Dave Barnes

Great idea Dana...going to try to get back in town to for it. 

Mike Wheeler (Teacher's Son-Class Of '73)

Talked with Matt Brawley. They are looking forward to honoring Bill. They will set up a section for those attending If possible let them or me know how many are expected...

Rex Carpenter

I would like to add my name to the list of those who are attending . Just please have someone let me know at least a few days ahead of time so I will remember to come. You how it get when you get old, the meomery is the 1st , well maybe 2nd thing to go. LOL.....

David Howells

David (aka Abbott) and Terri will be there. What a fine way to show our appreciation for Bill, in the place we remember him best!

Steve Hardy

As of now plan on making that game. Bill was a joy to watch play basketball as was our entire "74" team.

Deborah Lunger

Pam, My sympathies to you and your family. I, as most, was so shocked and saddened to hear of Bill's passing. What a legacy he leaves on this earth as a wonderful human. There is a brighter star in heaven today.

Deborah Lunger

I am so glad that NHS and Buchanan, will honor Bill's legacy on Feb 6 at the basketball game. How fitting and timely that both schools are involved.... of course.
We will gather to share our memories of Bill and celebrate the joy he brought to so many through the generations and ages.
I will be there, (fingers crossed for no snow and good driving weather) along with Karen Bezemek
McGregor and Jeannie Percy Gowen.
I hope many out of towners will be able to make it back home - maybe a lunch reunion on Monday before the game????
Looking forward to seeing so many and pay tribute to our star.

Deborah Lunger

Since I am logged in and that hasn't happened in a few years...
I wanted to give you an update on one of our classmates, Lynn Schweinzger.

This year she was moved to an assisted living facility in Grand Rapids - she couldn't stay alone in Niles anymore and has her brother and family in GR, her health is not good.
She has good care- doesn't leave the facility but is in good spirits.

In September, Karen Bezemek and I visited with her for a day. She was so excited to spend the afternoon with us,as we were with her. Covid kept so many people apart for so long.
I try to talk to her every month, and I can tell you the most important thing on her mind is the 50th reunion!!!!!
I promised her that I will get her there when the time comes. As soon as we have any details, she can't wait to hear about it.
In her room she proudly displays the photo's of the past reunions on her walls. She has a memory of our school days like a hawk!!!!- she always reminds me of something or someone. She tried to keep up with everyone who lived in Niles and loves her classmates!

If anyone has a moment to send her a card or a note I am sure she would love to hear from you and I know it would brighten her day- I Promise she will remember you all

Lynn Schweinzger
c/o Green Acres
room 105
11289 Commerce Dr.
Allendale MI 49401

Thanks everyone, have a wonderful holiday and hope to see you on February 6 at NHS
Deb

Deborah Lunger

Lynn Schweinzger, Karen McGregor Bezemek and me

September 2022

Deborah Lunger

Hi everyone,

I'm looking forward to our 50th class reunion.

I missed far too many when I lived on the west coast!

Although I live in Chicago, I am signing up for any task "you" / "us"/ "we" need help with, who ever gets the ball rolling please know I am here to help.

Not sure who to connect with ......

I would love to get involved 

Deb

Randy Smith

I consider myself fortunate to grow up with Bill through the years.  From Eastside pickup games to Ring Lardner basketball & finally through high school we were good friends & teamates on the hardcourt.  I remember in 8th grade playing alongside Bill and thinking "what an amazing shooter" he was becoming.  His skill level only increased through high school, and I was only a little surprised he made the Class A  All-State team as a senior.  He certainly deserved that award, I only doubted if the right people would see his talents on display like those of us who played with him did.  I also saw Bill when EMU played UofM at Crisler Arena once or twice.

Pam, I did not know you at all, but I do remember you patiently waiting for Bill after the ballgames.  It was obvious that you two had a special bond.  Let's celebrate all the memories we have of Bill.  He was the most humble & unassuming star athelete I have ever known.

Linda Behm

Dana, 
For those that live out of the area or just cannot make it on February 6, has there been any thought to having the game/celebration of Bill streamed? 

Eileen Drolet (Champion)

I think that is a wonderful idea Linda Behm! I would love to be able to see this tribute in person,however, we live in Florida part time now. I cannot recall missing any games in middle school, both home and away. Many probably aren't aware that Bill's parents drove myself and 1/2 the cheerleading squad to every away game in middle school. Yes,they were as amazing as Bill! There were one or 2 other parents that also did this volunteer work .I was lucky to be a member of the Usher's Club in high school, which allowed me to not miss any home games as well. 

I sincerely hope Bill's tribute can be streamed ! I would hate to miss this!

Dana Daniels

Linda, that was a great idea to stream the game and ceremony for Bill.  I've left a message for Matt Brawley, our AD to see if that can be done.  Matt usually gets things done, so I'm pretty sure he can.  He is also the son of George, who still comes to the games.

Lynn Bassler (Porter)

Debbie....you had mentioned getting togther before the game on Feb 6, for Bill.   I'll be happy to try and coordinate a gathering spot based on how many want to meet before the game. If anyone has location suggestions please throw them out there, alot may depend on how many want to meet beforehand.

Concerning the Class Reunion....after the 1st of the year we've had conversations of getting the process started.  Maybe Feb 6 before the game might be a good time to catch up on the past reunions and thoughts for the 50th.  I am a bit in the dark because I never really was involved but I am glad to pick up the ball to help get things going.

Looking forward to seeing everyone!

Rex Carpenter

Lynn there is 2 places here in town that would work for a meeting place. 1 is the Eagles, or 2 Front street Pizza. Both are good & can fit about all who attend.

Karen McGregor (Bezemek)

Lynne, Deb, Rex - joined the Eagles recently so I would agree with this as we could likely use the meeting / event side with room to talk. Am thinking Front St Pizza is a bit tough acoustics wise. Lynne, I'll bring the files I have regarding the last time I was involved. Should fill in some of the org or coordination blanks. When a time and place is decided, provide specifics to Wendy Rhem Comar who as, site admin, can put up on the homepage and, I believe still can send out a brief email to the master list. Of course some emails will have changed but it's a start. 

Karen McGregor (Bezemek)

Lynne, Deb, Rex - joined the Eagles recently so I would agree with this as we could likely use the meeting / event side with room to talk. Am thinking Front St Pizza is a bit tough acoustics wise. Lynne, I'll bring the files I have regarding the last time I was involved. Should fill in some of the org or coordination blanks. When a time and place is decided, provide specifics to Wendy Rhem Comar who as, site admin, can put up on the homepage and, I believe still can send out a brief email to the master list. Of course some emails will have changed but it's a start. 

Tracy Bishop

Good morning all, I would be happy to help out with the reunion as well! Just let me know when and where!

Deborah Lunger

Hi everyone,

I have some sad news to pass along.

Babette Racht passed away last week. She died unexpectedly.

Her obituary is now available on Brown Funeral Home's website.

What a lovely picture of her.

Babette and I grew up as next door neighbors in Ballard Hills.  We shared some great times together from the time we were 6 yrs. old until after I graduated from college and moved away.

Very happy memories of our childhood together.

Just one .....Crawling out her bedroom window to lay on the roof with baby oil and iodine lathered all over. And a large piece of poster board covered in foil, angled over our faces, to make sure we got the best rays of the sun!!!

Lord what we know now!

Where does the time go????

There is an open house this Saturday, Jan 14 to honor her- unfortunately I have covid and will not be able to attend.

Rest in peace my friend.

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Deborah Lunger

Okay, I'll try again

The picture of Babette and the obituary show up.

https://brownfuneralhomeniles.com/tribute/details/3842/Babette-Racht/obituary.html#tribute-start

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Anne Rigby (Haley)

Such sad news!  I have fond memories going back to Westside of Babette.  She gave me a great purse for my birthday - still remember after all these years.  Rest in peace, dear lady.

Mike Southworth

I'm so sorry to hear of Babette's passing. Like so many, I have wonderful memories of her - particularly through the elementary school years. Praying for her family during this difficult time.

Wendy Rehm (Comar)

Thanks for the update.  So sorry to hear this news.  I have updated the In Memory page with Babette's obituary.  I also learned of the passing of our principal-- Dan Stevens in November so I added him as well.  If anyone has streaming information for the Bill Weaver tribute on Feb 6th, please let me know so I can post it.  Thanks all.  Stay well. Wendy

Lynn Bassler (Porter)

I wanted to get back to everyone concerning the kick off meeting for the our 50th Class Reunion and meeting before the Feb 6, 2023 Basketball game on behalf of Bill Weaver. Game is at 7PM.

I met with the Martins Coffee Club this past Wednesday (thanks Joe for organizing that) and I said I would try and post something so we can get things rolling.  It was mentioned we might try and meet prior to the game at the Eagle's so I stopped in and spoke to Julia.  She said we were welcome on Feb 6 before the game.  She did say that the Class of 65 always meets on Monday's but there should be plenty of room in the side room for us and them.  Monday's are their $ 2.00 Burger Special so I told her I would post this to the class and if you plan to join us at the Eagle's and eat please let me know that way I can give her a head count so we don't overwhelm the place!

I will plan to be there by 5PM.  If you can let me know via this site by FEB 1st whom will want to eat for sure and whom might be joining us at the Eagle's that would be wonderful, I'll relay that info back to her.  I'll also ask if you'd like to bring past information you have on the past reunions I can gather the information and start a file/build a tote whatever is needed based on the amount of information you bring.

Mike Wheeler is working on the Class of '73 so he has shared possible locations, costs etc so we have a bit of a starting point.

If anyone has any questions and want to call me, my number is 812-878-7542.  I look forward to seeing everyone if not at the Eagle's at the basketball game.  Pass this info on to anyone you know that may not view the site very often (like me!!)