Gerald Attocchi: Mundelein, IL
Occupation: Semi-truck driver Employer: Medline Ind.
Marital Status: Divorced Spouse: Shawn
Number of Children: 2 Names: Michael Joseph 22, Megan Marie 17
How many men does it take to open a beer?
Kim Badali (Gura):
Marital Status: Happily Married.
Number of Children: 2 Names: Amy 20 and Joseph 18
I've been married for 21 years this past August. I have two children, Amy 20 and Joseph 18. I was a stay-at-home mom for a good many years. Recently I've gone back to school and taking some classes here and there. Had several different jobs doing all different things. Currently seeking a position in Peotone at their school district in transportation.
Marjorie Bersell (Mc Partlin): Orland Park, IL
Occupation: Homemaker/Teacher
Marital Status: Happily Married. Spouse: Brian
Number of Children: 3 Names: Katie 13 Emily 11 Jack 7
Unlike many of you whose lives have brought you to many different parts of the country, mine has kept me on the Southside of Chicago - Orland Park, IL. I graduated from Eastern IL University in 1980 with a BS degree in Special Education. I met my husband, Brian, another southsider, in a bar, just like Laura and Laurie! We have been married for 17 years. I taught in a Primary Special Education classroom for 9 Years until I was blessed with the birth of my first child. We have 3 great kids, Katie 13, Emily 11 and our baby, Jack is 7. Our children attend St. Michael School in Orland. For the past 13 years I have loved being a mainly an at-home Mom. As everyone with children knows, life with children is very busy. Our kids keep us hopping with all their activities. Our social life mainly takes place in the gyms of all the the Catholic schools on the Southside! For the past 6 years I have held a part-time teaching position as a Pre- School teacher of 3 year olds. I really enjoy my work and it keeps me connected to the world of education. I'm really looking forward to our reunion. Could we all possibly be tis old? I look at my old photos of those years at SCG, pictures of all those kids who were my friends. Friends, I'll see you on October 19th.
JoAnn Bonato (McDonald): Lockport, IL
Marital Status: Happily Married
Number of Children: 3 Names: Shannon 21, Patrick 18, and Kevin 14
I married my high school sweetheart. We've been married 23 years and have 3 children, Shannon 21, Patrick 18, and Kevin 14. I teach preschool and I love it.
I've been teaching for 25 years. I took a break when my children were little then went back. Obviously, I have always been around children. I am a kid at heart. I am looking forward to seeing everyone again. I hope everyone can make it. We had a great class.
Carolyn Burke : Sandy, UT
Occupation: Nurse Case Manager Employer: ValueCHECK
Marital Status: Divorced
Number of Children: 1 Names: Michael-age 16
Laura Carr (Herrod): Chesterton, IN
Occupation: Middle School Counselor Employer: Duneland School Corp.
Marital Status: Happily Married. Spouse: Robert
Number of Children: 3 Names: Mary Kay - 16yrs. Joe - 12yrs. Patrick - 10yrs.
I didn't quite make it to graduation as my family moved from the area in January of 1972. It was kind of a bummer. We did though keep in touch with many of the St. Catherine of Genoa families. Following 8th grade, I attended a large public high school and from there went to a small Catholic college. My first job was teaching Social Studies to juniors and seniors in high school. I worked at Mother McAuley H.S. In October of this first year of teaching, I met the man that would become my husband at Reilly's Daughter (down the street from McAuley, and as Laura Zins said, I know what you are thinking). We went back to St. Catherine's for the wedding and had Fr. Murphy marry us. Now that St. Catherine's has closed, I feel that it was a blessing that we were able to do that. After our daughter was a year old, I decided to go back to school for another degree in school counseling. This is my fourth year back to work and after many years at home, it was an adjustment. I love what I do because I love kids but, with a full time job and my own kids and their busy schedules, it makes for a crazy life. Though, I'd never trade it. I am so looking forward to seeing everyone in August.
Steve DeNys: Lansing, IL
Mary Kay Frederick (Ayers): Elwood, IL
Occupation: Midwife
Marital Status: Happily Married. Spouse: Michael
Number of Children: 4
Karen Greniewicki (Madison): Blue Island , IL
Occupation: Sr. Client Assoc Employer: Merrill Lynch
Marital Status: Living With a Significant Other of the Opposite Sex Spouse: Tom
Number of Children: 0
I went to Seton for high school. Then, Jan Kubicki (Sartori) got a job at Merrill Lynch right out of high school and she got me an interview for one there also. I got the job and we worked together off and on throughout the years at Merrill. However, I stayed at Merrill for the last twenty-five years, I became a registered broker in 1982 and worked with a team since then. My first and only job. I guess I like it.
I was married in 1979 thus the Madison and happily divorced April 15, 1998. I have a wonderful live in companion Tom and we have been together since April 15, 1998 HA!!! Funny, but life begins at forty. It's been terrific.
No kids, just another blessing. Don't get me wrong, I like kids, but not on a daily basis.
We vacation in Florida a lot. I am on a bocce ball team at Mama Vesuvios Restaurant during the summer. Our team is not great, but we have fun.
My parents are both happy and healthy just celebrated their 57th wedding anniversary. I'm lucky to have them both healthy.
That's about it. Kind of boring but I'm happy!!! Hope all of you are too.
Michelle Haynes: Oak Forest, IL
Occupation: Global Forecast Plannner Employer: Andrew Corp.
Marital Status: Single (never married).
Can't believe it's been 30 years. Don't have any "real" children but do have a cat Lucy and bird CJ (they do think they are human and are spoiled). I have been working for Andrew Corp. in Orland Park for 25 years. Have done much traveling over the years and just enjoying life.
Thanks to Vicky for contacting me about our reunion.
Marilyn Horan (Schroeder): Palos Heights, IL
Teri Hucker (Backerman): Huntsville, AR
Occupation: Licensed Massage Therapist Employer: I work independently
Marital Status: Happily Married. Spouse: Jim Backerman
Number of Children: 3 Names: Jennifer 24, Heather 21, Carley 16
I will be switching ISP's soon so try reaching me by mail or phone if I fail to remember to contact you with my new e-mail address. I've never been to one of my high school reunions so I don't know how likely this one is. But I've learned never to say never. In addition to being a Massage Therapist I take care of an elderly woman with Multiple Sclerosis three days a week and sew at home under contract. I also homeschool my youngest daughter still at home. My husband and I raise Limosine Cattle, sheep, goats and a variety of poultry on our 81 acres here in the Ozark mountains. We have three saddle horses and a pair or Great Pyrenees Dogs that look after our stock. My daughters are all single. My husband has three children and three grandchildren. That makes me a granny at 43. I still look a lot like my picture, just better...LOL We live a very country life. My husband works for a company that builds roads/highways here in NWA. I've only been back up home twice since high school. Family is very loosely knit. Guess that's all folks. Talk to ya later.
Christopher Kilboy: Bourbon, IN
Occupation: Pipefitter
Marital Status: Single
We moved to the south suburbs in 73, went to Homewood-Flossmoor HS, spent 4 yrs in the Coast Guard, lived in Florida till 88, moved back to Illinois, lived in Oak Forest, been in pipefitters union for 12 yrs, moved to Indiana in 2000. Work out of town often, email easiest way to reach me.
Jan Kubicki (Sartori): Palos Heights, IL
Occupation: Chick that does everything Employer: Wunderlich Securities
Marital Status: Happily Married. Spouse: Jay
Number of Children: 3 Names: Chase -15, Joshua - 12, Alexandra - 12
After leaving my wonderful friends at SCG, I went to Seton and graduated in'76. Twelve years of school was enough - never went to college, except to party. Started working for Merrill Lynch right out of high school. I met Mr. Wonderful at a wedding we both stood up to and we were married 18 months later. We've been married almost 21 years. I left Merrill in '97 with two brokers I worked with, to start their own firm. It's a lot more relaxed, mostly in this market, although I usually tell our clients that it's just one BIG sale. I have a lot of great memories of St Catherine's; all the girls sitting on the church steps during recess singing (we were sooo cool) and getting out of class to count the Sunday donations. It'll be great seeing everyone again.
Cynthia Labriola (Devlin): Orland Park, IL
Occupation: Administrator Employer: Cardinal Joseph Bernardin Catholic School (deja vu)
Marital Status: Happily Married. Spouse: James Devlin Names: If cats count, Max and Myrna!
First of all, a big thanks to Peggy, Laurie, Kevin (forgive me if I am forgetting anyone) for organizing this reunion. But, are you SURE it's 30 years? A big big thanks to Michael Wachala for finding me. Evidently I was misplaced.
I got married four years ago to a great guy named Jim. We met on the Metra Electric train while commuting downtown to/from work. Jim recently left Price Waterhouse and is working for the parent company of Blue Cross Blue Shield. We have no children, although I'm afraid I treat my two cats like kids. They are named Max and Myrna. Recently, Boomer Labriola was put to sleep. You may have read about him in the Tribune ... or maybe you saw us on television. He was the first cat in the U.S. to try a new kidney drug. It didn't work :-(
I spent nearly 25 years as an executive assistant to the CEO and CCO of the Leo Burnett Company -- one of the world's largest ad agencies. 3 years ago, I was presented with the opportunity to help open and run a new grammar school -- in fact, it is the first new Catholic grammar school to open in over 30 years. It seems ironic that we're celebrating our reunion ... and everyday for the past 3 years, I've been sort of re-living moments from our past ... Seeing the kids in uniforms, weekly mass, bus service ... everything but the nuns (which, frankly, is all right). Oh yeah, sometime during the 24-years at Leo Burnett, I also served as a part-time police officer in Blue Island.
There must be more to me than the above. If I can remember any of it, I'll tell you on the 19th of October. I can't wait to see any and all of you.
Victoria Lacy (Lacy-Brossard): Oak Forest, IL
Occupation: Secretary/Student Employer: Carl Pace Builders
Marital Status: Living with a significant other of the Opposite Sex Spouse: Tony Maraldo
Number of Children: 3 Names: Alana Victoria Hanson 18, Max William Hanson 18, Anthony Victor Maraldo 6
Hello, and how surprised I am to hear from you! I really wished I attended the 10th reunion, but other plans came up. I am not sure if I will remember everybody, since I started at St. Catherine's in 6th grade, but certain people do stand out. When I moved from Roseland, and St. Catherine's, I was displaced again, since I only started at St. Catherine in 6th grade. We moved constantly, in fact, every three years. BUT, when me and my family moved to Oak Forest (where??), I was not only unhappy but completely lost. Where's the side-walks?? and the corner store?? The way south suburbs, these spoiled rotten suburban teenagers, who knew nothing about life and neighborhoods, that we went thru. I stayed in touch with Theresa Madej, but with teenagedom and complicated (uncommunicative) parents, we lost touch. I wasn't at St. Catherine's very long, (3 years), but my memories still stand, we pretty much stuck together, no matter what. Maybe in the corner of our young minds we knew it wouldn't last. Anyway, Oak Forest H. S. really sucked compared to the teachers we had, I already kicked butt, in mythology. I ended up taking all accelerated classes, but the camaraderie was not there. By my senior year, (middle of) I left. I left my family as well. couldn't take anymore. Went to the North side for eight years, loved every minute. So here I am back in Oak Forest. Oh well, divorced my twins dad and had my kids attend St. Damien. For support? not sure, but they did well. My son Max, will be attending Columbia College, downtown, he's a poet, majoring in writing. His twin sister will be attending Northwestern, on almost a full scholarship!!!! And then Anthony, my baby, just in 1st grade, what can I say, love those kids!!!! I am employed at a small construction company, currently working toward a degree in graphic design. I am nervous, but also excited about this upcoming event.
Debbie MacDonald (Maynard): Griffith, IN Website: www.unitoday.net/dkm
Occupation: Housewife
Marital Status: Happily Married Spouse: Kent Maynard
Number of Children: 2 Names: Tim Krebs 20, Kristyn Maynard 14
Hi All; I moved to Indiana after school and went to Seaton for a year.(I still hated school) After a couple years I quit and went to work at Zayre's for about 3 years then went to Service Merchandise. When I met my boss and eventually we dated and married, moved to Georgia and got married. We had our son Timmy in 1981. Then I found out Big Tim had many Employees (if you know what I mean) So I went back to Indiana and got a divorce. I did bowl a lot and that's where I met my Husband and we dated for 1 year and got married (1986) We had Kristyn in 1988. Got a job as a data input and pay checks for the drivers, then it closed up. Out of work again. I got hit by a car 4 years ago. After these many years I am still recuperating. My husband and Kids are very helpful even though I can be a pain. We have 3 poodles, they keep me busy. Timmy is a Sheet Metal worker. And Kristyn just started her 8th grade at Griffith Middle School. I am still working at Plaza Lanes in Highland, Been there since 1995. They put up with me too. I was a good bowler before the accident and I hope I get back as good (no I will get
Theresa Madej (Holndoner): Tinley Park, IL
Occupation: Accounting Employer: Griffith Laboratories
Marital Status: Happily Married. Spouse: Edward Holndoner
Mary McCarthy: Chicago, IL Website: www.marytmccarthy.com
Occupation: fine artist
Marital Status: Living with a significant other of the Opposite Sex
Kevin McKernin: Sterling, VA Website: kevin_mckernin.tripod.com/
Occupation: Software Developer Employer: eLoyalty
Marital Status: Happily Married. Spouse: Donna
Number of Children: 3 Names: Collin 19, Devon 16, Shannon 13
I attended Mendel Catholic High School for 2 years, then we moved to LaGrange. I finished high school at Lyons Township High School in Lagrange IL. After high school, I worked at various jobs for a year before I found myself, and joined the United States Air Force. I went through Basic Training at Lackland AFB Texas, and then spent a year in Denver CO for Technical Training.
I met my wife, Donna while we were both stationed in Louisiana working aircraft maintenance on B-52s. We've been married for 22 years now, and it still feels like a honeymoon. Our three children were all born in Merced California.
When our first son was born, I realized that I needed to finally grow up, so I went back to school at night while working full time and graduated in four years with a B.S. in Aviation from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.
After 13 years of maintaining strategic bombers, I volunteered to go to language school to learn Russian. I then spent the next 7 years as a Nuclear Weapons Inspector/Russian Language Interpreter, for the On-Site Inspection Agency. In addition to conducting inspections under the START and INF Treaties, I also had the opportunity to carry out several Humanitarian Aid missions in Georgia and Armenia, and work in the Arms Control Implementation units in several U.S. Embassies.
I retired from the Air Force in 1997 at the rank of Senior Master Sergeant. I was offered jobs by a few government agencies, and contractors working in Arms Control, but I would have had to move my family overseas. I decided instead to go into Information Technology, and since then have been working as a Computer Software Developer. I worked for AT&T for a couple of years, and then changed companies. I am now working with eLoyalty Corporation, headquartered in Lake Forrest, Illinois.
I've traveled all over the world, had residences in Illinois; Colorado; Louisiana; California; Almaty, Kazakhstan; Minsk, Belarus; and Sterling, Virginia. I'm still traveling constantly, but only inside the United States now.
My hobbies include woodworking and cabinetry, gourmet cooking, and camping. I'm a Boy Scout leader, and was the troop's Scoutmaster for several years. My eldest son made Eagle Scout last year and is now an Assistant Scoutmaster. My younger son is still in scouting and is well on his way to making Eagle, he qualified as a BSA lifeguard this past summer. My youngest, our only daughter, is in 8th grade this year, and a straight "A" student. My wife, Donna, is an accountant for a Satellite
John Mehok: Oswego, IL Website: communities.msn.com/twotall
Occupation: Director Technical Services Employer: Laidlaw Education Services
Marital Status: Happily Married. Spouse: Arlene
Number of Children: 1 Names: Jamie (girl) Age:11 from a previous marriage.
After leaving SCG I spent a year at Marist HS. The following year the folks moved to Riverdale and I ended up at Thornton Township HS graduating in '76. The thought of going to college didn't appeal to me at the time so off to technical school I went to learn COBOL and RPG. In 1977 I took my first job in Data Process. Looking back at that is quite humerous. The companies first computer system had a whopping 19.2k of memory. Most wrist watches have more than that. Moved from Riverdale to Cicero since my job was in La Grange. The 47 mile one-way commute got old rather fast. Got married (the first time) in '82 and moved to Westmont for less than a year when a job transfer ended us up in Lexington, KY. The company in Lexington was being sold so I was faced with moving to Cleveland or going back to Chicago without a job. Luckily, the market for IT folks was strong back in the 80s and I landed a job in Lombard. Moved to Woodridge, then Lemont, then got divorced and ended up in Oswego. Changed jobs a couple of times. Found my new wife at one of those jobs and we ended up getting married last year in Barbados on the beach. The only way to go!! No grief because you didn't invite a relative you haven't seen in 20 years. Currently, I am the Director of Technical Services for Laidlaw Education Services. Laidlaw is the major school bus transportation company in North America. This is my 25th year in the technology sector and I have seen more changes than I can remember. I have also just about had enough of this stuff. Arlene, my wife, is a Compensation Manager currently on assignment with the American Library Association in the beautiful city of Chicago. Waiting for the stock market to improve so we can retire and move to the Phoenix area. The way things are going I will be stuck in IT for another 25 years. Yuk!!
Bob Mitchell: Mokena, IL
Occupation: Plumber Employer: Wegner Plumbing Co.
Marital Status: Happily Married. Spouse: Stacy
Number of Children: 2 Names: Kevin 12 yrs old, is in 7th grade at St. Mary's grammar school. Michael 3 yrs old, starting preschool this year.
After finishing 8th grade we moved to Mokena, IL. I graduated from Lincoln-way H.S. in "76". I got married in 1980 to Stacy (yes, we're still married). I keep busy with work and the kids.
Anita Norwood: Austell, GA
Mike O'Herron: Missoula, MT
Occupation: Forestry Planner Employer: State of Montana
Marital Status: Happily Married. Spouse: Carrie
Number of Children: 1 Names: Alexis
Terry O'Neill: Evergreen Park, IL
Occupation: Director Sales & Marketing Employer: Occupational Training & Supply, Inc.
Marital Status: Happily Married. Spouse: Pamela
Number of Children: 2 Names: Shannon Kathleen (21), Amy Ann (18)
Moved to Evergreen Park in the fall of 1971 and went the 8th grade at Holy Redeemer. Went on to Brother Rice H.S. Married my first wife Janice (Stoltz) in 1979 and have 2 daughters Shannon and Amy. Have spent the last 20+ years in the sales field,the last 12 in the Environmental field. I remarried in 1998 to my current wife Pamela (Hoffmann) and live in Evergreen Park.
Therese O'Sullivan (Liston): Chicago, IL
Occupation: Secretary Employer: Brother Rice High School
Marital Status: Happily Married. Spouse: Tom
Number of Children: 4 Names: Dan, Tim, Emily, Maggie
I married Tom, my high school sweetheart 23 years ago and first lived in Champaign while he was finishing his last semester of college. While he studied I worked in U. of I's athletic department. We moved to Florida where he got his first job working for Dean Foods. I was a secretary there for the provost at Stetson University. We lived in Florida for two years then Tom was transferred back to Champaign where our son, Dan, a Sophomore at Marquette University was born. From there it was on to LaGrange, Il. then on to Mount Greenwood where our son Tim was born, a junior at Brother Rice, and our daughters, Emily, a 7th grader at St. Christina's and Maggie a 5th grader was also born. Currently, I'm a secretary at Brother Rice and still live in Mt. Greenwood where our children have great friends and we have great neighbors. Right now that wonderful husband of mine, is treading on thin ice, as we are remodeling bathrooms and it seems to be taking much more time then it should be. Well, that's another story. Can't wait to see all of you at the reunion.
Veronica Pajak (Ouimette): Goodyear, AZ
Occupation: Bookkeeper - Retired
Marital Status: Happily Married. Spouse: John
Number of Children: 2 Names: Ashley 17, Ryan 11
When my father died in 1971, my family moved to Riverdale. I took public transportation to finish school at St. Catherine's. I attended freshmen year at Seton High School and sophomore year at Thornton High School. Then in 1974 my mother moved the family to Arizona. There I graduated from Scottsdale High School. While attending Scottsdale High I acquired a job through a co-op program my senior year and worked at a flower shop & stayed on for 8 years. I met my husband John during that time and we married in January of 1982. After I had my daughter Ashley in 1985 I made a career change; I was a bookkeeper for a computer hardware wholesaler for about 3 years. The company went out of business and I was able to get a job with a reselling computer manufacturer of PC clones. I had that job for about 6 1/2 years until they went out of business. My final job, before my early retirement, was with a financial advising firm. I performed my duties as bookkeeper, but was also trained for trading on the stock exchange. I have been at home now for almost 2 years
Susan Pappa (Rusen): Westmont, IL
Marital Status: Happily Married. Spouse: Steve
Number of Children: 2 Names: Taylor Rose; Madolyn Nicole
Moved from Chicago to Matteson and attended Rich Central High School. Went to college and then started working downtown at Sargent & Lundy Engineers where I met my husband Steve.
We married in 1983 and moved to Fort Lauderdale, FL in 1984. There, I worked in Marketing for the PGA Tour (at the club that televised the Honda Classic). We moved to Huntsville, AL in 1990 for one year. Moved back to Chicago (Westmont) in 1991 and have been here since.
I kept working until about three years ago and stopped to spend time with daughters Taylor (now 8 years old), and Madolyn (now 6). I spend my days taking the girls to their many activities. Taylor is a competitive figure skater and dancer, and Madolyn is a gymnast and swimmer. Both are very athletic (which they don't get from their mother).
Steve and I celebrated our 19th wedding anniversary in June.
John Patterson: *,
Maureen Ryan (Mullee): Chicago, IL
Occupation: Substitute Teacher Employer: Arch Diocese of Chicago
Marital Status: Happily Married. Spouse: Thomas
Number of Children: 1 Names: Aileen
I have been married to Tom for 30 years this February 10th. We have one daughter, Aileen, 20, and two Maltese dogs named Twinkie and Snowie. I substitute during the school year in grades 1 through eight. I am involved in our parish community, wearing many hats. However, the school at which I have been substituting closed this past June, so I am currently exploring new options. The End...see you at the reunion.
Patricia Scheide (Carroll): Oswego, IL
Occupation: Developement/Training Manager Employer: Motorola, Inc.
Marital Status: Happily Married. Spouse: Tim
Number of Children: 1 Names: Meghan Leighton Carroll
It all started back in..........(just kidding). Started college, then I owned a Baskin-Robbins for 14 years. After I sold the business in 1994, I went back to get another Bachelor's Degree and completed my Master's. I started working for Motorola in 1997. During that time, I have been divorced, had a few set back's from losing important people in my life to Cancer. I met a wonderful guy and, although a bit late in life, we have wonderful child that is only gong to be three years of age (going on 16) in December. Life is very good and I cannot wait to see everyone and have a wonderful time. Thank you all for your hard work in organizing this and making it possible.
Paul Schmit: Grenada Hills, CA
Edward Schoen, Jr.: Lockport, IL
Occupation: Attorney Employer: Edward J. Schoen, Jr., P.C.
Marital Status: Happily Married. Spouse: Julie
Number of Children: 3 Names: Edward J. Schoen, III, John M. Schoen, Nicholas J. Schoen
Jeffrey Simmons: Lombard, IL
Debbie Smith (Olszewski): Chicago, IL
Occupation: Creative Publications Marketing Employer: McGraw-Hill
Marital Status: Married Spouse: Ron
Number of Children: 1 Names: Chrissy
I Graduated from Hubbard High School in 1976 and was foolish enough to get married right out of high school. My husband at that time (I'll call him Guy) was in the military and stationed in Germany. I lived in Germany for about a year and had the pleasure of visiting a few of the surrounding countries. Shortly after my arrival in Germany I was in a motherly way and just after my return to the U.S. I gave birth to a beautiful little girl (Chrissy). She is the light of my life and though she gave me a run for my money during her adolescent years I wouldn't trade a minute of the time we've shared through the years.
Chrissie's father & I divorced when she was 3 and I was a single mom for about 7 years when I met Ron, fell in love and entered into wedlock once again. Fortunately Ron was a keeper and we have shared 15 wonderful years together.
Soon after Ron & I got married he was called onto the Chicago Police Department and is now a Police Officer on special assignment working for the City Clerk.
Chrissy, now 25 years of age is a Veterinarian Technician for Downers Grove Animal hospital, she has this unbelievable gift of love for animals and she truly loves her work.
Over the years I have had several different jobs mostly office related but up until last year I was the Customer Service Manager for Creative Publications, a publisher of educational books. I worked there for 15 years and than we were bought out by McGraw-Hill a major publishing company. McGraw-Hill closed our distribution center and with that over 140 people lost their jobs, it was a very sad time. Fortunately they had a position for me in the Creative Publications Marketing Department and that is where I am now. It's different and it's taken me awhile to adjust but I'll get through it. After all, now a days one has to be thankful to have a job - any job.
As you can see my life has truly been blessed.
Though I won't make it to the reunion my thoughts will be with you.
Good Luck and have fun
Janet Stulga (Rook): Chicago, IL
Occupation: RN Employer: University of Chicago Hospital
Marital Status: Happily Married. Spouse: Bob
Number of Children: 2 Names: Willie & Collin
Kathy Tackes (Vogeltanz): Peachtree City, GA Website: www.kathyvogeltanz.com
Occupation: Magazine editor Employer: Print Graphics Services
Marital Status: Divorced
Number of Children: 2 Names: Tony (21) and Teresa (19)
After SCOG, I went to Our Lady of Sorrows HS. My family moved to Cicero, IL and I attended Morton East HS, but wound up graduating from Metro HS, an alternative educational experience located in downtown Chicago. (Some of the classes I took were biology at Lincoln Park Zoo, astronomy at Adler Planetarium and art at the Art Institute.) I worked for a year at a mental health facility (medical records dept.) in Uptown. In 1976, I met John Vogeltanz, fell in love and got married (at age 19 -- I cringe to admit that to my kids). We went to college together at Northern Illinois University. I made it through one semester as a philosophy major before I threw the textbooks against the wall and spent my time playing pinball games (pre-Space Invaders) at the student union. We traveled around the US for a few years, then settled back in Cicero and had two children. I stayed home and raised them (homeschooling for 8 years). We moved to Sherman, TX and then to Atlanta, following John's work. (He was with Oscar Mayer, now with Otis Spunkmeyer, the cookie people.) In Atlanta, my kids decided they wanted to go to traditional school, so they started middle school. (What you hear about homeschooled kids is mostly true -- it took them time to adjust socially, but they were off the charts with their academic skills.) While I had always done some writing, I began to pursue it actively -- joining groups and getting involved in projects: cable access shows, independent films, poetry readings, etc. In 1997, I walked into a lawyer's office to file for divorce. I walked out with a job as well. (My first job there was typing up my divorce papers. I learned to be very accurate very quickly.) When the lawyer retired in 1998, I found a job at Print Graphics (in the same building). I went from proofreader to office manager to editor in a few years. In 2000, I moved to SC for a year and a half to try and mend things with my ex and be closer to my kids (both in University of South Carolina). John and I remembered why we got divorced and I moved back to Peachtree City (1/2 hour south of Atlanta). The job and my friends were still here for me. Most of my time is spent working. (I write and edit for 3 magazines -- 2 annual and one monthly, all local.) I drive up to SC at least once a month and Chicago about once a year. I've switched to Earthlink, so please reach me at: ktvogeltanz@earthlink.net.
Anne Thormann (Jula): Oak Forest, IL
Occupation: School Secretary Employer: Arbor Park Middle School
Marital Status: Happily Married. Spouse: John
Number of Children: 2 Names: Nicholas, Leslie
Mike Wachala: Munster, IN
Occupation: Self-employed Employer: Wachala Music, Inc.
Marital Status: Happily Married. Spouse: Carol
Number of Children: 2 Names: Sarah- 11, Jonathan- 9
I look in the mirror and I'm shocked by the image of a middle-aged man. After grade school, I attended Marist High School for one year. My family moved to Munster, IN prior to the beginning of my sophomore year. My father actually told me he would buy me a car if I continued going to Marist High School. Even a bribe such as that was not enough to keep me under the Damoclean sword of the parochial school system. I met my wife, Carol, during a Music Theory class the 2nd semester of my senior year. I graduated from Munster High School and headed for the University of Missouri-Kansas City. I stayed there one year as a Music Education major and headed back home to finish with a Business Administration degree from Indiana State University. Carol and I were married in 1981. During the first 10 years of our marriage, we both worked much harder than necessary. I worked a full-time job with Wausau Insurance Companies, played with various local bands, and, along with my youngest brother, built our retail business, Wachala Music, Inc. My wife is a Special Education Consultant with the Lansing, IL school system. As our children grew, I decided to reduce the work hours. Presently, the only job I work is at our store. I am really looking forward to seeing everyone again. Unfortunately, I will be in a leg cast for the reunion. On 8/19, our family was bicycling when Carol and I crashed. My wife is fine. I currently have a steel plate and 8 screws holding my right leg together. Any gestures of sympathy will be graciously accepted. See you at the reunion.
Peggy Weber (Ochylski): West Des Moines, IA
Marital Status: Happily Married. Spouse: Dan
Number of Children: 3 Names: Tommy age 12 Chelsea age 12 Paige age 8
Dan and I have been married for 19 years. I moved to Des Moines back in 1981 and we got married in 1982. Hence the reason I wasn't at the 10 year reunion, I was getting married. Before I left Chicago I was a legal assistant and did the same upon moving here. I worked up until I was six months pregnant with my twins and have been doing the mom thing ever since. Although, if anyone out there has a great part-time job for me, I'm interested. I still make it back to Chicago fairly often although I usually spend my time downtown now as opposed to the south side of the City. I still have many friends from high school and college that live south, but with our busy lives we find it difficult to get together very much. Dan and I own several meat plants around the country which keeps him very busy and crazy these days. Dan is also a Chicago guy, raised on the south side in the Beverly area. Went to Mt. Carmel H.S. I'm so looking forward to getting this reunion together. I think it would be a great time if we could all be together again. I have great memories from my St. Catherine's days. My three children go to a catholic school -- following in that family tradition I guess. Uniforms and all -- I LOVE UNIFORMS as a parent. Tom and Chelsea are now 12 years old and doing great -- although the pre- teen thing is a little difficult at times. Paige is 8 years old and hmmm -- I'm afraid a personality a bit like her mothers. That is pretty darn scary. She's a delight and makes for very few dull moments around our house.
Michael Zavidosky: New Lenox, IL
Marital Status: Divorced
Number of Children: 1 Names: Jacob 18
I was married once, now divorced with an 18 year old son Jacob. I work for Tri Star Cabinets and Top Co. I have been there for 15 1/2 years. I will see you all soon.
Laurie Zins (McKenna): West Chester, OH
Occupation: Support Manager Employer: SPSS MR
Marital Status: Happily Married. Spouse: Patrick
Number of Children: 2 Names: Kevin - age 12 Timothy age 7
After graduating from SCG, we moved to god-forsaken Frankfort, IL, where I attended Lincoln-Way H.S. After graduating LWHS I went to Eastern IL Univ. and graduated with a B.S. in Marketing in Dec. '79. Got a job for a marketing research company and moved back home for awhile but eventually moved downtown Chicago where I always wanted to live. I lived in Lincoln Park, Wrigleyville (before it was trendy to live there!) and then near DePaul Univ. I met my husband in Kelly's, a bar across the street from where I lived! I know what you're thinking, but we were actually set-up unbeknownst to either of us (a long story). Got married in '88 and had 2 sons, Kevin in '90 and Tim in '94. We moved from Oak Park, to Wheaton, to Naperville and then Cincinnati in '96. We moved to Cincy for a new job for me (still in marketing research) and also so my husband could be a Mr. Mom. Yes, it's true, I'm the breadwinner and he takes care of everything else. He says it's a great gig if you can get it! I'm now the North American Support Manager for SPSS MR, a marketing research software company. Wow, it doesn't look like