Classmates Join in Dee Heydinger's Resurrection Liturgy

Mike Heydinger's wife, Dolores "Dee" Heydinger, unexpectedly died on July 7, 2012  (http://www.davidfkoch.com/obits/obituary.php?id=188395).  On July 13, eight classmates gathered in liturgy with Mike and his family, friends, neighbors, and faith community in remembering Dee's earthly life and celebrating her new heavenly life.  The classmates present were Tom Dechant (his wife, Kathy), Fr. Frank Kehres, Fr. Ger Knueven, Ron Langhals (his wife, Sandy), Tom Meyer (his wife, Chris), Jack Park, Bernie Rabik (his wife, Patty), and Don Wampach (his wife, Betty).  This liturgy was celebrated at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Sandusky, Ohio.  Fr. Frank presided at this liturgy and Fr. Ger concelebrated.  Don proclaimed one of the Scripture readings.  A moving tribute was prepared by Mike and Dee's 10-year-old granddaughter, Tali Heydinger, and was read by Tali's father, Charlie.  All three of Mike and Dee's sons - Scott, Mark, and Charlie - were at their father's side.  Mike and Dee were married for 46 years.  In spite of Dee's health issues and with Mike's assistance, they traveled extensively across the United States and abroad.  Mike Fry, Archivist and Alumni Relations Coordinator at the Josephinum, and his wife, Carol, came up from Central Ohio in prayerful support, praise, and celebration.  After Dee's burial rite at Calvary Cemetery, a luncheon was provided at the church's gathering space.  Mike and Dee have provided much impetus and leadership to our class' ordained and lay members and families coming together for reunions at the Josephinum and now at other sites.  For this we are very grateful.

  Front: Bernie, Mike, Fr. Frank

Back: Ron, Fr. Ger, Tom, Don, Tom

(Jack unavailable for picture)

Greetings Received from JOSS 1968 Classmates

Over the last few months several members of our class have replied "with regrets" to the invitation for our September 13-17 reunion in Northern CA.  In addition, they have extended their best wishes and/or shared a personal snippet.  I want to share with you what I have heard from them.  Bill Rall wrote that the reunion "sounds great but [ I ] can't make it."  John Dahmus replied, "I am still working.  I wish you all well."  He is still teaching at Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, TX.  Remembering that John and Loretta had an enjoyable time in Colorado in 2010, I called John and suggested that they simply take a long weekend for a trip to Northern California in September 2012.  He said, "Well, maybe."

Thad Kresho sent his new address: 11 Stoney Point Lane, Uniontown, PA 15401, 724-594-7262.  In response to my email, he wrote, "We were lucky enough to sell our business about two years ago, which gave us enough to build a new house in Uniontown which we moved into this past December. Donna and I are very busy putting on some finishing touches and getting the yard in shape. Our kids live south but we wanted to stay around the Pittsburgh area.........too used to the seasons and so much good stuff in Pittsburgh plus keeping our Penquin tickets. Please tell everyone hello and if ever in the area to please stop in. I always wanted to do some woodworking work, so I am doing some of that plus some other things now, since we averaged ten hour days every single day when we were operating our own business and did not have the time for anything else."  Ed "Shang" Pasterick suggested a point of interest: "I won't be coming, but if you get a chance, visit the Vineyard of Pasterick.  It's in Dry Creek Valley near Healdsburg.  Owned by Gerry Pasterick, who grew up across the river from me in Western PA.  Have a good time."


Fr Bob Kinast, our "class theologian," replied, "Sorry, Tom, too many commitments, even for a semi-retired theologian."  When I received a postcard from Sam Pezzillo, I noted his email address so I emailed him asking whether he was still teaching.  He answered, "I retired a little over a year ago but keep the college email. I'll try to make some event in the future. Like all of us, I'm sure, there are those health issues, but generally I'm doing well."  Jack Park, still living in Toledo, OH, noted he was not coming but expressed, "Thanks for inviting me."  Tom Dechant answered, "Unfortunately, Kathy and I will be unable to attend the reunion in Northern California."  After some time I was finally able to contact Len Weber.  He emailed, "I hope that you all are doing well. Thank you for the invitation to the September reunion of the class of 1968. I will not be able to make this event, but please keep me informed of other plans."  Len is still living in the Detroit, MI, area.  Bishop Ron Herzog had initially informed Don Wampach, Fr. Tom Devereaux, and myself that he would be coming to our class reunion.  Unfortunately, later he emailed Don saying, "I just got word that one of USCCB committees I am a member of rescheduled our meeting on September 13-14. I checked to see if I could still get to California and back in time for other commitments. It is theoretically possible and I would have Saturday with the class but the cost is prohibitive so I guess I will have to miss it. I will make a special effort to join you next March."  In speaking of "next March," Bishop Ron is referring to the annual Chicagoland JOSS Reunion which Don Wampach spearheads and which takes place around St Joseph's Day.  He did get to this mini-reunion this past March.

Lastly, I just received a letter from Ron and Sandy Langhals.  They extended their good wishes to all of us.  As you read the following from them, remember that Ron grew up in Cloverdale, OH.  Ron and Sandy wrote, "Please forgive us for not responding sooner.  We were waiting in hopes that we would be able to clear our calendar.  After all, how could we not go to Cloverdale!  Unfortunately, we were not able to change plans with our children.  Therefore we will be in South Carolina Sept 10-21st.  You are to be congratulated on having chosen such a great location....  Please convey our regrets and greetings to our classmates and families."

As evidenced here, many members of the Josephinum Class of 1968 are keeping in touch.  Thank you!  Thank you!

Laudate Jesus Christus!

Northern California Draws Class Reunion

As of this point in time, the following are planning to attend our class reunion in Cloverdale, CA, in September: Kenneth "Kenny" Stephens, John and Kathy Driscoll, Mike and Dee Heydinger, Norm and Linda Hageman, Fr. Ger Knueven, Fr. Dan Clayton, Fr. Jim Koenigsfeld, Frank and Judy Fulkerson, Don and Betty Wampach, John Ernst, Fr. Tom Devereaux, Fr Frank Kehres, and Tom and Chris Meyer.

The Redwoods, vineyards, lakes, mountains, golf courses, fishing, Pacific Ocean, and Sonoma County emit a magnetic, irresistible draw.  John Ernst wrote that he has bicycled through this area and described it as "very beautiful."  When Frank and Judy Fulkerson were visiting their daughter in Calistoga, CA, this past April, they drove to Cloverdale and emailed that it is "a very nice CA town."  Fr. Tom Devereaux has been pastor of St Patrick's in Cloverdale for many years and has been looking forward to sharing his beloved area with his Josephinum classmates.  As of last month, he has been reassigned to a large parish in Santa Rosa, CA.  Fortunately this is only approximately 30 miles from Cloverdale and Fr. Tom will still be an indomitable host, along with his co-host Fr. Dan.