The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
Pictured at left is June (Stevenson) Galbraith, 95 Class of 1945, and Ralph Tatge, 96 Class of 1944.
Stronghurst High School graduates (classes 1890-1971) enjoyed a good evening on Saturday, June 25, 2022 at the Stronghust Alumni Banquet at the Pzazz Convention & Event Center in Burlington, Iowa.
The oldest present was Ralph Tatge, age 96 from the SHS Class of 1944, Stronghurst, Illinois. Ralph was honored as the only WW II Veteran present and he was looking fabulous. "Thank you Ralph for your service!"
The oldest woman alumni present was June (Stevenson) Galbraith of rural Gladstone, age 95 - SHS Class of 1945. June is also looking fit and fabulous. June had vowed to try something new every year and she has kept true to her word from running a spinning wheel, learning to fly, going on a zip-line to this year's riding in a hot air balloon–and she loved it! The landing was adventuresome but easier to get out when it topples.
Zack Stamp recognized all veterans and had wives tell of their husband's service and all were given a round of applause. -The furthest traveled was Larry Kirkenslager, 77 of the Stronghurst High School Class of 1962 from Huntington Beach, California.
Larry use to be a great entertainer on the Stronghurst High School boys basketball team and some thought he might become a world famous Globetrotter. Instead Larry went into politics. He was born August 6, 1944 and served in the Iowa House of Representatives as a Republican from the 84th district from 1979 to 1982.
Currently he is 3rd Sr Vice President Pre Construction at Sasco where he has been over 30 years.
There were 83 alumni and 24 guests with no teachers attending the banquet. The Pzazz catering service served a delicious meal of pork chops and Italian chicken with drinks, salad, and dessert.
Next alumni banquet is being planned by the final SHS attending classes of 1972-1973-1974.
Volunteers for the planning committee are Candy Duncan, Linda Hartman Hernandez, and Patricia Little Peterson. Others are hoped to come forward to help.
Golden Anniversary Class of 1971:
Jeff Wilson, Zack Stamp, David Hise, Larry Hawk, Janet Rehling Richardson, and Ron Gittings.
Golden Anniversary Class of 1970:
Donna Hartman Powless, Raritan, Reva Hartman Dowell, Texas, and Tom Doran, Carman.
Golden Anniversary Class of 1969:
Dick Stevenson, Diana Keever Stevenson, Ellen Gittings May, Eileen Donaldson Sale, Connie Duncan LaRue, Carol Tatge Gardiner.