Russia Class of 1969 Reunion - Dave's Midwestern Ohio Memories

Series of Guest Blogs by an out-of-state Fish Report reader originally from this area about fond memories of growing up in Midwestern Ohio during the 50’s & 60’s

Russia Class of 1969 Reunion

L-R Dan Groff, Jim Naveau, Joe Tebbe, Dick Goubeaux, George Grilliot, Steve Grogean, Judie Borchers Stauffer*, Karen Gaier Leffel, Bob Phlipot, Barb Barlage Duling, Sue Bergman Winner, Mike Monnin*, Dianne Simon Bitzer, Bonnie Francis Buschur, Mel Schieltz*, Jacqui Krites Kuck, Doug Francis, Marlene Meyer Bergman, Diane Barhorst KcKee, Tim Monnier, Pat Marchal, Linda Monnin Scott, Ernie Larger, Debby Francis Boerger, Tony Francis, Carolyn Marchal Klopfenstein, Paul Monnin

Russia’s Gathering Place was the site of the 50th reunion for the class of 1969 this past weekend. The 27 classmates pictured above turned out for the memorable event, including my wife of 47 years. Many of the classmates and their spouses attended mass beforehand at St. Remy’s where Fr. Fox gave an enlightened sermon and at the end facetiously commented the group sure looked good for the class of 1989, which brought a chuckle to the congregation and made all the classmates feel 20 years younger, if just for an instant!

The Reunion Committee, indicated with asterisks by each name, did a fantastic job planning the celebration. The food was very delicious, the desserts were to die for and the memorabilia displayed was interesting to say the least. They also went around to all the local businesses and collected trinkets to make up a goodie bag for each of the classmates. Items included a rain gage of all things, as well as can coolers, a handy calculator/business card holder and other such items.

Two of the class’s teachers even showed up; Jon and Ellen Heffner, pictured below. Jon shared an interesting story about how they were hired by Russia Principal Claire Naveau (classmate Jim’s father) the day after graduating from college. Jon visited Russia for the interview and happened to mention his wife Ellen also was a newly graduated teacher, so Mr Naveau offered them both jobs on the spot; Ellen sight unseen. Sure worked out well for all parties, especially the students.

Here’s are some other interesting photos of the class:

First Grade

Seniors

Diane, Jacqui, Debby, Bonnie

Having fun on the 8th grade class trip

Congratulations and best wishes to the Russia Class of 1969.

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