Volume 6 | Number 6
Welcome to Rise
Welcome to the November 2021, edition of Rise Grand Island, the alumni newsletter for Grand Island Senior High published every other month by the Grand Island Public Schools Foundation. Rise is where we connect with thousands of Islanders across the globe, keeping you and them informed on what’s happening in Purple and Gold land, and reminiscing a little bit as well.
This is Volume 6, Number 6, as we are nearing the homestretch for year six as the official publication for alums of Islander Nation. Thanks for reading us and for your comments and support.
We really enjoy hearing from those of you who find Rise in your inbox every other month. Give us a shout, especially if you or a GISH alum you know has done something new, newsy, or newsworthy. You can reach us at alumni@gips.org.
- Our At the Top lead story reveals some changes that are coming to Rise starting in January, including two new alumni voices and an easier way to navigate the newsletter.
- Grand Island Public Schools Foundation Executive Director, Traci Skalberg, highlights the Foundation's eighth consecutive year receiving 4-star rating from Charity Navigator in Shaking the World
- Newcomer to the Foundation, Alicia Lechner, brings us up to speed on ways to give this holiday season in Your Legacy. Their Opportunity.
- On the Island correspondent Jackie Ruiz writes this issue about GISH’s chapter of SADD, Students Against Destructive Decisions. She interviews both the club’s sponsor and a member.
- Our Distant Mirror correspondent, Mike Monk, Class of 1967, details one of the craziest law cases he’s ever worked on in his four decades plus career as an attorney. Don’t miss “The Cake in the Face case.”
- My I’ve Been Thinking column this issue argues that you can tell a lot about a person just by checking which stations they have on their car radio presets. I’ll be the Beta test.
- In this issue’s, (e) Mail Bag our letters to the editor, we have printed the thoughts of a couple alumni who graduated 22 years apart.
- Our Class Reunion Update lets you know who is going to party and when, in case your class is on deck or maybe you just want to crash another class’s soiree and see a few old friends.
- As usual we’ll see what songs were tapping our toes, what movies were wooing us on the big screen, what novels we were reading, and what television shows entertained us from each decade during July.
- Finally, as we do every issue, we honor those Islanders who passed away the last couple months in our In Memoriam section.
We hope you find this Rise to your liking.
Remember Islanders: Keep pushing on.
George Ayoub, Class of 1968
Editor, Rise Grand Island
alumni@gips.org
At the Top
Rise Growing, Changing As Year Six Closes
Rise is putting a bow on its sixth year as the sole publication for Grand Island Senior High alumni and friends. We now send our newsletter to over 7,000 email addresses across the country and even a handful beyond that. We thank you for reading Rise and your support of it and the Foundation.
In an effort to make Rise more readable and continue to grow, we’re primed to make some changes starting in January, which will be issue #1 of Rise’s seventh volume. The math works out to that being our 37th newsletter.
First, we’re going to make it easier for you to move around Rise with stories grouped into sections. The section headings will be easy to find and color-coded. And there are only four, so navigating should be simplified.
Bianca Ayala
Two new writers are joining the Rise team: Abbey Kutlas-Prickett, GISH Class of 2014, and Bianca Ayala, GISH Class of 2005 and a current member the Grand Island Public Schools Foundation board. We’ll let them introduce themselves more in January, but suffice to say their insight and experience will broaden Rise’s perspective. We’re grateful for them to be on board.
Abbey Kutlas-Prickett
We’re rethinking our Milestone stories, too, hoping to include more about the lives of Islanders from births to weddings to job promotions to other life benchmarks. More on how to submit those items to us will be included in January’s Rise.
Finally, we have decided to allow some advertising and sponsorships starting next year, too. The variety and form of these are still being developed, so we’ll have more information for those who may want to either advertise in or sponsor a part or an issue of Rise.
A wise person once said “Change is inevitable; growth is optional.” At Rise our goal is to grow, providing you with information about Senior High and the good works of the Foundation, reveling a little in the past, and keeping strong the connections we have as Islanders.
Shaking the World
When Eight is Great
The GIPS Foundation has received notice that we were again awarded the Four Star rating from Charity Navigator. This rating is based on strong fiscal responsibility and commitment to accountability and transparency.
Our Foundation was the first Grand Island non-profit organization to be rated by Charity Navigator. The Grand Island Public Schools Foundation is one of 70 Nebraska charities rated, and one of only 25 Nebraska charities with the 4-star rating. Additionally, the Grand Island Public Schools Foundation is one of just four Nebraska charities outside of Lincoln and Omaha to receive the 4-star rating.
Here is an excerpt from the award letter signed by Michael Thatcher, President and CEO of Charity Navigator:
“We are proud to announce Grand Island Public Schools Foundation has earned our eighth consecutive 4-star rating. This is our highest possible rating and indicates that your organization adheres to sector best practices and executes its mission in a financially efficient way. Only 6% of the charities we evaluate have received at least 8 consecutive 4-star evaluations, indicating that the Grand Island Public Schools Foundation outperforms most other charities in America.”
We think it is really nice to be recognized, but you know, we are just doing things the Grand Island way. We have a tremendous board of directors who volunteer their time to make our organization work. While this rating is about transparency and fiscal accountability, the board will tell you that they are most proud of the funds we spend. We get to see the faces of the students that we help every day. We get to walk alongside donors to give dreams wings. This happens in a micro way for individual students via scholarships and needs grants, and in a macro way when we get to help create amazing spaces for our students and community such as the Memorial Stadium project. We get to do BIG and Small…and it all matters!
It is our honor do these things and account for them with the highest ethical standards. We are pleased to be your credible charity to invest in success with you. We have been at this a long time, but eight really is great.
Your Legacy. Their Opportunity.
Giving Back
Hello, I’m new here. But I think that you’ll find we have some things in common. I am a proud product of Grand Island Public Schools, having attended both Walnut Middle School and Grand Island Senior High School. My Islander spirit shines bright and I bleed purple and gold. My heart is community driven. And at the end of the day I love to see students reach their full potential.
It is such an exciting honor to join the Grand Island Public Schools Foundation in a new role as Annual Giving Coordinator. I am joining the Foundation after serving Grand Island Senior High for over 5 years, so it is great to continue working for students, just in another way. This is also my seventh year coaching cheerleading at Grand Island Senior High. Over the years, spending time on the sidelines, working with our team at practice and participating in various community service efforts has been a true joy.
I am proud to have witnessed the GIPS Foundation, with the help of their donors, work together with the district to roll up their sleeves and continue to get the work done throughout the past school year. Working for the GIPS Foundation and its mission has always been an interest of mine and now, I too, am ready to put the work in to best serve the students in our district and community.
Two upcoming events that YOU can get involved with and give back:
GIPS Foundation Community Campaign
GR.I.T. is our Community Campaign theme this year and it stands for GRand Island Tenacity. This last year, we all persevered. But we not only persevered, we continued to persevere. And our Community Campaign is asking that you make a monetary donation to the GIPS Foundation so that we can do just that, continue. Continue to provide proper work attire for students in need. Continue to provide eye glasses to a student who can’t see the board in class. Continue to help students pay for their dual credit classes. Continue to reward a hard working student with a valuable scholarship. Continue to provide opportunities.
You can give a gift of GRIT to make a difference for our students.
Giving Tuesday
Giving Tuesday was founded in 2012 as a day that encouraged people to do good. Since then, this charitable day, which is always held the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, has been a way for nonprofit organizations to highlight their missions. You could say that it is a day of opportunity.
For the GIPS Foundation, the opportunities provided by Giving Tuesday are endless. There is an opportunity for community members to give a monetary donation to the Foundation. It is a day of opportunity for all of the what ifs that could be provided to students and educators in the future. And an opportunity for our community to learn more about what the Foundation does.
Join us on Giving Tuesday, November 30. Your gift will make a difference for our students.
The small things add up:
“My Heart” Red Bag Hyvee
During the month of November at Hyvee you can purchase a “My Heart” reusable grocery bag for $2.50 and $1 from each bag will be donated to the GIPS Foundation. A small way that you can indirectly support your schools.
Amazon Smile
If you shop on Amazon, I’ve got a new trick for you. Shop via smile.amazon.com and experience feel-good shopping. 0.5% of eligible purchases will be donated to your favorite charitable organization (hopefully the GIPS Foundation) with no fees or extra cost to you! Be part of something bigger while you’re ordering your next Amazon purchase.
I look forward to investing in our students and the Grand Island community. I hope you’ll join me.
Sincerely,
Alicia Lechner
Annual Giving Coordinator
Grand Island Public Schools Foundation
On the Island
Making the World A Better Place, One Step at a Time
Jacqueline Ruiz-Rodriguez, Class of 2023
For as long as Haley Koeppe can remember, Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) has been a part of Senior High. SADD allows students to have a safe environment where they can share their feelings and struggles. Koeppe, a Grand Island Senior High English teacher, is the club’s sponsor.
The club focuses on community issues and personal topics that can help students make the right decisions. It also helps students feel like they are a part of a community where they can be heard and related to, said Koeppe.
She believes the key to their success came from students who are willing to talk about tough topics and bring awareness to their communities. "We are trying to make a change because students believe that changes need to happen," she said.
SADD has over 8,000 chapters in middle schools, high schools, and colleges across the country. Koeppe is the club’s latest sponsor. GISH has had a SADD chapter for over 40 years.
SADD, which was formerly known as Students Against Drunk Driving, meets every other Wednesday on a B day schedule. The meetings take place in room 315 from 11:40 to 12:05 p.m.
“There are currently 10 members in SADD,” said Koeppe, “but we’ve started to grow our reputation in the school and more people are joining each year.”
She said that its main goal is to help students understand the consequences of their actions and how they can affect others around them.
“We educate the students on negative topics such as substance abuse and alcoholism,” Koeppe said, “This is a safe place for students who haven’t been taught how to deal with these issues. It’s a place where they can relate to others who might have gone through the same thing.”
Talking about different issues in the community with peers and with family members is a big part of being in SADD. They discuss new topics every month.
“This month we are learning more about drunk driving and driving while using our cell phones. We are also talking about how reckless driving can lead to losses,” said Koeppe.
Every March, students are taken to a protest called “No Limits,” where they protest against the use of tobacco and drugs. The members of SADD volunteer at concession stands and local shelters to earn the money to go on this trip.
In past years, they have protested in Lincoln with a group called No Limits Nebraska. The ultimate goal is to stop companies that are producing tobacco and using teenagers to promote their products. Before COVID, GISH’s chapter of SADD went to Lincoln for two days, making signs, talking to state senators, and protesting in front of the capital.
She explained that students don’t always understand how big of an impact these issues have on people, but she wants to teach them how to be aware of their surroundings and seek help when they need it.
“We definitely do this for the students, so that they know what to do if they are having troubles. We want them to be able to make the right decisions for themselves and for their futures.”
Senior Emily Whiting, a member of SADD, said that she joined the club to gain knowledge about her at-home experiences and troubles.
“I joined SADD because I thought that it was interesting. I wanted to learn more about the things that my parents used to do like smoking,” Whiting said, “I wanted to learn why people did what they did and how we can prevent things from getting worse.”
Whiting said that clubs like these change the world one step at a time and help students see what goes on in the world.
“I think that it’s important for students to be able to voice their opinions about things that they struggle with because they could be helping others who are struggling with the same thing,” said Whiting.
SADD members said that all students are welcome to join them as they prepare to talk more about what matters to them, the community, and the school.
“We hope that students will see how this club can have an impact and change the lives of many people and that they will want to be a part of it,” said Koeppe.
Photos and videos courtesy of GISH SADD Chapter.
A Distant Mirror
The Cake in the Face Case
Friends often ask me about the more interesting or amusing cases I have handled in my 47 years of law practice. My practice involves representing employers. I guide them on how to comply with the law. I provide counsel on whether certain conduct merits discipline or discharge, and I also defend lawsuits brought against employers by discharged employees.
Of course many lawsuits brought by employees have merit and seek to address unlawful actions. But I have seen a surprising number of cases where the employee seeks desperately to defend misconduct by raising false issues. The “Cake in the Face Case” is one such case.
This case involved actions by an employee of a non-profit who employed social workers. The social workers did case management and helped provide resources to developmentally disabled persons. Social Worker “Mr. Attacker” (the names have been changed to protect the innocent and the guilty) wanted to take a Friday off even though he had a major matter occurring that day. One of the developmentally disabled persons in his case load was being transferred to a new residence. Such a transfer is always a delicate and emotional matter for a vulnerable, developmentally disabled person. Mr. Attacker was supposed to be there to guide the process and smooth any bumps along the way.
Mr. Attacker, however, asked his work colleague “Mr. Victim” to cover for him on that Friday, since Attacker wanted a three day weekend. Victim agreed to cover. While Victim did everything he could to assist in the transfer on the Friday, things did not go well. On Monday morning Mr. Attacker’s supervisor confronted him and reprimanded him severely for not handling the matter himself.
Attacker then became furious at Victim, since Victim had handled the matter, and the transfer to the new residence did not go well. That same Monday there was a birthday celebration at the office. A cardboard platter with some cake remnants was left in the lunch room. Attacker picked up the cardboard platter, approached Victim in a hallway, yelled at him, and called him a profane name. Victim ignored Attacker. Attacker, however, then approached Victim, shouted more profanity and abruptly shoved the cardboard platter into Victim’s face, smearing cake all over Victim’s face and breaking the eyeglasses he was wearing. It was a violent act observed by several other employees.
Victim did not report this to management, but several other employees who observed and were offended by the violence did report it. The Human Resources Director then interviewed Victim, who confirmed the reports of what happened. The HR Director then also interviewed Attacker. The HR Director informed Attacker the employer had received reports that Attacker had (1) called Victim a profane name, (2) yelled other profanity at Victim and (3) smashed the cardboard platter into his face, smearing cake all over Victim’s face and breaking the eyeglasses Victim was wearing.
Attacker denied that these things had happened, telling a different story. Attacker said that after Victim saw the cake in the hallway, Victim called Attacker a “cheap Jew” for not offering him some cake. Attacker went on to claim that he then facetiously offered Victim some cake, but that the platter of cake slipped and went into Victim’s face by accident.
Several other employees and Victim all confirmed that Attacker’s story was false and reiterated that Attacker had called Victim a profane name and violently shoved the platter in his face. No one heard any reference to a “cheap Jew.” The company concluded that the weight of the evidence confirmed the observations of several employees and Victim. Accordingly, based on the violent physical attack and the misconduct associated with the encounter, the company discharged Attacker.
After being discharged, Attacker sued the employer, claiming religious discrimination, since he was fired after Victim called a “cheap Jew.” After the lawsuit was filed, I held a formal deposition and questioned Attacker about the facts of the case and his contentions.
Monk: Do you believe you were fired for religious reasons?
Attacker: Yes.
Monk: So Mr. Attacker, why do you believe you were fired because of your religion?
Attacker: Because Mr. Victim called me a “cheap Jew” and I was thereafter fired because of my religion, despite this attack on my religion.
Monk: Were you raised in a Jewish family?
Attacker: No, a Catholic family.
Monk: Did you ever convert to Judaism?
Attacker: No.
Monk: Do you regularly worship at a synagogue?
Attacker: No.
Monk: Have you ever been in a synagogue to worship?
Attacker: No.
Monk: Well then why do you contend that you were discriminated on your Jewish faith?
Attacker: Well……I respect their traditions, and I like kosher meat.
Monk: So I suppose you love Mel Brooks movies too?
Attacker: No, as a matter of fact I don’t.
Thereafter I brought a motion for summary judgement to dismiss the lawsuit. This motion argued that there was no credible evidence of religious discrimination. When I appeared in court that morning, the Judge began by telling both lawyers that he was Jewish. He asked if either party had a problem with that or wished to remove him from the case. I immediately proclaimed, “No, your honor!” The lawyer for Attacker also grudgingly said he did not have a problem with the Judge being of the Jewish faith.
Upon learning the Judge was Jewish, I was delighted since I did not think the Judge would be amused by the manner in which Attacker had misrepresented his claim to be Jewish. After both counsel had made their arguments, the Judge granted our Motion for Summary Judgement, dismissing the lawsuit.
Cases such as this not only misuse the laws protecting against religious discrimination and other unlawful discrimination, but also taint those other cases in which employees are the true victims of religious or other discrimination. These cases no longer surprise me, since in the eyes of the employee who has lost his job, “desperate times call for desperate measures.” But such cases not only demean those who bring such false claims, but also offend the important protections discrimination laws provide our society. But in this case, thank goodness, the Attacker was not able to commit the violent and aggressive actions he did and still remain employed. I think justice prevailed. Pretty much every employee wishes to work in an office where there will be no “Cake in the Face.”
Mike Monk can be reached at m.monk@mpglaw.com.
I've Been Thinking
Musical Buttons Reveal Plenty
You can pour over someone’s resume. You can look up someone’s social media profile. You could even read someone’s autobiography.
But if you really want to get to know them, check the presets on their car radios. I know. I know. Many now listen to music in vehicles via our phones. Still, what’s behind those little buttons on the screen or the dashboard can tell us plenty.
For a commuter like me (25-30 minutes each way weekdays), the presets bypass any spur-of-the-moment decision making about mood or mix tapes or other musical musings. I have, for example, locked in the one-touch convenience of “Classic Vinyl” rather than search for Led Zeppelin, Santana, or Steppenwolf.
Plus, I like the randomness of the radio playlists, that someone else has chosen the tune. I can accept or reject it because the button next door may be more of my jam at that moment. Unchecked, of course, this practice can result in never hearing a song in its entirety, a condition psychologists call UBA: Uncontrollable Browsing Affliction. Well, maybe not psychologists, maybe just me. See the TV remote for more details.I can preset 21 different stations if I use AM, FM, and XM, but I really only use nine, seven of which are the XM channel’s music presets. More about those in a minute.
My one AM preset is KRGI, the radio station I grew up hearing in my house until the Beatles, Bob Dylan, the Beach Boys, the Rolling Stones et al made records a thing in my life. KRGI’s “Night Train” show on Saturday nights was my first foray into the Top 40, long before Casey Kasem or Rick Dees. I still occasionally hit the “1” on my AM preset for local news, and it’s always my first stop trying to find an Islander game. But also because KRGI has a sweet hometown vibe. Even though radio has made technological strides, the familiar treble tone of AM is comfort food from the past.
My only FM preset is Nebraska Public Radio where I find news programs “Morning Edition” and “All Things Considered” as close to the truth as any modulating air waves these days. Full disclosure: I have written and read on the air a number of essays for Nebraska Public Radio. And, given the opportunity, I would do it again.
That leaves seven music channels that occupy my time and my psyche. As I wrote in this space three years ago, music, the soundtrack to and of our lives, can play a critical role not simply by entertaining us but also by providing joy, explanation, and perspective if we listen closely enough.
The aforementioned “Classic Vinyl” station occupies number 6 on my preset dial. There I find the anthems of my misspent youth and guitar licks as familiar and cherished as the voices of lifelong neighbors.
Image courtesy of George Ayoub
I least punch button number 7, something called “Soul Cycle Radio,” which plays tunes used in spin classes at places called, obviously, Soul Cycle. I teach spin classes at my local gym, so I occasionally sample the fare, which, I must say, I usually find wanting for my tastes - both musical and aerobic.
Button number 3 is the “NPR” channel, more about my forgetting to reassign it than it is needed duplication of my FM choice. Number 1 on my dial is something called “Coffee House,” a use-your-indoor-voice acoustic spot that reminds me of Joni Mitchell, James Taylor, and the peace, love, and rock and roll era, not in content but definitely in vibe. Hence, its name: “Coffee House.”
On button 4 is, appropriately the “40s on 4,” music from the 1940s, the big band era. No, Bunky, I’m not that old. But every morning I listen to at least one number from the likes of Les Brown, Glenn Miller, or Duke Ellington. That allows me to imagine my parents dancing where they met, the Glovera Ballroom on Fourth Street in Grand Island. “Sentimental Journey,” “Rum and Coca-Cola,” et al never fail to bring me a smile.
Batting second in my musical lineup is “Spectrum,” a compilation of new rock and pop tunes with just the right amount of oldies. “Spectrum” is a toe-tapping channel that keeps me apprised of new music (sometimes for spin class) and rekindles emotions from the not-so-distant past. It’s a sampler platter of finger-snapping goodies.
Of course, no preset roster would be complete without the 1960s, my musical birthright, when my jam and ear came of age. Inexplicably, the “60s on 6” occupies button number 5 rather than the more befitting number 6, a nod more to unplanned mixing and matching than numerical congruity.
So there it is: my musical profile via vehicle presets. Now you know I like to revisit the vibe of my childhood; get accurate, trusted information; find music that entertains me and more; sing along (loudly) with the rocking tunes of my youth; and, finally, wax sentimental about a time I never knew but can delight in because its music allows me to visit.
(e) Mail Bag
E-Mails to the Editor
Class of ’49 Writer Appreciates Rise
I was excited to find the September Rise in my in-box! Friends from there have shared the dedication of the stadium from the local paper. What a wonderful, beautiful stadium to enjoy for years to come! Loved your sharing it too.
Since I have been gone so long from the Grand Island area, but left so many friends, neighbors, family and long-time acquaintances there, just to relieve my anxiety, before I leisurely enjoy all the news and honors, etc., I like to check the In Memoriam page. I have such a hard time bringing it up. Could you tell me how to go directly to that section? Somehow, I eventually get there, but there has to be a better way than I’ve found. Any help will be greatly appreciated.
I’m Class of ’49, and relive my days at GISH with classmates often. None of us probably have too many more years to do this, Thank you for letting us feel a part of our memories and times at GISH.
In appreciation,
Frances (Wiese) Goodmon
Class of 1949
(Editor’s Note) Our hope is that Rise’s redesign changes will make navigation easier.
Mr. Kral Will Be Missed
Like most students who experienced Mr. Kral, I too was grateful for his "harping" at us about the basics. He certainly made my life easier in college and as a sergeant in the Air Force and a Federal employee. If you passed his English course, that was an accomplishment. I will certainly miss him as I feel he exemplified the type of teachers we had in GI public schools.
Noah Avila
Class of 1971
Alumni Reunions
Planning a class reunion?
We can help get you started!
Contact us for your class list and send us information about your reunion. We will post it to our website.
Kari Price, Alumni Coordinator
kprice@gips.org
308.385.5525 ext. 201148
NOTE: Reunion information in this newsletter is current as of the publication date. To see Reunion updates and additions go to our Alumni Reunions page or check with the contact person for more details.
Grand Island Senior High Reunions/Gatherings
Class of 1956
The Class of 1956 wishes to extend an invitation to fellow classmates to join them at their monthly gathering. They meet on the 2nd Tuesday of each month at the Midtown Holiday Inn at 6:00 pm.
Decades of the 60's
The Decades of the 60’s breakfast continues to be held the second Saturday of each month at Tommy’s, 8:30 a.m. This is a great opportunity to reconnect over a cup of coffee and/or breakfast. We would love to have you join us!
Class of 1960
UPDATE: The Class of 1960 has resumed their gathering at Tommy’s Restaurant the first Wed. of each month at 11 a.m. Local suggested covid safety measures will be assessed on a monthly basis. Send your email address to Donna Weaver Smith for monthly communications at: dowesm@yahoo.com
UPDATE: In August, 34 local and area classmates met for an afternoon picnic at the Stolley Park Pavillion. A good time was had by all!
Class of 1965
UPDATE: Class of 1965 Reunion Postponed
The Class of 1965’s 55th Reunion has been called off until further notice. For more information email Loretta Catlett at cruzinmom@hotmail.com.
Class of 1966
The class of ‘66 meets for lunch the third Wednesday of each month at the Platt Duetsche, 12 noon. Please join us!
Class of 1970
UPDATE: The GISH Class of 1970 Reunion Committee had a meeting of the minds and we have decided to postpone our 50th High School Reunion until next year 2022. We want everyone to be able to come and enjoy themselves and be able to interact with their classmates. We want the most members of the Class of 1970 to attend as possible and we just don’t think that will happen this year. The Reunion Committee will get together early in 2022 and make any decisions then. Please share this with as many of our classmates as you can. I will also email each of our classmates that we have a current email for. Those of you that haven’t contacted us with your current information, please do so now. DO NOT just post it on facebook, email your Name, Maiden Name, Mailing Address, Phone# to gish1970r@gmail.com - Craig Paro.
In Memoriam
September and October Memorial List of GISH Alumni
JERRY BROWN, Class of 1971, died Aug. 27, 2021, in Grand Island. He was 68.
BARB SEYMOUR, Class of 1968, died Sept. 1, 2021, in Grand Island. She was 71.
PEGGY (JANZEN) HOLTORF, Class of 1966, died Sept. 2, 2021, in Grand Island. She was 73.
MICHAEL ENYEART, Class of 1976, died Sept. 3, 2021, in Grand Island. He was 63.
ROGER RUFF, Class of 1957, died Sept. 3, 2021, in Lafayette, CO. He was 82.
CATHY ERION, Class of 1980, died Sept. 4, 2021, in Tucson, AZ. She was 59.
OREN WELCH, Class of 1966, died Sept. 4, 2021, in Grand Island. He was 73.
LORRAINE (STROH) BACON, Class of 1943, died Sept. 5, 2021, in Grand Island. She was 96.
LEON MCCONNELL, Class of 1961, died Sept. 5, 2021, in Lincoln. He was 78.
CAROLE (SCHWARTZ) ALLOWAY, Class of 1955, died Sept. 7, 2021, in Doniphan. She was 84.
JULIE (HERMES) BECKMAN, Class of 1977, died Sept. 8, 2021, in Omaha. She was 62.
NANCY (BROUILLETTE) RUDY, Class of 1967, died Sept. 8, 2021, in Alma. She was 72.
CAROL (RASMUSSEN) BONNESS, Class of 1957, died Sept. 9, 2021, in Lincoln. She was 82.
DON WILLEY, Class of 1965, died Sept. 9, 2021, in Wichita, KS. He was 74.
SHIRLEY (ANDERSEN) REIMERS, Class of 1954, died Sept. 11, 2021, in Grand Island. She was 85.
NO BONDASAK, Class of 1997, died Sept. 13, 2021. He was 43.
CARMELLA (GEIST) SCARBOROUGH, Class of 1956, died Sept. 14, 2021, in Grand Island. She was 82.
DON SHIRLEY, Class of 1967, died Sept. 14, 2021, in Melbourne, FL. He was 72.
CINDY (COLFACK) SCHLUETER, Class of 1975, died Sept. 15, 2021, in Rapid City, SD. She was 65.
SHARON (CARAON) LUTH, Class of 1957, died Sept, 17, 2021, in Grand Island. She was 82.
MAURICE ‘DOC’ MATHEWS, Class of 1951, died Sept. 20, 2021, in St. Paul. He was 87.
KAREN (HYDE) FAGAN, Class of 1957, died Sept. 21, 2021, in Aurora. She was 82.
PAUL ARNDT, Class of 1974, died Sept. 22, 2021, in Alda. He was 65.
CANDRA COLLETTE, Class of 1980, died Sept. 22, 2021, in Grand Island. She was 62.
MIKE GREEN, Class of 1977, died Sept. 23, 2021 in Grand Island. He was 61.
BRENDA (PACKER) GRUPE, Class of 1990, died Sept. 23, 2021, in Englewood, CO. She was 49.
MARVIN MILLER, Class of 1950, died Sept. 26, 2021, in Grand Island. He was 89.
BETTY (GRUBBS) STONER, Class of 1948, died Sept. 27, 2021, in Grand Island. She was 90.
DARLENE (JANSSEN) SWANSON, Class of 1950, died Sept. 29, 2021, in Grand Island. Darlene lived in Greeley. She was 90.
EMMA (SCHLIEKER) HILL, Class of 1958, died Sept. 30, 2021, in Grand Island. She was 81.
TERRY COOK, Class of 1975, died Oct. 1, in Grand Island. He was 65.
ELAINE (STEIN) FUSS, Class of 1937, died Oct. 1, in Grand Island. She was 101.
KRISTI VAN VUREN, Class of 1986, died Oct. 6, 2021, in Kenesaw. She was 53.
TIMOTHY BREMER, Class of 1992, died Oct. 13, 2021, in Grand Island. He was 48.
DONNA (WOLF) BORER, Class of 1953, died Oct. 14, 2021, in Grand Island. She was 86.
PATTY (YOUNG) MCALLISTER, Class of 1976, died Oct. 14, 2021, in Grand Island. She was 63.
TRAVIS WENZL, Class of 2002, died Oct. 18, 2021, in Omaha. He was 37.
LOLITA (JONES) WEISS, Class of 1948, died Oct. 19, 2021, in Grand Island. She was 91.
RON MILLER, Class of 1966, died Oct. 22, 2021. He was 73.
ARDYCE EARL, Class of 1945, died Oct. 28, 2021, in Grand Island. She was 93.
MARGARET ‘DIANE’ (LOPER) SKIBSTEAD, Class of 1979, died Oct. 28, 2021, in Ansley. She was 60.
CAROL (LIEBSACK) WELLS, Class of 1950, died Oct. 31, 2021 in St. Paul. Carol lived in Grand Island. She was 88.
To report an alumni death since August 31, 2021, please send an email with the first name, last name, class year and maiden name if applicable to alumni@gips.org.
