Elkhart ’61 Blog
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EHS Class of 1961 classmate, Michael J. Palmer, passed away on Saturday, October 8, 2011 in his home.  Mike received his bachelor’s degree from Purdue University and his master’s degree in engineering from Western Michigan University.

He married Helene Heffington in 1998.  She survives along with his three sons, Michael A. Palmer of Elkhart,  Derek ( Danielle ) Palmer of Indianapolis,  and Ty ( Anita ) Palmer of Elkhart, three step daughters,  Germaine Harden of North Little Rock, AK,  Jeanette ( Tim ) Glancy of Little Rock, AK,  and Carmen ( John ) Arvidson of Milton, GA.  He is also survied by six grandsons and seven grand daughters .  He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Duane Palmer.

Mike retired as vice president of T.R. Arnold & Associates in Elkhart.  He was a member of the Moose Lodge and an antique classic car enthusiast.  He was a member of Vintage Wheels and enjoyed showing his 1932 Ford Coupe.  He was also an avid fisherman.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting http://www.wmzfh.com Our sincere condolences to the family.

http://www.dfsystems.net/Photo%20Section/slideshows_index.html

Many thanks to Dave for sharing  his excellent photos and also his  hard work  !!!

The Class of 1961 is going to begin meeting for breakfast at Perkins in Elkhart  on the 4th Thursday of every month beginning at 9 AM  on September 22, 2011.   All classmates and spouses are welcome.  After the 1st meeting, a decision will be made whether or not to continue to meet at Perkins or to meet at another location.  Hope to see you there !!!

50th Reunion Class booklets may still be ordered until September 17th, 2011.   The cost is $13.00 each and that price  includes mailing.  If you are interested in purchasing  one of these  booklets that Marcia Butterbaugh, Robin Podawiltz, and Chuck and Connie Bower have been diligently working on for the past several months , please send a check made out to the ” Class of 1961″ to Ellen Turnock, 2206 Cambridge Drive, Goshen, IN 46528.  The booklets should be available in early October.

1961 EHS classmate Margaret Sue Perry passed away August 13, 2011 at her home in Elkhart.  Margaret attended Elkhart Dental College after graduation and married George W. Perry,  an EHS 1959 graduate.   She is survived by her husband,  two sons, Steven Perry of Elkhart, and Mark ( Lara ) Perry  of St Claires, MI ;  a daughter, Tina (Steve) Helvey of Elkhart,  four grandchildren and one great-granddaughter.

Sue was a 30 year employee of The Elkhart Truth as a carrier,  a member of the Women of the Moose Chapter 73, and her sorority, Nu Chapter Beta Chi. She loved to cook, enjoyed traveling, and was an avid Notre Dame fan, a Cubs and Bears fan, and most of all, a fan of  the Elkhart Express  who adopted  her  and affectionately named her  ”Team Grandmother ”

Online condolences may be sent to the family at http://www.wmzfh.com . Our  sincere condolences to the family.

Senior Class officers pictured in the Pennant Weekly in June 1961 were Nancy Keech, John Coblentz, Phil Oyer, Matt Yeknik, Carolyn Gustafson, and Robin Podiwiltz.

The above picture was contributed by Jo Davis Ryan.

Congratulations are in order for 1961 classmates Denny and Barb Zimmerman Lyon who recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary,   The following article appeared in The Elkhart Truth.

Elkhart High School Class of 1961

“Those were the days, my friend…”

We hope many of you will be able to join us at the Elkhart High School Class of 1961′s 50th Class Reunion on August 19,20 & 21, 2011.  There will be events all weekend beginning with an informal get-together Friday evening at the High Dive Pavillion where sandwiches and snack food will be provided.  During the day on Saturday you will have the opportunity to tour the renovated Lerner Theatre, if available,  and enjoy a pleasant cruise on the upper St. Joseph River aboard the River Queen.  Saturday evening the reunion banquet will be held in the Crystal Ballroom of the newly restored Lerner Theatre ( we knew it as the Elco Theatre).  The committee will be inviting and recognizing teachers who have somehow managed to live fifty years or more after having us as students at Elkhart High. Finally, on Sunday, you can wander the Wellfield Botanical Gardens on north Main Street.

WATCH YOUR MAIL. Within the next two weeks, you will receive information regarding a class booklet we will be assembling which will be available in September .

For those who have not visited Elkhart for some time, we have enclosed maps to help orient you with the location of the various activities.  For those needing lodging, provided below are names of several motels for your convenience .

Please click below for a schedule of events ,the registration form, a list of accommodations and maps.  Hope to see you in August !!

Registration Form Please note that the class booklet will not be out until sometime in September 2011.  Consequently, it will not be available to be picked up at the reunion.

Schedule of Events

Accommodations

Maps