . . . . .Kamp . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . .2011
1958 . . . . . .Carol . . . . . . . . . . . . .Vollmer . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . .2012
1960 . . . . . .Judy . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Woodward . . . . .Williams . . . . . . . . . .2011
1960 . . . . . .Sandy . . . . . . . . . . . .Rodes . . . . . . . . . .Fabry . . . . . . . . . . . . .2011
1960 . . . . . ."Rolan ""Barry""" . .Johnson . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . .2011
1961 . . . . . .John . . . . . . . . . . . . .Wineland . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . .2011
1961 . . . . . .Barbara . . . . . . . . . . .Gilkerson . . . . . . .LaHood . . . . . . . . . . .2011
1962 . . . . . .Keith . . . . . . . . . . . . .Carrigan . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . .2012
1962 . . . . . .Richard . . . . . . . . . . .Johnson . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . .2011
1962 . . . . . .Louis . . . . . . . . . . . . .Schwabacher . . .
1963 . . . . . .John (Mike) . . . . . . .Barnes . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . .2011
1963 . . . . . .Norman . . . . . . . . . .Miller . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . .2011
1964 . . . . . .William . . . . . . . . . . .Manuel . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . .2011
1965 . . . . . .Randall . . . . . . . . . . .Kreiling . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . .2011
1965 . . . . . .Gary L. . . . . . . . . . . . .Johnson . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . .2012
1966 . . . . . .Carol . . . . . . . . . . . . .Defenbaugh . . . .Sims . . . . . . . . . . . . .2012
1966 . . . . . .David . . . . . . . . . . . . .Hunt . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . .2012
1967 . . . . . .Neumann . . . . . . . .Nancy L. . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . .2011
1969 . . . . . .John . . . . . . . . . . . . .Tracy . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . .2011
1969 . . . . . .Thomas . . . . . . . . . .Lanpher . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . .2012
1970 . . . . . .Antonette . . . . . . . .Custer . . . . . . . . . .Jones . . . . . . . . . . . . .2012
1972 . . . . . .Thomas . . . . . . . . . .Bledsoe . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . .2012
1973 . . . . . .Dean . . . . . . . . . . . . .Kellenberger . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . .2011
1973 . . . . . .Roger . . . . . . . . . . . .Lush . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . .2011
1975 . . . . . .Hal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Feldman . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . .2011
1976 . . . . . .Bruce . . . . . . . . . . . . .Frison . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . .2011
1978 . . . . . .Connie . . . . . . . . . . .Jaques . . . . . . . . .Berres . . . . . . . . . . . .2012
1980 . . . . . .Karen . . . . . . . . . . . . .Maher . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . .2012
1985 . . . . . .Kimberly . . . . . . . . .Williams . . . . . . . .Lee . . . . . . . . . . . . .2011
1986 . . . . . .Kirk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Gwillim . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . .2012
1988 . . . . . .Reginald . . . . . . . . . .Jones . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . .2012
1998 . . . . . .Genevieve . . . . . . . .Fortney . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . .2012
1999 . . . . . .Shauna . . . . . . . . . . .Parks . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . .2012
2003 . . . . . .Couri . . . . . . . . . . . . .Robison . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . .2012
In Memoriam
Noteable Obits 2012
Ralph Coletta ’39 a retired attorney passed on October 19,
2011 in Peoria, IL. He was a WW II army veteran, a
graduate of US Army Infantry School at Fort Benning,
Ga., and was commissioned as a second and first
lieutenant of Infantry. He served in the South Pacific
Theater of Operations. After the Japanese surrendered,
he served with the United States Army of Occupation in
Japan as an Intelligence officer with the general
headquarters of Gen. Douglas MacArthur as a Japanese
language interpreter. He also served the Fifth Army
headquarters General Courts-Martial at Fort Sheridan,
IL., and as a reserve officer in 1948-49. Following the
military, he earned his bachelor’s degree from Bradley
Polytechnic Institute, and doctorate in law from the
University of Chicago Law School in 1949. He had been
a lawyer for more than 55 years in the Peoria area and
was recognized as a senior counselor by the IL Bar
Assoc. in the year 2000. He served as Asst. state’s
attorney of Peoria County from 1952 to 1956, and later
served as vice chairman of the business and Commercial
Law Committee of the American Bar Association. He
was active in the development of real estate in the
Peoria area. He was a former director of the Illinois
Valley Savings and Loan Assoc. for many years, and
was a founding director and officer in Wheels O’Time
Museum. He was an active member and volunteer in
many other civic and community organizations. He is
survived by his wife Ethel Myers Coletta.
Dr. Robert Eckley ’39 passed on at 90 in Bloomington, IL
on April 15, 2012. As President emeritus of Illinois
Wesleyan University, Eckley enjoyed a dual career in
higher education and business. Eckely was elected
president of Illinois Wesleyan in 1968 and served 18
years, longer than any other president in the
University’s history. The chief emphasis during his
administration was the strengthening of the academic
and financial aspects of the university. The proportion of
faculty holding doctoral degrees almost doubled during
his tenure. The endowment fund was increased to seven
times its 1968 value. Campus beautification was
fostered, and the campus size nearly doubled. While
president and following his retirement, Eckley taught
courses in international business and portfolio
management for over three decades. He also was
engaged in consulting K-12 and higher education.
Before joining Illinois Wesleyan, Eckley served for 14
years at Caterpillar Inc. in economic research, pricing,
production scheduling and product control. He was
appointed in 1954 as the first professional economist
employed by Caterpillar where he established the
business economics department. He later taught
economics at Harvard and the University of Kansas.
During WW II, he was an engineering officer in the U.S.
Coast Guard for three years. He also served as director
of State Farm Insurance for 27 years. Eckley graduated
from Bradley University, and MBA from University of
Minnesota, and a master’s and Ph.D in economics from
Harvard University. He is the author of five books
including “Global Competition in Capital Goods”, 1991,
and “Lincoln’s Forgotten Friend, Leonard Swett”, 2012,
and the author of articles published in the Harvard
Business Review, The American Economic Review, The
Brookings Review, The Journal of Illinois State Historical
Society and the Journal of the Abraham Lincoln
Association. He is survived by his wife, Nell Mann
Eckley of 65 years. (Excerpts from Journal Star)
Joseph Miles Chamberlain ’40 passed away November 2,
2011 at 88 while living at Lutheran Hillside Village in
Peoria. Upon his graduation from PHS, he attended
Bradley, but at the height of WW II, he left school to join
the U. S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point. N.Y,
where he earned a bachelor’s degree and became a
sextant. He was navigating by the stars on Navy
transport ships in the Atlantic and Pacific, and even
toured Hiroshima after the atomic bombing. Following
the war, he returned to Bradley to finish a second
bachelor’s degree in education. He soon after moved to
NY with his bride Paula Bruninga . He studied
meterology and astronomy at Columbia University,
where he earned his doctorate. He became a teacher at
the Merchant Marine Academy for five years. He later
became the chairman of Hayden Planetarium, and
revolutionized the industry by taking away the dark and
eerie feelings in the planetarium museums. He added a
touch of Broadway with bolder, bigger projectors and
exhibits. He also brought in more astronomers to help
visitors view and understand the wonders of the
cosmos-with plenty of dash and flash. “Give the
audience 40 minutes of astronomy and there would be
no audience,” he told the New York Daily Mirror. “It has
to be a combination of science and showmanship. If
there’s a sunrise, we furnish appropriate sunrise music.”
He was also a pioneer of organizing cruises to distant
locales to witness eclipses and comets. In 1964, he
became assistant director of the American Museum of
Natural History. In 1968, he took over as director at the
Adler Planetarium in Chicago, making it bigger, better,
and brighter doubling the attendance under his
leadership to 600,000 a year. In 1991, he retired and
moved back to his roots in Peoria and briefly lent a hand
as acting executive director of Lakeview Museum in
1995 and helped out quietly with other civic projects. In
his later years he preferred to sail and stargaze with his
wife and friends. While at their retirement village, he
entertained the other residents with his piano playing
and singing. A gentleman of many talents indeed!
(Excerpts Journal Star Phil Luciano 12/28/11)
Harry Neumiller ’47 passed on February 18, 2012 at age
82 in Galesburg, IL. Dr. Neumiller was a professor
emeritus at Knox College and was an organic chemistry
professor there from 1959 until 1997. He graduated
summa cum laude from Knox College in IL in 1951 with
his bachelor’s degree and later graduated from the
University of Illinois in Champaign with his master’s
degree in 1952 and his Ph.D. in chemistry in 1956. He
was a longtime volunteer with Cub Scouts. He was also
a member of Phi Beta Kappa and Phi Lambda Upsilon
honor societies; a member, board member and faculty
adviser of Phi Gamma Delta fraternity (Knox); a 50 year
member of the American Chemical Society (ACS); a
member of the Midwestern Assoc. of Chemistry Teachers
in Liberal Arts Colleges. He grew up spending summers
at Stead’s Ranch near Estes Park, Colo., and once
climbed Longs Peak. He instilled in his children,
grandchildren, and those around him a great love and
appreciation for nature and the sciences and a sense of
community responsibility. He was a life-long advocate
for both Knox College and the community of Galesburg,
IL. He is survived by his wife Joan Dilts Neumiller.
(Excerpts from Journal Star)
Randall Kreiling ’65 passed on November 7, 2011 in
Monticello, IN. at the age of 64. Randall was an
internationally renowned commodities trader, cornering
global cattle, pork bellies, sugar and metals markets
before the age of 30. He lived, traded and worked in
Dallas, Texas., Geneva, Switzerland; Hydra, Greece;
Hong Kong, China; Athens, Greece; Mount Jura, France;
Helsinki, Finland; Majorca, Spain; Barcelona, Spain;
Vienna, Austria; London, England; Moscow, Russia;
Chicago, Illinois; Sanibel Island, Florida; Africa; and
Monticello, IN. He invested and owned interests in the
Pirate Bar in Greece; Crossair Airlines in Switzerland;
Beefalo in Texas; and the Elite Modeling Agency in
Chicago, IL. Randall was a member of Phi Gamma Delta
at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, where he
earned honors in economics, graduating in three years
with a B.A., then earning his J.D. at the SMU School of
Law while working at the Southwestern School of
Banking at SMU. He was a member of the First Baptist
Church of Dallas, TX. Randall quartered-backed the
Peoria High School football team to undefeated back-toback seasons in 1963 and ’64. He was a swimming and
diving champion, lettered in tennis, golf, and track and
field and won a national karate championship. He met
Mao II’s right-hand man obtaining exclusive agreements
with the communist Chinese government for Chinese
grain exports worldwide and rights to build a ski resort
in Manchuria. He flew Ray Charles, stranded at the
Geneva airport, to his concert in Spain, playing poker
with him on Randy’s plane as Ray sang “Georgia On My
Mind” acapella as a grateful thank you. Randall lived
life in grandeur and poverty as a believer in Jesus Christ.
He is remembered as a man who really lived and loved
life as if each day was his last. He infected each person
he met with charm, charisma, intelligence, laughter and
inspiration melded into big, BIG storytelling. He was
known to often quote J.M. Barrie from Peter Pan, “To die
will be an awfully big adventure.”
Please consider PHS and the Alumni Association
when preparing an estate plan or writing a will or trust.
Non Profit Organization
Peoria High School
Alumni Association
1615 N. North Street
Peoria, Illinois 61604
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Gold Lion Luncheon
Saturday, October 6, 2012
2012 Athletic Hall of Fame Banquet
Saturday, October 13, 2012
For more information:
309-682-4854 or phsalumni@yahoo.com.
PHSAA MISSION STATEMENT: Maintain the tradition of Peoria High School providing support,
recognition, and leadership to the school, its students, and alumni.
DO GOOD! FEEL GOOD! SUPPORT PEORIA HIGH SCHOOL!
Membership dues keep the organization afloat with funding for operational expenses and program administration. The organization can’t survive
without them. Support of projects—like the auditorium and scholarships—provide real and tangible services to the school and the next generation.
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Make checks payable to: PHS Alumni Association, 1615 N. North Street, Peoria, IL 61604. We are a 501C3 Non for Profit.
Questions: Call 1-309-682-4854 or email: phsalumni@yahoo.com visit website www.peoriahighalumni.org
YES, I’d like to help with Membership Dues. Membership Dues pay the operating expenses of the Alumni Association and help
administer projects. Printing and postage are the greatest expenses.
q $25 Annual Membership
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