Our online community has moved to Facebook, which is more streamlined and more interactive.
To access the alumni Facebook page, you must first create a Facebook account for yourself. Go to http://www.Facebook.com and follow the steps to join and set up your profile. If you have privacy concerns, you will see during the setup process how much control you do have over your profile (who can find you, how much of your information is public, etc.).
Once you are a member, search for "St. Stephen Protomartyr (St. Louis) Alumni," in the Facebook search box. Join the group. Search for others in your class in the list of members and request their "friendship." Check the discussion board for other members of your class and join in the "roll call." Check out the photos, links, and wall posts.
We encourage you to share your news and photos with the group, as that makes the site more fun and interesting for everyone.
We hope to see you there!
Stephanie Oehler Wobbe ('84)
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
ST. STEPHEN SCHOOL PHOTO ALBUM
This is a bit experimental, but click the link below to check out the St. Stephen School photo album. I have uploaded a few of my own photos to get us started (as well as the one from Jim Prag), but this would be a lot more fun if you all would be willing to share some of your own photos. It's a bit heavy on members of my family at the moment.
If you'd like to have some of your photos posted, please e-mail them to alumni@saintstephenstl.org or mail a CD to Alumni Relations, 3949 Wilmington Ave., St. Louis, MO 63116. (FYI: You can take photographs to Walgreens and they will scan them and create a CD for you for $2.99.) Any identifying information that could be used as a caption would be appreciated (year photo was taken, names and graduation years of those pictured).
Click here to see what we have thus far: http://picasaweb.google.com/SSPAlums
If you'd like to have some of your photos posted, please e-mail them to alumni@saintstephenstl.org or mail a CD to Alumni Relations, 3949 Wilmington Ave., St. Louis, MO 63116. (FYI: You can take photographs to Walgreens and they will scan them and create a CD for you for $2.99.) Any identifying information that could be used as a caption would be appreciated (year photo was taken, names and graduation years of those pictured).
Click here to see what we have thus far: http://picasaweb.google.com/SSPAlums
Monday, June 23, 2008
NEWS BITES
In addition to the hundreds of notes providing me with your contact information and sharing the whereabouts of others, I have received some nice and newsy messages in response to the e-mails and letters I have sent over the last year. It seems kind of silly that I am the only one who gets to know these things. So ... until I come up with a more systematic way of sharing information, I'll bring you up to date with the news I've received so far.
(FYI: With the exception of death notices, I am only sharing news I received firsthand. I am not sharing anything that was passed along about someone else.)
Here goes:
Rosemary Sollmann ('38) passed away Dec. 22, 2001.
Geraldine Frederich Everding ('42): I have five children and 16 grandchildren. All live within five miles of me. I belong to Queen of All Saints parish. Dr. [David] Borgmeyer [St. Stephen parishioner and music instructor] is my dentist.
William Oppliger ('42): As president of the Jacoby Stained Glass Studio (then located at 822 Wilmington Ave.), I furnished the windows in the church together with my father, Fred, and brother, Fred Oppliger, Jr., who also graduated St. Stephen in '35 or '36. Our good friend, Msgr. Victor Suren, was pastor then.
Alfred Kaletta Jr. ('43) passed away Dec. 24, 2004. According to his wife, "He always had a soft spot for his school and parish."
Dr. Thomas Tombridge ('43) passed away June 19, 2004. His wife, Barbara, wrote: Tom always had a great admiration for the education he received at St. Stephen. Especially was thankful for the scholarshp to St. Louis University High School and St. Louis University Medical School. He often spoke of St. Stephen and the wonderful grade school education he received.
Patricia Walsh Buhr ('44): I attended 10:30 Mass at St. Stephen recently. I think the church is beautiful. I like the renovations.
Jane Dowling Richard ('48): INCREDIBLE CURIOSITY has prompted my quick response to your St. Stephen alum letter. I have not lived in St. Louis for almost 50 years and graduated from St. Stephen 59 years ago!!! How ever did you find me???
Morey Brady ('51): I am a grad of St. Stephen's Class of '51. I appreciate the newsletter you generate! I live in Westerville, Ohio. We moved here in January 1971. Please keep me informed and pass along any info on the Class of '51.
Don Erbs ('51) passed away in April 2008.
Rene E. Lusser ('52): Graduated from St. Louis University High in 1956, St. Louis University in 1960, and St. Louis University Law School in 1962.
Steven Rick ('56) passed away on June 12, 2003.
Nancy Koch ('57): After visiting St. Stephen in September for our class reunion, I was interested in the "brick walk" you have for the new parish center (beautiful). I could not find that info on your Website, so perhaps you can help me out. [The brick pavers were in recognition of some of the donors to the capital campaign that helped fund the building of the parish center and renovation of the church.] Did so enjoy Father Barthel's tour, and we all delighted in seeing "our" old classrooms. Thank you.
Patricia Rick Gehrin ('57): Our class just recently celebrated our 50th year since graduation. On September 22, we took a tour of St. Stephen church and school to see how it was and is now. It was very interesting and enjoyable. We followed up with a dinner at Pietro's. It was nice to see my classmates.
Dick Kohnen ('60): Our class had a reunion, I think in 2000. It was a lot of fun, and I'd enjoy seeing old classmates again.
Mary Bokamper Sharek ('61): Mary received a B.A. from Fontbonne University, an M.A. from the University of Missouri-Columbia, and is a Certified Financial Planner and Chartered Mutual Fund Counselor. She has been a senior financial advisor with Waddell & Reed for 25 years.
Nancy Stough Hillhouse ('61): I am a Spanish teacher at DeSmet Jesuit High School and am a member of St. Stephen parish. I live in west St. Louis County. I am married and have two grown children.
Mike Garland ('62): Stephanie, my name is Mike Garland, and I live in Jacksonville, Fla. My brothers and sisters and I graduated from St. Stephen in the early '60s. I don't know how you reached me, but thanks for the news from St. Stephen.
Sr. Marie Laurent Klein, CPPS (faculty, '68-'74): Mary Lou Landholt Frank ('77) forwarded your e-mail to me. I did not graduate from St. Stephen but taught there from 1968-74. (So I taught at St. Stephen before you were born. I am indeed an elder among you.) I taught fourth grade my first year, a split fourth and sixth grade the next year, and then first grade my last four years. I loved the people and the students at St. Stephen and have many happy memories of my years there. I became reconnected with St. Stephen this past year when Sr. Carmen [principal at that time] and I were invited back to one of the class reunions. It was a most enjoyable evening. I wish you the best in all your endeavors. I think it is neat that you are willing to keep the Alumni Association going. Love and prayers.
Christopher Wentz ('69): Retired from State of New Mexico's Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department (Director, Renewable Energy Division) in December 2005. Enjoying fly-fishing, camping, hiking, gardening, and numerous sports, as well as other family activities.
Mike Ruck ('69) is wondering whether anyone is planning a 40th reunion for his class. Please e-mail alumni@saintstephenstl.org if you know of anything.
Nancy Hock O'Keefe ('72): What an awesome idea to try and reach out to old friends. I now live in Fenton, after being in Rhode Island for 20 years and back here for eight. I work in radiology -- ultrasound specifically -- and in sales, and my husband works in public safety at SLU. I have four daughters, two granddaughters, and one grandson and they rock my world. I'd love to hear from old friends. Most of you may know I lost my mom last February and she was a parishoner her entire life.
Jacqueline Wind Thompson ('76): Three children: Jacob, 17; Joe, 1; Jenna. Married 21 years. Currently emplyed as a substitute teacher. So sorry I am unable to attend or assit with any activities. I am extremely busy with children and this community [Silex, Mo.], but I wish you all much success in all your projects!!
Liz Galbierz Belko ('83): Married to Brian since 1993. We have three children, Nicholas, 11; Connor, 6; and Logan, 3. I graduated from the University of Missouri in 1990 with a B.A. in elementary education. I received my master's degree from Webster University in 2000 with an MAT specializing in social sciences. I taught six years at Resurrection, then the last 10 years at Hillsboro Elementary, teaching third grade, where I still currently teach. I think this is a great idea! I hope you get many responses and I look forward to checking out the updated Website.
Julie King Lauer ('87): Have two children, Kayla and Kyle. Teaching at Immaculate Heart of Mary.
Robert Marx ('87): Celebrating 10 years in the state of Alaska -- what a place! Working in a residential alcohol and substance dependence facility through the Salvation Army. Former Jesuit volunteer in Auburn. Most important -- our son Noah is four months old (born 6/7/07)! P.S. Apologies for non-attendance of alumni events!
Maggie Pratt Scheurer ('90): I received the update letter and am happy to hear that St. Stephen is thriving. My husband's name is Brian and I have a nine-month-old son, Luke. I have been teaching learning-disabled students at Churchill Center and School for nine years and am now home with my son during the day and tutoring part-time.
(FYI: With the exception of death notices, I am only sharing news I received firsthand. I am not sharing anything that was passed along about someone else.)
Here goes:
Rosemary Sollmann ('38) passed away Dec. 22, 2001.
Geraldine Frederich Everding ('42): I have five children and 16 grandchildren. All live within five miles of me. I belong to Queen of All Saints parish. Dr. [David] Borgmeyer [St. Stephen parishioner and music instructor] is my dentist.
William Oppliger ('42): As president of the Jacoby Stained Glass Studio (then located at 822 Wilmington Ave.), I furnished the windows in the church together with my father, Fred, and brother, Fred Oppliger, Jr., who also graduated St. Stephen in '35 or '36. Our good friend, Msgr. Victor Suren, was pastor then.
Alfred Kaletta Jr. ('43) passed away Dec. 24, 2004. According to his wife, "He always had a soft spot for his school and parish."
Dr. Thomas Tombridge ('43) passed away June 19, 2004. His wife, Barbara, wrote: Tom always had a great admiration for the education he received at St. Stephen. Especially was thankful for the scholarshp to St. Louis University High School and St. Louis University Medical School. He often spoke of St. Stephen and the wonderful grade school education he received.
Patricia Walsh Buhr ('44): I attended 10:30 Mass at St. Stephen recently. I think the church is beautiful. I like the renovations.
Jane Dowling Richard ('48): INCREDIBLE CURIOSITY has prompted my quick response to your St. Stephen alum letter. I have not lived in St. Louis for almost 50 years and graduated from St. Stephen 59 years ago!!! How ever did you find me???
Morey Brady ('51): I am a grad of St. Stephen's Class of '51. I appreciate the newsletter you generate! I live in Westerville, Ohio. We moved here in January 1971. Please keep me informed and pass along any info on the Class of '51.
Don Erbs ('51) passed away in April 2008.
Rene E. Lusser ('52): Graduated from St. Louis University High in 1956, St. Louis University in 1960, and St. Louis University Law School in 1962.
Steven Rick ('56) passed away on June 12, 2003.
Nancy Koch ('57): After visiting St. Stephen in September for our class reunion, I was interested in the "brick walk" you have for the new parish center (beautiful). I could not find that info on your Website, so perhaps you can help me out. [The brick pavers were in recognition of some of the donors to the capital campaign that helped fund the building of the parish center and renovation of the church.] Did so enjoy Father Barthel's tour, and we all delighted in seeing "our" old classrooms. Thank you.
Patricia Rick Gehrin ('57): Our class just recently celebrated our 50th year since graduation. On September 22, we took a tour of St. Stephen church and school to see how it was and is now. It was very interesting and enjoyable. We followed up with a dinner at Pietro's. It was nice to see my classmates.
Dick Kohnen ('60): Our class had a reunion, I think in 2000. It was a lot of fun, and I'd enjoy seeing old classmates again.
Mary Bokamper Sharek ('61): Mary received a B.A. from Fontbonne University, an M.A. from the University of Missouri-Columbia, and is a Certified Financial Planner and Chartered Mutual Fund Counselor. She has been a senior financial advisor with Waddell & Reed for 25 years.
Nancy Stough Hillhouse ('61): I am a Spanish teacher at DeSmet Jesuit High School and am a member of St. Stephen parish. I live in west St. Louis County. I am married and have two grown children.
Mike Garland ('62): Stephanie, my name is Mike Garland, and I live in Jacksonville, Fla. My brothers and sisters and I graduated from St. Stephen in the early '60s. I don't know how you reached me, but thanks for the news from St. Stephen.
Sr. Marie Laurent Klein, CPPS (faculty, '68-'74): Mary Lou Landholt Frank ('77) forwarded your e-mail to me. I did not graduate from St. Stephen but taught there from 1968-74. (So I taught at St. Stephen before you were born. I am indeed an elder among you.) I taught fourth grade my first year, a split fourth and sixth grade the next year, and then first grade my last four years. I loved the people and the students at St. Stephen and have many happy memories of my years there. I became reconnected with St. Stephen this past year when Sr. Carmen [principal at that time] and I were invited back to one of the class reunions. It was a most enjoyable evening. I wish you the best in all your endeavors. I think it is neat that you are willing to keep the Alumni Association going. Love and prayers.
Christopher Wentz ('69): Retired from State of New Mexico's Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department (Director, Renewable Energy Division) in December 2005. Enjoying fly-fishing, camping, hiking, gardening, and numerous sports, as well as other family activities.
Mike Ruck ('69) is wondering whether anyone is planning a 40th reunion for his class. Please e-mail alumni@saintstephenstl.org if you know of anything.
Nancy Hock O'Keefe ('72): What an awesome idea to try and reach out to old friends. I now live in Fenton, after being in Rhode Island for 20 years and back here for eight. I work in radiology -- ultrasound specifically -- and in sales, and my husband works in public safety at SLU. I have four daughters, two granddaughters, and one grandson and they rock my world. I'd love to hear from old friends. Most of you may know I lost my mom last February and she was a parishoner her entire life.
Jacqueline Wind Thompson ('76): Three children: Jacob, 17; Joe, 1; Jenna. Married 21 years. Currently emplyed as a substitute teacher. So sorry I am unable to attend or assit with any activities. I am extremely busy with children and this community [Silex, Mo.], but I wish you all much success in all your projects!!
Liz Galbierz Belko ('83): Married to Brian since 1993. We have three children, Nicholas, 11; Connor, 6; and Logan, 3. I graduated from the University of Missouri in 1990 with a B.A. in elementary education. I received my master's degree from Webster University in 2000 with an MAT specializing in social sciences. I taught six years at Resurrection, then the last 10 years at Hillsboro Elementary, teaching third grade, where I still currently teach. I think this is a great idea! I hope you get many responses and I look forward to checking out the updated Website.
Julie King Lauer ('87): Have two children, Kayla and Kyle. Teaching at Immaculate Heart of Mary.
Robert Marx ('87): Celebrating 10 years in the state of Alaska -- what a place! Working in a residential alcohol and substance dependence facility through the Salvation Army. Former Jesuit volunteer in Auburn. Most important -- our son Noah is four months old (born 6/7/07)! P.S. Apologies for non-attendance of alumni events!
Maggie Pratt Scheurer ('90): I received the update letter and am happy to hear that St. Stephen is thriving. My husband's name is Brian and I have a nine-month-old son, Luke. I have been teaching learning-disabled students at Churchill Center and School for nine years and am now home with my son during the day and tutoring part-time.
EASY-TO-USE TOOL FOR PLANNING REUNIONS OR KEEPING IN TOUCH
From Donna Hutchison Taylor ('78):
I don't know how to "blog" but I would love for you to post my class's Website that I developed for our upcoming class reunion. This is something that I would encourage all classes to get involved with for their own class. We are the only elementary school represented in the entire Website for North America.
Just visit www.classreport.org and you will see how simple and unique it is. By clicking on this link, you will see that our class has been able to reconnect through this Website. Please visit http://www.classreport.org/usa/mo/stlouis/ssps/1978/. I think you will like what you see.
I don't know how to "blog" but I would love for you to post my class's Website that I developed for our upcoming class reunion. This is something that I would encourage all classes to get involved with for their own class. We are the only elementary school represented in the entire Website for North America.
Just visit www.classreport.org and you will see how simple and unique it is. By clicking on this link, you will see that our class has been able to reconnect through this Website. Please visit http://www.classreport.org/usa/mo/stlouis/ssps/1978/. I think you will like what you see.
Thanks for sharing, Donna! This is a great tool that allows for easy communication within a smaller group.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
THE BEST PICNIC FLOAT EVER
From Jim Prag ('58):
This is a old picture of the "best picnic float ever" that four members of the Class of '58 put together for one of our picnic parades ... it may have been when we were in 7th or 8th grade. We had an old lawnmower motor in it ... not to propel it, but just for sound effects. We pushed it with broom handles. It was created by John Hummel (his family ran Hummel's Market, which was located on Leona & Fillmore -- now a beauty shop), John Niebling (still in the parish), Tom Morrison (in Washington, D.C.) & Jim Prag (still in the parish). The Class of '58 will be celebrating our 50th reunion this coming September.
Rick Ballweg ('60): It's funny, but I remember that float. I was in the graduating class of ’60, and one of my best friends was the younger brother of Tom Morrison, Denny. As a matter of fact, three of the kids in the picture wound up coaching our eighth grade basketball team (Tom Morrison, Jim Prag and John Hummel). The fourth coach was Ted Peterson. We finished second in the CAC league that year. We beat St. Margaret’s in an overtime game and lost to St. Gabriel’s for the championship.
Eighth graders on the team were John Faes, Denny Garavaglia, Denny Morrison, Rick Ballweg, Bill Meyer, John Caruso, Mark Flanagan, Paul Goldak, Jack Veach and Red Christman.
It's been a long time, but some memories you just can’t forget.
This is a old picture of the "best picnic float ever" that four members of the Class of '58 put together for one of our picnic parades ... it may have been when we were in 7th or 8th grade. We had an old lawnmower motor in it ... not to propel it, but just for sound effects. We pushed it with broom handles. It was created by John Hummel (his family ran Hummel's Market, which was located on Leona & Fillmore -- now a beauty shop), John Niebling (still in the parish), Tom Morrison (in Washington, D.C.) & Jim Prag (still in the parish). The Class of '58 will be celebrating our 50th reunion this coming September.
Rick Ballweg ('60): It's funny, but I remember that float. I was in the graduating class of ’60, and one of my best friends was the younger brother of Tom Morrison, Denny. As a matter of fact, three of the kids in the picture wound up coaching our eighth grade basketball team (Tom Morrison, Jim Prag and John Hummel). The fourth coach was Ted Peterson. We finished second in the CAC league that year. We beat St. Margaret’s in an overtime game and lost to St. Gabriel’s for the championship.
Eighth graders on the team were John Faes, Denny Garavaglia, Denny Morrison, Rick Ballweg, Bill Meyer, John Caruso, Mark Flanagan, Paul Goldak, Jack Veach and Red Christman.
It's been a long time, but some memories you just can’t forget.
Sunday, June 15, 2008
PARISH PICNIC 2008
It was such a pleasure to meet many of you Wednesday at the parish picnic. I was surprised by how truly meaningful and heartwarming it was to hear the stories of those who joined us for the parade and visited the alumni booth throughout the day. Even though I don't believe I've missed a picnic in the last 35 years, this time around -- talking with all of you -- made it feel like a different sort of homecoming for me, and I hope you shared these feelings. Thank you for sharing your memories with me.Aside from collecting address changes and selling car magnets, I learned a lot.
Some graduates from the 1940s informed me that a wall on the second floor of the school building had been graced by photos of all graduating classes. They wondered what had happened to those photos, and I assured them that I would try to find out.
Many alums talked about the changes in the neighborhood, where markets and service stations had once been. On the other hand, Gerry Schaeffer ('51) remarked on the parade route that he was glad to see how much things have stayed the same.
One alum, who had grown up in what is now Immaculate Heart of Mary parish, pointed out that in the early days of St. Stephen parish, the boundaries were larger, encompassing areas that were later taken on by newer churches.
Two ladies reminisced about Msgr. Hoelting's visits to the classrooms.
Marie Berne Reilly ('39) wore her eighth-grade ribbon and informed me that the school colors at that time were blue and gold.
One alum remembered being the first to serve a Mass in the new church; others recalled cleaning up after the fire in the old church.
We had representation from all decades. Parade-goers and visitors to the booth included:
Loretta Sikorski ('35)Richard Sollman ('38)
Marie Berne Reilly ('39)
Al Eckert ('42)
Bart Dyer ('45)
Shirley Merz Kuhn ('45)
Ernie Sciaroni ('47)
Marilyn Merz Kaelin ('50)
Mary Joan Steppan Schneider ('51)
Gerry Schaeffer ('51)
Mary Ruppel Mattingly ('57)
Ann Nester Cleeland ('57)
Gene Ramage ('57)
John Pelch ('57)
Marie Weindel Strayhorn ('57)
John Niebling ('58)
Jim Prag ('58)Janet Niebling Evers ('59)
Richard Kohnen ('60)
Jane Alles ('61)
Judy Niebling Liermann ('62)
Joan Hempen ('63)
Bob Dowd ('65)
Paul Alles ('65)
Lisa Schulte Brown ('66)
Jill Marica Conway ('69)
John Esswein ('71)
Steve Butz ('72)
Steve Westbrook ('73)
David Eller ('73)
Paul Krus ('75)
Tim Myles ('75)
Ken Brotherton ('77)
Donna Hutchison Taylor ('78)Andy Sciaroni ('78)
Laura Esswein Rettig ('81)
Laura Sestric Schulte ('82)
Vicki Arcipowski Pauley ('82)
Cathy Greco ('83)
Tim Krueger ('83)
Stephanie Oehler Wobbe ('84)
Chuck Pemberton ('85)
Laura Holdenried Mueller ('86)
Jeff Richardson ('87)
Tim Harrison ('88)
Jen Lenhardt Malamas ('88)
Amy Oehler McCubbins ('88)
Trish Hutchison Blackstun ('90)
Paula Stoff Dean ('90)
Nikki Varga Wilson ('92)
Dave Wallace ('94)Brian Quante ('95)
Chris Oppelt ('96)
Nathan Powers ('97)
Tim Horvat ('98)
Joe Puricelli ('00)
Zach Paule ('00)
Mallory Rusch ('00)
Kelly Terry ('03)
Joe Bennett ('04)
Alison Broekelmann ('06)
Emily Cook ('06)
Melanie Harbaugh ('06)
Katie Tichacek ('08)
There were many other alums who were "spotted" or who stopped to visit without signing in. We also had a raffle at the booth. Thanks to all who entered. The winner of a St. Stephen's hoodie sweatshirt is Mary Joan Schneider ('51).
Steve Butz ('72) gets an honorable mention for providing us with the most address updates/verifications, as he donated a large chunk of his day double-checking all 10 of his siblings and four of his six children.
Same for David Eller ('73) for rounding up the most people in the beer garden to check in with us.
And John Esswein ('71) for traveling the farthest (to my knowledge) to join us from Perryville, Mo.
We hope to see even more of you next year. Have a great summer!
Stephanie Oehler Wobbe ('84)
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