News

Late-breaking news and information.
 

 
Summer Class Picnic
 
So can make plans for the summer of 2012. our annual summer class picnic will be Saturday, July 28, 2012 from 11 am to 3 pm at Pottawattomie Park.
 
This has been a wonderful opportunity to relax and visit with many classmates. As in the past, there could be golfing, canoeing and pizza as additional activities. These depend on interest and volunteers to coordinate the activities. Let me know if you have any interest in any of these activities.
 
In advance of the picnic and other activities, I'll send more details and a reminder.
 
Mark your calendar for Saturday, July 28, 2012 and come and enjoy renewed friendships with many classmates.
 
Thanks to all that have supported and worked hard to make each picnic enjoyable. Looking forward to another great time.
 
Dave Matzen

 
10-31-11 - On a happier note: Leland - a new classmate-authored novel

LeelanauNews.Com - October 17, 2011

See the online Leelanau Enterprise Article or the archived version
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Holland Sentinel, The (MI) - October 2, 2011

'Leland - a Novel'
"Leland - a Novel" tells the fictional story of ordinary people living amidst the extraordinary beauty of Michigan's National Lakeshore.It's about the not-sogood side of good people, and the good side of the not-so-good.It covers the young and the old and how they become enmeshed in circumstances that conspire to destroy the beauty in their lives and the character of their personal histories.The author resides in Grand Haven.
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Traverse City Record-Eagle (MI) - October 9, 2011

Gene I. Warner writes 'Leland'
TRAVERSE CITY - Gene I. Warner has written "Leland," a novel about people living near the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. It's a story about ordinary people living in the midst of extraordinary beauty, including the good and not-so-good sides of those people. Warner also is the author of "The Manitou Passage Story" and "Mind Over Monster." The author resides in Grand Haven, Michigan.
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Shameless self promotion - Gene Warner
 

 
10-24-2011 - Re: Don Bigler
 
More about Don from Billie - Dave Matzen

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Dave

     Per Don’s wishes we had a ‘private good-bye’, no public services/memorials…to many people’s consternation….just our immediate family…son, grandchildren, etc. Don was cremated and his ashes will be scattered off his ‘beloved’ Grand Haven Pier at an undisclosed time. Anyone wishing to donate in his memory can contribute to Junior Golf Association of AZ, 10888 N. 19th Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85029. Seriously, I doubt anybody would be interested because of the of the loss of closeness to many of his classmates through the years. He always shared /remembered his youth in Grand Haven…those years were very special to him. Last summer our Son, Grandchildren spent time in Grand Haven going to all of Don’s ‘special’ places/haunts. Quite a remembrance for their beloved Grandfather/Father/Father-in-Law/ Husband. He will be missed but always remembered!

Thanks, Billie

 
10-23-2011 - Re: Don Bigler
 
I was just informed of the death of Don Bigler by Billie Bigler. He passed away September 7, 2011. I don't have any other details at this time. Thought you all would like to know. - Dave Matzen
 
Moore-Grimshas Memorial (archived) | Arizona Republic Obituary

 
05/20/2011 - Class Reunion
 
Attached is the reservation form and information about our three class ('56, '57, '58) get together this summer August 12. Note the due date for reservations and also the other activity opportunities. Hope to see many of you there. It should be fun to see classmates from the other classes. Note that the attachment is a pdf file and can not be opened in Word.
 
Look forward to another fun filled fellowship picnic. - Dave Matzen

 
05/04/2011 - Re: Barbara (Harz) Bonny
 
I just wanted to report of the tragic death of Barbara (Harz) Bonny in a house fire Tuesday, May 3, 2011 in Naples Park, Florida. Dave Matzen
 
Naples News Article | Grand Haven Tribune Article | Obituary: Grand Haven Tribune (archived)

 
04/04/2011 - Re: Karyn Rue (Dirkse) Draper
 
Our classmate Karyn Rue (Dirkse) Draper passed away March 23, 2011 in Crozier, Virginia. Thought you all would like to know. I don't have any other details. - Dave Matzen
 
Obituary: Richmond Times-Dispatch (archived)

 
10-19-2010 - Re: Richard (Dick) Ruiter
 
It is with sadness that our classmate Richard (Dick) Ruiter passed away May 26, 2010 in Franklin, Oakland County, Michigan. I have no other details to share. - Dave Matzen
 
Bikram Yoga Memorial (archived)

 
10-19-2010 - Re: Fred Lasko (husband of Janet Blaksley Lasko)
 
Fred passed away last Friday at home in his sleep at 10:05 am. The service will be this Saturday in Nahma. He wished to be cremated. If you'd like to see the obit, you may do so at the Skradski-Boyce Funeral Home website.
 
My daughter Linda has been here with me for almost two weeks. Her family came up on the weekends. The rest of my family will be here Friday night. They've been such a big help.
- Janet Lasko

 
08-05-2010 - Summer Get-Together
 
Classmates ... What a wonderful summer of activities ... canoe trip; golf; picnic and pizza
 
We had a great turn out:

    • 16 for the canoe trip down the lazy White River on a great day
    • 12 golfers on Friday at Evergreen Golf Course another beautiful day
    • 70 attended the picnic (48 classmates and 22 guests) at Pottawattomie Park
    • 46 enjoyed pizza at Fricano's in Muskegon
 
Special thanks to those that made all the activities so enjoyable: Gary Hudd for all the great food (golf, picnic, and pizza); Janet Lasko for arranging the canoe trip; Gene and Patty Warner for the lunches for the canoe trip; John Helmers for organizing the golf outing; Bob and Dorothy Miller for all their help at the picnic and all those that brought desert. Thanks to all that participated in some or all of the activities. What a great way to keep in touch and to have fellowship.
 
For those that did not attend....we lost three classmates since last year:

    — Bill Selgert September 3, 2009
    — Arlynn Hodges January 27, 2010
    — Barbara (Abraham) Bishop July 9, 2010
    — and one from 2008, Jim Swieringa July 15, 2008
 
Since we have a good balance in our bank account, we voted to send $500 to the Grand Haven Schools Foundation. It's wonderful that we are able to make contributions back to our school and community.
 
Next year we will combine with the classes of 1956 and 1957 for a picnic on August 12, 2011. More details to come.
 
If you have a computer, check out our class website that was created by Gene Warner at www.ghhs58.org. This is a great way to communicate with classmates. Check it out and use it. Also if any of your addresses change (home/email), please let me know.
 
Again, thanks to all those that made this year a wonderful time of fellowship! - Dave Matzen

 
01-29-2010 - Re: Classmate Passes Away
 
Arlynn L. "Art" Hodges passed away Wednesday, January 27, 2010 in Allendale, Michigan. The obit is in the Grand Haven Tribune today. (Grand Rapids Press Obituary) - Dave Matzen

 
12-30-2009 - Re: Death of Parent of Judy (Bierman) Schippers
 
Helen E Bierman of Grand haven, mother of Judy (Bierman) Schippers, passed away Sunday, December 27, 2009 at 96 years of age. She leaves four children, and many grandchildren and greatgrand children. Service arrangements will be announced later by the (Clock Life Story Funeral Home of Grand Haven.) - Jim Shippers

 
09-08-2009 - Re: Bill Selgert
 
I have just been informed that Bill Selgert passed away September 3, 2009. Bill's funeral was held today (Tuesday, September 8, 2009) at St. John's Lutheran Church of Grand Haven. (Muskegon Chronical Obituary) - Dave Matzen

 
08-28-2009 - Fall Get-Together Reminder
 
Just a reminder about our Get-Together on September 11, 12 and 13. There is still time to sign up. In fact, come to any or all the events. This is another great opportunity for fellowship with our classmates.
 
Here are the details:
 
     • Friday, September 11 - Golf Outing Evergreen Golf Course 8:30 am start time
        cost $35 includes green fee, lunch and prizes.
     • Friday, September 11 - Football game GHHS vs Muskegon 6:30 pm no charge,
        but suggest a $5 donation to the Athletic Endowment Fund
     • Saturday, September 12 - Picnic at Pottawattomie Park 10 am to 2 pm
        free will donation to cover cost.
     • Sunday, September 13 - Pizza Fricano's in Muskegon around 4 pm
        free will donation to cover cost.
 
If you can't make any of the activities, please let us know of any changes in your address and if you know of other classmates that did not receive this information. Send your participation intentions to Mary Voetberg, or mail to ...
 
        Mary Voetberg
        4184 Butternut Dr.
        Holland, MI 49424
 
Contact me if there are any questions ...dmlmatzen@att.net or 812-853-2142 - Dave Matzen

 
05-17-2009 - Personal Website or Public Profile?
 
Reminder: Do you have a personal website, or a public personal networking profile (e.g., on Facebook, Myspace, or etc.)? Share it your classmates here. Let everyone know wha'sup with you now. To keep the "classmates" listings simple, links to personal pages are attached to your current physical address. Clicking on the 'City, ST' segment of your listing will open your personal home page. If you'd like to share your link, send me a note with a link to your site or profile. - Webmaster (Gene Warner)

 
05-10-2009 - Re: Jim Braak
 
It is with a deep sense of sadness that our good friend and classmate Jim Braak has passed away. Jim died today and the funeral will be in Spring Lake at the Presbyterian Church on Wednesday, May 13 at 11:00 AM. Interment will follow at the Spring Lake Cemetery. Visitation is Tuesday, May 12 from 2:00 to 4:00 and 6:00 to 9:00 pm at the Arsulowicz Brothers Mortuary, 3525 Remembrance Rd. NW, Grand Rapids. (Grand Rapids Press Obituary) - Dave Matzen

 
04-01-2009 - From: Scott Braak
 
I am writing this email to you from the bedside of my dad as he is at Butterworth-Spectrum in Grand Rapids. For those of you that may or may not be aware dad is fighting stage 4 cancer. He is on day 6 of radiation and took his first dose of chemo yesterday. Dad was diagnosed 3 1/2 weeks ago and, as with everything in his life, is fighting this battle head on.
 
Mom brought dad in Friday night as he had not been eating or taking in fluids. Thanks to her and my cousin for forcing him to go ("I ain't going into no hospital") as his blood pressure was 60/35 and electrolytes were out of balance. He admits today that had it not been for them forcing him to go in he might not be with us today.
 
I have set up an account with Care Pages where you can go in and after setting up a username and password search for Jim Braak and get updates. I will update it as often as possible. www.carepages.com/connect
 
Dad is in good spirits and back at it again......I feel for the nursing staff. Seriously, dad is doing much better today and is actually gaining some strength. He plans to be here until at least next Monday and can receive emails through the Spectrum website at the following link http://www.spectrum-health.org/cs/Satellite?c=eHA_Content_C&cid=1225374189074&pagename=Spectrum_Health_Core%2FSpectrum_Core_Central_Template. They will hand deliver your email in a sealed form to his bed.
 
For all of those who ask "If there is ever anything I can do" ... please keep him in your thoughts and prayers.
 
(Message forwarded by Dave Matzen)

 
03-23-2009 - Re: Richard Ruiter
 
Dear Jim,
 
Dave emailed me about your cancer. I want to wish you the best as you go through this. My prayers and thoughts are with you. I, too am in the middle of the same thing. I am scheduled to begin radiation in two weeks. Difficult as it is, I am managing to stay positive through the whole ordeal. I wish the same for you.
 
Dick Ruiter
 
(Message forwarded by Jim Braak. If you would like to contact Dick, his mailing address and phone number are available here, or send a note to rruiter1@aol.com - Dave Matzen)

 
03-22-2009 - Re: Jim Braak
 
I just wanted everyone to know that a dear friend and classmate, Jim Braak, has recently been diagnosed with cancer. Please pray for strength, healing and peace for Jim.
 
If you would like to contact Jim, his mailing address and phone number are available here, or send a note to braakster@aol.com - Dave Matzen

 
01-23-2009 - Re: Judy Wheeler Decker
 
I have been informed of the death of our classmate Judy Wheeler Decker. She passed away Sunday, January 18, 2009 at home. I don't have more details, but I understand that an obituary will be in the Tribune soon (Funeral Home's Obituary). Thought you would all like to know. - Dave Matzen

 
11-12-2008 - Re: Grand Haven Schools Foundation
 
Our class has donated to the Grand Haven Schools Foundation. Go to www.ghsf.org and click on Alumni Fund and read about the Foundation and our contributions. The Foundation provides gifts and grants within the Grand Haven Public Schools. A donation is a great way to give back to our school. - Dave Matzen

 
10-29-2008 - Another Classmate Passes
 
Sorry to report that Jerome Willoughby of Spring Lake passed away Sunday, October 26, 2008 at a Muskegon Hospital. - Dave Matzen

 
10-02-2008 - 50th Class Reunion Commorative CD
 
As a follow-up to our 50th Class Reunion this past summer, a picture DVD is being made available to all classmates. The picture DVD contains pictures submitted by classmates and includes all reunion activities (golf outing, reunion fellowship/dinner, tour, picnic and pizza party). This is a great memory record of our 50th reunion.
 
If you would like to purchase the picture DVD, it is $5.00 including shipping. Please send a check made out to Grand Haven Class of 1958 and send to Mary Voetberg, 4184 Butternut Dr., Holland, MI 49424 by November 1, 2008. The DVD will be sent to you after the November 1, 2008 deadline.
 
If there are any questions, you may contact Bob Miller at 586-771-8806 or Dave Matzen at 812-853-2142. It was great seeing so many classmates at the 50th. - Dave Matzen

 
08-23-2008 - More on Kick-Off Events for Our 51st Year
 
The next class get together will be September 11, 2009 at a Grand Haven/Muskegon football game. Also being planned is a picnic on the 12th and possibly pizza on the 13th. Maybe even a golf outing, if the weather is ok. There will be committees organized as soon as I can put them together. We'll keep you all informed. So circle the weekend of September 11-12-13,2009. - Dave Matzen

 
08-22-2008 - Re Gindy (VanZylen) Barnard
 
Gindy is scheduled for rotator cuff surgery on Aug. 27, 2008 and would love to hear from classmates while recuperating! (contact info)

 
08-17-2008 - Kick-Off Event for Our 51st Year
 
Our next class event(s) will include a Grand Haven football game September 11, 2009. There will be more details to follow. Mark the weekend of September 11 - 13, 2009 for an opportunity to visit and renew friendships with classmates.

 
07-31-2008 - 51st reunion planning under way
 
We have begun the planning of our next reunion. We are looking for volunteers to assist in the planning of this event. Please see our reunion page for contact information.