School: Dorchester H.S. Class of 1951 (20th Reunion – 1971)

Transcriber: stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Gruny, Schwierske, Braun, Hennlich, Schumacher, Brandner, Reynolds, Larson, Jacobi, Mertens, Paradis, Bedroske, Habeck, Sedlack, Hinke, Svoboda, Ludwig, Stelzel, Zuther, Springer, Brecke

----Source: Tribune/Phonograph (Abbotsford, Clark Co., Wis.) 24 Jun 1971

The 1951 graduating class of the former Dorchester High School observed its 20th anniversary at a reunion Saturday night at the American Legion Club Rooms at Medford. Eleven of the 12 graduating members were present, along with their spouses. A 7:30 banquet was served by Mr. and Mrs. Gruny of Medford, who had served their banquet for graduation and for each anniversary observance since then. Fred Schwierske, Mt. Horeb, who had been the class advisor during their four years in high school, was honored and he also served as master of ceremonies for the program which followed the social hour. Each member gave a brief resume of the happenings since their last meeting. Mrs. Gruny made the anniversary cake, which carried the class motto, “today, not tomorrow.” The colors were maroon and white, and the class flower was the white carnations. The centerpiece of maroon and white carnations was later presented to Mrs. Gruny.

Albert Braun received the prize for coming the greatest distance, from Wiesbaden, Germany. Other prizes were awarded to Bell Hennlich for being the most “picked on” kid in school; Mrs. Robert Schumacher, largest family; Mrs. Melvin Brandner, longest married; Mary Ann Reynolds, only single person; Mrs. Norman Larson, most changed person; Mrs. Lawrence Jacobi, first reservation, and also door prize; Mrs. Dennis Mertens, most unusual gray hair.

Those present were: Mr. and Mrs. Albert Braun, Wiesbaden, Germany; Mr. and Mrs. Earl Paradise (Arlene Bedroske), Waterford; Mr. and Mrs. LaVerne Habeck (Agnes Sedlack), Oshkosh; Mrs. Janice Hinke Svoboda, Grafton; Mr. and Mrs. Norman Larson (Elva Brecke), Shawano; Mr. and Mrs. Melvin Brandner (Joanne Ludwig) and Mr. and Mrs. William Hennlich, Medford; Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Jacobi) Elaine Gruny), Colby; Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Mertens (Agnes Stelzel), Mr. and Mrs. Robert Schumacher (Dorothy Zuther), and Miss Mary Ann Reynolds, Dorchester. Donald Springer, Milwaukee was the only class member not present. He sent a letter and pictures of his family. Mrs. Mertens, Mrs. Schumacher and Mrs. Brandner were in charge. Another reunion was planned for their 25th anniversary. Miss Reynolds and Mrs. Jacobi will be in charge.