William Nelson Wainwright 1947 - 2025

 Our classmate Nelson succumbed to leukemia at Siteman Cancer Center on April 21st.  Nelson will be missed by our classmate, his long time wife, Leslie Bright, and several other family members, including his older brother Don ( Mary Pillsbury) and sister Royal, KHS64.  Nelson was an A student (graduating in the upper 10% of our class) and athlete, plus being an all 'round great guy!  Well, nevermind that once, at Nipher I think, sitting behind me in class, tugged a bit on my long hair, whispering that if those holes in the desktops had ink bottles as they were designed to hold, he could dip my hair in the ink - his wink made me believe he would probably have done it too!!!  When I learn of a proper obituary, I'll publish it here. Rest in peace and love Nelson.

Another of the good guys gone way too soon.

CLASSMATE PAM DALTON PASSES AWAY IN TEXAS

 Pam Dalton (Ed Sneath) died in hospital on April 3rd.  She had spent time on the phone with Darcie Suits a day or two before, but Darcie reported that Pam was not doing well.  There is not yet an obituary, however if and when we receive it I will post.  Pam and I were neighbors while at KHS and we car-pooled some our Junior and Senior years.  We had a fun visit together, along with Karen Schurig, not tooo many years ago when I had an opportunity to visit them, and some others in the Dallas area, when there for a visit to a group I was the leader of at the time.  We did lots of reminiscing about our Kirkwood girlhoods.  Pam was smart and fun, and had a good sense of herself, even back then.  I know she will be missed. 4/25/25.  Thanks to Darcie, here is Pam's obituary.  There may be a celebration of her life in TX later, if so I will post.  

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/281701230/pamela_j-deutsch 

What a shame that we are losing so many of our valuable friends so soon.  We have been so fortunate to have been such a useful, meaningful group of people in the world in which we found ourselves.  Losing our members is just that more difficult...may she be resting in peace and love. 

AT LAST, a fun Kirkwood History story to share -

 

 

Since I did not do any Women's History posts on my FBook page this March, I offer this as a wonderful bit of Kirkwood Women's History!  Recently while trying as always to get my office organized I was putting away my copy of Images of America - Kirkwood , one of a great series of books about all sorts of cities, areas, companies, etc.  There I found this photo of a magazine cover and if you read the caption many of you will know why it caught my eye:  "Kirkwood was the home of the Village Press, a literary magazine founded in 1935 by Ann Rice Ludlow and Dorothy D. H. Suits...." ending with "The Village Press is taking its place in the line of march as a new kind of little magazine for women." Of course I had to assume the DDH Suits must be an ancestress of our own Darcie Suits!  I sent her the page and here is her wonderful response:

"That is my beloved grandmother, Dorothy Dandridge Halyburton Suits.  She had 6 sons, all born in Kirkwood, and 3 grandsons before she got me....I never knew she was involved in anything in the community.  She was a librarian by training and forever curious about the world.  I never saw her without a big glorious smile on her face."

Darcie's parents and my mom were active in Kirkwood Theatre Guild back in the day, and I'm sure they would all love it that in our generation we are keeping alive these tentacles of friendships that linger as we age.  AND I had to thank Darcie profusely for providing me with something FUN, as I've said lately, my blog has become a veritable obituary roster rather than sharing of fun things in our lives.

Take good care everyone, and enjoy YOUR family stories!!!  Remember what my family member John Quincy Adams said, at the time of the Amisted trial, "We are who we were."  So true!

One of our Viet Nam Veterans left us and is now at rest at Jefferson Barracks

 Thank you to Leslie Bright Wainwright for the news that our classmate Orville EuGENE Muir died on December 4, 2023.  One can go to this link (https://www.evansfh.com/obituaries/Orville-Eugene-Muir?obId=30060925)  to see a wonderful tribute to him.  There are photos and loving messages from friends and family.  Two comments that touched me were "My life would not be the same if I had not met and loved this man. A man who gave more then he got, who loved unconditionally and always had a shoulder when needed. My heart breaks. Forever in my heart and soul." and another "He was one of a kind with a wicked sense of humor and always good for a hug and a compliment."  We were friends on Facebook, but I don't get out there often, and when I just looked there is no obvious notice of his death.  But he was FB friends with Steve Huber, Russ Jaeger, John DeRuiter and Tom Justison, so perhaps some of them realized he had passed away.  There are many posts and photos on his FB page if someone wants to reminisce about him.  Here is Tom Justison's comment to me, with his permission:  " We grew up together at Pitman elementary. He was a great guy. Lots of fun memories over those school years"  

I did not know Gene at KHS, but it appears he was another of our classmates who make our KHS65 members look like the outstanding people we know so many were.  My guess, he is resting in peace and finding much love.Good grief, I just went to the 1965 Pioneer link on my blog ~ open it, scroll down to the right alpha letter and click on the name group where MUIR falls, Gene looks in his military photo just like he did in high school!!!

Another Classmate Leaves Us Too Soon - Jerry Hoffman

Thanks to a person who received our recent reunion mailing, we have learned of the death of classmate Jerry Hoffman.  Here is his obituary which tells the story of an extremely talented man, I'm sorry he wasn't part of our class reunion "group" over the years, our loss it appears:

Gerald Hoffmann Obituary

Gerald (Jerry) W. Hoffmann, age 75, of New Haven, MO passed away from complications of advanced melanoma on June 28, 2023. Jerry was the son of the late James M. Hoffmann and Grace D. (Scott), born November 27, 1947 in Hale Center, TX.  He grew up in Kirkwood, MO, graduated from Kirkwood High School in 1965 and met his first wife, Karen Robbins, of St Louis, MO whom he married in 1969. Jerry showed an early interest in art and design which led him to the University of Kansas School of the Arts where he graduated in 1970. 

Jerry's career path included jobs that formed the basis for his future accomplishments. He became a skilled designer in a variety of materials, most especially in iron and wood. After working as a graphic artist, he became a farrier where he learned the art of forming metal for shoeing. Combining these skills, Jerry launched into his largest body of work in the early '80s as a craftsman and educator of award-winning ornamental and architectural blacksmithing. From August 1990 to April 2010, he created and published the Blacksmiths Journal, a monthly publication of instructional and design material for blacksmiths (blacksmithsjournal.com) which continues to be available in collections, books and projects. 

In 2007 Jerry began his passionate pursuit as an accomplished, self-taught and sought-after master craftsman of high quality ukuleles under the name Boat Paddle Ukulele Company, later changing the name to Hoffmann Lutherie to include the building of other stringed instruments. Many of his fine instruments were sold from Hawaii Music Supply in Haleiwa, HI. Jerry's work was featured in all forms of media. These included a special feature in The Ukulele Review (theukulelereview.com/2017/05/15/Hoffmann-ukulele/) and as part of the "Arts America" segment about New Haven, MO airing on PBS Channel 9 St. Louis, in 2014.  His business was sold in 2019.

In 1995, Jerry married Janelle Gilbert from Indiana, settling in Washington, MO. In 2000, he designed and built his first house and then a second in New Haven, MO, where he and Janelle resided together until his passing.

Jerry modeled an unparalleled commitment and passion to his work and personal interests. Many were in awe of his creativity and ingenuity in all things "built by Jerry."  During his lifetime he designed unique tools and designs in the art of blacksmithing and developed innovative features for his ukuleles. Although he lost most of his hearing in later years, he found ways to communicate and show love in often whimsical and endearing ways. He will be missed beyond measure, but his life's work and legacy will live on.

Jerry is survived by his wife, Janelle Gilbert Hoffmann of New Haven, MO; his two children Dustin Hoffmann of Columbia, MO and Molly Hill (Victor Hill) of Fenton, MO; his brother James M. Hoffmann Jr. (Liesbeth Berger) of Kirkwood, MO; and his sister Jean Still (Steve Still) of Marceline, MO.

Interment will be private.  Remembrances can be left on the tribute wall, and memorial contributions to plant a tree in Jerry's name may be made through the posting at https://www.miller.wolfefuneralhomes.net/listingswebsite. 

 

Pam Wendt Sander passed away, see the information below

Thank you to Nancy Wright Lewis for letting us know that another of our wonderful Kirkwood women left us some time ago.  Here is the obituary ~

Sander, Pamela Nancy (nee Wendt), age 75 of Marco Island, Florida and Manchester, Missouri passed away June 19, 2023. Beloved wife of Roy Sander for 49 years, mother of Chris Short (Lisa), Scott Sander and Todd Sander, dear sister-in-law, aunt, great aunt and friend. Pam taught language arts in the St. Louis, Missouri, Mehlville School District. She was fond of boating on the Green Flash, spending time in her orchid garden, having a book in her hand and her toes in the sand on her beloved Marco Island.

Services: Private family memorial services will be held at a later date.

  Doesn't she look so lovely, she has been missed by her many Kirkwood friends I'm sure- RIP Pam.

TWO MORE OF OUR KHS65 GIRLS HAVE LEFT US, MUCH TOO SOON

It is once again my sad duty to tell you of the death of two of our classmates.  Marilyn Haakman Wurth-Perry has died recently and here is her obituary:

Marilyn Haakman-wurth Perry

Marilyn Haakman Perry   November 30, 1946 – February 1, 2025

Marilyn Perry, a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on February 1st after a courageous battle with lung cancer.

Born on November 30, 1946, Marilyn grew up with a deep love for family, laughter, and the simple joys of life. She carried that love into everything she did, touching the lives of all who knew her with her kindness, wisdom, and grace. Marilyn was born in St. Louis, but eventually followed her dream to move to Florida to be by the sandy beaches and the warmer weather. There, she was able to explore new places, embrace the welcoming community, and create lasting relationships with those she met before moving back to the midwest.  Marilyn’s greatest joy was her family, always offering unconditional love, wisdom, and support. She was a devoted mother to her two sons, Scott (Elizabeth) Wurth and Eric (Debbie) Wurth, whom she adored with all her heart. Her love extended to her grandchildren (Chase, Gavin, Hayden) and great grandchild (Camden), who brought her endless joy. She was truly blessed to share a bond like no other with her dear sister, Nancy (Ron) Seeker, who was not just family, but her best friend and caretaker in her final days. She also leaves behind two nephews, Matt (Suzi) and Mark (Robin), and many dear friends from St. Louis to Florida, who will forever hold her memory close.

A celebration of life will be held on Friday February 28th from 3-5 pm at St. Louis Cremation (320 Jungermann Rd, St Peters, MO), where those who loved her will gather to honor her spirit, share memories, and find comfort in the bond she created among them.

Marilyn’s strength, love, and laughter will never be forgotten. Though our hearts are heavy, we take comfort in knowing that she is now at peace. She will be deeply missed but forever cherished in our hearts.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to LUNGevity, the nation’s largest lung cancer-focused nonprofit, in her honor.

Right after learning about Marilyn's death I learned that Lynn Blackwell Bullerdick died on February 1.  Lynn has always lived here in St. Louis County but had not been in close contact with some of us in recent years.  I was hoping to contact her soon regarding our upcoming 60th Reunion, happening the last weekend in September at Orlando's Event Center in Maryland Heights, with a Friday night no-host get-together somewhere likely in Kirkwood, and a picnic at Kirkwood Park on Sunday, our regular routine!  

Here is Lynn's obituary (who was a cousin of our classmate Bill Hindman which some of you may not remember): https://www.stlfuneral.com/obituaries/lynn-bullerdick/#!/Obituary

Visitation is Feb 15 10:30 - 12:30 at Chapel Hill Mortuary 10301 Big Bend Road, Kirkwood - with graveside service at Oak Hill Cemetery there at 12:30.  As Leslie Bright Wainwright just said, she was a lot of fun, easy to get in trouble with...to which I have to agree as I did that too, more than once!

 This sad news delivery service is getting to me, we all need good news!  Send me some and I'll post it!

Proud U S Army Viet Nam era Veteran and degreed nurse Linda Lou Stevens has died

 It is with sadness that I report the death of Linda Stevens, RN.  Linda had been in poor health for some time, having suffered a couple of strokes I believe, the most recent that I knew of was in the spring.  At KHS Linda and I did not know one another particularly, perhaps had gym together, but had become pals through our reunion activities and of course through the proliferation of internet tools.  She knew I was involved in several lineage societies through my genealogy work and asked to join one of them.  She was SO proud of her very thorough work on her family tree, and of course of her career as an Army nurse.  Many years ago she discovered she had lost her KHS class ring and was desolate.  Through my contacts both on-line and through our reunion activities, I found a classmate who wanted to dispose of hers, it was a great match-up!!!  Linda was so appreciative, she never forgot and thanked me often; it was an easy thing to do for someone who was so thoughtful and so wanting that ring!  Below, with appreciation to our classmate Lois Lindley, is her obituary:

https://www.osfuneralhomes.com/obituary/linda-stevens

Show Your Sympathy
to the Family

Cemetery Service
Thursday, Nov 21, 2024
10:00 AM

Linda Lou Stevens

January 28, 1947 - November 10, 2024

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Linda Lou Stevens was born on January 28, 1947 to Betty Gault Stevens and Edward Roy Stevens, and died on November 10, 2024 at the age of 77 years. She was the oldest of 3 kids, having 2 brothers Edward and David.

She graduated from Kirkwood High School in 1965 and attended Deaconess School of Nursing, graduating in 1969. Later in life, she received her BSN from Phoenix University. As a young nurse, Linda joined the Army working in New York with wounded soldiers returning from Vietnam. She was very proud of her military service and after she left the Army she became a Reserve Police Officer. She continued her nursing career after the Army, specializing in cardiac care. She is survived by her wife Lydia McVeigh and her brother Edward Stevens. She was preceded in death by her mother, father, brother David and wife Billie Walker. 

Linda was a devoted lover of animals, having had many pets throughout her life, including a duck, a pot-bellied pig, turtles, birds and several dogs and cats. She was a strong advocate of animal and child welfare causes. Linda was an avid collector of autographed photos of actors, sports figures and people of note including the Queen of England. She researched and published a genealogy of her family back to Robert the Bruce King of Scotland.  To honor her New England roots, she was a member of Three Flags Colony, National Society of New England Women [and I believe also of the Daughters of the American Revolution, lvr].

Funeral procession leaving from the Ortmann Funeral Home, 9222 Lackland Rd., Overland, Thursday, November 21 at 9:15 a.m. to Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery for 10:00 a.m. Cemetery service with Military Honors.  

SERVICES

Cemetery Service

Thursday, November 21, 2024
10:00 AM

Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery
2900 Sheridan Rd.
St. Louis, MO 63125

Get Directions on Google Maps

Mina Hohlen has died awhile ago. Another KHS65 girl gone too soon.

 While I did not know Mina at KHS, reading her obituary makes me wish I had.  What an interesting life she led!  Here is her obituary I found after news of her death reached us courtesy of a neighbor who was kind enough to contact our Reunion Committee upon receiving the post card mailing announcing our recent picnic. 

 https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/arlington-va/mina-hohlen-10630947?fbclid=IwY2xjawF2xX1leHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHRvCIiOzESapJ0fyTsi1uRnrU5KHJ-9Yq_t9QGOqn8oaK2rDE6wdVElcNQ_aem_ootpkpgowSEMxtgxDqXvJg

May she be resting in peace.

Lynn Jerner Jones, another of our sweet girls leaving us before she should ~ October 2, 2024

 Some of us will remember the department stores in town (Famous Barr & Stix in particular) had a teenage Fashion Board group which was recruited to be ombudsmen to the community of young folks aka teenagers for the stores.  One had to audition for the Fashion Board, and I'm pretty sure my memory is correct that Lynn was one...I'm sure I have something in our KHS65 archives which would prove my memory correct.  In more recent years I learned she had joined our local chapter of United Daughters of the Confederacy so I called and chatted with her.  Unfortunately I never did succeed in encouraging her to attend a meeting, but she did have some health/dietary challenges that made 'lunch out with the girls' not so doable.  At any rate, we had lovely chats.  She and Fairfax lived in Glendale for many years but unfortunately she never did attend any of our KHS65 reunion activities...  now it is too late to woo her into joining us for our 2025 upcoming 60th reunion.  We will though remember all of those who have gone before us so she will not be forgotten.

Here is the link to her obituary :  https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/stltoday/name/lynn-jones-obituary?id=56469151