Treasured Memories of 2018 Class Reunion

Thanks to Thad Kresho for his comments and pictures regarding our class reunion in September 2018!  We had a wonderful class reunion during the last week of September: strong in spirit and tight in friendship.

Our 2018 class reunion was highlighted by our celebration of the 50th anniversary of our classmates' ordination to the priesthood.  Mike Heydinger expended much time and effort into our reunion activities that featured Sandusky, Cleveland, Amish communities of NE Ohio, and the Pontifical College Josephinum in Columbus.

Following are those who attended this year's reunion: Fr. Dan Clayton, John and Loretta Dahmas, John and Kathy Driscoll, Frank Fulkerson, Norm and Linda Hageman, Mike Heydinger, Fr. Frank Kehres, Fr. Ger Knueven, Fr. Jim Koenigsfeld, Thad and Donna Kresho, Ron and Sandy Langhals, Tom and Chris Meyer, Jack Park and Harry Tennery, Bernie and Patricia Rabik, Dale and Frances Schmitz, and Don and Betty Wampach.

Due to the draw and significance of our time together, I could report at great length on our joyful vibes and animated rapport.  However, I want to spotlight the following events:

• Jack Park and Harry Tennery along with Ron and Sandy Langhals attended the clam bake at Mike Heydinger's home on Sunday afternoon (September 23).
• Chris and I picked up Fr. Ger at his apartment in Perrysburg to bring him to our reunion on Sunday afternoon.  He stayed over in Sandusky on Sunday night to participate in reunion activities on Monday.  Fr. Frank then took him back to Perrysburg on Monday evening so that he could receive his dialysis on Tuesday morning.
• Monday activities in Sandusky centered on Lake Erie Maritime Museum, Firelands Winery, and Merry-Go-Round Museum.  We visited and prayed at the grave sites of Fr. David Sartorius and Dee Heydinger.  In the late afternoon we celebrated our class Liturgy at Holy Angels Catholic Church, the oldest extant church building in the Diocese of Toledo.
• Tuesday (September 25) activities in Cleveland included Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, The Cod Submarine, and Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad among others.
• Wednesday activities in Amish country of NE Ohio featured a visit to the Amish and Mennonite Heritage Center in Holmes County where we participated in an informative tour of The Behalt illustrating the history of the Anabaptist Movement.
• On Thursday morning (September 27) our 50th Anniversary Mass was concelebrated in St. Turibius Chapel at the Pontifical College Josephinum.  Fr. Jim presided.  Bernie and Patricia Rabik arrived for Thursday's festivities.
• During our celebratory luncheon Fr. John Allen, Director of Development, made two surprise announcements.  Fr. Dan was recognized as Ordained Alumnus of the Year and Norm Hageman was recognized as Lay Alumnus of the Year.  We all expressed our excitement for Dan and Norm.
• Dinner for the Josephinum Class of 1968 was hosted at the Old Worthington Inn on Thursday evening.
• During the course of a class meeting on Thursday night we selected Kansas City, MO, for our 2020 class reunion.  Norm and Linda Hageman agreed to lead the planning for our next reunion.

On Friday morning we all departed for our homes.  Our "good-bye's" were filled with mixed emotions.  We realize that our precious comradery is time-limited.  Still we treasure one another for their goodness and friendship.  Each of us is blessed!